Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: U.S. Hispanic Student Aid 101

Calling all dreamers, go-getters, and future world-changers! Ready to launch your academic journey without breaking the bank?

Scholarships and financial aid are a ticket to making college affordable. And guess what? There’s a whole universe of opportunities specifically for U.S. Hispanics.

Did you know that U.S. Hispanic students are the fastest-growing ethnic group in U.S. colleges? According to the Pew Research Center, U.S. Hispanic college enrollment has more than tripled since 2000. 💪🎓

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. 🐘

College is more expensive than ever, but don’t let those big numbers intimidate you. There are plenty of financial support options out there if you know where to look.

So, let’s look! 🧐

FAFSA: Your Financial Passport

Think of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as your VIP pass to the world of financial aid. It’s the key that unlocks grants, work-study opportunities, and low-interest loans.

Scholarship bucks

Now, let’s talk free dinero – aka scholarships. There are more out there than you think. 🫰

Here are just a few:

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) is one of many fairy godparents of U.S. Hispanic education. They distribute over $30 million in scholarships every year.
The McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship program has awarded over $33 million to U.S. Hispanic students since 1985.
Great Minds in STEM seeks out candidates to be scientists, engineers, and tech wizards. Does this sound like you?

Quick tips for scholarship success

Start early: Many scholarships have deadlines in the fall of your senior year. Future you will thank present you for being on top of it.
Tell your story: Your unique experience as a U.S. Hispanic is what made you who you are. Tell your truth in your applications!
Look local: Check with your school counselor, community organizations, and local businesses for scholarship opportunities. Sometimes, the best answer is in your own backyard.
Persistence pays off: If at first you don’t succeed, apply, apply again. Scholarship hunting is a numbers game.

Pursuing higher education isn’t just about you – it’s also about uplifting the U.S. Hispanic community. Every time a U.S. Hispanic student goes to college, it opens doors for others to follow. You’re not just changing your life; you’re setting precedents for others to follow.

There you have it. If you’re reading this you’re already well on your way. ✅

Oh, and check out the MoneyLion app for personalized financial tips and investment options tailored to your goals. We’ve got your back. 🤝

Written by Jacinta Sherris Jacinta Sherris is a Content Marketing Manager and Copywriter. With a B.A. in Economics from New York University, she has been writing about personal finance since 2019. Her work has been featured on financial news sites like Yahoo! Finance and Benzinga. She's currently pursuing a part-time J.D. at Rutgers Law. In her free time, she can be found immersing herself in all the best New York City has to offer or planning her next travel adventure.