Ed note: No matter what you decide to study – or where – higher education can be an expensive endeavor. The total cost (tuition, room and board, fees, etc.) at a four-year public institution can run upwards of $14,000. There are many ways to reduce that cost, but we wanted to shine a light on the opportunities for Hispanic students, especially. Leer en español.
One of the best gifts my parents gave me was making sure I had a college education. At the time it was just one more thing they were “making” me do, but now that I’m old enough to reflect on it, I’m so glad they pushed me. They always joked there was inheritance money, but they certainly found a way to make sure there was money to cover whatever college expenses my scholarship didn’t. Getting that bachelor’s degree was their inheritance!
A 2009 Pew Hispanic Center study revealed that 86% of Latinos ages 16 and older feel like having a post-secondary education is important to get ahead in life. Our parents and family have played an instrumental part in this way of thinking.
Can I get a scholarship for being Latino?
The short answer is yes. It’s no secret that Hispanics or Latinos (the term which I personally prefer) are the largest minority group in the United States. One of the biggest obstacles to achieving a higher education is the rising cost to attend college. Thankfully for soon-to-be Latino college students, there have never been more scholarships and financial aid options available. The journey starts by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Scholarship resources for Latino students
Once you have filled out the FAFSA, it’s time to start looking for scholarships that match your heritage and desired field of education. First stop, we recommend visiting the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, which is the country’s largest nonprofit organization supporting Hispanic college education. Here you’ll find more information on how to apply for their scholarship (from $500–$5,000) in addition to accessing numerous resources and an extensive FAQ page with answers to all of your questions.
Other resources:
Congratulations on your decision to advance your knowledge and get a college degree. Best of luck in your new endeavor!
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