As the number of Hispanics in the United States increases the number of Hispanic students attending college grows along with it. For many families who have recently immigrated or are just starting out, the high costs of education can make it prohibitive and beyond the reach of many with modest incomes. Luckily, there are a number of grant programs available to help out students of Hispanic origin that can make college an attainable option and help improve career options.

The majority of grants that are out there for Hispanic students who want to attend college are geared towards helping out those who come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds and who have no other means of paying for school. This doesn’t mean that grades and academic achievement aren’t important, as many private grants offered focus on helping students who stand out and have promise in their chosen field. Students should expect to have to provide information about both their financial and academic background when applying.

One of the larger sources of college funding for students comes from the Hispanic College Fund which partners with a number of other companies and organizations to provide numerous awards and grants to students who have a financial need. One particular program works will Sallie Mae to help out students who come from families with no history of college education to become the first in their families to graduate with a college degree.

Those pursuing a certain field may have an easier find finding grants directed towards them. Nursing is one major in which students can find numerous grant programs to help pay their way through school, as nurses are in high demand and both state and private organizations aim to create more of them. Majors that want to attract more minority students like engineering and computer science are also prime sources from grant funding for students who are interested in pursuing those fields.

Hispanic College Grants

• Jose Marti Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund: $2,000 is given each year to 63 Hispanic-American students.
• American Sociological Association Minority Fellowship Program: $16,500 plus tuition to Hispanic and other minority students studying sociology and mental health.
• Sallie Mae Fund: $1,000 to $5,000 to Hispanic students in undergraduate programs in business, computer science, engineering or another business-related majors.
• Hispanic Heritage Awards Foundation: Grant amount varies and winners will also receive a laptop. Applicants must be of Hispanic descent and be leaders in the community.
• La Unidad Latina Foundation, Inc.: $250 to $1,000 to Hispanic undergraduate or graduate students.