“According to Fox News, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that about 2.1 million Hispanic and Latino college students were able to graduate with a bachelor’s degree or higher in 2001.

A little over a decade later, the number has increased by about 80 percent, boasting almost 3.8 million students in 2011.

As the – 2013 school year quickly approaches, you may be wondering if you will be a part of the statistics four years from now for Latino college graduates.

After all, there are many problems that could get in the way of you completing your college degree. One of the biggest issues you may come across is, of course, the rising cost of tuition.

Will you be able to afford your education this coming year? What about next year?

If the answer to these questions is I don’t know, you might want to begin looking into the various Hispanic scholarships available to help you with the cost of a college degree.

List of Hispanic Scholarships

These days, if you want to obtain high paying employment, support your family, and live a comfortable life, you need to attend college. While we are raised to understand this importance, many of those who wish to earn their education don’t have the money to do so.

If you are of Hispanic or Latino decent, you may have the opportunity to attend the university of your dreams, without having to pay as much for it.

Here are just a few of the many scholarships available specifically for Hispanics and Latinos:

Actuarial Scholarships for Minorities – The Actuarial Foundation provides the Actuarial Diversity Scholarship for minority students who wish to pursue a degree that will lead to a actuarial career. High school students applying to college can obtain $1,000, college freshman and sophomores can receive $2,000, and college juniors can receive as much as $3,000 for their following year of education. Visit their website

Earl G. Graves NAACP Scholarship – The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People provides junior and senior business majors a scholarship award of $5,000. In order to obtain this scholarship, students must be enrolled in an accredited school, be in the top 20 percent of their class, and be a full time student. Visit website

First in My Family Scholarship Program – If you are a Hispanic or Latino American and are the first in your family to attend college, you may be eligible for the First in My Family Scholarship Program from the Sallie Mae Fund. Winners of this scholarship can receive awards from $500 to $5,000. Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.0, be U.S. citizens, or be permanent residents of the United States enrolled in college. Check out scholarship page

Hispanic Scholarship Fund Program – The Hispanic Scholarship Fund Program provides financial assistance to Hispanic and Latino students who wish to obtain their education. A general scholarship is offered to undergraduate and graduate college students, students who transfer to community colleges, graduating high school students. The Gates Millennium Scholarship, established by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is also available through this program for high school seniors. Amounts per scholarship vary, ranging from $1,000 to $15,000. Higher awards are given to students enrolled in four year institutions. Apply for a HSF scholarship

Simple Tips to Know Before You Apply

When applying for Hispanic scholarships, it is essential to keep the following tips in mind.

Review the eligibility requirements for each scholarship before you apply. Some have specific requirement, such as full time student status or financial need. Many scholarships are limited to specific students, such graduating high school students, undergraduate students, graduate student, or students obtaining their doctorate.

Essays are an important part of scholarship selection. Have someone else, like a family member or teacher read your essay before you send in your scholarship application. As they review the essay, have them check for spelling errors, grammatical errors, and see if your essay answers the question on the application.

Keep a close eye on deadlines. Most scholarships must be turned in on specific dates, and each one will vary. If you miss a deadline, you will have to wait until next year to apply again.

Begin and finish your application as quickly as possible.

If you are a Hispanic or Latino American interested in attending college, don’t let financial need keep you from living the dream.

Plenty of Hispanic scholarships are available. Begin the application process today.”

Looking for financial aid to fulfill college expenses is becoming a norm for the majority of students. You don’t just have to pay your college fee, you also have to look for ways to fulfill the needs that go hand in hand with the college education. You have to admit it that it is a challenge to manage college debt. Here are the main seven hacks you need to know to complete your college degree without any student loans:

1. Apply for a scholarship:

If you have the potential they why don’t you try for a scholarship? Every institute has some policies related to the scholarship facility. Prepare yourself for the examination, perform up to the mark and free yourself from getting any type of financial aid from anyone else.

2. Consider a community college:

Although studying in a well renowned institute has a lot of importance. However, if you have a college within your community consider that. No matter how big the name of your institute is, you have to work hard to get your place in the society. So don’t think about the name, focus on the quality of education and your own hard work.

3. Cut down your expenses:

It is better to spend wisely instead of paying back the students loans. In college years, everyone knows there are a lot of different attractions but you have to focus on your goals. That does not mean you will cut down the expense of your basic necessities but still, you can exclude the things you don’t need.

4. Make affordable choices:

Look for the things you can afford instead of the things you want to have in your life. There is a proper time for everything so it is best to wait for it. Instead of living at luxurious places, you can select something affordable.

5. Grab money making opportunities:

There are a lot of students who are working part time at some places, all this is because they want to avoid any kind of college debt. You can do the same. Find something you like to do and make money out of it.

6. Look for aid:

Every institute has policies for the students who are unable to pay the expenses of their education. You need to spend some time in the student aid office of your information. Look for any options present. You can also get the help of your employer or any person in authority.

7. Complete your studies as soon as possible:

If you want to avoid getting any student loans, it is best to complete your education within the defined time. It is the best way to avoid spending extra money on your education. Calculate the total expenses and then plan for it.

Follow these 7 hacks and save yourself from student loans.

4 Scholarships for Hispanics and Latinos