A Pacific Islander refers to individuals who hail from one of the many islands in the Pacific Ocean, and covers over 50 different regional backgrounds. Pacific Islanders make up 0.05% of the U.S. population including those with partial Pacific Islander ancestry. At Scholaroo, we’ve tried to find some of the most popular scholarships for Pacific Islanders and also give you a few tips on how to apply. So if you are a high school student or a college graduate with Pacific Islander heritage we have over 70 scholarships where you might be eligible to apply.

We’ve gathered the top ten scholarships designed to help Pacific Islanders attain their educational goals. From scholarship programs focused on providing support for STEM majors and community service leaders to those dedicated to helping first-generation college students, there’s a scholarship for anyone.

Pacific Islanders have made great strides in recent years when it comes to college enrollment and graduation rates. In fact, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Department of Education, the percentage of Pacific Islander students who attend college is now higher than ever. What’s more, a growing number of students are earning bachelor’s degrees as well. In 2019, almost 34% earned bachelor’s degrees in fields such as social sciences, business management, and health professions.

There are a number of factors that contribute to these impressive numbers. For one thing, many colleges and universities have recognized the importance of recruiting students from diverse backgrounds, and they have put in place programs and initiatives designed to make it easier for Pacific Islanders to enroll and succeed in higher education. Another reason for the increasing success rate of Pacific Islander students is that they are choosing fields of study that match their strengths and interests. The most popular areas of study for Pacific Islanders are business and healthcare, both of which have great potential for career advancement.

There is also a significant number of scholarships now available that call for applications from pacific islander students specifically. Colleges and universities, different non-profit organizations, and community organizations are providing scholarships for pacific islanders to pursue further education.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the percentage of college students who are female Pacific Islanders is significantly higher than the national average. Despite a lower college attendance rate, Pacific Islanders are still earning bachelor’s degrees at higher-than-average rates. In fact, according to the same source, Pacific Islanders have a graduation rate of 59% — which is higher than the national average!
The percentage of female Pacific Islanders attending college is significantly higher than the national average too. This is great news because it means that more women have access to higher education than ever before. However, there are still some major disparities when it comes to the field of study. While Pacific Islander women pursue a variety of different majors, they are more likely to choose a major in health sciences or business than any other field — their most popular field of study is nursing. According to the American Association of Colleges and Universities, Pacific Islander women account for 14% of nursing students, making them the second-most represented minority in this field!
These women are also more likely than the national average to graduate with a bachelor’s degree, making them well-positioned for success after college. With access to quality education and support through scholarships, Pacific Islander women have the opportunity to thrive in the workforce and make a real impact on their communities.

This underrepresented demographic makes up only 0.5% of all college students in the United States according to a report by the National Center for Education Statistics. Despite this, Pacific Islanders have achieved success in higher education and have made some noteworthy accomplishments.
The most popular field of study among Pacific Islanders is Nursing. According to the NCES report, they make up 3.2% of all nursing students in the U.S., which is significantly higher than their overall college enrollment. Other popular fields are Business Administration (1.9%), Social Work (1.5%), and Biological & Biomedical Sciences (1.2%).
Fortunately, Pacific Islanders have access to several scholarships and grants specifically tailored to their educational needs. These scholarships can make college more affordable and provide an excellent opportunity for Pacific Islanders to complete a degree program in their desired field of study. Investing in Pacific Islander education is a smart choice that will ensure they are prepared to take on the challenges of a competitive job market. With the right resources, they can unlock their educational and career potential.

Here are tips on how to win scholarships:

1. Start with local sources. Many Pacific Islands have their own scholarships and grants, so start by asking your local government or college advisors about specific programs in your area. Local sources can also provide additional information on scholarship opportunities from outside organizations.

2. Research Pacific Island-specific educational websites. There are several websites designed specifically to help Pacific Islanders find scholarships and grants for college education, and Shcolaroo is one of them. These websites often provide information about specific organizations that can help financially support Pacific Island scholars.

3. Apply for Pacific Islander-specific scholarships. One of the best ways to win scholarships is by applying for scholarships specific to your race or ethnicity. There are scholarships available from Pacific Island-based organizations that can provide scholars with financial assistance to further their studies.

4. Participate in different community outreach programs and specifically community programs geared toward Pacific Islander unity. By participating in such programs, you may network with other businesses, individuals and organizations concerned with the development of pacific islander communities. It will become easier for you to locate scholarships to help you study but also create a network of support in your community.

5. For applications that require an essay, or personal letter, or even a video. Your participation in your pacific islander community also shows your leadership and ability to take initiative, as well as your commitment to your community.