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Guide for First Generation College Students

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Guide for First Generation College Students

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For the first in their families to go to college, it's a new experience for everyone. There are applications, admissions, financial aid, scholarships, course loads, and so much more. This guide provides first-gen college students with the information and resources they need to get their college journeys started on the right foot.

Meet the Expert

Arelis Benítez
View Bio
Arelis Benítez is a practical theologian and doctoral student at Vanderbilt University. She is a first-generation daughter of Mexican immigrant parents and a recipient of the Posse Foundation scholarship which facilitated her entrance to academic education.

In most cases, first-generation college students are defined as the first individuals in their immediate family to pursue a college degree. The Center for First-Generation Student Success defines a first-generation college student as an undergraduate whose parents do not possess a four-year degree. It is important that colleges and universities, admissions committees, academic advisors, high school counselors, and related parties pay attention to the needs of first-generation college students. In many cases, they face academic, cultural, and financial challenges that other degree-seekers may not. Even if prospective first-generation students find themselves enrolled in a college or university, one in three students in this demographic will quit college within three years.

Using the information in this guide can save prospective first-generation college students time, energy, and even hard-earned money. We offer a detailed breakdown of the college journey that first-generation students endure today, from early preparation and applying to degree programs to finding scholarships and getting the most out of their time as a student.

Why Being a First-Generation College Student Matters

First-generation students may experience a number of hurdles, both internal and external, that makes pursuing and completing a college degree quite different and more difficult than many realize. In this section, we take a close look at some of the challenges that these first-time college students face and what resources are out there to help them.

First-Generation College Student Facts

First-generation learners more likely to attend community colleges: Nearly 25% of students with college-educated parents attend community colleges, compared to 50% of first-generation students.

First-generation students are more likely to be 30 years old or above: Compared to 16% of continuing-generation students, approximately 28% of first-generation learners are 30 years old or older.

First-generation students are less likely to be able to enroll as full-time learners: Compared to 75% of continuing-generation students, only 65% of first-generation students enroll in college full-time.

In 2018, first-generation students worked more outside of school: While 66% and 61% of first-generation students and continuing-generation students, respectively, held employment outside of school, first-generation learners worked almost twice as many median hours per week than continuing generation students.

Challenges of First-Generation College Students

Many people experience difficulty with paying their bills. Perhaps it's only for a month or two while they are in transition between jobs or are dealing with a sudden medical crisis. Or perhaps the problem is longer-lasting, and they are struggling every week just to make ends meet. Regardless of the reasons why, it's important that everyone knows where to find the resources they need if they run low on cash and need some assistance.

According to FacultyFocus.com, first-generation college students are statistically much less likely to use on-campus resources such as advising and academic support services. In fact, continuing generation students are twice as likely to use on-campus resources than first-generation students. Disparities among the use of on-campus resources may be related to first-generation students' inability to access resources because of outside commitments, including part-time jobs. There could also be a general lack of visibility of these resources for first-generation learners.
Resolution
Colleges and universities need to make sure that all students, especially first-generation students, are aware of the on-campus resources available to them. Additionally, institutions need to be sensitive to the fact that many students work jobs during the day while they are not attending class. With this in mind, hours of operation can be extended to meet the demands of the busy student lifestyle. Additionally, institutions should provide better training for faculty and staff members, as they are the ones most frequently interacting with students. Faculty and staff can direct first-generation students to the resources on campus that will help them get the most of their education, support them emotionally and academically, and improve their quality of life.
Support and Resources

Upon learning of your acceptance to school, you should reach out to the admissions office to learn about available resources before you even get to campus. These types of support services can hide under a wide variety of categories, including titles such as student life, support program staff, academic advising, financial aid counseling, student activities, various on-campus committees, and more. If applicable, students can also check with their RA in their dorms for more resources, as well as the library, first-generation student centers, multicultural affairs offices, and parent and family programs. Your school may offer online resources that provide helpful tips for first-generation students and their parents on how to take advantage of on-campus resources, many of which are universally helpful for all college-level learners.

Why It's Important for First-Generation College Students to Succeed

Linda Banks-Santilli, who has written about being a former first-generation college student, is now professor. She highlights the challenges of first-generation students both from her own perspective and from her students' experiences today. She writes that first-generation students may decide to go to college because it is a way of bringing honor to their families. She points out that 69% of first-generation learners see college as a way to meet the requirements for their preferred profession as well as to help their families financially. For comparison, only 39% of continuing-generation students picture their prospective degree in this light.

Many first-generation degree-seekers see college as an opportunity toward better careers with upward mobility and higher earning potential. In this way, degree-holders can have an opportunity to break cycles of poverty that may have been part of their family's history.

Additionally, a degree and a successful career may position graduates to make contributions to their communities and help others pursue college-level studies.

A successful college experience as a first-generation student can also help them develop a newfound sense of independence and individual self-worth.

How First-Generation College Students Can Ensure Their Own Success

Earning a college degree is hard to work for just about everyone who steps foot on a campus. Your success in college is, in part, related to your access to resources and what you do with them, as well as how prepared you are to take on college-level studies. Here are some things to keep in mind to give yourself the best chance for success in your program.

5 Traits of a Successful First-Gen College Student

As we've seen from the information above, the experience of first-generation college students can be more trying and difficult than other college-level learners. There are both physical and mental preparations and precautions you can take to ensure that you are giving yourself a chance to do your best school work, acclimate to college life, and practice self-care.

Checklist and Timeline for First-Generation College Students

Keeping track of everything you need to do to prepare for college, as well as the essentials for when you arrive, is no small task. Consider the following timeline as a guide. Your own timeline may end up looking quite different than this, but this illustrates a general flow of events and a checklist to help you keep track of essential components of the process.

Prior to Senior Year of High School

Focus on grades
Your grades are an important part of your college application. It is essential that you keep up with your academics throughout the duration of high school, not just the last couple of years.

Make time for extracurriculars
College admissions committees are also interested in activities, groups, and projects you participate in outside of the classroom. While these can be time-consuming, it is important that you make space for extracurricular activities, especially if they relate in some way to your intended college major or future career.

Advanced-placement courses
If you are academically prepared and have the opportunity to do so, completing advanced-placement courses while in high school can better prepare you for college-level studies and make your applications more attractive to college admissions committees.

Meet regularly with advisors and guidance counselors
It is easy to become short-sighted while completing high school requirements. Regular meetings with your advisors or guidance counselors can ensure that you keep your eyes on the prize and adequately prepare for college applications, standardized tests, and more.

Prepare for the SAT or ACT
Many colleges and universities today still require standardized test scores as part of your application. It can be helpful to begin studying for these exams during your sophomore or junior year of high school to make sure you have enough time to prepare.

Senior Year of High School

September
As you enter your senior year, you will need to take some serious steps in preparation for college applications. While it is an exciting time to enter your last year of high school, there are a few things to keep in mind. One of the first things you should do, probably in September of that year, is register for the SAT or ACT exams. Additionally, it can be beneficial to meet with guidance counselors to make sure you are on track to graduate by double-checking your high school's graduation requirements. You may also want to ask a few teachers to write you letters of recommendation for your college applications. The more time you can give them the better.

October
Early in their senior years, many students make plans to visit college campuses as they finalize a list of schools that plan to apply to. Depending on when you registered, you may be taking the ACT or SAT in October. It is also wise to complete and submit to your FAFSA to ensure you are considered for federal funding. This is also a good time to request copies of your academic transcripts from your high school so you have them in hand sooner than later. For students who want to apply to college during the "early decision" or "early action" application timeline, you will likely need to submit everything during October, although timelines may vary among schools.

November
During this month, many high school students begin to prepare their written materials for all of their school applications. You should also research local, regional, and national scholarships that might help you obtain free money to help fund your education. Additionally, at this early stage in the application process, it may be smart to tidy up your social media accounts and consider what information you've posted that is visible to the public.

December/January
Submit your applications to your schools, if you have not done so already. If you plan on taking a year off between high school and college, now is a good time to consider "gap year" options.

February
Continue to apply for scholarships and keep an eye out for any acceptance letters that might be coming your way.

Freshman Year of College

As mentioned earlier, it can be highly beneficial for you to join any first-generation student groups at your school. Additionally, you may be able to participate in special orientation events either during the summer before your freshman year or shortly after you arrive.

Seek out academic support resources on campus before your semester becomes hectic. This will give you a chance to consider all of your options before you are under the stress of writing papers and studying for exams.

Try not to overload yourself with coursework and extracurricular activities during your first semester. You may need to enroll in a certain number of credits to be considered a full-time student, if that is your goal. It will be helpful, however, if you carve out enough time for your academics and social life during this first year.

Undergraduate degree plans usually allow students several credits to take elective courses. Do not be afraid to take a class in an unfamiliar area. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy it and what you learn.

Students from all walks of life experience stress and self-doubt in school. Despite the unfortunate stigma that still surrounds psychological counseling or other types of counseling services, do not hesitate to locate a professional on campus to talk through any academic or personal troubles you may be having. These professionals are readily available for a reason and you should take advantage of their services at any time, without hesitation. Your appointments with psychological services are completely confidential and private, and there's no shame in getting a little help when you need it.

How Colleges Support First-Generation Students

With a recent increase in awareness of the needs of first-generation students, many colleges and universities today are taking extra steps to ensure these students get the support they need to succeed. In this section, we take a look at some of the characteristics of those schools that go the extra mile to support first-generation learners.

10 Ways Schools Can Help Their First-Generation Students

School Spotlights: 5 Schools Focusing on First-Generation Students

Scholarships for First-Generation College Students

Expert Interview: Insight for First-Generation College Students

Arelis Benítez

Arelis Benítez is a practical theologian and doctoral student at Vanderbilt University. She is a first-generation daughter of Mexican immigrant parents and a recipient of the Posse Foundation scholarship which facilitated her entrance to academic education.

At the time that I entered college, I cannot remember any programs that offered support for first-gen students. If they were there, not once did anyone make mention. The resources that I took advantage of were geared towards the first-year experience, mostly addressing academic support and homesickness. Utilizing the resources available, the focus was to ensure my academic success, which was important but only a small fraction of what I needed. I remember visiting the Academic Support and Enrichment office and explaining that I had a very difficult time with the in-class writing exams due to what I perceived was a language barrier. I explained that it took me longer to understand the question and write the exam within the time frame offered. In response, a letter was sent to my professors which allowed them to extend my writing time by 30 minutes. While this was helpful, in retrospect, I realize that I was not experiencing a language barrier-it was impostor syndrome. Deeper than my fear of knowing significantly less than everyone in the room, was the fear that I would fail my parents and not succeed in college. I carried anticipatory guilt up until commencement because I wondered about their disappointment if I were unable to complete my degree.

When I first arrived on-campus, I knew that I was the first in my family to attend college but I did not know that there was a term and general understanding behind being "first-generation." If not for the support of the Posse Foundation, which provided a community of support to help me through the issues faced by minority students in predominantly white institutions, I probably would not have succeeded. In what I have been able to observe, most institutions are still struggling to understand that there is much diversity involved in being a first-generation college student and greater focus on the impact of social location, cultural awareness, family life, and much more is needed. I wish I knew that even the best resources I received on-campus were ill-equipped to provide wholistic care. Most of the resources focused on academic success, which makes sense, but in the absence of addressing the social and emotional, it only kept me within the source of stress. I also wish I had known that lack of representation in the leadership team directly affected my ability to disclose the extent of my fears. Not seeing leaders who looked like me, further confirmed my own ability to succeed. I was void of role models on-campus.

Claim first-gen as a marker of identity, don't let it shatter your confidence in the application process; it's your gift. Make time to intentionally consider the environment you wish to be immersed in and let that speak to which campus you may wish to apply. Feeling integrated in the community is vital for your overall well-being and success. Do not ignore the stress and anxiety around the application process. This is just as exciting as it is terrifying because, you know, the possibility of rejection. It could be very lonely because your family doesn't know how to walk you through it and you feel pressured to figure it out on your own but do not isolate. Do not feel ashamed to ask for help. You've not done this before and it is allowed to feel frantic and lost. Therefore, reach out! Reach out! Reach out! I can't stress this enough. Connect with anyone in your immediate circle and share your questions and concerns. Most people are excited to support and sometimes connect you with their networks.

Do the work as early as you can to search and apply for as many scholarships and funding possible. Most of these deadlines happen well before your first semester so visit with your counselor as much as possible and don't limit your network to the resources in your high school. For example, consider Google searches for scholarships that target your demographic (i.e., strengths, social location, merit-based, financial-need, etc.). Speak with community members and those who have gone through this process, they will also have resources to share. Outside of scholarships, look into on-campus jobs that may best fit with your academic schedule. On-campus summer jobs and a position as resident assistant financed a significant portion of my room and board fees. Lastly, mentally prepare for accumulating student debt-it's an unfortunate reality but don't assume you can't be proactive about payback plans. Student loans and finances are not easy to navigate. Don't email your questions, establish rapport and visit Student Financial Aid officers as often as you need. Early attention to budgeting plans and understanding loans helps reduce stress around the issues. Plan ahead and hustle wisely!

One way to understand "first-gen student guilt" is through the lens of grief. Being the first in your family to access a higher degree of education inevitably causes a socio-cultural degree of separation from those you love. There is unspoken grief that goes with this familial loss. One reason this happens is that the academy exposes us to topics and issues requiring us to critically think, analyze, and respond in ways we never had. In my experience, my family and I rarely look at any issue from the same angle anymore. Though we hold very similar values, we work with different assumptions because our sources of interpretation have changed. For me, this happened unknowingly and slowly overtime. With every academic course, I came across literature and conversations that deeply impacted my worldview and understanding of self. Due to physical distance, a shift in language, and the nearly impossible challenge to communicate every detailed change, I grew apart from my family.

This is perhaps the most important reality to prepare for; it is going to happen and there is no going back. But it is not a bad thing. If I could do it all over again, I would do two things differently. Step 1, I would not have been afraid to share with family when my perspective about particular issues had broadened. Even if conversations were uncomfortable, I would've overcome my fear by remembering that their response/reaction was not mine to hold. My responsibility was to share for the sake of communication in the relationship. Step 2, do not attempt Step 1 unless there's regularly scheduled visits with a mental health counselor and/or trusted mentor on-campus. It is important to have a third-party that is experienced and professionally trained to help navigate the changes within yourself and with your family. A lot of changes are happening drastically and all at once. It is important for someone outside of family to hold space for us to vent and process without worrying about hurting our loved one's feelings. The only way to get through the guilt/grief is to begin with a space to name it. Counseling sessions are geared towards this.

Resources and Tools for First-Generation College Students

Center for First-Generation Student SuccessThis organization strives to support students of this demographic through various programs and services, research and policies, and engagement initiatives.

College Advising CorpsThis organization focuses on helping first-generation college students, low-income students, and underrepresented high school learners with the college financial aid, enrollment, and admissions processes.

College Board BlogThis blog features a variety of current and short articles on college life, academic preparedness, acclimating to college life, standardized test scores, and more.

Collegiate Parent TimelineHere is the Collegiate Parent's take on the most beneficial planning timeline for prospective college students in high school.

FirstInTheFamily.orgProspective first-generation college students can take advantage of a variety of useful resources on the site, including planning checklist, general tips, resources, and inspirational stories.

I'mFirst.orgThis organization highlights the personal stories of first-generation college students and provides a variety of supporting online resources.

Nine Tips for First-Generation College Students in Their First SemesterProvided by the College of St. Scholastica, this list offers some quick, actionable advice.

Psychology TodayThis is another short reference guide with 22 tips for first-year college students.

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First Generation College Students: Resources, Support & Scholarships

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First-Generation college students face a number of unique challenges, but fortunately there are many programs designed to help them, and many things they can do themselves to ensure their success. Discover the tools and programs designed for first-generation college success.

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About the Minnesota Dream Act

What is the Minnesota Prosperity Act (Minnesota Dream Act)?

The Minnesota Dream Act, which is also known as The Prosperity Act, was passed into Minnesota law in May 2013 and then adopted as an official University of Minnesota policy in July 2013 by Board of Regents resolution. Under this new law and policy, undocumented Minnesota high school graduates meeting certain criteria can benefit in these ways:

In-state resident tuition rates for undergraduate and graduate students at public colleges and universities, including all University of Minnesota campuses*, regardless of immigration status.

State financial aid available to students who meet state residency requirements, regardless of immigration status.

Privately funded financial aid through public colleges and universities, including aid from the University of Minnesota, regardless of immigration status, to include undocumented students.

I am an undocumented student. Am I eligible to benefit from the Minnesota Dream Act?

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education will determine who is eligible to benefit from the Dream Act. Generally, students are eligible if they have attended a Minnesota high school for at least three years, have graduated from a Minnesota high school (or earned a GED in Minnesota), and who have registered with the U.S. Selective Service (applies only to males 18 to 25 years old). The complete details on eligibility and a Dream Act Application are available at the Minnesota Office of Higher Education Dream Act website.

Why did the University of Minnesota adopt the Dream Act as University policy?

At the University of Minnesota, we are wholly committed to removing barriers for students to obtain education. The University's administration is dedicated to supporting student success, regardless of a student's immigrant status. Equity and diversity are core institutional values at the University of Minnesota, and these values inform our policies and every aspect of our work.

What are my next steps?

You can begin gathering the documentation that demonstrates you have graduated from a Minnesota high school and registering for the selective service. Visit the Minnesota Office of Higher Education Dream Act website for detailed information and next steps. That website is the most important and up-to-date resource regarding the Minnesota Dream Act.

Whom can I contact with questions?

Visit the Minnesota Office of Higher Education Dream Act website or call the Minnesota Office of Higher Education grant unit at 800-657-3866. They will be able to arrange for translation services if you or a family member needs translation.

*Crookston, Morris, and Rochester campuses do not have out-of-state tuition rates.

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About the Dream Act | Minnesota Dream Act

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The Minnesota Dream Act, which is also known as The Prosperity Act, was passed into Minnesota law in May 2013 and then adopted as an official University of Minnesota policy in July 2013 by Board of Regents resolution.

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Pay for College | Your Financial Aid Award Explained

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Your financial aid award will probably consist of a combination of gift aid, loans, and work-study. Learn more about financial aid and college scholarships at bigfuture.collegeboard.org.

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How to Read your Financial Aid Award Letter

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How to Read your Financial Aid Award Letter

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Understanding your Financial Aid Award Letter (financial aid offer)

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If you have questions about this program, please contact the staff member listed on this page via email. If a staff member is not listed, please email info.ohe@state.mn.us and provide a detailed description of your question. June 2020 update Just as before the SCOTUS decision, the Minnesota Dream Act remains intact. This includes access to the Minnesota State Grant, Minnesota Childcare Grant, Teacher Candidate Grant, Occupational Grant, Dual-Training Grant, Minnesota SELF Loan, in-state tuition rates and privately funded financial aid through public colleges and universities. Individuals are not required to have DACA in order to apply for and receive the benefits of the Minnesota Dream Act. One additional benefit of the Minnesota Dream Act is access to the Minnesota State Work Study program; for this specific program, students are required to document eligibility to work in the United States. DACA recipients may continue to utilize Minnesota Work Study until their work authorization expires. Resources for informational purposes and help with legal services: : In the decision regarding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled that the way in which the administration rescinded the DACA program in 2017 was unlawful. Although the court sided with DACA recipients, it did say that the administration has the authority to end the program if they pursue it in the correct way. The decision means that the attempt to end DACA was invalid. This win for DACA youth and their families does not create a pathway to citizenship- only legislation passed by Congress and signed by the President can do that. However, this win does restore the DACA program completely, and both initial and renewal applications will now be accepted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). All eligible individuals should consult with a legal service provider for information about applying for DACA for the first time, renewing their existing DACA, and/or getting screened for eligibility for other, more permanent immigration options.
How do MN Dream Act and/or qualifying DACA students apply for benefits?

Undocumented students can apply for state financial aid by accessing the online MN Dream Act - State Financial Aid application. To be eligible for the MN State Grant, the application must be submitted no later than the 30th day of the term. The results of the application can also be used to qualify for in-state tuition rates at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and Duluth campuses. Students attending Minnesota State campuses should also use this application to apply for state financial aid, but should apply for in-state tuition rates directly with the Minnesota State campus.

The MN Dream Act application should be submitted once for each academic year the student is enrolled in college.

What is the MN Dream Act?

The MN Dream Act (also known as The Prosperity Act) was introduced by Senator Sandra Pappas (SF723) and Representative Carlos Mariani (HF875) and was included in the omnibus Higher Education bill passed by the 2013 Minnesota Legislature and signed into law by Governor Dayton on May 23, 2013.

The MN Dream Act will provide certain benefits to undocumented students who meet the following criteria:

1. Attended a Minnesota high school for at least 3 years; and

2. Graduated from a Minnesota high school or earned a GED in Minnesota; and

3. Registered with the U.S. Selective Service (applies only to males 18 to 25 years old); and

4. Provide documentation to show they have applied for lawful immigration status but only if a federal process exists for a student to do so (does not include applying for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). There is currently not a federal process in place, so this documentation is not currently required.

Students who meet the criteria in the MN Dream Act will be eligible for the following benefits:

In-state resident tuition rates at public colleges and universities.

State financial aid available to students who meet state residency requirements.

Privately funded financial aid through public colleges and universities.

When did the MN Dream Act take effect?

All of the benefits provided by the bill were available to qualifying students for any term starting on or after July 1, 2013.

What documentation will be needed?

After the student submits the MN Dream Act application, the student will receive an email letting the student know the following information will need to be submitted to the MN Office of Higher Education to prove the student meets the requirements in the law. This information will only need to be provided the FIRST year the student applies.

1. MN high school transcripts showing attendance at a MN high school for at least 3 years (do NOT have to be certified copies)

2. MN high school diploma (or transcript showing the student graduated) or copy of GED earned in MN (does NOT have to be certified copy)

3. Copy of Selective Service card showing the student registered with the U.S. Selective Service (applies only to males 18 to 25 years old). If the student has not yet registered with Selective Service, the student should do so now. If the student has a Social Security number, the student can register online at www.sss.gov. Confirmation of registration will be sent to the student within two weeks. If the student does not have a Social Security number, the student should download the form here and submit it, along with all other documentation, to the MN Office of Higher Education. The paper Selective Service System Registration Form must be completed in black ink and in capital letters only. The document cannot be emailed or faxed to the MN Office of Higher Education; the original form must be mailed to:

MN Office of Higher Education
State Grant Unit
1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55108.

The MN Office of Higher Education will make a copy of the form and mail the original to the Selective Service System on behalf of the student.

4. Students will need to submit copies of signed student and parent (if dependent for financial aid) federal 1040 income tax returns for the prior-prior tax year (tax year 2018 for the 2020-2021 academic year). If the taxes were professionally prepared, a signature is not necessary. Schedules 1, 2, and 3, if filed: How do I know if I filed a Schedule 1? How do I know if I filed Schedule 2? How do I know if I filed Schedule 3? W2 forms are not required for tax filers unless there has been a change in marital status since the federal return was filed. If the student's and/or parents' income was so low they were not required to file a federal tax return, they should submit a signed statement indicating they were not required to file a federal tax return, along with any W2 statements. These documents will be required each year the student applies and will be used to verify the family income provided on the application.

5. Applicants who have attended college for three or more years prior to the academic year for which they are applying must also submit a copy of a college transcript from each college they have attended. Student copies are acceptable if they are up-to-date.

6. Eventually, documentation from federal immigration authorities verifying the student has applied for lawful immigrations status. The MN Dream Act states students will have to provide this document only if there is a federal process in place for them to apply for permanent legal status, which does not currently exist. So, documentation will not be required at this point.

With the exception of the paper Selective Service Registration Form, MN Dream Act Application materials should be email to MNDreamAct.OHE@state.mn.us or faxed to (651) 797-1637.

Do Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students qualify for the MN Dream Act benefits?

DACA students will qualify for benefits if they meet the criteria for the MN Dream Act. DACA students who don't meet the MN Dream Act criteria may still be eligible for state financial aid if they can meet at least one of the criteria in the state residency law used for financial aid after they have been granted DACA. For example, one of the criteria in the state residency definition is graduating from a Minnesota high school while residing in Minnesota, so the student would need to prove DACA was granted prior to high school graduation. DACA students will be required to submit proof of DACA. DACA students who do NOT meet any of the MN Dream Act or state residency criteria will NOT be eligible for state financial aid.

How much will I receive from MN State Grant? Will it cover my tuition and fees at my college?

Probably not. The MN State Grant award will vary based upon the student's financial situation, enrollment level and the price of the college attended. It is meant to be a supplement to the Federal Pell Grant, which is the main federal need-based grant program. Even though undocumented students cannot receive a Federal Pell Grant, the amount of Federal Pell Grant for which the student would have qualified must be factored into the MN State Grant award calculation. This means the MN State Grant might be fairly low for students from low-income families who would qualify for Federal Pell Grants. The MN State Grant award notice you receive from the MN Office of Higher Education will display the amount of your MN State Grant for each credit level. Here are sample State Grant annual (two semesters or three quarters) awards [.pptx] at different types of colleges for a student from a very low-income family.

Will MN Dream Act or DACA students be eligible for any other type of state financial aid?

Eligible DACA students with work authorization and Social Security numbers can be considered for State Work Study funding, which allows the student to earn money working on campus. Eligible MN Dream Act students can also apply for a Postsecondary Child Care Grant, which is a need-based grant to students with children in child care while they attend school. These programs have limited funding and are administered by campus financial aid offices, so students should contact the financial aid office at the college they attend after completing the online state financial aid application to complete further paperwork for those programs. MN Dream Act students will also be eligible for tuition reciprocity benefits to attend a public college or university in North Dakota, South Dakota or Wisconsin. Any DACAmented or undocumented student can currently apply for a state SELF loan, which does not require the student borrower to have legal status, but does require a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. MN Dream Act students who are adult learners re-enrolling in college (age 25 or older and have completed 15 or more college credits without earning a degree), can also apply for MN Reconnect. This program provides specific services and resources to help adult learners successfully complete a certificate, diploma or associate program. The program is available at participating colleges.

Are there deadlines for applying for state financial aid?

To be eligible for a MN State Grant, the student must submit the online state financial aid application no later than the 30 th day of the term. Deadlines for other state financial aid programs administered on campus are determined by the college the student is attending.

Does meeting MN Dream Act criteria or establishing MN residency after receiving DACA mean I am guaranteed state financial aid?

No. Financial aid programs have other requirements all applicants must meet, such as demonstrating financial need. It simply means these students are eligible to apply for and receive state financial aid on the same basis as documented students.

Will MN Dream Act or DACA students be eligible for federal financial aid?

No. The MN Dream Act is a state law that provides state benefits to Minnesota residents regardless of federal immigration status. Federal financial aid programs require students to be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens to apply for and receive federal financial aid.

Minnesota Dream Act: Story of Jesús García García

Minnesota Dream Act: Story of Julio Martinez

Other Resources

External Resources

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The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is a cabinet-level state agency providing students with financial aid programs and information to help them gain access to postsecondary education. The agency also serves as the state's clearinghouse for data, research and analysis on postsecondary enrollment, financial aid, finance and trends.

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Which of the 5 Types of Student Loans Is Right For You?

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Paying For College: First In The Family Video

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Paying For College: First In The Family Video

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Student Loans: The Financial Aid you MUST Repay!

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Student Loans: The Financial Aid you MUST Repay!

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Although the least desirable form of financial aid, student loan programs allow you to borrow money at interest rates that are lower than loans not intended for education. And you may be able to defer interest payments until after you graduate.
Student loans are useful if you:

don't qualify for scholarships or grants

receive some grant money, but need additional assistance to meet expenses

are a graduate or professional student

enroll at a college or university out of state

There are a variety of loan options available to both you and your family from the federal and state governments as well as private lenders:

It's important to evaluate your loan options and understand loan terminology before deciding which type of loan is right for you. A word of caution about borrowing.

Remember, you'll need to repay your student loan(s). Repayment requirements and payments will differ depending on the type of loan and your total debt. You may be able to combine your federal loans through a loan consolidation program. This can reduce the size of your monthly payments by extending your repayment period.

You also can learn more about how financial aid works and your aid options by attending a local financial aid event.

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Financial Aid You Must Repay (Student Loans)

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The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is a cabinet-level state agency providing students with financial aid programs and information to help them gain access to postsecondary education. The agency also serves as the state's clearinghouse for data, research and analysis on postsecondary enrollment, financial aid, finance and trends.

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The best types of financial aid are those you don't have to pay back after you graduate. It comes in two forms:

Grants

Grants are like gifts and are usually awarded to students with the fewest financial resources. Grants are considered need-based aid. This need is determined when you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Grants usually come from federal and state governments and are sent directly to the school.

Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded based on a student's academic or athletic achievement, cultural or religious background, or special skills and talents.

While you might wonder how to find scholarships, in reality the majority of students receive scholarships given to them from the institution they attend. An institution might offer you a scholarship when you apply. Or, you might need to complete a separate application to receive an institutional scholarship.
View a partial list of scholarships offered by Minnesota institutions.
Search some of these national scholarship links.

Minnesota state government scholarships for specific student groups:

Before you accept any scholarships review these scholarship tips. In addition be wary of any scholarship search companies charging fees, guarantying scholarships, and asking for your credit card or checking account information to receive a scholarship.

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The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is a cabinet-level state agency providing students with financial aid programs and information to help them gain access to postsecondary education. The agency also serves as the state's clearinghouse for data, research and analysis on postsecondary enrollment, financial aid, finance and trends.

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Lea en español Welcome!
Completion of the MN Dream Act state financial aid application is required to determine your eligibility for Minnesota state financial aid programs. Your application will be processed by the MN Office of Higher Education.

The MN Dream Act application should only be used by undocumented students who are NOT citizens or eligible non-citizens of the United States. (Students who are citizens or eligible non-citizens should apply for financial aid using the FAFSA.)

MN Dream Act applicants must also meet the following requirements:

Attended a Minnesota high school for at least three school years

Graduated from a Minnesota high school or earned a GED in Minnesota

Registered with the Selective Service System when 18 to 25 years old (male applicants only)

You will NOT be able to:

Complete part of your application, save it and log back in to complete it

Submit corrections to your application after you have submitted it (you can contact our office to make corrections for you)

So, make sure you have the following documents/information with you when you start your application:

Social Security Number (if you have one)

Names and ages of all household members

Dates of birth for your parents (if applying as a dependent student)

Names and dates of attendance for all colleges attended after high school graduation

Copies of W-2 statements and/or 2017 federal income tax returns for you (and spouse, if married) and your parents (if applying as adependent student)

Amount of child support received or paid by you (and spouse, if married) and your parents (if applying as a dependent student)

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Lea en español Welcome! Completion of the MN Dream Act state financial aid application is required to determine your eligibility for Minnesota state financial aid programs. Your application will be processed by the MN Office of Higher Education. The MN Dream Act application should only be used by undocumented students who are NOT citizens or eligible non-citizens of the United States.

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Home | Federal Student Aid - Financial Aid Toolkit

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Help students and parents prepare for college or career school. The Financial Aid Toolkit provides federal student aid information and outreach tools for counselors, college access professionals, nonprofit mentors, and other advisors.

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Resources for Native American Students & Families

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Resources for Native American Students & Families

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Grants, Loans & Scholarships: What's the Difference?

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What is Scholarship? - Quick and Easy Explanation

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Create a new spreadsheet and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Sheets to edit Excel files. Free from Google.

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Being a first-generation college student is a huge accomplishment. First-generation means you're the first in your family to pursue a post-secondary education. Some of our parents, grandparents, etc. understandably might not have had the opportunity, the funding, or the time to attend college. Now, there are first-generation scholarships students can apply for to help ease the costs of college tuition.

Amount: Varies

Provider: Hispanic Scholarship Consortium

Requirements: Must be of Hispanic/Latino heritage, plan to enroll in an accredited two-year or four-year college or university in the United States on a full-time or part-time basis, hold a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, reside in Texas (U.S. citizenship not required).

Amount: $2,500 per semester

Provider: TMCF and the Coca-Cola Foundation

Requirements: Must be a first-generation college student, graduating high school senior, accepted and enrolled as a full-time incoming-freshman student at one of TMCF's 47 member-schools, have a high school grade point average of 2.5 or higher, recommendation letter from a high school counselor, demonstrate outstanding financial need, demonstrated leadership ability through a variety of measures, U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card, high school transcript, Student Aid Report, essay.

Amount: Varies

Provider: Fontana Transport Inc.

Requirements: Must begraduating high school, will pursue a full time undergraduate degree in the United States at any 4 year university by the fall, and plan to study in any of the following concentrations: Transportation Management, Math, Science, Engineering ( Any field of engineering), Architecture, Environmental Design, Pre-Med, Psychology, Spanish, Language/Literature.

The scholarship awards underrepresented, first-generation students to provide financial assistance for their education.

Amount: Varies

Provider: Central California Asian Pacific Women (CCAPW)

Requirements: The applicant must identify as an API woman (Asian and Pacific Islander), provide a social security number or tax ID number if selected as a scholarship recipient, current resident at the time of completing the application or must originally be from the following 8 counties: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare, must be an entering/continuing undergraduate, entering/continuing graduate, or re-entry student in a post-secondary educational institution.

The CCAPW celebrates API women pursuing college degrees. Priority will be given to first-generation students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and contribution to the community.

Amount: Varies

Provider: Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and the Walmart Foundation

Requirements: Be a first-generation college student, be a graduating high-school senior, be accepted and enrolled as a full-time freshman student at one of TMCF's 47 member-schools, must have a high school grade point average of 2.5 or higher, must be recommended by a high school counselor, answer the following essay prompt: What would it mean to you and your community to be the first person in your family to earn a college degree?

Loving these scholarships, but need help applying for your government financial aid? We can help you fill out your FAFSA and state aid.

Learn more

Amount: Varies

Provider: HACU

Requirements: U.S. citizen or permanent resident, Apply to/ accepted to and enroll in a summer, semester or academic year IES Abroad program, Demonstrate financial need, Priority will be given to first generation college students and/or Federal Pell Grant recipients. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

This scholarship provides funding opportunities for students currently attending a Hispanic-Serving Institution. The institution must be a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities.

Amount: Varies

Provider: HACU

Requirements: U.S. citizen or permanent resident, Apply to/ accepted to and enroll in a summer, semester or academic year IES Abroad program, Demonstrate financial need, Priority will be given to first generation college students and/or Federal Pell Grant recipients. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

Amount: Varies

Provider: HACU

Requirements: U.S. citizen or permanent resident, Apply to/ accepted to and enroll in a summer, semester or academic year IES Abroad program, Demonstrate financial need, Priority will be given to first generation college students and/or Federal Pell Grant recipients. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

This scholarship provides funding opportunities for students currently attending a Hispanic-Serving Institution. The institution must be a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities.

Amount: $2,500

Provider: Austin Community Foundation

Requirements: Must be Hispanic, must be a graduating senior in Travis and Williamson counties in Texas, among the first generation to attend college, GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale or 4.0 on 5.0 scale.

Amount: $2,000

Provider: University of Arkansas Global Campus

Requirements: Must complete the scholarship application and essay, preference will be given to first-generation higher education seekers and Arkansas residents.

This scholarship is awarded to up to 20 recipients in undergraduate and graduate online degree programs. Students must apply through the U of A Academic Scholarship Office.

Amount: Up to $1,500

Provider: Rhode Island Foundation

Requirements: Parents did not graduate from college, student must be accepted or enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year college, demonstrate financial need.

Amount: Varies

Provider: Florida Department of Education

Requirements: Must be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, must not owe a repayment or be in default under any state or federal grant, loan or scholarship program unless satisfactory arrangements to repay have been made, must be accepted at a Florida state university or Florida college (public community college) and enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours per term as a degree-seeking undergraduate student, must be a first generation college student.
Want to find more Florida scholarship opportunities?

Check out these Florida scholarships

Amount: $5,000

Provider: Black Skeptics Group Los Angeles

Requirements: Preference will be given to students who are the first in their families to go to college. Students who are (or have been) in foster care, homeless, undocumented and/or LGBTQ are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have a record of service to and participation in school and/or community-based organizations, provide a letter of recommendation from an advisor/teacher and complete the two-paragraph essay below, and must provide an admission letter to a 2 or 4 year college.

This scholarship is awarded to students of color (African American, Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander, Native American) who identify as agnostic, atheist, humanist and/or secular.

Amount: $1,000

Provider: The Cynthia E. Morgan Scholarship Fund

Requirements: Must be a current resident of the state of Maryland, must be a junior or senior at a Maryland high school, or currently attending (or plan to attend) an accredited Maryland post-secondary school (college, university, trade school, or medical school), must be the first person in his/her immediate family who will be attending a Maryland accredited post-secondary school (as defined above). "Immediate family" is defined as consisting of direct family lineage, such as brothers/sisters, mothers/fathers, and grandparents on either mother's or father's side. Must be planning to enter a medical or medical-related field.

Amount: Varies

Provider: University of Iowa

Requirements: Must be an incoming, non-resident student at the University of Iowa, must

demonstrate financial need, maintain continuous full-time UI enrollment (12 hours) each semester (if a student withdraws during a semester, they are not maintaining continuous full-time enrollment), maintain a 2.0 GPA, must continue to pay non-resident tuition and fees.

Students may receive the Advantage Iowa Grant for up to eight semesters, or until they receive their bachelor's degree.

Amount: $1,000

Provider: Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC)

Requirements: Must be among the first generation in your family to attend college, be an independent student from a single-parent household seek an undergraduate degree, enroll full time, reside in Burlington, Barton, Glover, West Glover, Orleans, Irasburg, or Newport, Unified Scholarship Application, recommendation letter, essay.

This is one of many first-generation scholarships from the VSAC. Please check the scholarship website and this document for a full list of opportunities.

Amount: $1,000

Provider: Billings, Barrett & Bowman

Requirements: Must be a first-generation student and have a 3.0 GPA.

Want to apply for first-generation scholarships like this?

Sign up for Going Merry today

Amount: Varies

Provider: American Indian College Fund

Requirements: Must be a U.S. citizen, first-generation student attending a tribal college/university.

Amount: $12,000

Provider: Dorrance Scholarship Programs

Requirements: Must be a resident of Arizona, senior in good standing who will graduate from an accredited Arizona high school, first-generation to attend college (neither parent/stepparent holds a four-year degree), minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA, accepted by one of Arizona's three state universities, demonstrated leadership and volunteer service.

Amount: Varies

Provider: George Rogers Foundation

Requirements: Must be a South Carolina or North Carolina resident, must be a First in Family student - defined as a student who will be the first person in their family to attend a 2 or 4 year college, graduating high school senior.

Get started with first-generation scholarships like these

Start browsing and applying for scholarships. You can easily filter your search by award amount, best value, deadline, and competitiveness. Sign up for Going Merry to start applying for first-generation scholarships. Apply, save apps for later, and check the status of your scholarship applications.

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First-Generation Scholarships for Students to Apply For

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Being a first-generation college student is a huge accomplishment. First-generation means you're the first in your family to pursue a post-secondary education. Some of our parents, grandparents, etc. understandably might not have had the opportunity, the funding, or the time to attend college.

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When Googling for scholarships for Hispanics / Latinos, an overwhelming amount of information pops up. There's a variety of schools, scholarship providers, and scholarship websites with long lists of funding opportunities. However, those scholarship websites often include scholarships that are no longer available, leading students like you to a broken link with nowhere to go.

The good news is, we're here to help.

We have personally vetted these 38 scholarships for Hispanics, to make sure they're up and running (and if they're not open until later in the year, we've noted that for you to check back!). We're simplifying this for you with this list of active scholarships for Hispanics, so get ready to dive in!

Let's get started with this list of scholarships for Hispanic students!

Amount: Varies - 30 scholarships worth a total of $100,000

Provider: Latino Community Credit Union

Requirements: (a) GPA ≥ 2.50, (b) Applicant must be a member of LCCU pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree at any technical college or university in the US, (c) College Acceptance Letter (d) 2 Recommendation Letters (e) Transcript.

LCCU will award at least 30 scholarships worth a total of $100,000. Funds awarded will be applied towards the 2020-2021 school year and may not be deferred to future years.

Amount: Various; previously up to $5,000

Provider: The Cleveland Foundation

Requirements: (a)African-American or Hispanic, (b) Graduate of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District or a Catholic school in Greater Cleveland, (c) GPA ≥ 3.0, (d) Enrolled or currently attending a two- or four-year accredited educational institution within the state of Ohio for a minimum of 6 credit hours/term -or- a vocational training program within the state of Ohio to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized profession. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

The ALCOA Fund Scholarship aims to offer scholarship opportunities for underserved and underrepresented populations. These students must be graduates of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District or a Catholic school in Greater Cleveland (preferably Cuyahoga County). As long as the funds are available and the student continues to meet the scholarship requirements, this is a scholarship award that can be renewed annually for up to 4 years.

Amount: Up to$20,000

Provider: League of United Latin American Citizens

Requirements: (a) Reside in one of the following cities and surrounding areas: Oxnard, CA San Diego, CA Colorado Springs, CO Miami, FL Kansas City, MO Albuquerque NM Philadelphia, PA Bayamon, PR Austin, TX Corpus Christi, TX Houston, TX Dallas, TX El Paso, TX San Antonio, TX Vancouver, WA, (b) Must be a graduating high school senior, (c) Must be a Hispanic student accepted into and planning to attend a full-time program in engineering leading to a bachelor's degree at an accredited college or university in the U.S (d) Have a cumulative high school grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent, (e) Must have scored 29 or higher on the ACT test, or 1350 or higher on the SAT test (sum of critical reading and mathematics scores), (f) U. S. Citizen or have the legal right to work in the U.S. without requiring sponsorship now or in the future. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

The ExxonMobil Engineering Scholarship encourages Hispanic high school seniors who are pursuing a degree in engineering. There is one scholarship awarded for $20,000, paid over four years, and twelve scholarships awarded for $2,000.

Amount: Varies

Provider: Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)

Requirements: (a) Pursuing for a STEM degree program, (b) All degree programs must be in the U.S. or Puerto Rico, (c) Be a full-time student and meet GPA requirements for both terms to be eligible for both disbursements, (d) a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

SHPE awards more than 150 scholarships totalling over $340,000 to provide scholarships for Hispanic students pursuing a STEM degree. They aim to narrow the gap and help Hispanic students complete their bachelor's degree with college tuition.

Award: Varies

Provider: Florida Fund for Minority Teachers

Requirements: (a) Florida residency, (b) African American/Black, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Native American/Alaska Native, or Hispanic/Latino ethnicity (c) Admission into teaching program at an FFMT participating university, (d) College Junior, (e) At least 60 credits or AA degree, (f) No more than 18 hours of upper division education courses, (g) Minimum GPA of 2.5. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

The Florida Fund for Minority Teachers grants scholarships to African American/Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian American/Pacific Islander students who have been accepted into a qualifying teacher education program in the state of Florida. After graduation, recipients are required to teach one year in a Florida public school for each year they received the scholarship.
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Amount: $6,000

Provider: American Meteorological Society

Requirements: Must be a U.S. citizen, plan to pursue careers in the atmospheric or related oceanic and hydrologic sciences, GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Please visit the scholarship w ebsite for more information.

The AMS Minority Scholarships provides scholarship opportunities to minority students who are often underrepresented in the sciences. Members of the American Meterological Society 100th Anniversary Program donate to the scholarship to help provide benefits to a diverse community and promote inclusion in atmospheric, oceanic, and hydrologic sciences.

The ABA Foundation awards traditionally underrepresented groups to help promote inclusion in management and operation ranks of the transportation, travel, and tourism industry.

The Macy's Emergency Scholarship Fund awards students who are facing economic hardship and immediate monetary need. Emergency financial need may include but is not limited to a change in family income, job loss, burglary, or natural disaster.

LNESC and LULAC partnered to establish this scholarship fund to assist youth in underserved communities. Every dollar rasied by local LULAC Councils will be matched by corporate partners secured by LNESC, which increases the scholarship award amount.

Amount: Up to $5,000per academic year

Provider: American Chemical Society

Requirements: Must be a U.S. Citizen, African-American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, or American Indian, intend to major or already major in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemical technology, or another chemistry-related science AND plan to pursue a career in a chemistry-related science as well. Please visit the scholarshi p website for more information.

The ACS Scholarship Program provides financial aid to underrepresented minority students who are majoring in chemistry-related disciplines. About 350 students receive scholarship awards up to $5,000 per academic year. More than 3,000 students to date have received college funding from the program.

The Ford Driving Dreams Scholarship Program asks students, "What Drives Your Dream?" to encourage students to pursue a college degree. Students attending specific schools in North Texas and school districts in Houston and San Antonio are eligible to apply for this scholarship award.

Amount: $4,000

Provider: Indiana Commission for Higher Education

Requirements: (a) Commitment to teaching in Indiana for at least three years upon graduation, (b) Full-time students status at university in Indiana, (c) Major in a relevant field, (d) Minimum GPA of 2.0, (e) Residency in Indiana. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

With the dream of diversifying leadership in Indiana classrooms, the William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship provides $4,000 to African American or Hispanic students interested in majoring or minoring in elementary, secondary, or special education.
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The Actuarial Foundation provides scholarship awards from $1,000-$4,000 for students from at least one of the following minority groups: Black/African American, Hispanic, Native North American, and Pacific Islander. The scholarship recognizes achievements of undergraduate students who are pursuing a degree in the actuarial profession, an industry related to asset management and liability management.

Amount: Up to $2,500

Provider: Association of Cuban-American Engineers Scholarship Foundation (ACAESF)

Requirements: U.S. Citizen, completed at least thirty units of college work at an ABET accredited college or university, must be of Cuban or other Hispanic heritage (at least one grandparent who is Cuban or other Hispanic nationality). Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

The ACAESF provides scholarship awards ranging from $500 to $2,500 to students of Cuban and/or Hispanic heritage. Students attending an ABET accredited college or university (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) may be eligible to apply, and students will be eligible to win a scholarship for a maximum of 3 years.

Amount: Up to $1,850

Provider: Kansas Board of Regents

Requirements: (a) Academic achievement, (b) Full-time student status, (c) Enrollment in a Kansas community college or four-year university. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.In an effort to promote diversity and education, the Kansas Board of Regents grants up to $1,850 per year to African American, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Asian, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic students. Candidates should express financial need and demonstrate academic achievement.

Amount: $35,000, plus Summer Associate salary

Provider: Goldman Sachs

Requirements: (a)First-year MBA students, (b) Pursuing a 2020 Summer Associate position at Goldman Sachs, (c) Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American or women. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

The Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship awards students who demonstrate exceptional business principles and achievements to gain the experience they need. They'll have the opportunity to complete a summer internship and receive a full-time offer, including an additional $40,000, plus full-time Associate signing bonus if applicable.

The Spectrum Scholarship Program awards minority students to assist them with obtaining a graduate degree, as well as leadership positions within ALA. They encourage students who are pursuing a graduate degree in library and information studies, and may receive additional benefits, such as a complimentary, one-year student ALA membership.

The PMAHCC Foundation Scholarship Program provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to students. Grant amounts are evaluated based on individual need or merit for each applicant.

Minority students interested in learning about the countries of Bosnia and Herzegovina are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. Scholarship awards range from $500 to $2,000 to help students study abroad for one semester.

McDonald's provides college funding to students of Hispanic heritage with awards of up to $100,000. Scholarship winners are selected based on academic achievement, financial need, community involvement, and a personal interview.

The MTI Scholarship Program awards Illinois students who plan to teach within the state. Students must plan to teach at a nonprofit Illinois public, private or parochial preschool, elementary school, or secondary school in which the enrolled students include no less than 30 percent of African American/Black, Hispanic American, Asian American or Native American origin.

Amount: Varies

Provider: Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Requirements: (a) List of awards and volunteer/employment/extracurricular activities, (b) Academic transcript from most recent semester - high school seniors must include first semester senior year, (c) An essay about your reasons for your choice of college, chosen course of study, career goals, plans for financing your education, and information on past activities benefiting your community, (d) Your financial information including family income. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

Students may submit one application and be considered for more than 500 scholarships through the Grand Rapids Community Foundation ( similar to the bulk scholarship applications on Going Merry!).

Amount: Up to $3,000

Provider: CSF Fiesta Committee

Requirements: (a) Applicants must not be married (which includes common law), divorced, and/or have had an annulment; (b) Applicants may not have or be expecting a child; (c) Applicants must be of Hispanic descent, between the ages of 18 and 22, having reached the age of 18 by July 25, 2020 and not older than the age of 22 as of July 25, 2020; (d) Applicants must be a United States citizen (or an eligible non-citizen) and a Colorado resident for at least six (6) months prior to application deadline; (e) Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 upon applying; (f) Applicants are required to submit a complete Fiesta Pageant application, (g) a current and official sealed high school or college transcript, (h) a resume detailing your personal and professional attributes, (h) a minimum of two (2) letters of recommendation. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

The Colorado State Fair Fiesta Queen Pageant encourages female Colorado residents of Hispanic descent to compete in their pageant for scholarship money. Judging is based upon personal interviews, a speech, an impromptu question, and other categories. The Fiesta Queen will receive $3,000, and other scholarship awards are available between $300 and $1,800.

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Amount: Varies

Provider: National Hispanic Health Foundation

Requirements: (a) Enrolled full time in the following accredited graduate programs: Medicine: allopathic or osteopathic, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing (including BSN), Public Health/Policy, Physician Assistant,(b) An affinity for the health of Hispanic communities and an interest in participating in NHHF Scholars Alumni activities, (c) U.S. citizen, (d) personal statement, (e) letter of recommendation. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

The National Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship helps fund the education of students in the medical field who demonstrate leadership, outstanding academic achievement, and who are committed to serving the Hispanic community.

Amount: Up to $5,000

Provider: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Requirements: (a) An ethnic minority in the accounting profession (including but not limited to: Black or African American; Hispanic or Latino; Native American; Pacific Islander; or Asian American), (b) Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate-level degree in an accounting or accounting-related major. (Accounting-related shall be as determined by Sponsors in Sponsors' sole discretion.), Planning to pursue the CPA licensure but not presently be a CPA, (d) Attending a public or private, not-for-profit (501(c)) four-year college or university in the U.S. or territories for the full 2020-21 academic year, (e) Completed at least 30 semester hours (or equivalent) of college coursework, including at least 6 semester hours (or equivalent) in accounting, by end of spring 2020, (f) Maintaining an overall and major GPA of at least 3.0. Please check the scholarship website for more information. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

One of many AICPA Legacy Scholarships, this scholarship award focuses on increasing the presence of ethnically-diverse CPA professionals. Students will submit one scholarship application to be evaluated for all awards they're eligible for in the program ( similar to Going Merry!).

Amount: Up to $30,000

Provider: Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley

Requirements: (a) Must be of Latino or Hispanic origin, (b) Have a declared major in and been accepted into a STEM program, (c) Minimum GPA of 3.0. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.The Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley awards this scholarship to up to 100 Latino students who are studying a STEM-related field. Scholarship recipients will also be presented with internship opportunities to continue learning and gaining experience in the field.
Find and apply for scholarships for Latinos, on Going Merry.

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Amount: Varies

Provider: Lewis University

Requirements: (a) Latino/Latina, (b) Pursuing a B.A. in Elementary Education, (c) Junior or Senior in college, (d) 3.0 GPA. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

This scholarship assists Latino/Latina students who are furthering their knowledge in Elementary Education. The scholarship is available for juniors and seniors at Lewis University.

37. HACU IES Abroad Scholarship (Summer, Spring, Fall)

Amount: Varies

Provider: HACU

Requirements: (a) U.S. citizen or permanent resident, (b) Apply to/ accepted to and enroll in a summer, semester or academic year IES Abroad program, (c) Demonstrate financial need, (d) Priority will be given to first generation college students and/or Federal Pell Grant recipients. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

This scholarship provides funding opportunities for students currently attending a Hispanic-Serving Institution. The institution must be a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities.

Amount: Varies

Provider: National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences

Requirements: (a) High school senior, (b) Hispanic or Latino, (c) Intending to major in radio, television, or digital communications

This scholarship supports graduating high school seniors of Hispanic descent who want to study digital communications, with a focus on any aspect of the television industry.

Amount: $1000

Provider: Family & Friends of Lauren Douglass

Requirements: (a) Black, Hispanic, American Indian or Alaskan Native, (b) GPA 3.0 or above, (c) Majoring in nursing in North Carolina

This scholarship will award $1000 each to 5 deserving students from underrepresented backgrounds in nursing. Recipients must be current or admitted nursing students attending accredited institutions in North Carolina.

Amount: $500 or more

Provider: Oregon Community Foundation

Requirements: (a) Must be a graduate of an Oregonian high school or have completed a GED or homeschool in the state, (b) Must attend community college in Oregon at least half-time

This scholarship supports bi-lingual (Spanish/English) Latino students attending a community college in Oregon, and the award may be renewed for up to four years (but the winner must re-apply).

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43 Scholarships for Hispanics to Fund College in 2020-2021

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When Googling for scholarships for Hispanics / Latinos, an overwhelming amount of information pops up. There's a variety of schools, scholarship providers, and scholarship websites with long lists of funding opportunities. However, those scholarship websites often include scholarships that are no longer available, leading students like you to a broken link with nowhere to go.

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Scholarships for African American/Black Students

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Scholarships for African American/Black Students

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In 2016, 14% of all undergraduate students were African American, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. That means over 2 million black students each year need to pay college tuition. Luckily, there are many scholarships specifically designed to help African American students- and we've got 27 of them listed right here.

(Also, side note: While you may prefer to zoom in on one aspect of yourself like your race, remember that you may qualify for scholarships for all sorts of reasons! The best way to see all the scholarships you're eligible for is to sign up with Going Merry. You'll answer a few questions, and then we'll match you to suitable scholarships based on your answers.)

Amount: $6,000

Provider: The Ritter Family

Requirements: (a) Black or African American, (b) Intending to major and work in nursing, (c) Photo, (d) 2 Recommendation Letters, (e) Transcript.

Amid the pandemic of COVID-19 and the continued discrimination of African Americans, this scholarship has been created to help assist African American students pursuing a nursing degree.

Amount: $500 (for 2 recipients)

Provider: LaMonda Sykes

Requirements: (a) GPA ≥ 2.0, (b) Ethnic minority (Black, Latino, American Indian, Alaskan Native, or Pacific Islander)

This scholarship is in honor of the providers' grandparents, who supported her in her educational endeavors. One recipient will be awarded each semester, with the money going directly towards the winners's college.

Amount: Varies per recipient

Provider: NANBPWC, Inc.

Requirements: (a) Black or African American, (b) GPA ≥ 3.00, (c) college acceptance letter, (d) recommendation letter, (e) transcript.

The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. founded in 1935, emerged as a national non-profit organization in light of the need to promote and protect the interests of women business owners and professionals.

Amount: Up to $100 per recipient

Provider: C. Ushery

Requirements: (a) Black/African-American, (b) Applicant should have an interest in pursuing a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine or Business Administration.

The Baitey Columbia Aptitude Testing Fellowship was created in honor of a high school friend who, as he neared graduation, faced a financial hardship that prevented him from having the funds to put towards his SAT. Upon sharing his story friends pitched in to help provide the funds for his exam, which led to him submitting college applications, getting accepted and graduating a few short years later.

Award: Varies

Provider: Florida Fund for Minority Teachers

Requirements: (a) Florida residency, (b) African American/Black, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Native American/Alaska Native, or Hispanic/Latino ethnicity (c) Admission into teaching program at an FFMT participating university, (d) College Junior, (e) At least 60 credits or AA degree, (f) No more than 18 hours of upper division education courses, (g) Minimum GPA of 2.5. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

The Florida Fund for Minority Teachers grants scholarships to African American/Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian American/Pacific Islander students who have been accepted into a qualifying teacher education program in the state of Florida. After graduation, recipients are required to teach one year in a Florida public school for each year they received the scholarship.

Amount: Up to $5,000per academic year

Provider: American Chemical Society

Requirements: Must be a U.S. Citizen, African-American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, or American Indian, intend to major or already major in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemical technology, or another chemistry-related science AND plan to pursue a career in a chemistry-related science as well. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

The ACS Scholarship Program provides financial aid to underrepresented minority students who are majoring in chemistry-related disciplines. About 350 students receive scholarship awards up to $5,000 per academic year. More than 3,000 students to date have received college funding from the program.

Amount: $4,000

Provider: Indiana Commission for Higher Education

Requirements: (a) Commitment to teaching in Indiana for at least three years upon graduation, (b) Full-time students status at university in Indiana, (c) Major in a relevant field, (d) Minimum GPA of 2.0, (e) Residency in Indiana. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

With the dream of diversifying leadership in Indiana classrooms, the William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship provides $4,000 to African American or Hispanic students interested in majoring or minoring in elementary, secondary, or special education.

Amount: Up to $4,000

Provider: The Actuarial Foundation

Requirements: Must have at least one birth parent who is Black/African American, Hispanic, Native North American, or Pacific Islander, minimum GPA of 3.0, pursuing a career in the actuarial profession. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

The Actuarial Foundation provides scholarship awards from $1,000-$4,000 for students from at least one of the following minority groups: Black/African American, Hispanic, Native North American, and Pacific Islander. The scholarship recognizes achievements of undergraduate students who are pursuing a degree in the actuarial profession, an industry related to asset management and liability management.

Amount: Up to $1,850

Provider: Kansas Board of Regents

Requirements: (a) Academic achievement, (b) Full-time student status, (c) Enrollment in a Kansas community college or four-year university. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

In an effort to promote diversity and education, the Kansas Board of Regents grants up to $1,850 per year to African American, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Asian, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic students. Candidates should express financial need and demonstrate academic achievement.

Amount: $5,000

Provider: American Library Association (ALA)

Requirements: U.S. or Canada citizen, identify as American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern/North African, and/or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, full-time or part-time student enrolled in an accredited program, attend an ALA-accredited graduate program in library and information studies. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

The Spectrum Scholarship Program awards minority students to assist them with obtaining a graduate degree, as well as leadership positions within ALA. They encourage students who are pursuing a graduate degree in library and information studies, and may receive additional benefits, such as a complimentary, one-year student ALA membership.

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Amount: $5,000

Provider: Illinois Student Assistance Commission

Requirements: U.S. Citizen, reside of Illinois, minority student of African American/Black, Hispanic American, Asian American or Native American origin, be a high school graduate or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate, GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

The MTI Scholarship Program awards Illinois students who plan to teach within the state. Students must plan to teach at a nonprofit Illinois public, private or parochial preschool, elementary school, or secondary school in which the enrolled students include no less than 30 percent of African American/Black, Hispanic American, Asian American or Native American origin.

Amount: Up to $5,000

Provider: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Requirements: (a) An ethnic minority in the accounting profession (including but not limited to: Black or African American; Hispanic or Latino; Native American; Pacific Islander; or Asian American), (b) Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate-level degree in an accounting or accounting-related major. (Accounting-related shall be as determined by Sponsors in Sponsors' sole discretion.), Planning to pursue the CPA licensure but not presently be a CPA, (d) Attending a public or private, not-for-profit (501(c)) four-year college or university in the U.S. or territories for the full 2020-21 academic year, (e) Completed at least 30 semester hours (or equivalent) of college coursework, including at least 6 semester hours (or equivalent) in accounting, by end of spring 2020, (f) Maintaining an overall and major GPA of at least 3.0. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

Amount: Full cost of attendance

Provider: The Gates Scholarship

Requirements: (a) High school senior, (b) From at least one of the following ethnicities: African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native*, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American, (c) Pell-eligible, (d) U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident In good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent), (e) Must plan to enroll full-time, in a four-year degree program, at a US accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

Awarded to 300 of the top student leaders, the Gates Scholarship recognizes students with great leadership abilities, personal success skills, and an exceptional high school academic record. The scholarship funds the full cost of attendance, including tuition, room, board, books, transportation, and may include personal costs to attend college.

Amount: Varies

Provider: Rhode Island Foundation

Requirements: Rhode Island resident, must be African-American/Black, must demonstrate academic and leadership success, accepted or enrolled in an accredited post-secondary college or technical school within the U.S., demonstrate financial need.

Amount: Varies

Provider: Rhode Island Foundation

Requirements: African American/Black high school graduate or adult student applicant, Rhode Island resident, pursuing or advancing a career in healthcare at a post-secondary institution (college or technical school), financial need.

This scholarship may be renewable for up to four years.
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Amount: Varies

Provider: The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

Requirements: (a) Residency in Iowa, (b) African American, (c) Enrollment in a full-time or part-time college program. For more information, please visit the scholarship website.

These scholarships in Iowa were created in memory of Larry W. Carter, an activist and prominent community leader. Any African-American Iowa resident is eligible to apply. Applicants can be pursuing full-time or part-time studies at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Amount: Varies

Provider: TMCF

Requirements: Enrolled as a Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior at a TMCF 47 member-schools, current cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher, must demonstrate financial need, demonstrate leadership ability through a variety of measures, U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident with valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551, resume, transcript, letter of reference, and essay.
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Amount: $5,000

Provider: TMCF and Wells Fargo

Requirements: Sophomore, junior or senior at a TMCF member-school, current cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher, demonstrate leadership abilities, demonstrate financial need, U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident with valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551, letter of reference, transcript, essay.

Amount: $5,000

Provider: TMCF, NBMOA, and Dr Pepper

Requirements: Provide proof of enrollment as a full-time student as a sophomore, junior or senior at a TMCF member-school, current cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher, demonstrate leadership abilities, U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident with valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551, letter of reference, transcript, essay.

Amount: $2,500 per semester

Provider: TMCF and the Coca-Cola Foundation

Requirements: Must be a first-generation college student, graduating high school senior, accepted and enrolled as a full-time incoming-freshman student at one of TMCF's 47 member-schools, have a high school grade point average of 2.5 or higher, recommendation letter from a high school counselor, demonstrate outstanding financial need, demonstrated leadership ability through a variety of measures, U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card, high school transcript, Student Aid Report, essay.
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Amount: Full tuition-only need/merit scholarship

Provider: TMCF and ETS

Requirements: Enrolled full-time as a junior or senior, current grade point average of 3.5 or higher, demonstrate leadership abilities, demonstrate a financial need, U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident with valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551, letter of recommendation, transcript, essay, and video essay.

ETS, a team of education experts, researchers and assessment developers, provides financial assistance to outstanding African-American students pursuing a college degree.

Amount: Up to $6,200 ($3,100 per semester)

Provider: TMCF and Ford Motor Company

Requirements: African American male, graduating high school senior, enrolled full-time as a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior at a TMCF member-school, cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher, demonstrates leadership abilities, U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident with valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551, letter of reference, transcript, essay.

The Ford Blue Oval Scholarship encourages outstanding male students to pursue their college education at one of TMCF's 47 publicly-supported Historically Black College and Universities or a Predominantly Black Institution.

Amount: Up to $2,000

Provider: National Association of Colored Women's Clubs (NACWC)

Requirements: Must be a member of the NACWC. Please check the scholarship website and contact the NACWC Headquarters for more information.

Amount: $40,000 ($10,000 each year)

Provider: Ron Brown Scholar Program

Requirements: Please see the scholarship website for more information.

Amount: Up to $30,000

Provider: TMCF and American Intellectual Property Law Education Foundation (AIPLEF)

Requirements: Be enrolled as an entering law school (1L) student, proven academic performance at the undergraduate, graduate, and law school levels (if applicable), demonstrate a financial need, record of leadership, community activities, and/or special accomplishments, demonstrate intent to engage in the full-time practice of patent law, currently enrolled in or have been accepted to an ABA-accredited law school.

Amount: Various; previously up to $5,000

Provider: The Cleveland Foundation

Requirements: (a) African-American or Hispanic, (b) Graduate of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District or a Catholic school in Greater Cleveland, (c) GPA ≥ 3.0, (d) Enrolled or currently attending a two- or four-year accredited educational institution within the state of Ohio for a minimum of 6 credit hours/term -or- a vocational training program within the state of Ohio to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized profession. Please visit the scholarship website for more information.

The ALCOA Fund Scholarship aims to offer scholarship opportunities for underserved and underrepresented populations. These students must be graduates of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District or a Catholic school in Greater Cleveland (preferably Cuyahoga County). As long as the funds are available and the student continues to meet the scholarship requirements, this is a scholarship award that can be renewed annually for up to 4 years.

Amount: Varies

Provider: Cornerstone Scholarship Charitable Trust

Requirements: (a) Black/African-American, (b) Roots in the state of Arkansas, (c) U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or Permanent Resident, (d) 17-25 years old. For more information, please visit the scholarship website.

African-American students in Arkansas are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Applicants must be between 17 and 25 years old, have a high school degree at the time of the application, and come from an economically disadvantaged background.

Amount: $200

Provider: Brandon Kyle Canty

Requirements: (a) Black/African-American, (b) 22+ years old, (c) Left university or dropped classes due to hardship sometime in last 5 years

The goal of this scholarship will be to provide one student with a small lifeline during a difficult semester when things are bad and you can't work any more hours.

Amount: $1000

Provider: Brandon Kyle Canty

Requirements: (a) African American, American Indian, or Hispanic, (b) GPA 3.0+, (c) Studying nursing, (d) School located in North Carolina

This scholarship is for current nursing students or those who have been admitted to a nursing program at an accredited institution in North Carolina offering an associate or baccalaureate degree in nursing. Scholarships will be awarded based on financial need, GPA, honors/scholarships/awards, extracurricular activities, and answers to the questions on the application.

You've got this extensive list of African American scholarships. Now what?

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Start applying, immediately! Click one (or all) of the scholarship links above to start applying for these scholarships for black students.

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Create a spreadsheet of scholarship opportunities you're interested in (with essay prompts and deadlines), and then make a plan or schedule for when you'll work on applying for these African American scholarships.

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27 African American Scholarships: Start Applying for These Scholarships

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In 2016, 14% of all undergraduate students were African American, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. That means over 2 million black students each year need to pay college tuition. Luckily, there are many scholarships specifically designed to help African American students- and we've got 27 of them listed right here.

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Ms. Zumwalde's Big List of Scholarships:

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Ms. Zumwalde's Big List of Scholarships:

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1.  Horatio Alger
2. Coca Cola Scholarship
3. Questbridge
4. Dell Scholarship
5. ActSix Scholarship
*also go to your college's scholarship page to see if you qualify for any full ride scholarships!*
Example: Deese Scholarship at St. Thomas