No one should be surprised by the existence of minority scholarships. The marginalized have long been under-represented in higher education and in many industries and fields. These scholarships are offered by organizations created to boost equality for those who haven’t had it in the past. The term minority can refer to a number of characteristics including ethnicity, race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or disability. (We cover scholarships for students with disabilities and women on other pages.) Whether offered by an association that protects the interests of African Americans or new immigrants, these scholarships were created to allow those who might otherwise be faced with overwhelming challenges, the opportunity to gain an education. By doing so, these organizations help bring new ideas and points of view to the fields these students enter and give those who have been historically unrepresented the opportunity to become leaders.
Ways to Help You Pay for Your College Tuition
Minority Scholarships
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League of United Latin American Citizens National Scholastic Achievement Awards
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March 31
The league was created to support students who are diverse. The scholarship applicants must either have applied to or currently be enrolled in post-secondary education. They must have a minimum 3.5 GPA. There are also minimum SAT or ACT scores needed for students entering college as freshmen.
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Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Amount: up to $90,000 over two years
Deadline: November 1
These fellowships are granted to immigrants and children of immigrants whom the foundation believes are poised to make a powerful contribution in this country. The fellowships are for post-graduate education. The applicants must already possess a bachelor's degree and have not yet reached the age of 30.
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AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students
Amount: up to $5,000 per academic year
Deadline: March 1
This scholarship is for minority college students who are accounting majors in college. Students are chosen for the award based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, community service, and their desire to become a licensed CPA. The award does not automatically renew. One must reapply in the spring.
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Page Education Foundation Grants
Amount: $1,000 to $2,500
Deadline: March 31
This grant is for students who are minorities and seek to pursue higher education in the state of Minnesota. Students must have demonstrated financial need, academic excellence, and community service. They will be required to spend eight to ten hours each month working with younger minority children.
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NMF Emergency Scholarship Fund
Amount: up to $5,000
Deadline: Varies to accommodate emergency funding needs
This unique scholarship was designed by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to help third- and fourth-year minority medical students who need immediate help to pay for tuition shortfalls at any medical or osteopathic school in the U.S. that is an accredited institution. Applicants can receive immediate funding, if approved, by submitting a statement of financial need, an essay about their interest in the medical profession, proof of their financial situation, and a letter from the Financial Aid Director at their school.
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NACME Minorities in Government Finance Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
These scholarships are for minority students who are either college juniors, seniors, or graduate students and whose majors are in specific subjects that they wish to support. The group chooses minority candidates who meet the specific standards set for each scholarship or fellowship and.
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LAGRANT Foundation Scholarship for Graduate Students
Amount: $3,750
Deadline: February 28
There are 20 of these graduate scholarships given per year to students who are minority, full time graduate students at a four-year university that are in a program with an emphasis on advertising, marketing, or public relations. Students must be carrying at least 9 units per semester and have a 3.2 GPA or better. They will also receive a trip to Cincinnati and engage in career and professional development workshops. The candidate must be at least one year from completion of his or her master's program and keep in contact with the awarding organization in order to continue to receive professional and academic support.
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Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarships
Amount: up to $24,000 per year for four years of undergraduate study
Deadline: February 15
The Jackie Robinson Foundation awards are to help minority students who show leadership qualities, community service, and financial need attend a four-year accredited college. Students will need to complete an application and submit a letter of recommendation, SAT or ACT scores, their high school transcript, their state's financial aid report, and proof of their U.S. citizenship.