Scholarships For Hispanic And Latino Students 2026!

HACU Scholarships 2026: Complete Guide to Eligibility, Deadlines, and How to Apply

For Hispanic and Latino students pursuing higher education, scholarships can make a major difference in reducing tuition costs and avoiding student debt. One of the most respected scholarship resources available is the HACU Scholarship Program, offered through the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU).

HACU scholarships provide financial support to undergraduate, graduate, and in some cases high school students attending HACU-member institutions across the United States and Puerto Rico. These scholarships are funded by corporate, nonprofit, and federal partners and help students pay for tuition, books, fees, housing, and other educational expenses. 

In this guide, IOScholarships explains everything students need to know about HACU scholarships, including eligibility requirements, scholarship amounts, application deadlines, and tips to improve your chances of winning.

What Is HACU?

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing Hispanic success in higher education. Founded in 1986, HACU represents hundreds of colleges and universities that serve Latino students. 

HACU is especially known for supporting Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), which are colleges and universities where at least 25% of full-time undergraduate students identify as Hispanic or Latino. 

Beyond advocacy and leadership programs, HACU offers scholarship opportunities that connect students with corporate sponsors, federal agencies, and nonprofit partners.

What Are HACU Scholarships?

The HACU Scholarship Program offers multiple scholarships throughout the academic year. Rather than submitting separate applications for every award, students create one scholarship profile and are automatically matched with scholarships they qualify for. 

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the sponsor and program. Some awards are worth $2,000, while others can provide $5,000 or more in educational funding. 

HACU scholarships may cover:

• Tuition and fees 
• Books and supplies 
• Housing expenses 
• Transportation costs 
• Academic program expenses 

New scholarship opportunities are added throughout the year, so students are encouraged to check the portal regularly. 

HACU Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements depend on the specific scholarship sponsor, but there are several general requirements most applicants must meet.

General HACU Scholarship Requirements

To qualify for most HACU scholarships, students typically must:

• Attend or plan to attend a HACU-member institution 
• Be enrolled full-time or part-time depending on the scholarship 
• Complete at least one semester of college (for current college students) 
• Meet the minimum GPA requirement, often 2.5 or higher 
• Demonstrate financial need if required 
• Submit all application materials before the deadline 

Importantly, HACU encourages students to apply regardless of immigration status. International students, undocumented students, DACA recipients, and TPS holders may qualify for certain scholarships. 

Types of HACU Scholarships Available

HACU partners with major organizations to provide scholarships for students across many academic fields and backgrounds.

Some recent scholarship opportunities include:

1. El Café del Futuro Scholarship 

Amount:  $5,000
Term or Year: Fall 2026 (2026-2027 academic year)
Awards Available:  25
Renewable:  No
Deadline Extended: May 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST
Organization: Café Bustelo

The scholarships are available to undergraduate and graduate students of all majors who are enrolled full-time at a four-year HACU member institution.

The El Café del Futuro Scholarships are available to students who meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
• Must have applied for and received financial aid for the 2026-27 academic year.
• Must be considered a first-generation college student. (Student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) did not complete a four-year bachelor’s degree from a university in the United States.)

Students must also write an essay responding to the following topic:

• Describe how you celebrate Latin culture with your family, friends or community. How have these cultural experiences influenced your desire and motivation to obtain a college degree? Additionally, how do you plan to use your education to further support and uplift your community or profession?

Apply here

2. Coca-Cola Foundation Scholarship 

Amount:  $5,000
Term or Year: Fall 2026 (2026-2027 academic year)
Awards Available:  17
Renewable:  No
Deadline: May 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST
Organization: Coca-Cola Foundation

Students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Must be a graduating high school senior in 2025-2026 academic year and have a minimum high school grade point average of 3.0.
• Or a college student who has completed at least one year of college studies and plans to continue for the 2026-2027 academic term. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Must be attending or plan to attend a HACU-Member Institution.
• Must be a first-generation college student.

Apply Here

3. Corteva AgriScience Scholarship 

Amount: $3,575
Term or Year: Fall 2026 (2026-2027 academic year)
Awards Available:  4
Renewable:  No
Deadline: May 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST
Organization: Corteva AgriScience

Students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Must be currently enrolled for spring  2026 semester/quarter and intend to enroll in the Fall 2026 semester/quarter at a 4-year HACU-member institution in the U.S. or Puerto Rico.
• Must be enrolled full-time.
• Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
• Have not received a HACU Conference Sponsorship.
• Open to students majoring in Agriculture or Agrobusiness.

Students must also write an essay responding to the following topic:

• Describe how your personal experience, education, and future aspirations contribute to innovation, sustainability, or food security in agriculture.
• Four scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to attend the ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute at HACU’s 40th Annual Conference in Chula Vista, California.

Apply here

4. Denny’s Hungry for Education Scholarship

Amount:  $2,000
Term or Year: Fall 2026 (2026-2027 academic year)
Awards Available:  5
Renewable:  No
Deadline: May 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST
Organization:  Denny’s

The Denny’s Hungry for Education Scholarship is available to students in all majors who meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Undergraduate or graduate student.
• Must be currently enrolled for spring 2026 semester at a 2-year or 4-year HACU-Member Institution in the U.S. or Puerto Rico.
• Intend to enroll in the fall 2026 semester at a 2-year or 4-year HACU-member institution in the U.S. or Puerto Rico.
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
• U.S. Citizens or permanent residents.
• Applicant must submit a 500-word essay about how Denny’s can help bring communities together. If notified of selection, scholarship recipients are required to submit a head shot electronically to HACU for Denny’s press purposes.

Apply here

5. United Health Foundation 

Amount:  $10,000
Term or Year: Fall 2026 (2026-2027 academic year)
Awards Available:  65
Renewable:  Yes
Deadline: May 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST
Organization:  United Health Foundation

Applicants for the scholarship must meet the following criteria:

• Undergraduate college student enrolled full-time or part-time. · Must be enrolled or plan to enroll at a HACU-Members HIS.  
• Must be classified as sophomores entering their junior year during the fall 2026 semester.
• Must have two years of study remaining before anticipated degree completion date.
• Must have and maintain cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
• Must demonstrate financial need upon application.
• Scholarship recipients must attend the ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute at HACU’s 40th Annual Conference, Oct. 31 – Nov. 2, 2026, in Chula Vista, California.

Apply Here

How to Apply for HACU Scholarships

Applying for HACU scholarships is straightforward. Students complete a general application profile and receive scholarship matches based on eligibility.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit the HACU Scholarship Portal 
2. Create an online student account 
3. Complete the general application 
4. Upload required documents 
5. Review scholarship matches 
6. Submit additional essays or materials if required 
7. Track deadlines and notifications through the dashboard 

Students should prepare the following documents before applying:

• Academic transcripts 
• FAFSA or financial aid information 
• Resume or extracurricular activities 
• Personal statement or essay 
• Letters of recommendation (if requested) 

HACU Scholarship Deadlines

Deadlines vary depending on the scholarship sponsor. HACU generally opens applications during spring and fall scholarship cycles. Some scholarships close earlier than others, so students should monitor the portal frequently. 

For the current cycle, several scholarship deadlines extend through May 15th 2026, while others close earlier in March or April. 

Students should avoid waiting until the last minute because some scholarships require essays, webinars, or supplemental applications.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a HACU Scholarship

Competition for scholarships can be strong, but students can improve their chances with a strategic application.

• Maintain a Strong GPA
  • Many HACU scholarships require at least a 2.5 GPA, while competitive awards may expect a 3.0 GPA or higher.

• Demonstrate Leadership
  • HACU values students involved in leadership, volunteer work, student organizations, and community service.

• Write a Powerful Personal Essay
  • Your essay should clearly explain your goals, challenges, leadership experiences, and how the scholarship will help your education and career.

• Apply Early
  • Applying early gives students more time to complete supplemental materials and avoid technical issues before deadlines.

• Check for New Scholarships Frequently
  • New opportunities are added throughout the academic year, so students should log into the HACU portal regularly. 

Why HACU Scholarships Matter

Hispanic and Latino students remain one of the fastest-growing populations in higher education. However, many students still face financial barriers to completing college degrees.

HACU scholarships help bridge that gap by providing financial support, leadership development, networking opportunities, and access to internships and professional growth programs. 

In addition to scholarship funding, many recipients gain access to HACU conferences, career pathways, mentorship opportunities, and internship programs with major employers and federal agencies. 

Final Thoughts

The HACU Scholarship Program is one of the best scholarship resources available for Hispanic and Latino students seeking financial assistance for college. With scholarships funded by respected corporations and organizations, students can receive support for tuition, books, leadership development, and career advancement.

Whether you are a first-generation college student, STEM major, community leader, or graduate student, HACU scholarships can help you achieve your academic and professional goals.

Students interested in applying should create a scholarship profile through the HACU portal and regularly check for new opportunities throughout the year.

For more scholarship guides, financial aid resources, and college funding opportunities, visit IOScholarships.com