McDonald's HACER National Scholarship

About the McDonald's HACER National Scholarship

The McDonald's Hispanic American Commitment to Educational Resources (HACER) National Scholarship is one of the most generous Hispanic scholarships in the United States. Administered by Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), the program has invested over $25 million in scholarships for Hispanic American students since 1985.

Award Details

• National Scholarship: Up to $100,000 over 4 years ($25,000/year)
• Regional Scholarships: $1,000–$4,000 one-time awards
• Local Scholarships: Available through local RMHC chapters
• Application Deadline: January annually

Eligibility Requirements

• Hispanic/Latino background (at least one parent of Hispanic descent)
• High school senior graduating in the current school year
• U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
• Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Enrolled at an accredited college or university the following fall
• Residing in one of the 50 U.S. states (including DC)

Selection Criteria

• Academic achievement (GPA, test scores)
• Community involvement and leadership
• Financial need
• Personal statement and recommendation letters

National Selection

National finalists are selected from regional winners and evaluated by an independent panel. The national scholarship winner receives a fully renewable four-year scholarship.

How much does McDonald's HACER National Scholarship cost?

McDonald's HACER National Scholarship is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

What is the application deadline for McDonald's HACER National Scholarship?

The application deadline is February 5, 2027. Always confirm on the program's official site, as dates can shift between cycles.

Who is eligible for McDonald's HACER National Scholarship?

McDonald's HACER National Scholarship is open to high school seniors. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

Is McDonald's HACER National Scholarship online or in person?

McDonald's HACER National Scholarship is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

How do I apply to McDonald's HACER National Scholarship?

Apply directly through Ronald McDonald House Charities's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.