Best Scholarship for Mexican College Students in the U.S.

Everyone wants to have a higher education – but with the fees that come with university tuition in the U.S., not everyone can afford it. Unless you get a loan, the costs are very difficult to cover by yourself – and since international students cannot easily get a loan, getting an education there might seem out of reach.

This is where scholarships come quite handy. These scholarships are not only helpful financial tools for students from abroad, but they also help attract people from all over the world in the hopes of bridge-building among nations. For students of Mexican origin, they are also quite a good way to break down the barriers and pave the road towards their success.

31 Best Scholarships for Mexican Students in the U.S.

For students that have Hispanic or Mexican heritage, there are quite a number of scholarships that they may use to get a higher education. That being said, each scholarship for Mexicans offers different sums, covers different domains, and has a different deadline – which is why you should be acquainted with what they have to offer.

¡Adelante! U.S. Education Leadership Fund

This scholarship is given by a non-profit organization – one that focuses on leadership development and has the purpose of supporting students of Hispanic origins in their journey through college. They have quite a number of scholarships available, all with different eligibility criteria and features.

Bear in mind that for a student to be eligible, they must also attend the Adelante National Leadership Institution in San Antonio (Texas), which is the mandatory requirement for winning this award.

• Award Coverage: $1,000-$3ooo
• Deadline: October 19-21

A.W. Bodine –Sunkist Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was given in the memory of the highly distinguished Sunkist Growers director, A. W. Bodine – a highly respected leader in agriculture. This grant will provide a fixed amount of money to eligible Mexican-American students that are involved with Arizona or California agriculture.

A qualified student will have to demonstrate that they are in financial need and that they have at least a 2.7 GPA (preferably higher). They also have to be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program that has at least twelve units per term. They are also required to submit a personal essay where they discuss their background in agriculture.

• Award Coverage: $2,000
• Deadline: April 30

ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America) Annual Scholarship Program

This scholarship is aimed at students of Hispanic origin that are citizens or permanent residents of the United States. The scholarship is indeed defined as a simple program – but in truth, it features 13 different prizes depending on their qualifications.

Each of these scholarships will have different criteria for qualification – but the general rule is that the student will at least need to have a GPA of 3.0 or 4.0. Plus, only the students that have already been accepted at a full-time university program or community college are eligible. You may apply during your sophomore years (or before you finish the program), and you must go for a major in the business field.

• Award Coverage: $2,500-$10,000
• Deadline: July 18

Chicana/Latina Foundation Scholarship Program

Aimed for Latina or Chicana women, this award is given every year to women that have been following courses at a post-secondary institution from Northern California. To be eligible, these women will need to be full-time college students, complete at least 12 college units, and also have at least a 2.5 GPA in college work course (along with 10 hours of volunteer work at the CLF Leadership Institute).

• Award Coverage: $1,500
• Deadline: March 21

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Scholarship

By applying for this scholarship, every Mexican-American student has the option of receiving three kinds of scholarships for each type of degree that they are going for. The condition is that they will have to apply to an accredited university in Puerto Rico or in the United States.

An eligible student is required to keep onto their full-time enrollment, all while showing consistent participation in the institute’s community activities. They also need to be of Hispanic descent and prove that they are in need of financial aid.

• Award Coverage: $1,000 (Associate’s Degree), $2,500 (Bachelor’s Degree), $5,000 (Graduate-Level Degree)
• Deadline: April 16th

Done Vida Scholarship Fund

With the sponsor being the Washington Regional Transplant Community, this scholarship provides up to $3,000 to students of Latino origin from the districts of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland. In order to apply, students have to make a video that is no longer than 2 minutes where they make a call to action, explore misconceptions, or explain statistics that surround tissue, organ, or eye donation in regards to saving lives.

• Award Coverage: $3000
• Deadline: March 31

Gates Millennium Scholars – Scholarship Program

This scholarship is for Hispanic students, but also for Alaska/American Indian natives, African-Americans, and Asian-Pacific Islander American GED applicants or high school students. The applicants for these scholarships need to have US citizenship (or at least legal permanent residence) and meet at least a minimum 3.0 GPA at an eligible institution.

• Award Coverage: Full cost of attendance/Varies
• Deadline: September 15

The scholarship does not cover an exact sum. However, it covers your full costs of attendance for your university of choice, including the costs for tuition, boarding, room, transportation, and books. In some cases, it might also include personal costs.

Gilbert G. Pompa Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Through the Adelante US Education Leadership Fund, this scholarship is also given to students of Hispanic or Mexican origin that are looking for higher education. To be eligible, they have to be enrolled at a Texas accredited university and follow a pre-law plan with the aims of attending law school.

Moreover, in order to qualify, the candidate must complete 90 hours-worth of credit time before the fall semester begins. Their cumulative GPA needs to be at 2.75 or higher, and they must maintain full-time enrollment after providing a resume containing their activities in community service.

• Award Coverage: $1,000
• Deadline: May 30

Ginger and Fred Deines Mexico Scholarships

Made in the honor of the past president of the TCI (Transportation Clubs International), this scholarship gives out fixed sums every year to students of Mexican origin that wish to enroll in the United States or Mexico. The selection is based on their scholastic ability, as well as their professional interest, potential, character, and financial need.

Moreover, in order to be eligible, the student will have to opt for a degree in the domains of transportation logistics, traffic management, supply chain management, or traffic/transportation safety. Simply put, they need to prepare to join a career that has to do with the transportation industry.

• Award Coverage: $500-$1,500
• Deadline: May 31

Hispanic American Commitment to Educational Resources (HACER) Scholarship

This scholarship was funded by RMHC (Ronald McDonald House Charities), and it was aimed to help students that have at least one parent of Hispanic or Mexican origin. The students also have to live within the boundaries where the RMHC chapter participates. The selection is based on the student’s academic achievement, along with their personal qualities, community involvement, and financial need. You must also include an essay in your participation package.

In order to qualify for this scholarship, you need to be under 21 years of age, attend a two- or four-year accredited college, and have a cumulative GPA that is at least 2.7 (the higher, the better). Plus, those that apply will also have to live within Southern California’s geographical boundaries.

• Award Coverage: $2,000
• Deadline: January 27

Hispanic Women’s Council Scholarship Program

Every year, the HWC (Hispanic Women’s Council) offers scholarships to Hispanic or Mexican-American women that are living in New Mexico and wish to enroll at a full-time university program at the Central New Mexico College or University of New Mexico.

In order to qualify, every applicant will have to submit their completed application, along with a one-page narrative essay on their career goals, a resume of their volunteering experience, and an unofficial current transcript. They also need to have a GPA with a minimum of 3.0.

• Award Coverage: Varies
• Deadline: July 10

Hon. Mario G. Olmos Scholarship

This scholarship has been created by the La Raza Lawyer Association in order to honor the late Superior Court judge that had tragically died in a car crash in the year 1990. It offers ranging awards for people of Mexican or Hispanic origin. It is a scholarship meant for those that are pushing for a degree in law school.

• Award Coverage: $1,000-$3,000
• Deadline: February 13

Jameson Family Scholarship

Led by the Holy Cross Ministries, this scholarship is given every year to Latino students that have activated in at least a year of being an HB144 student at Utah University. To become qualified, students will need to show a motivating academic record, keep their full-time enrollment, but also show that they are in need of financial aid.

• Award Coverage: $1,500
• Deadline: February 15

Joel Garcia Memorial Scholarship

If you are pursuing a career in broadcasting, then the Joel Garcia scholarship is what you should go for. People that opt for this scholarship will need to show that they followed classes related to journalism and that they wish to advance with this. They will also need to show academic achievement along with a commitment to the field.

• Award Coverage: $2,000
• Deadline: April 3rd

José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant

Those of Hispanic origin that want to enroll at a public or private institution in Florida might want to try out this scholarship. It is merit-based, and you must have about a 3.0 or 4.0 GPA to be eligible. You must not have any debt towards the state (e.g. a student loan). You must also prove that you are in need of financial aid.

• Award Coverage: $2,000
• Deadline: April 1

Los Padres College Tuition Assistance Program

Every year, the Los Padres foundation offers a significant $8,000 scholarship meant to cover a Mexican student’s entire tuition. This way, you will no longer have to renew your scholarship every year. The condition is that you have to apply to a college degree in New York City and prove that you meet the guidelines (e.g. be the first family member to attend college, have high GPA, have a low family income).

• Award Coverage: $8,000
• Deadline: January 16

LULAC National Scholastic Achievement Awards

If you are a Hispanic student living in an underserved community, then you might be eligible for this scholarship as well. To enroll, you need to have a GPA of at least 3.5, score at least 1350 on your SAT tests, or be at least a 29 on your ACT test.

• Award Coverage: $2,000
• Deadline: April 14

MALDEF Dream Act Student Activist Scholarship

If you are passionate about the legal civil rights of Latino people, you might want to go for this scholarship provided by the MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund). To apply, you should submit your resume along with an official transcript and a 50-word essay that responds to three questions.

• Award Coverage: $5,000
• Deadline: July 2

Mexican American Dream Scholarship

Looking for the American Dream? Well, this scholarship claims to make your dream become a reality. Provided by COFEM (Council of Mexican Federations in North America), this scholarship is given to outstanding students that have at least a 2.8 GPA and can prove that they are in need of financial aid to go to college.

• Award Coverage: $1,000
• Deadline: October 25

Mexican American Educational Guidance Association Scholarships

If you are a graduating senior of Mexican descent attending a school in San Diego, then the MAEGA (Mexican American Educational Guidance Association provides scholarships to those that want to obtain financial aid for college. To apply, you need to have at least a 2.0 GPA, two recommendation letters and submit an essay where you talk about the importance of your Mexican heritage.

• Award Coverage: $1,000
• Deadline: March 7

Mexican American Engineering Society (MAES) Scholarships

If you wish to follow courses in the domains of technology, science, mathematics, and engineering, then you might be eligible for the MAES scholarship. Every applicant will be tested based on their academic achievements, the potential for leadership, financial needs, involvement with community service, work experience – and of course – recommendation letters. You need to be at least 18 years old to apply for this scholarship and have at least one parent of Mexican origin.

• Award Coverage: $2,000
• Deadline: October 18

Mexican Scholarship Fund

Initially founded by the Indianapolis Consulate of Mexico in 2004, this scholarship aims to provide financial support to students that are of Indian descent and wish to pursue higher education at an accredited institution within the state. Each applicant needs to show that they have academic promise (minimum 3.0 GPA) and prove that they need financial aid.

• Award Coverage: Variable
• Deadline: February 28

Rodolfo Montes Memorial Scholarship

Set up in memory of Dr. Rodolfo Montes, a beloved doctor that provided dental services at a high discount, this scholarship is given to students of outstanding promise of Mexican origin. These students need to prove that they wish to enroll in a higher education program, particularly at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, School of Cinematic Arts, Keck School of Medicine, and the Gould School of Law. Students that can exemplify their leadership potential in regards to their local Hispanic community will receive preference.

• Award Coverage: Variable
• Deadline: May 23

Rosie Lopez Student Advocate Scholarship

Partnering with the Arizona Hispanic Community Forum, this scholarship is given by the CPLC (Chicanos por la Causa) to students of Mexican origin – a scholarship that is given once every semester. The applying student will need to be enrolled at a two- or four-year secondary education institution in Arizona, have a GPA of at least 2.5, and show history with advocacy work against injustice.

• Award Coverage: $1,000
• Deadline: May 1, October 1

SHPE Foundation General Scholarships

Provided by SPHE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) Foundation, this scholarship ranges from $1,000 to $3000, depending on the needs of the student. The criteria are general, but students have to show interest in pursuing a degree in the STEM domain. Each applicant will also need to have an SHPE account and be accepted in a two- to a four-year accredited college. They will also need to have a GPA of at least 2.75 in order to be considered for the scholarship.

• Award Coverage: $1,000-$3000
• Deadline: May 1

Soledad O’Brien Scholarships

As a donation from the famous CNN news anchor to NAH (National Association of Hispanic Journalists), this scholarship is given every year to students of Latino/Latina descent that wish to pursue a career in journalism and TV broadcasting. Each applicant will have to show a clear interest in the journalism field, show financial need, prove academic achievement, and have activity within the Hispanic community. The scholarship can be renewed every year in order for the students to finish their graduate or undergraduate programs.

• Award Coverage: $5,000
• Deadline: April 14

The Actuarial Foundation – Scholarship Program

Every year, the Actuarial Foundation offers scholarships to the Mexican and Hispanic minorities that seek to pursue higher education at an accredited university. They will have to show an interest in the actuarial profession and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. They will have to show particularly high scores in fields such as math or actuarial classes, and they will also have to bring proof that they have a financial need for the classes. The scholarship can be used to apply for high-rated colleges.

• Award Coverage: $1,000-$9,000
• Deadline: January 31

The American Society of Safety Engineers Foundation (ASSEF) – Occupational Safety, Health and the Environment Scholarships

If you are interested in following higher education in the fields of health, occupational safety, and the environment, then you might find this scholarship useful. Each applicant will need to be a Spanish-English bilingual of Hispanic or Mexican heritage, and they must have a GPA of at least 3.0 (as an undergraduate) or 3.5 (as a graduate) in order to be considered. While ASSE membership is not necessarily required, it is still recommended.

• Award Coverage: $4,000
• Deadline: December 1

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)

If you are a Hispanic student from a low-income family but with high grades, then you might want to take a look at the HSF scholarship. Made as financial aid for Hispanic students to obtain a degree, the scholarship is based on merit with a variable awarded sum. Bear in mind that you need to have a GPA of at least 3.5 – and while it is not mandatory, you may also have to complete an application for financial aid (depending on your circumstances).

• Award Coverage: $500-$5000
• Deadline: February 15

William K. Schubert MD Minority Nursing Scholarship

Those that want to become registered pediatric nurses might find this scholarship quite convenient. In order to increase the registered nurse diversity at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, this scholarship is given to students of Mexican or Latino origin (as well as other people that are coming from an underrepresented group). You need to have at least a 2.75 GPA and be enrolled at a college nursing program.

• Award Coverage: $2,750
• Deadline: July 1

Wisconsin Hispanic Foundation Scholarship

In an attempt to energize the fast-growing community of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Hispanic Foundation is also giving away a scholarship for Mexicans or those of Hispanic origin that are looking to join an in-state higher education program. To be eligible, you will have to be a resident of Wisconsin, have at least 25% Mexican descent, and feature at least 20 hours of volunteer work during the summer Mexican Fiesta.

• Award Coverage: Variable
• Deadline: March 31

Read More

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Final Thoughts

Your heritage can easily finance your way through college if you know where to look for it. For some scholarships, you need to be 100% Mexican – whereas for others you may need to be part Mexican. You just need to choose the scholarship for Mexicans that is most suited to your requirements and make your way through college without creating any more debt.

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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