Top Scholarships for Minority Students Attending Low-Cost Online Universities

Decrease Your College Costs Even More Through Scholarships

We hope that our guide to the 10 of the best scholarships for minority students will prove useful. Here, we’ll discuss the reasons why these scholarships matter to minority students.

If you’re a college student in an affordable online college, you’re in the right place. Your tuition and fees are within reach than, say, in for-profit private colleges. Being in an online college also means more time and money savings. You have less out-of-pocket costs on transportation, books, and supplies, among others.

But you must still apply for financial aid, including scholarships. You won’t have to pay for tuition and fees, for example, meaning less financial stress. There’s less need to take out student loans for your room and board, among other indirect costs.

With less financial stress, you can focus on your studies. Your academic performance improves, and your chances for completion increase.

Do these sound good to you? Then, keep on reading for more useful information. 

Related Articles:

• Understanding the Application Process for Minority Scholarships in Online Education
• Top Financial Aid Programs for Minority Students at Accredited Online Colleges
• STEM Scholarships for Minority Students in Affordable Online Programs
• How Online Colleges Support Minority Students: A Breakdown of Essential Services
• How Minority Students Can Maximize Financial Aid for Online Learning
• Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships for Minority Students in Online Learning
• Best Scholarships for Minority Women in Online Degree Programs

Why Scholarships for Minority Students Matter

In 2022, the college enrollment rate for minority groups was lower than that for whites (41%) and Asians (61%).

• Two or more races (36%)
• Black (36%)
• Hispanic (33%)
• Pacific Islander (27%)
• American Indian/Alaska Native (26%)

Scholarships for minority students matter because these can increase access to education. Targeted financial aid means the opportunity to become a college student. With continuous financial support, minority students can earn their college degrees.

And that’s the start of a better quality of life for you and your family. According to the BLS, bachelor’s degree holders earn $1,493 in median weekly wages. A lower unemployment rate (2.2%) is also a benefit.

Scholarships for minority students also promote equitable outcomes. There are significant differences in the six-year graduation rates among white (64%) and minority students. For Black students, it’s 40% and 54% for Hispanic students. Targeted scholarships can aid in closing the gap through increased financial aid.

Beyond the money, earning a bachelor’s degree also has non-pecuniary benefits. Better health decisions, access to healthcare services, and quality of life are among them. Increased civic volunteerism and community engagement are often cited, too.

On a larger scale, more minority professionals have positive societal effects. The more educated individuals are in a society, the better for its economy. A better economy usually means a better society.

Indeed, the domino effect of top scholarships for online students extends far beyond the recipients.

Top Scholarships for Minority Students Attending Low-Cost Online Universities

We selected these low-cost online universities scholarships for these reasons:

• Offered by recognized nonprofit organizations committed to minority students’ education
• Recognized by accredited colleges and universities across the US

The Gates Scholarship

This is a last-dollar financial aid for minority students in STEM programs. Whatever isn’t covered by other financial aid, it covers so that students don’t pay anything.

Eligibility requirements include:

• High school senior planning to enroll in a four-year degree program
• Identify as a minority student (Black, Hispanic, American Indian/Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, or Asian)
• Pell Grant-eligible (i.e., low-income households)
• US citizen or permanent resident
• In good academic standing

Every year, 300 students are selected. Selection is on a competitive basis. But since it covers the full cost of attendance, it’s among the most sought-after affordable online degree scholarships.

The application period opens on July 15 and ends on September 15 every year.

Eunice Walker Johnson Endowed Scholarship

UNCF offers a wide range of scholarships for African American students. Among these is the need-based Eunice Walker Johnson Endowed Scholarship. Scholars receive up to $5,000 each for an academic year.

Note the short application period. For the 2024-2025 cycle, it was September 19, 2024 to October 28, 2024 (5 PM EST). The application period usually occurs around the same months, too.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Full-time undergraduate student at Selma University or a UNCF Member Institution
• Completed the FAFSA
• With verified unmet financial need

An essay and transcripts are required for application.

Cal & Annette Johnson HBCC Scholarship

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund offers an extensive range of African American scholarships, too. The Cal & Annette Johnson HBCC Scholarship offers 12 slots.

Each scholar receives up to $15,000 per academic year. The funds should cover tuition and fees. The remaining funds can cover room and board, books, and other expenses.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Enrolled at an HBCU, such as Denmark Technical College
• US citizen or legal permanent resident
• Demonstrate financial need
• With FAFSA on file at the time of selection

This is open to all majors and there’s no minimum GPA. The application deadline is on November 22, 2024 (11:59 PM EST).

Jack and Jill of America Foundation Scholarship

This is also intended for African American students pursuing their college dreams. The selective program provides renewable scholarships from freshman to senior years. Scholars receive $2,500 per academic year.

Eligibility requirements include:

• African American US citizen or US permanent resident
• Graduating high school senior and planning to enroll as a freshman student
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
• Completed 60 hours (minimum) of active community service
• FAFSA on file

The main application period opens on January 1 and closes on March 15 (11:59 PM Pacific Time) each year.

APIA – Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholars Scholarship Program

APIA scholarships award between $2,500 (one-year award) and $20,000 (multi-year award) to recipients. Priority goes to AANHPI students who:

• Live at or below the poverty line
• First-gen students in their families
• Represent geographic and ethnic diversity in the AANHPI community

Eligibility requirements include:

• Identify as an AANHPI student
• US citizen, national, or legal permanent resident
• Enrolled or continuing student in an undergraduate degree program
• FAFSA application on file

The usual deadline is in early January, typically on January 9 every year.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholarship

HSF offers generous scholarships for Hispanic students along with scholar support services. These include mentorship, career services, and leadership development.

Award amounts range from $500 to $5,000 depending on demonstrated need. Scholars, not their schools, receive the funds and use them for college costs.

Eligibility requirements include:

• With Hispanic heritage
• US citizen, permanent legal resident, or DACA
• At least 3.0 GPA for high school students or 2.5 GPA for college students
• Plan to enroll as a full-time student
• Submit FAFSA

The application period opens in early January every year.

Kia America Accelerate the Good Scholarship Program

This is part of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities scholarship programs. Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at HACU-member institutions are welcome to apply.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Enrolled full-time
• At least a 3.5 GPA in college
• Open to STEM and business administration students

The award amount is anywhere between $10,000 and $15,000 for the 2024-2025 academic year. Deadline is on November 1, 2024 (11:59 PM CT).

The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Scholarships

SHPE offers many scholarships for aspiring STEM professionals who identify as Hispanic. While specific eligibility requirements vary, the minimum requirements include:

• Active SHPE membership
• At least 2.5 cumulative GPA
• With plans to pursue a STEM degree at either a two-year or four-year accredited college

The application deadline is on November 15, 2024. Students selected for scholarships will receive notifications starting on December 18, 2024.

The SHPE scholarships and their amounts include the following:

• GE Scholarship $10,000
• Medtronic Foundation Scholarship $25,000
• Arup Scholarship $5,000
• Ansys Scholarship $6,000
• Chevron Scholarship $5,000
• Berkshire Hathaway Energy Foundation CARES Scholarship $5,000

American Indian College Fund Scholarships

AICF offers many generous scholarships for Native American students enrolled in non-degree and degree programs. Only one application is necessary to be considered for these scholarships. Scholars receive $2,000-$3,000 on average.

Eligibility requirements for scholarships for tribal college students include:

• Enrolled at a Tribal Colleges/Universities (TCU)
• Enrolled as a member of a state-recognized or federally recognized tribe, or a descendent of an enrolled member.

The application period opens on February 1 every year and closes on January 30 the following year.

American Indian Science and Engineering Society Scholarships

AISES offers scholarships for American Indian, Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native, First Nations, and Pacific Islander students. The application period starts on December 15 every year and closes on April 30 the following year.

Eligibility requirements, particularly year level, GPA, and area of study, vary. Available scholarships and their amounts per academic year include:

• AISES Accenture Scholarship $5,000
• AISES ARDC Scholarship $5,000
• AISES Intel Growing The Legacy Scholarship $5,000 (undergraduate) or $10,000 (graduate) (renewable)

How to Apply for Minority Scholarships

Getting approved for online degree financial aid is no walk in the park. You have thousands of students competing for the same opportunities, too. But if you want to earn your college degree, it’s a must. The best way to win is to prepare well and well in advance.

Here are effective scholarship application tips to get a head start.

Start researching targeted scholarships ASAP.

Start as early as your freshman year in high school, if possible. Understand the eligibility requirements, application documents, and deadlines. Use scholarship databases, such as Fastweb. Look into nonprofits concerned with minority students and their welfare. Consult with your high school guidance counselor.

Create a scholarship calendar.

Use traditional and digital calendars to keep track of scholarships and their deadlines. Make a checklist of application requirements. Update yourself by checking the scholarship programs’ websites.

Prepare your application documents.

When you’ve determined that you’re eligible, prepare the required application documents. Every targeted scholarship program has specific requirements by common ones including:

• Completed application form
• Transcripts
• Personal statement or essay
• Resume
• Letters of recommendation

Write a compelling personal statement or essay. If there are essay prompts, follow them. Otherwise, tell your story, be yourself, and highlight your achievements. Proofread it, too, and ask for feedback.

Submit your documents on time.

We cannot overemphasize the importance of meeting the application deadline. If possible, submit your application at least a week before the deadline. But make sure that it’s in proper order.

Additional Financial Aid Resources for Minority Students

Making affordable education for minority students doesn’t stop with targeted scholarships. Be sure to look into these financial aid resources, too.

• Institutional scholarships are available for qualified students. Check them out first. HBCUs, HSIs, MSIs, and Tribal Colleges usually have generous scholarships.
• Similar to scholarships, grants are “free money.” Check out the federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, and TEACH Grant.
• Fellowships are usually for graduate students to fund their studies and research. Look into the Ford Foundation Fellowship and GEM Fellowship.
• Tuition assistance programs ease the financial burden, too. Ask your employer about it. Look into nonprofits and government agencies, too.
• Military and veteran benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill are great options, too.
• State tuition waivers for minority students are available. Texas and California are examples.

Federal loans are viable options, too. Understand their terms and conditions first. Otherwise, you can end up with crippling student debt.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Scholarships

To err is human. But when it comes to scholarship applications, there are common mistakes to avoid.

• Ignoring the scholarship eligibility criteria
• Assuming that you’re not qualified
• Skipping the research part on the organization and program
• Submitting incomplete or incorrect application packets
• Missing the application deadlines
• Failing to follow instructions
• Submitting generic personal statements or essays – or worse, plagiarized ones
• Neglecting to proofread your application documents
• Failing to submit strong letters of recommendation
• Applying only to a few scholarships
• Forgetting to express your gratitude

Final Thoughts: Maximizing Your Scholarship Opportunities

There’s an abundance of education funding for minority students. But it won’t be handed on a silver platter to any minority student. You must then find, explore, and take advantage of these scholarships.

Be proactive and persistent. Persevere in the face of rejection and other challenges. Getting free money to finance your education is a reward in itself.