Scholarships for green card holders: Any options?

I'm a green card holder looking for college scholarships. Are there specific scholarships available for green card holders, or should I just apply for general ones? Any tips on where to start would be awesome!

For a green card holder like you, you're eligible for the same federal and state financial assistance as U.S. citizens. That includes grants, loans, and work-study programs. Filling out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form is a necessary first step and will be the primary way for colleges to determine your financial aid package.

You are also eligible for most scholarships offered by individual colleges, non-profits, and other organizations. Some scholarships might be citizenship-dependent, so make sure to check the eligibility requirements. Websites like Appily, GoFundMe’s Scholarships app, and Fastweb aggregate thousands of scholarships, so you can filter through scholarships that apply to your status as a green card holder.

If you are of Greek ethnicity, also consider reaching out to Greek organizations, cultural institutions, and faith-based groups that often present scholarships to students of Greek descent regardless of citizenship status. Ethnicity-based scholarships can require anything from an essay on heritage to active participation in Greek community organizations, so make sure to familiarize yourself with each scholarship's criteria.

Remember, scholarships come in all shapes and sizes and from a multitude of sources, so leverage your unique experiences and attributes when applying. If the scholarship is essay-based, tell a compelling story that highlights your strengths and life experiences to make your application standout.

I suggest starting your search early and applying to as many scholarships as you qualify for. Good luck on your scholarship hunt!