Scholarships for
Hispanic Students

What are Hispanic & Latino Scholarships?

Hispanic and Latino people make up the largest minority group in the United States. Bringing unique cultural perspectives and traditions into the country’s melting pot, these peoples have become an essential component of its lifeblood. Like other United States residents, they deserve access to a college education. If you are a member of the Hispanic and/or Latino community and you need assistance paying for college, Hispanic and Latino scholarships can help.

Offered by public and private institutions—including government programs, third-party organizations, individual foundations, and schools themselves—Hispanic and Latino scholarships award millions of dollars to college students each year. Wondering how to qualify and apply? On this page, we have you covered.

How Do I Qualify for Hispanic & Latino Scholarships?

The first step to qualifying for a Hispanic and/or Latino scholarship is to prove your ethnicity. This information can usually be self-reported for most scholarships, but some may require some extra documentation, such as a birth certificate from you or your parents. Some scholarships may also make a distinction between Hispanic and Latino. Typically, Hispanic refers to people from Spain and Spanish-speaking regions of Latin America (such as Mexico). Latino, on the other hand, refers to anyone from Latin America (this also includes Mexico). Many scholarships make no distinction and include both groups, but it’s a good idea to check before applying.

Another big thing you’ll want to check is the set of extra requirements for each scholarship you’re considering. Often, proof of ethnicity isn’t enough to complete an application. Most Hispanic and Latino scholarships have at least on extra criterion that they require students to fulfill. This may include submitting an essay, maintaining a certain GPA, completing a project, or presenting letters of recommendation. It’s important to be aware of these extra requirements early on in the application process, as they often make the difference between earning a scholarship and having it go to someone else. The more time you can spend on them, the more likely you are to separate yourself from other applicants. 

Why Are Hispanic & Latino Scholarships Important?

Just as Hispanic and Latino people contribute greatly to the United States as a whole, they also contribute greatly to the country’s colleges. However, for many prospective students with Hispanic or Latino heritage, enrolling in college isn’t as simple or affordable as it should be. That’s why Hispanic and Latino scholarships are so important: they give prospective students from these ethnic groups the chance to attend college, learn, and pursue their dreams. In turn, Hispanic and Latino students give back by sharing their unique perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures with their college communities—helping to create a more diverse, caring, and educated world overall.

Find College Scholarships for Hispanic and Latinos 

It’s never too soon to start researching Hispanic and Latino scholarships. If you’re nearing the end of high school or already in college, now’s the time to apply. At Appily, we make the process simple. Sign up for a free account to see how easy it is to search and apply for Hispanic and Latino scholarships now!