Although more Latino students are receiving financial assistance to attend school than ever before, a new report published by the Excelencia in Education and the Institute for Higher Education Policy shows that they tend to receive less money, on the average, than any other racial or ethnic group.

According to the report, Latino students received an average of $5,250 in financial aid in 2003-4 compared to the national average of $6,890. The report goes on to say that out of all ethnic groups, Latinos are the most like to apply for financial aid, yet they are third behind African American and American Indian students in the amount of students receiving aid.

The report did not offer any reasons for why this discrepancy exists. It does, however, offer broad recommendations for expanding federal loan forgiveness in areas of national need, increasing funding for the Pell Grant, and offering more financial aid information to Latin students and their parents.

Tip:  For the most comprehensive list of financial aid available specifically to Latino students, be sure to check out Reference Service Press's best-selling directory, Financial Aid for Hispanic Americans, which identifies nearly 1,300 scholarships, fellowships, loans, grants, awards, and internships--representing billions of dollars--open specifically to Latinos.

Please send your inquiries, comments, and suggestions to info@rspfunding.com.
News report posted August 5, 2005.
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