College Grant and Financial Aid Programs for Hispanic and Latino Students
The number of Hispanics who attend college at any degree level is very low in comparison to other minority student groups. Several factors contribute to these statistics; however the principal reason Hispanic student numbers are low, particularly in 4-year college and university degree programs, is due to social and economic disadvantages.

Hispanics and Latinos who receive financial aid and grant money only account for a small percentage of the overall ‘potential’ traditional Hispanic student population. Statics also show that a large number of Hispanic students who receive college grants and other financial aid incentives don’t pursue education beyond a technical or 2-year degree.

As a means to reduce the number of uneducated Hispanics in the United States, grant and financial aid programs are available that helps students overcome the cultural barriers and economic challenges of Hispanic men and women wanting to pursue higher education.

Tackling the Cultural Challenges faced by Hispanic Students

A large percentage of Hispanic high-school graduates enter directly into employment after completing school. In fact, very few Hispanic families have a history of family members who pursue post-secondary education due to financial factors and lack of family encouragement.

Hispanics who are faced with these cultural challenges can receive generous financial support to attend college from various sources.

  • The “First in My Family” Scholarship fund is a grant program open to Hispanic students from disadvantaged backgrounds that come from families with no history of college education. The scholarship grant is available to Hispanic men and women who have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and awards range from $500 to $5,000.

Federal, State and Private Grants that Support the Economic Challenges of Hispanic Students

Economic issues are the most common barriers preventing Hispanics from pursuing post-secondary education. However, federal, state and private organizations are pursing budgets to financially support all low-income minority students attending colleges and universities. Below are a few examples of grants, scholarships and financial aid programs available from government and private sources that assist Hispanic and Latino students in accessing higher education.

Federal and State funded Hispanic Grants

  • Federal Pell Grants are a major source of financial aid for undergraduate degree seeking Hispanic students from low income families. Available to Hispanic males and females of all ages who demonstrate financial need and have not already acquired bachelorette degree or equivalent.

The majority of states administer need-based grant programs purposely to help low-income and minority students’ access a college education. Grants available at state level serve all students from low income households; however, some specifically cater to the direct needs of Hispanic students. The state of Texas for example offers grants to Hispanic students who enroll in to vocational nursing programs or a four-year nursing programs.

Grants from Hispanic and Latino Organizations

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund provides a huge amount of financial assistance to Latinos annually. Funding is specifically aimed at tackling the educational barriers faced by Hispanic students. Their grant and scholarship programs provide help to Latino students returning to college, including adults, and students completing 2-year degree programs to assist with progression in to four-year programs.

In addition, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund also maintains a list of information relating to current educational grants and scholarships available to Latinos through other Hispanic supporting organizations and agencies.

Grants for Hispanic Health Care and Nursing Students

Hispanic and Latino students interested in pursuing degrees in nursing and healthcare may have access to grants and financial aid from the following organizations and scholarship funds.

  • Hispanic Nurses Association grants and scholarships
  • March of Dimes Nursing Scholarship program
  • Scholarship for Disadvantaged Students program
  • Nursing Education Loan Repayment program