Historically, students within marginalized communities have faced confounding factors leading to difficulties when entering and finishing college. Disparities in wealth, health, and parental education, among other things, can make it challenging to afford high tuition rates.
A lack of higher education inhibits a student’s ability to become competitive in the job market and lowers their chances of earning higher wages. Fortunately, there are resources and scholarships designed specifically to help minority students earn degrees.
However, scholarships for minorities may not be as easy to find. These underrepresented groups might not know of these resources, which keeps them from pursuing aid.
To that end, we’ve built this scholarship and financial aid guide as a hub for significant scholarships and other opportunities available for marginalized students and those in historically underrepresented groups. Each resource includes key information, application dates, and the eligibility requirements for online programs.
Scholarships for Black & African American Students
Blacks at Microsoft Scholarships
- Organization: Microsoft
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: March 13
This scholarship, aimed at African American high school seniors who plan to pursue degrees in business, computer science, engineering, and computer information systems, awards $5,000 annually for up to three years.
- Organization: The International Association of Black Actuaries
- Amount: $1,500-$5,000/year
- Deadline: March 31
This scholarship is available to Black students pursuing actuarial careers. Each applicant must have a 3.0 minimum GPA, a 600 minimum ACT score (or equivalent), and admission to a U.S. or Canadian school. Students should have already completed calculus and probability courses and demonstrate an interest in actuarial science.
- Organization: National Association of Black Accountants
- Amount: $1,000-$10,000
- Deadline: January 31
The NABA Foundation offers about 150 annual scholarships to African American and Black students enrolled in accounting, finance, and other related degrees at two-year and four-year institutions. Each recipient must hold an active NABA membership and demonstrate academic excellence.
- Organization: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
- Amount: $2,000
- Deadline: June 2
African American and Black students who are current members of the NAACP can apply for this scholarship. Applicants must be accepted or enrolled in full-time undergraduate or graduate programs. They also need to demonstrate financial need and hold a 3.0 minimum GPA. The NAACP only accepts students under age 25.
The Hubertus W.V. Willems Scholarship
- Organization: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
- Amount: $3,000
- Deadline: June 2
This scholarship caters to African American and Black males pursuing careers in engineering, mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Each applicant must hold NAACP membership and a 3.0 minimum GPA. Additionally, recipients need to demonstrate financial need and use the funds for undergraduate or graduate programs at accredited schools.
Scholarships for Indigenous And Native American Students
- Organization: American Indian Education Foundation, a program of PWNA
- Amount: Up to $2,000
- Deadline: April 4
The AIEF offers undergraduate, graduate, and vocational scholarships for Native American students pursuing degrees and certificates. For consideration, students must provide documentation of their Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian heritage. First Nations, Inuit, and Metis learners who attend accredited U.S. institutions can apply. Students may use their awards toward online degrees as long as the institution offers both in-person and online programs.
- Organization: Continental Society Daughters of Indian Wars
- Amount: $2,500-5,000
- Deadline: June 15
The society awards $2,500 and $5,000 scholarships to enrolled tribal members attending accredited schools. Students must plan to work with a tribe or nation in social service or education. Ideally, each candidate should apply before their third year of undergraduate studies and maintain a 3.0 minimum GPA.
Health Professions Scholarship
- Organization: Indian Health Service
- Amount: Varies to cover tuition, fees, educational supplies, and living expenses
- Deadline: May 15
The Indian Health Service offers preparatory, pre-graduate, and health professions scholarships to Native American and Alaska Native learners at accredited U.S. schools. Undergraduate and graduate applicants hold minimum GPAs of 2.0 and plan on working in the health field after graduation. The organization requests proof of U.S. citizenship and tribal membership.
Indian Student Assistance Grant
- Organization: State of Wisconsin’s Higher Educational Aid Board
- Amount: $250-1,100
- Deadline: May 15
To qualify for this award, Wisconsin residents must be 25% Native American and enrolled in degrees or certificates in the state. Award amount depends on financial need, and recipients can renew the scholarship for up to ten semesters. Male students seeking financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) or the state of Wisconsin are required to register with the US States Selective Service System. Accredited online programs in Wisconsin are eligible.
Native American Scholarship Fund
- Organization: Society for American Archaeology
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: January 31
These scholarships are for students of Native American heritage pursuing education in archaeology. Each candidate must supply a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, a proposed budget explaining financial need, and documentation of Native identity. Online programs qualify for this award.
- Organization: North Dakota University System
- Amount: Up to $2,000
- Deadline: July 15
Students must be North Dakota residents and have membership in federally recognized tribes to qualify for this scholarship. Need-based scholarship applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain minimum GPAs of 2.0. The merit-based scholarship sets a minimum GPA of 3.5 to qualify. For both scholarship types, applicants must attend accredited schools in North Dakota. Students enrolled in online programs (based in North Dakota) are eligible.
Tebughna Foundation Scholarship
- Organization: Tebughna Foundation
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: July 1 and December 1 (rolling for vocational programs)
The Tebughna Foundation awards college and university scholarships each term. Full-time students may receive $3,500 per term, while part-time learners can apply for $2,000 each term. Vocational training students can also apply for scholarships of up to $6,000 per year. Eligible candidates include Tyonek Native Corporation enrollees (and lineal descendants) and Native Village of Tyonek tribal members.
Scholarships for Asian and Pacific Islander Students
- Organization: Asian Pacific Islander American Scholars
- Amount: $2,500-$20,000
- Deadline: December
APIA Scholars offers many single- and multi-year scholarships to applicants with Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander (AANHPI) heritage. The organization prioritizes first-generation college students from historically underrepresented AANHPI ethnicities who have proven financial need. Eligibility extends to Micronesia, Palau, and Marshall Islands citizens.
- Organization: NAPABA Law Foundation
- Amount: $2,000-$7,500
- Deadline: Varies
The NAPABA Law Foundation offers multiple scholarships to law students hoping to serve the Asian Pacific American community. Each award includes additional expectations, like community service and leadership experience. The NAPABA Law Foundation welcomes applications from students with diverse backgrounds. Each applicant submits an essay, recommendation letters, transcripts, and a resume.
- Organization: Asian American Journalists Association
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: January 16
Applicants must hold AAJA membership and identify as Asian Americans. The award supports full-time graduate students committed to AAJA’s mission. Each candidate must submit a resume, journalistic samples, proof of financial need, transcripts, a resume, and a short essay. The recipient receives money for tuition, plus transportation and lodging for the AAJA national convention.
Banatao Family Filipino American Educational Fund
- Organization: Asian Pacific Fund
- Amount: $5,000 annually
- Deadline: March 1
This scholarship awards $5,000 annually for up to four years. Students must be at least 50% Filipino and California residents to apply. In addition, students prove a 3.0 minimum GPA in a physical science, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, or computer science major at an accredited school.
- Organization: Chi Am Circle Club
- Amount: $1,000-$5,000
- Deadline: March 1
The Chi Am Circle Club awards $1,000-$5,000 scholarships to high school seniors of Asian descent. An applicant must prove enrollment or acceptance in an accredited school and present a strong resume featuring extracurricular activities, academic merit, and community service. To qualify, each candidate also needs a 3.3 minimum GPA at a high school in Santa Clara County, California.
Hsiao Memorial Social Sciences Scholarship
- Organization: Asian Pacific Fund
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: April 26
Graduate students completing social sciences degrees can apply for this scholarship. Ideally, a candidate is currently studying social and economic needs in the Asian and Asian American communities and holds a 3.0 minimum GPA.
Shui Kuen and Allen Chin Scholarship
- Organization: Asian Pacific Fund
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: March 29
This scholarship caters to children of Asian restaurant employees and students working at Asian-own restaurants. Applicants should be enrolled full-time in a two- or four-year school and hold a minimum 3.0 GPA. They should also show experience with advocacy work for progressive causes like immigrant and LGBTQ+ rights.
- Organization: Silicon Valley Community Foundation
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: April 30
The organization dedicates up to $60,000 to four LGBTQ students of Asian and Pacific Island descent. The award amount varies, and recipients can renew the scholarship for four years. Each candidate must be a graduate of a Bay Area County high school, have a 3.0 minimum GPA, and demonstrate financial hardship.
- Organization: CelebrAsian
- Amount: $3,500-$5,000
- Deadline: March 1
Students of Asian or Pacific Islander descent who are currently high school seniors can apply for the USPAACC scholarship. Each applicant must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA and plan to study full time at an accredited university. CelebrAsian also looks for applicants with leadership and community service experience. Recipients must participate in activities and communicate with CelebrAsian about their academic progress.
Scholarships for Hispanic Students
- Organization: Association of Latino Professionals for America
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: March 31
This scholarship program is for ALPFA members completing undergraduate or graduate degrees at accredited schools in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. To qualify for the variable award, each student must have a 2.5 GPA and submit a resume.
General Scholarships for Minorities
UPS Scholarship for Minority Students
- Organization: Institute of Industrial & System Engineers (IISE)
- Amount: $4,000
- Deadline: November 15 (nomination); February 1 (application)
To qualify for this scholarship, each candidate must have an IISE membership, attend an undergraduate accredited industrial engineering program, and possess a 3.4 minimum GPA. Winners receive $4,000 plus travel and lodging accommodations for the IISE annual conference.
AMS Minority ScholarshipOrganization: American Meteorological SocietyAmount: $3,000 for two yearsDeadline: February 28The American Meteorological Society offers this two-year scholarship for minorities looking to pursue undergraduate degrees in hydrologic, atmospheric, and oceanic science. High school seniors with minimum GPAs of 3.0 can apply with high school transcripts and letters of recommendation.
Women
AASA Educational Administration Scholarship
- Organization: The School Superintendents Association
- Amount: $2,500
- Deadline: September 30
This scholarship assists graduate learners planning to work as school superintendents. Each applicant must complete three essay responses and present two endorsement letters. Their school’s Chair of Education must also submit a recommendation letter and a nomination on their behalf.
- Organization: Tylenol
- Amount: $5,000-$10,000
- Deadline: August 1
Eligible candidates include college seniors and current graduate students pursuing a pharmacy, medical school, or nursing degree at an accredited institution. Ten applicants receive $10,000, and 25 students receive $5,000. Learners must submit an essay, transcripts, and proof of community involvement.
Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship
- Organization: Zonta International
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: April-June (depends on local chapter)
Female students pursuing business degrees in finance, accounting, information technology, and similar specializations can apply. To qualify, each candidate must live or study in an area with a Zonta chapter and have completed at least one year of post-secondary education at an accredited online or in-person institution.
- Organization: Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting
- Amount: $3,000
- Deadline: April 15
The EFWA offers several accounting scholarships to women, including the Laurels Fund for postgraduate learners. This award assists a woman completing a doctoral accounting degree. Applicants should present academic achievements, service experience, proof of financial need, and any professional articles. The EFWA also requests two reference letters and a personal statement.
- Organization: Women in International Trade
- Amount: $3,000
- Deadline: April 1 and Nov. 1
Female juniors, seniors, and graduate students pursuing degrees in international business can apply for the WIIT scholarship. Each candidate must attend an accredited school and complete an essay reflecting their interest in international trade. Scholarship recipients receive a cash prize, a one-year mentorship opportunity, a WIIT program, and a one-year WIIT membership.
Women in Technology Scholarship
- Organization: Palantir
- Amount: $7,000
- Deadline: August 31
Women pursuing computer science, software engineering, and other similar programs can apply. Each candidate must be enrolled in an accredited school for the current and upcoming school year and have completed a minimum of one year of their degree prior to applying. Winners receive professional development, internship, and work opportunities.
Financial Aid Basics
Minority students face a unique set of challenges and opportunities for financing their education. These students often come from lower-income homes, and many have to work while they’re in college. Children of immigrants or migrant workers may not have wealthy relatives who can help pay for school, and they face a statistically higher chance of dropping out of college.
Minority students can help pay for school by pursuing various financial aid options. The federal government, private organizations, and state governments all offer financial aid resources for students in need. To begin the process, each student must fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the form helps administrators determine learners’ current level of financial need and is often required by grant programs. Afterward, students can combine loans, grants, and scholarships to pay for school.
Most scholarships for minorities require students to complete FAFSA forms before submitting their scholarship applications. Instructions on FAFSA’s website guide applicants through the process, which they should complete as early as possible in the process to have the best chance of receiving aid. Once the FAFSA has been completed, students will learn if they qualify for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Loan Options
Students may become eligible for different types of loans based on need, with Federal Perkins loans and Federal Direct Subsidized loans given to learners with the greatest financial need. Non-need-based loans include the Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan and the Federal Direct PLUS loan. While the Federal Direct Subsidized loan is interest-free for students while they’re in school, the Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan is not. PLUS loans assist parents of undergraduate students who want to borrow the amount needed for college that is not covered by other financial aid.
- Perkins Loan: This federal loan program is run directly through schools to help students with the greatest level of financial need. When it comes time to repay the loan, students pay their school instead of another lender.
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Every student can qualify for this loan, but interest must be paid during college. If the student chooses not to pay the interest, it will be capitalized and added to their total loan amount.
- Direct Subsidized Loan: This loan assists students who demonstrate financial need. During college and for the six months following graduation, the federal government pays all interest costs.
- PLUS Loans: Parents of college students or graduate students can receive this loan. It is provided by the federal government and only covers the cost of attending college.
Students may also qualify for private loans. These are generally offered by banks, private organizations, and financial institutions at a higher interest rate than federal loans. Private loans generally require a co-signer promising to repay the loan if the student is unable to do so.
Grants and Work-Study Programs
Grants are provided by the government or organizations and do not require repayment. The most common grant is the Federal Pell Grant. Additionally, the federal government offers the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, and the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant.
- Pell Grant: This grant, designated for undergraduate students exhibiting financial need, provides up to $5,775 for school.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: The FSEOG is awarded through the college’s financial aid office in amounts from $100-$4,000.
For students who still need money for college, the Federal Work-Study Program allows undergraduate and graduate students to work in fields related to their degrees. This part-time employment program allows students to earn the federal minimum wage or higher as they work their way through college.
National Initiatives for Minority Students
To help students from all backgrounds achieve their highest potential, several national initiatives provide educational resources and college preparatory training to prospective students. With options like engineering programs and college readiness training, these national initiatives are available to students who are ready to earn college degrees.
- Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs: Run by ED, Gear Up prepares low-income students for college. The program offers grants to organizations providing support services for schools in high-poverty areas.
- Minority Access Incorporated: This national program offers internships to minority undergraduate and graduate students. Here, students have the opportunity to work with the federal government and private entities.
- National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering: Through scholarship programs, internships, and other initiatives, NACME works to bring more minority students into engineering programs.
- The National Math and Science Initiative: With the United States lagging behind other nations in mathematics and science, this program seeks to bolster the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics field. It particularly works toward engaging minority students, who are statistically underrepresented in these subjects.
- The Student National Medical Association: The SNMA is a national organization that works to interest minorities in medicine. It provides students with research opportunities, support services, academic resources, and other programs.
