Guide to Scholarships and Grants for Asian American Students

Updated: July 1, 2024

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According to the Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA), it's a myth that Asian Americans are more academically and financially successful than other student populations. About 10% of Asian Americans live in poverty, but rates vary widely by origin. For example, Burmese (19%) and Hmong Americans (17%) had the highest poverty rates in 2022. Financial obstacles often hinder students in these communities from attending or finishing college. The AAPA reports that nearly half of Laotian and Hmong adults attended college but didn't complete their degrees.

Fortunately, many nonprofits, corporations and government entities offer millions of scholarships to Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) students. Exploring and applying for these scholarships can help students unlock the opportunities to fund their college education.

Scholarships for Asian and Pacific Islander American Students

Numerous scholarships specifically cater to APIA students, offering financial support to help them achieve their academic goals. These scholarships come from various organizations with unique eligibility requirements and award amounts. They also address the needs of undocumented and first-generation APIA students. Explore these opportunities to find the financial aid you need to pay for your higher education dreams.

Scholarship Name
Award Amount
Eligibility Criteria

AANAPISI Scholarship

Up to $5,000

  • Asian American and/or Pacific Islander
  • Enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program at an APIA Scholars AANAPISI Partner Institution
  • Completed FAFSA

ABA Diversity Scholarship

$5,000

  • Belong to Asian American, Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino and/or Native American communities
  • Enrolled in a major related to the tourism industry

AICPA Scholarship Award for Minority Accounting Students

$3,000–10,000

  • Minority students pursuing CPA licensure
  • Full-time student
  • AICPA Student Affiliate member
  • Completed 30 semester hours, including six in accounting

APIA Scholarship Program

Varies

  • Full-time undergraduate students
  • Citizens of the U.S., Marshall Islands, Micronesia or Palau
  • Attending an AANAPISI college
  • Several scholarships are available; check the APIA Scholars website for details

Central California Asian Pacific Women Scholarship

Varies

  • Asian and Pacific Islander women
  • Residents of California's Central Valley
  • Priorities: first-generation students, academic achievement, leadership and contribution to the APIA community

Grants for Asian and Pacific Islander American Students

These grants offer support to Asian American students in different fields. Check the respective scholarship websites for detailed application requirements and deadlines.

Scholarship Name
Grant Amount
Eligibility Criteria

Jerome Hill Artist Fellowship

$60,000 over three years ($20,000 annually)

Early-career Asian artists in Minnesota and New York working in the performing arts, visual arts, literature, technology-centered arts and interdisciplinary artistic fields.

Sam Chu Lin and Lloyd Lacuesta Broadcast Internship Grants

Up to $1,000

Full-time college students or recent graduates majoring in journalism, open to journalists working in local TV news. Check the website for specific grant details.

The Korean Ancestry Grant

Maximum grant of $10,000

Applicants must be of Asian ancestry, with at least one Asian grandparent (preference for Korean ancestry). They must also have a minimum GPA of 3.50 for undergraduate study only.

Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI)

Contrary to the stereotype, not all Asian American students attend elite institutions. Recognizing that reality, the U.S. Department of Education created the Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) program. These schools are public universities and community colleges where at least 10% of the students are Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders, and at least half receive federal financial assistance.

The federal government has designated over 30 AANAPISI institutions, and the list keeps growing. Most are in California and U.S. territories such as American Samoa and Guam. A couple are scattered on the East Coast (University of Massachusetts Boston and Queens College CUNY), and some are cropping up in the Midwest (University of Illinois at Chicago) and Texas (Richland College).

AANAPISI schools receive millions to help Asian American students earn degrees and find jobs. Benefits for Asian American students attending AANAPISIs include scholarship eligibility and academic help. San Jose State, for instance, uses its AANAPISI grant to improve students' writing skills and graduation rates. The University of Illinois at Chicago has devoted the money to operating an Asian American studies program, mentoring Asian American students and teaching writing skills.

We compiled a list of AANAPISI schools below:

List of AANAPISI Schools

  • American Samoa Community College (AS)
  • American River College (CA)
  • California State University, East Bay (CA)
  • California State University, Sacramento (CA)
  • City College of San Francisco (CA)
  • De Anza College (CA)
  • Evergreen Valley College (CA)
  • Foothill College (CA)
  • Irvine Valley College (CA)
  • Laney College (CA)
  • Mission College (CA)
  • Mt. San Antonio College (CA)
  • Orange Coast College (CA)
  • San Francisco State University (CA)
  • San Jose State University (CA)
  • University of California Irvine (CA)
  • Guam Community College (GU)
  • University of Guam (GU)
  • University of Hawai'i at Hilo (HI)
  • University of Hawai'i at Manoa (HI)
  • University of Illinois at Chicago (IL)
  • Bunker Hill Community College (MA)
  • Middlesex Community College (MA)
  • University of Massachusetts–Boston (MA)
  • Century College (MN)
  • University of Minnesota–Twin Cities (MN)
  • Northern Marianas College (MP)
  • University of Nevada–Las Vegas (NV)
  • CUNY Hunter College (NY)
  • CUNY Queens College (NY)
  • Richland College (TX)
  • Highline Community College (WA)
  • South Seattle College (WA)

How to Manage College Expenses and Save More

According to Associated Press-NORC at the University of Chicago, 66% of APIA adults report increased household expenses in the last year, and 44% report decreased savings. Developing effective financial strategies can be helpful for students.

Here are some practical steps for students to manage their expenses wisely and confidently focus on their academic and personal growth.

1
Create a Budget

The first step in managing student expenses is to create a budget. This involves tracking all sources of income — such as scholarships, grants and part-time job earnings — as well as all expenses, including tuition, books and living costs. Budgeting apps or spreadsheets can be enormously helpful in monitoring spending habits and making necessary adjustments. Allocating funds for essential expenses like rent, utilities and groceries should be prioritized to ensure that the most critical needs are met first.

2
Use Campus Resources

Many campuses offer resources that can help students save money. These include free library access, study materials and recreational facilities. Additionally, students should explore campus food pantries or meal programs, which can provide additional support and reduce grocery expenses.

3
Earn While You Learn

Working part-time while studying can provide a valuable source of income. On-campus jobs, work-study programs or nearby part-time positions can fit into a student's schedule. Freelance or gig economy jobs can also offer the flexibility to balance work and study commitments.

4
Reduce Living Costs

Sharing housing with roommates can significantly reduce rent and utility expenses. Cooking meals at home instead of eating out can also result in substantial savings. These cost-cutting measures can help stretch a student's budget further.

5
Take Advantage of Student Discounts

Students can use their student IDs to access discounts on various goods and services, including software, transportation and entertainment. Purchasing used textbooks or renting them instead of buying new ones can also lead to considerable savings.

6
Plan for Emergencies

Building an emergency fund by setting aside a small amount each month can provide financial security and reduce stress in unforeseen situations, such as medical emergencies or sudden changes in living arrangements.

7
Seek Financial Guidance

Many universities offer free financial counseling services to help students manage their money more effectively. Attending financial literacy workshops and seminars can also provide valuable knowledge and skills for better money management, assisting students in making informed financial decisions.

Additional Resources

We've gathered a list of resources to offer valuable support to APIA students and their families. These resources can help navigate various challenges and achieve educational and financial goals, providing assistance and guidance tailored to their unique needs.

  • APIA Scholars: APIA Scholars offers a range of scholarships to Asian and Pacific Islander students to help them achieve their academic and career goals. The organization also provides resources and tools to help students navigate the financial aid process.
  • Asian American and Pacific Islander Health Forum (APIAHF): APIAHF works to improve the health and well-being of APIA communities through policy advocacy, community outreach and research. It offers resources on health disparities and access to care.
  • Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA): AAJA provides scholarships, internships and training programs for APIA students pursuing careers in journalism and media. It also offers networking opportunities and resources to support professional development.
  • Asian Pacific Fund: This organization provides scholarships and educational resources for Asian and Pacific Islander students. They aim to support the APIA community through financial aid, mentorship and community programs.
  • Korean American Scholarship Foundation (KASF): KASF offers scholarships to Korean American students across the United States. The foundation supports students based on their academic achievement, financial need and community service.
  • National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) Law Foundation: NAPABA provides scholarships and internships for APIA students pursuing a career in law and offers resources to support students' legal education and career advancement.
  • National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA): NCAPA is a coalition of national APIA organizations that advocates for the rights and well-being of APIA communities. It provides policy resources, advocacy tools and community support.
  • Southeast Asian Resource Action Center (SEARAC): SEARAC advocates for the education and empowerment of Southeast Asian communities in the United States. It offers resources, policy advocacy and community support programs.

About Nathan Paulus

Nathan Paulus headshot

Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.

Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.

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