College is costly. For many young people, the idea of college may seem impossible because of the expense. Many others struggle with the need to relocate and move away from home and the community. If you or your child are worried about how to afford college, access to minority scholarships may make the transition easier.

Defining a Minority Scholarship

Minority scholarships are only offered to members of a particular minority group. On the face of it, this may appear to refer only to ethnicity or race. However, there are also minority scholarships that are offered to members of another minority group.

These scholarships can be directed toward LGBTQ students or those with a particular disability. Don't discount your access to any scholarship until you fully check it out. Minority means more than race.

Need Vs. Merit

If your family finances are very small, you may also qualify for a need-based scholarship. Low dollars plus a high GPA could greatly improve your chances of earning needs-based funds in addition to a minority scholarship. The key is to apply for everything you may be qualified for so you don't leave any money on the table.

Your Field of Study

Additionally, there are race-based scholarships that are tied to

• the sciences
• nursing
• film-making
• architecture

If you know what you plan to major in, you may find that there are more funds available in your field than offered to students who haven't chosen a major. To that end, do be aware that some of these scholarships require you to attend a particular school; depending on the cost of living in the area, the scholarship may not be as helpful as you hoped.

Getting the Funds

Native American Students

Depending on the minority you belong to, you may need to prove your heritage. In learning how to qualify for Native American Scholarships, knowing your tribal heritage and lineage, as well as your percentage of Native connection, will make the application process easier.

If you haven't yet chosen a school and are just beginning the Native American Scholarship search, consider attending a Native American College or University for the first two years at least. Even if you eventually choose to attend a 4 year school in the future, time at a Native American higher school, especially one that is close to home, may make the transition easier and lower your risk of becoming overwhelmed.

African American Students

For students of African American descent, the scholarship search may be more streamlined once they're accepted to a Historically Black College or University. Scholarships directly from these organizations may be easier to apply for once you're approved; in fact, your approval process for scholarships may be tied to the application for acceptance to the University.

Scholarships can be found in remarkable and unusual spots. For example, if you choose to attend an HBCU and want to study film-making, Denny's offers a scholarship. Yes, the cost of college can be daunting. However, every application gets you closer and small amounts will add up quickly.

Asian American Students

There are many celebrities and widely known personalities that offer scholarships in specific fields. For an Asian American student interested in fashion and graphic design, the LiveLikeLyly Memorial Scholarship is in honor of Lyly Koenig Mendez. Though she died in 2015, her legacy includes offering education opportunities to Asian American and Pacific Island students.

If you know your field of study and have been a stand-out student in your community, don't be afraid to look at local colleges. Yes, you may be tempted to get on the road and find new opportunities. However, many state universities offer terrific opportunities for minorities with ties to the community. Your chosen college may also be able to help you target your scholarship application during your sophomore and junior years of high school so you're not scrambling to cover the cost of your freshman year.

Hispanic and Latino Students

If the science behind climate change is a possible field of study, the American Meteorological Society is offering to fund your schooling. An AMS Minority Scholarship offers up to $6,000 in funds for the first two years as a meteorological sciences student. This scholarship is specifically directed toward African American, Native American and Hispanic, and Latino students.

Do make sure you review the requirements to get the full funding. For example, the AMS scholarship listed above offers $6,000 total; you will receive $3,000 during your freshman year and, upon successful completion, you'll get the next $3,000 for your sophomore year. The application process is not terribly challenging. However, you will need to follow up with the donation contact after the first year to get that next $3,000.

Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Students

If you are a first-generation college attendee, make sure that you submit an application for the Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholars (APIA) Scholarship Program. These scholarships are often specifically need-based. If your family struggles with poverty or has not been able to reach a higher degree than high school, you can qualify for up to $20,000 in funding, split over the 4 years you will take to get your degree.

It is imperative that you also sign up for support on campus. If you were not raised with an understanding that you could or would go to college, the options to overspend or make poor choices can be overwhelming. It's also easy to lose track of funding connections; if you receive a multi-year scholarship, the giver will need to be notified of your progress so they can release the next funds. First-generation college students face specific challenges and deal with problems that are much more than financial. Reaching out to available counseling on campus and to supportive mentors that can help you make the best decisions is critical to your success.

Your funds may be limited but your future doesn't have to be. Check out the scholarship options from local universities. Make sure you also look at historical colleges and universities as applicable. Consider specifying your field of study to improve your funding options even further.