Financial Aid for Students of Color
SocialWorkGuide.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.
Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:
- Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
- Provide specific, corrective feedback.
- Identify critical information that writers may have missed.
Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for SocialWorkGuide.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.
For reasons other than academic ability, some students of color often face more challenges in going to college than others, and social work students are no exception. Finding ways to pay for college is a significant barrier. Financial aid, like scholarships and grants, plays a huge role in helping students pursue their educational goals.
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) invested more than $300 million in programs to increase school diversity. In 2024, magnet school programs and the Fostering Diverse Schools Demonstration Program awarded more than $67 million in grants to improve school socioeconomic diversity.
These efforts, combined with initiatives by schools and organizations, have increased scholarships for students of color despite the Supreme Court ending affirmative action in college admissions in August 2023.
Learn about financial aid opportunities for students of color in social work.
The FAFSA: A Critical First Step
When applying for student aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may be the most common starting place. This form helps prospective, current, and continuing college students apply for scholarships, grants, and loans.
In general, the amount of need-based aid a student receives is determined by the cost of attendance at their school minus the expected family contribution. The school you apply to then uses this number to calculate additional awards.
Although filling out the FAFSA is not mandatory, most colleges strongly encourage students to complete this form as part of the college admissions process.
Submissions are accepted on an annual basis.
Students may file the FAFSA in English or Spanish, and hearing-impaired persons who use TTY can call 1-800-730-8913 for additional assistance.
To qualify for financial aid, candidates must:
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Be enrolled in a valid degree or certificate program
- Be U.S. citizens or documented non-citizens
Before filling out the FAFSA, students should ensure that relevant federal tax returns, W-2s, and other financial records are handy. Applicants must also acquire a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID beforehand.
Types of Funding Available for Social Work Students
- Scholarships: Scholarships are among the best financial aid forms because they do not need to be paid back. These funds vary in specifics, from one-time lump sums to installments to renewable awards. Criteria vary but usually involve academic achievements, financial need, or future aspirations.
- Grants: Like scholarships, grants do not need to be repaid. Grants are often awarded to individuals who demonstrate financial need. Since the biggest college grants come from the federal government, students should fill out the FAFSA to access these opportunities.
- Work-Study: Federal work-study programs, also available through the FAFSA pipeline, enable undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to access funds based on financial need through part-time employment. Students might work for their school, a nonprofit organization, or a government agency.
- Federal Student Loans: Unlike scholarships and grants, federal student loans must be paid back with interest. The ED operates the Direct Loan and Federal Perkins Loan programs. Four different types of direct loans exist, including subsidized and unsubsidized amounts.
- Private Loans: Private loans work similarly to federal loans in that recipients must repay the borrowed amount with interest. These funds come from private lenders — primarily banks and credit unions. Private loans tend to be easier to access, and students may borrow as much as their (or their parents’) credit score allows.
Popular Online BSW Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Scholarships for Underrepresented Groups
Social work and other scholarships and grants for underrepresented students often come from national organizations. Students can apply for these awards after filling out the FAFSA. Below is a list of professional organizations that offer scholarships for students of color.
Scholarships for Black Students
- National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW): NABSW membership benefits include access to book and tuition scholarships for eligible students. The organization advocates for social change in African American communities in the U.S. and across the globe. Members can access extensive career advice and connect with peers at national conferences and local committee meetings.
- UNCF: The UNCF offers scholarships, networking and internship programs for eligible students. It is a strong organizational advocate for minority education and community engagement in the U.S. The UNCF provides scholarships and grants to African American students based on need and merit.
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF): From 2024-2025, TMCF is offering seven scholarships on its website. Founded in 1987, the TMCF represents the Black college community in the U.S., supporting its constituents through financial assistance and capacity-building initiatives. Students attending one of the TMCF’s member institutions can apply for need and merit-based awards. TMCF also occasionally offers scholarships to non-member students. Additional services include networking, recruitment, and professional development programs.
Scholarships for Hispanic Students
- Latino Social Work Coalition and Scholarship Fund: The organization offers scholarships to bilingual second or third-year master’s in social work (MSW) Latino/a students facing severe financial difficulties in New York City. In addition to scholarships, the organization provides resources and support to Latino/a students interested in becoming social workers.
- National Association of Puerto Rican and Hispanic Social Workers (NAPRHSW): The NAPRHSW will accept applications for scholarship awards for 2025. Founded in 1983, the NAPRHSW helps recruit Hispanic social workers and advocates for the professional and community interests of Latinos/as at all levels of government. Students who attend a member university may apply for the association’s social work scholarships for minorities. The NAPRHSW also sponsors conferences and networking opportunities.
- Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA): ALPFA helps Latino/a students find scholarships and grants. Established in 1972, the ALPFA is the largest organization in the U.S., supporting more than 100,000 professional and student members. The association provides leadership training programs, paid summer internships, and a career center that connects candidates with prospective employers.
Scholarships for Indigenous Students
- American Indian College Fund: The organization offers scholarship opportunities to American Indian and Alaska Native students. Founded in 1989, the American Indian College Fund works to recruit and retain American Indian and Alaska Native college students through financial and organizational support. In addition to providing scholarship programs, this organization offers guidance to help students prepare for college academics and life after graduation. Additional resources include internship and mentorship programs, career resources, and access to employment opportunities.
- Bureau of Indian Education (BIE): The BIE offers scholarship and internship resources for American Indian and Alaska Native post-secondary students. It also offers tuition waivers and fellowship programs, including student work opportunities in the national government.
- Indian Health Service (IHS): The IHS offers qualified American Indian and Alaska Native social work and health professional students financial support through scholarships, grants, and loan repayment programs. Students can also access career guidance, internship and ambassadorship opportunities, and job placement.
Scholarships for Asian and Pacific Islander Students
- Asian/Pacific Islander Social Work Council (APISWC): The APISWC California chapter offers bilingual Asian-language social worker students the Diana Ming Chan Bilingual Social Work Scholarship. Applicants do not have to be members, but winners must actively participate in the council. APISWC now welcomes members from all over the U.S. Students can use mentorship programs, career guidance, and opportunities to connect with prospective employers.
- National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP): The NAAAP offers specific scholarships through individual state-specific chapters. Established in 1983, NAAAP empowers Asian American communities in the U.S. through professional development and community engagement initiatives. Members also enjoy a career center that helps them search for employers and post resumes. Additionally, NAAAP provides specific resources for women and families.
- Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Foundation (APIA): The APIA offers scholarships to Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander students. Founded in 2003, the foundation promotes academic success and career preparedness through mentorship programs and networking events, such as an annual higher education summit. Students also benefit from leadership seminars and partnerships with the Gates Millennium Scholars Program.
Scholarships for Undocumented Students
- Immigrant Rising: The organization formerly known as Educators for Fair Consideration (E4FC) offers a list of scholarships that don’t require proof of U.S. citizenship. The San Francisco-based organization helps undocumented students achieve their professional and academic goals through legal assistance and community education.
- Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF): MALDEF operates initiatives that defend undocumented students and connect them with scholarships and leadership programs. Founded in 1968, MALDEF is a leading U.S. Latino civil rights organization.
- United We Dream (UWD): This organization offers scholarship resources for undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students. UWD provides students with leadership training, networking opportunities, and legal assistance.
Scholarship Application Tips
Prepare the Application
Before beginning the application process, double-check all due dates. Typically, it is better to submit your application early. Additionally, ensure you read all the requirements carefully and answer every question completely. This means researching the sponsoring individual, business, or organization to better tailor your application to fit the mission, beliefs, and criteria.
Most scholarship pages come with contact information — don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if anything is unclear. Also, seek help from school counselors and students who have already gone through this process.
Write the Essay
Most social work scholarships for minorities — especially those that offer larger or recurring awards — require a personal essay. Do not be afraid to share details about your experience, which can help your essay stand out. However, ensure that your essay answers the questions presented by the guidelines and does not go above the word limit.
Acquire Letters of Recommendations
Many scholarships and grants ask for recommendation letters from people who can attest to your character, skills, achievements, and experiences. Some sponsors require letters from specific individuals, such as teachers, coaches, and employers.
When requesting recommendations, give the person ample time and all the necessary materials, such as application details, a professional resume, information on how to submit the letter, and even your personal essay to complete the letter.
Don’t hesitate to politely remind them when a deadline is approaching.
Edit Your Work
Give yourself enough time to look over your application to make sure you follow all of the directions correctly. Proofread your essay and make sure it conveys your personality and experiences persuasively and in a way that addresses the questions.
Ask someone else to look over your application before submitting it. Ideally, this person should come from a school counselor, but family and peers can also offer helpful advice.
Look Out for Scams
All of the social work scholarships for minorities found in this guide come from reputable sources; however, when seeking out other award opportunities, try your best to verify that an award is legitimate.
For example, although some scholarships may require applicants to be members of the sponsoring organization, you should be cautious of those who ask for a specific fee or personal information.
Additionally, be discerning regarding what kind of information you disclose — especially your social security number.
Look at the scholarship page carefully, noting sponsor information (or lack thereof) or any guarantees that seem too good to be true. These tend to be major indicators of a potential scam.
Additional Scholarship Resources for Social Work Students
- National Association of Social Workers Foundation (NASWF): This foundation was created in 2001 as the charitable arm of NASW — one of the largest professional organizations in the field with over 120,000 members. Social workers can find project grants for practice-based research and student scholarships to help pay for schooling at all degree levels. NASWF also provides awards for continuing education and certification programs, enabling professionals to stay up-to-date on emerging tools and methods.
- Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW): AOSW is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting people with cancer and their families. The association also supports social workers through academic scholarships and professional awards, which are usually conferred at an annual conference. Students of all backgrounds may apply for financial assistance, although they must maintain membership with AOSW to qualify.
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE): CSWE was established in 1951 and is the premier accreditation body for social work degree programs in the U.S. In addition to networking events and career guidance, members can pursue financial assistance through academic scholarships and research project grants. Opportunities include the Hispanic Study Abroad Award and other social work scholarships.
- College Board: A nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting educational equity, College Board boasts over 6,000 institutional members, many of which rank among the best colleges and universities in the world. Students benefit from college search guidance, standardized testing preparation, and career assistance. They can also access fiscal assistance and a catalog of up-to-date scholarship and grant opportunities.
