The United States Department of Education remains the leading source of college financial aid, but a myriad of alternative college funding sources should be explored by minority students pursuing post-secondary education.
 

Minority grants fall into two distinct categories:

• Ethnic minority grants offer assistance based on cultural heritage. African Americans, Hispanics, and other students descended from immigrant groups qualify for ethnic grants. Native Americans are targeted by grant funding organizations that support the causes of indigenous North Americans. Asian Americans are represented by grant sources that support educational advancement among descendants of this immigrant block.

• Non-ethnic minority grants offer need-based aid to individuals who, by virtue of physical barriers, may be disadvantaged in their pursuit of higher education. Grants for students with disabilities embrace educational advancement among individuals facing physical or cognitive challenges. Women’s grants make it possible for female students of all backgrounds to pursue educational programs and careers that have historically been dominated by men.