10+ Scholarships for Puerto Rican Students
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Editor & Writer
Writer
Editor & Writer
If you want to save money on college, grants and scholarships are a great option, offering funds you never have to repay.
Puerto Rican scholarships come in many forms: Some cater to individual college majors or career paths, whereas others specifically serve students from Hispanic and Latino/a backgrounds.
Our guide to scholarships for Puerto Rican students provides a list of scholarships, tips on finding awards, and answers to common questions.
General Puerto Rican Scholarships and Grants
These general scholarships for Puerto Rican students serve residents of Puerto Rico or students of Puerto Rican descent living elsewhere in the United States.
Equitable Excellence Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,500-$20,000
Deadline: Not available until fall 2023
Eligibility: The Equitable Excellence Scholarship serves graduating high school students who plan to attend a two- or four-year college in the United States. You must submit a personal essay to apply.
House of Puerto Rico San Diego Scholarship Program
Award Amount: $2,500
Deadline: July
Eligibility: The HPRSD Scholarship serves Puerto Rican residents of San Diego County in California. To apply, you must submit a personal essay, one letter of recommendation, and proof of community service.
Macy's Emergency Scholarship Fund
Award Amount: $500
Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Macy's offers this scholarship for students experiencing emergency financial need due to factors such as job loss and natural disaster. To apply, you must be enrolled in college full time with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
National Puerto Rican Day Parade Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,000
Deadline: April
Eligibility: The NPRDP Scholarship targets high school or college students of Puerto Rican descent between the ages of 17 and 25. To apply, you must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate a history of community service.
Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce Scholarship
Award Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: The PRCC Scholarship serves graduating Puerto Rican high school students with a documented disability. To apply, you must be accepted to an accredited college and submit certification of a disability.
Unidos X Puerto Rico Scholarship
Award Amount: $10,000
Deadline: August
Eligibility: This scholarship is for residents of Puerto Rico in their first year of college, with priority given to descendants of the Mameyes Ward disaster. To apply, you must submit a 500-word application essay and two letters of recommendation.
Subject-Specific Scholarships in Puerto Rico
You can apply for these subject-specific Puerto Rican scholarships if you plan to pursue a certain major or career, such as STEM, business, or law.
3M Minority Students in STEM Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,500
Deadline: February
Eligibility: 3M offers this scholarship for Black, Latino/a, and Native American students enrolled in STEM programs. To apply, you must be a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.
Puerto Rican Bar Association Scholarship Fund
Award Amount: Varies
Deadline: September
Eligibility: The Puerto Rican Bar Association offers scholarships for Puerto Rican students attending law schools in New York State. To apply, you must submit a resume, proof of financial need, and two recommendation letters.
School-Specific Scholarships for Puerto Rican Students
This list compiles scholarships for Puerto Rican students enrolled at specific colleges and universities.
Albizu University Scholarships
Award Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: AU offers several scholarships for Puerto Rican students enrolled at its San Juan or Miami campuses. To apply for most scholarships, you must demonstrate financial need and maintain high grades while attending AU.
Fundación Ceiba Scholarship
Award Amount: Full tuition
Deadline: May
Eligibility: Fundación Ceiba offers scholarships for Puerto Rican students majoring in engineering or entrepreneurship at the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez. To apply, you must demonstrate financial need, social commitment, and academic excellence.
Posse Arts Puerto Rico Initiative
Award Amount: Full tuition
Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: The Posse Arts Program at Bard College offers full-tuition scholarships for Puerto Rican students who demonstrate artistic skills and leadership potential. To apply for the scholarship, you must be nominated by your high school or another community organization.
Scholarship Fund for UPR Students
Award Amount: Varies
Deadline: April
Eligibility: The University of Puerto Rico offers several scholarships to students enrolled at any UPR campus. Specific scholarship requirements vary, but you need a minimum 3.0 GPA to apply.
How to Find Scholarships in Puerto Rico: 3 Steps
Searching for scholarships can feel overwhelming, but you can simplify the process by breaking it down into three easy steps.
1. Check College Websites
Researching Puerto Rican scholarships on college websites can help you narrow down your choices, especially if you're already currently enrolled in high school.
Some colleges, like the University of Puerto Rico, maintain lists of school-specific scholarships. Other schools, like the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, offer specialized scholarships for specific majors.
2. Speak With Your Advisor or a Financial Aid Officer
High school and college advisors can help you identify and understand the requirements for scholarships. If you're still in high school, talk to your guidance counselors about applying to and paying for college.
If you're already in college, your financial aid office and academic advisor can point you toward opportunities.
3. Search Based on Your Interests and Community
Exploring your existing community is another way to find scholarships. If you participate in any groups or organizations, ask them if they offer scholarships or know of other organizations that do.
You can also check with federal and state grant agencies to learn more about Puerto Rican scholarships for specific interests or populations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Puerto Rican Scholarships
Do I qualify for scholarships in Puerto Rico?
Depending on your financial need and grades, you may qualify for many Puerto Rican scholarships. Each scholarship holds different requirements, but in general, most awards require you to maintain strong grades (often a 3.0 GPA at minimum) and demonstrate some level of financial need.
Check out individual scholarship listings for more specific information.
How can I earn a full-ride scholarship in Puerto Rico?
To earn a full-ride scholarship in Puerto Rico, you'll need to maintain excellent grades and demonstrate financial need. You'll also likely need to show significant community involvement and great skill in your chosen area of study.
Some full-ride scholarships for students in Puerto Rico include the Fundación Ceiba Scholarship and the Posse Arts Program.
Does the FAFSA cover schools in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, and Puerto Rican citizens can fill out the FAFSA to request federal student aid. Entering your financial information into the FAFSA can help you determine whether you qualify for grants, scholarships, and loans.
