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Most students know they can get scholarships and grants to minimize student loans and keep debt down. However, relatively few are aware that you can get money for a master’s degree, too. In fact, there are plenty of scholarships and grants for graduate school minorities.
Whether you’re studying arts or engineering, there’s likely someone willing to fund your education. After all, you’re paving the way for others like you to follow in your footsteps and earn degrees. That’s certainly worth supporting, don’t you think?
Here are just a few awards that you may be eligible for. Pay special attention to application requirements and deadlines to narrow your search and make the most of your time, money and efforts.
1. Association on American Indian Affairs Scholarships
Are you a citizen or member of a Tribal Nation with a minimum 2.5 GPA? You might be eligible for funding through the Association on American Indian Affairs Scholarships. The AAIA has provided scholarships to Native Americans since 1947, making it an incredibly popular choice for students seeking additional college funding. While it’s already closed applications for the 2021-2022 school year, applications will re-open on February 1, 2022, so eligible students can apply for the next school year.
2. Out to Innovate Scholarships for LGBTQ+ Students in STEM
There are myriad scholarships and grants for graduate school minorities available to LGBTQ+ students, but this one is geared specifically toward those studying science, technology, engineering or mathematics. The Out to Innovate Scholarship awards $5,000 to two students each year, whether they’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or simply an ally. You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, at least two years of higher education, enrolled in a STEM program and promoted LGBTQ inclusion and visibility to apply.
3. Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation Grant
Women might make up the majority of college students now, but they still face more obstacles than men regarding academic endeavors. That’s why awards like the Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation Grant still exist — to give women a fair shot at earning a higher education. This particular grant is for those with disabilities, to whom the foundation awards scholarships between $500 and $2,000 each year. To qualify for the grant, you must be willing to network with ELA board members and fellow scholarship recipients.
4. Against the Grain Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship
If you’re Asian-American and attending school as a college senior or graduate student, you may be eligible for this scholarship. The Against the Grain Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship awards $1,500 scholarships to a handful of students each year to be applied to tuition and fees. To apply, you must be of at least 25% Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity, have a minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA and meet various other requirements. Candidates must also submit video presentations, an essay, letters of recommendation and evidence of community service experience.
5. American Library Association Spectrum Scholarship
Some grants are open to a wide variety of minority graduate students. The American Library Association Spectrum Scholarship is one of them. whether you’re American Indian, African American, Hispanic, Middle Eastern or Native Hawaiian, you may be eligible for this award. The catch? You must attend an ALA-accredited graduate program in library and information studies or school library media. You must also enroll maintain a minimum course load of two classes per semester while receiving funding. Complete an online application before the deadline on March 1.
6. AFP Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship
Are you planning to study psychology in graduate school? Do you belong to an underrepresented group or minority community? The AFP Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship could help you earn your master’s degree. This $4,000 award is offered annually based on financial need and commitment to improving racial disparities. Preference is given to those preparing for a career in academia, public policy or the clinical service industry. Submit a personal statement, CV, transcript, letter of recommendation and financial need verification documents before January 31 to apply.
7. Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholarship
Perhaps you’re Hispanic or Latinx. If so, you have access to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholarship. The fund awards this grant to 10,000 outstanding students every year, with amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000 based on relative need. You must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, submit financial aid forms and plan to enroll full-time in graduate school in the U.S. to be eligible. Applications open January 1, 2022 and the deadline to apply is February 15, so you better start drafting an essay now.
How to Find More Funding
Earn your master’s degree without going into debt by applying to as many scholarships and grants for graduate school minorities as you can. Filter your search by degree, ethnicity, and GPA to find ones that you’re likely eligible for. If you’re already enrolled in a program, visit your school’s financial aid department to find scholarships for your specific major.
The internet is another great resource. Search online databases and use keywords specific to your ethnicity, academic pursuits and financial needs to find ones that you may qualify for. Odds are there are at least a few willing to grant you some funding — or at least point you in the right direction.
