There are more scholarship opportunities for minority students than ever before. Nevertheless, as any future college knows, finding them can be tricky. A Google search can produce a significant number of non-applicable search results. Then there’s the risk of scams or simply bad fits.

By understanding where to look, you increase your odds of getting scholarship money. In this article, we take a look at how and where to find scholarship programs for minorities. We also examine other funding options, and ways to stand out on your applications. Read on to learn more about how you can get the most possible scholarship money.

Identify Yourself

A Google search for “minority scholarships” yields mixed, typically vague results. A search for African American scholarships, on the other hand, will connect you immediately with organizations like “The Jackie Robinson” foundation, or “The Gates Fund,”—both of which work to help African Americans to school.

Or, if you are Hispanic, you’ll find that a search for “Hispanic scholarships,” yields different but equally tailored, specific results. For example, the “ABA Diversity Scholarship” or the “Actuarial Scholarship”.

It can be difficult to put yourself in a box—particularly if you come from a mixed cultural heritage. However, in this very particular situation, it’s good to be as specific as possible.

Search Specifically

As you search, you should specify not just what diversity field you are fulfilling from the scholarship committee’s perspective, but also what other characteristics you have that might better refine your search.

Some scholarships can be very precise in what they are looking for. They don’t just want to award money to an African American, but rather a first-generation college student African American. They don’t just want Latino applicants, but first-generation immigrants.

These very specific categories may actually be better than the broader ones for the simple reason that they will have less competition.

Contact the University You are Applying to

Some universities may offer direct scholarship or financial aid opportunities for students that come from a diverse background. Contact the schools where you are applying to find out more. Not only will you learn about in-house programs, but they may also be able to connect you with small local scholarships or grants that might register on larger databases.

Use Resources

There are lots of resources out there that are designed especially for connecting students with scholarships that are most suitable to their qualifications. These tools make it easy to find an actionable list of scholarships that you might qualify for.

Current students are well-advised to check often and apply to as many scholarships as they can. Opportunities may be added throughout the year, making persistence a key element in getting as much scholarship money as is possible.

Explore Multiple Opportunities

Scholarships are not the only way to get more affordable schooling. As you look to lighten the financial burden of your furthered education, consider the following avenues.

Grants

Grants are similar to scholarships in that they do not need to be paid back—though there are minor caveats to this. For example, some grants may turn into a loan if you don’t fulfill one of its requirements, i.e working in a low-income area, or logging time at a non-profit.

Most of the time, however, they are an unconditional way to get an affordable education. They are also usually less competitive than scholarships. With scholarships, you need to maintain a high GPA, and also fulfill other requisites, like extracurriculars, community service, etc.

Grants are usually issued based on need. With these opportunities, your socioeconomic status, as well as your background will factor much more heavily than what you do in the classroom.

It’s worth noting that you can use a combination of scholarships and grants to pay for your education. Apply for everything and see what you can get.

Loans

Isn’t the point of looking for scholarships to avoid loans? It probably is. However, full rides are rare, and it’s important to understand your other funding options as well. Government loans are typically significantly more favorable than those of the private variety.

However, it’s also worth checking with your university to see what they have available. Some schools provide low-interest financing options that could potentially be better suited to your needs than a government loan.

Work-Study

Short of a grant or scholarship, work study programs are often the best way to pay for college. Most universities offer some form of tuition assistance for students who work on campus. While not all campus jobs typically qualify, those in resident life are the traditional vehicle for students looking for ways to pay for their education.

For example, residential assistants—RAs—often work in exchange for free room and board. This can save students tens of thousands of dollars throughout their education. RAs may also be given a stipened or small paycheck to cover other college expenses.

You can contact your school to learn more. Work-study programs are usually awarded based on academic merit, but some schools may actively seek diverse hires as well.

Work Hard

Keep in mind, scholarships are competitive. To make sure tha you get the most possible tuition assistance, work on developing a transcript that stands out. Maintaining a high GPA is a key component of getting most scholarships. However, it’s also not the only thing the scholarship committee will be looking for.

Participate in extra-curricular. Perform community service. Take on leadership roles. The entire point of scholarships is to make sure that people with high potential have the opportunities they need to further their education. To find success, you must cultivate a transcript that will show a review committee you are one of those people.