Over the past few decades, the literacy rates have improved, and people are constantly seeking to enhance their quality of life. Education is a crucial element in this process. However, the cost of formal education is rising with fast-paced development, which presents a roadblock for students from minorities, especially those from the Hispanic population of over 62 million in the country. However, Hispanic students can avail of scholarships offered by various institutions.

Various organizations, including non-profit and government organizations, private foundations, institutes, companies, and professional associations, have initiated financial aid for students with outstanding academic profiles, particularly those from minorities.

Eligibility criteria and scholarship requirements

Every scholarship provider sets requirements that applicants must meet to be eligible for the program. While the requirements could vary, basic criteria may include:

Hispanic heritage: One of the basic criteria for these scholarships is Hispanic ancestry. At least one parent of the applicant must be Hispanic.

Academic performance: The minimum GPA set for any scholarship ranges from 2.0–3.5 on a scale of 4.0 for college and graduate students.

Citizenship/residency: Most scholarships for Hispanic students require US citizenship or legal permanent residence.

Other requirements may include:

Letters of recommendation: Some scholarships funded by organizations dedicated to disciplines like journalism, science, and technology require the applicants to get endorsements through letters of recommendation from the relevant authority or adviser.

Essays and portfolios: Candidates may also need to submit essays, for example, background or leadership essays and case studies. Scholarships like Getty images Inclusion scholarships require a portfolio or work samples to judge the candidates.

Top scholarships

Here are some of the best scholarships for Hispanic students:

Dr. Juan Andrade Jr scholarship: The United States Hispanic leadership institute recognizes students with remarkable leadership abilities and academic performance by offering scholarships and internships. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Full-time undergraduate students, which includes high school seniors, college freshman, sophomores, and juniors

One parent of Hispanic ancestry

Acceptance for enrolment in an accredited four or two-year institution as full-time undergraduate students

Applicants must write a background and leadership essay and submit two letters of recommendation that highlight their leadership qualities and academic performance.

Hispanic scholarship fund: The fund offers $30 million to nearly 10,000 outstanding Hispanic students who are citizens or permanent residents of the country. HSF has numerous scholarship programs. The GPA must be at least 3.0 (for high school students) and 2.5 (for college or graduate students). The program offers up to $5000 along with other benefits, including career services, mentorship, wellness training, knowledge building, and leadership development.

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers undergraduate scholarship: SHPE offers scholarships to talented Hispanic students who want to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Prospective and current undergraduates, graduates, and master’s or doctoral students are eligible to apply for the scholarship. A minimum GPA of 2.75 is mandatory, and the selected students are awarded up to $2000.

The Gates Scholarship : This is intended for minorities, including Hispanic students. High school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.3 on a scale of 4.0 who have been accepted for a four-year degree program at an accredited college or university in the country are eligible. The fund can cover the cost of attendance, which includes tuition fees, accommodation, books, transportation, and other personal costs.

American Meteorological Society minority scholarship: The scholarship offers up to $6000 credited in two installments: one during the freshman year and the other in the sophomore year. The AMS scholarship is a merit-based award for undergraduate students who want to pursue a career in atmospheric, oceanic, or hydrologic sciences. The applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 are eligible.

National Association of Hispanic Journalists scholarships: NAHJ has multiple scholarship programs that recognize talented students pursuing careers in English or Spanish print, broadcast, digital, or photojournalism in the country and in Puerto Rico. High school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students with a GPA of 3.0 or better are eligible to apply. The sum ranges from $1,500—$10,000.

Students can choose from any of the above-mention top 6 Hispanic scholarships and check the detailed guidelines, requirements, and deadlines. Here are other some other excellent scholarships for Hispanic students, along with the sums offered:

McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship: Up to $100,000

Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship: $35,000, plus summer associate salary

Latinos in Technology Scholarship: Up to $30,000

Jackie Robinson Scholarship: $30,000

ExxonMobil Engineering Scholarship: Up to $20,000

Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship: Up to $15,000

Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship: $10,000

Univision NATAS Scholarship: $10,000

NBCUniversal LNESC Scholarship: $5,000

El Café Del Futuro Scholarship: $5,000

LULAC National Scholarship Fund: Up to $2,000

Prospanica Foundation Scholarships: From $2,000 to $5,000

ACS Scholars Program: Up to $5,000 per academic year

Actuarial Diversity Scholarship: Up to $4,000

Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards: $3,500

Spectrum Scholarship Program: $5,000

AICPA Scholarship Award for Minority Accounting Students: $5,000

ABA Diversity Scholarship: $5,000