Black and African American students have access to a wide range of scholarships to help finance their college education. Notable organizations offering scholarships for Black students include the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Jackie Robinson Foundation, NAACP, United Negro College Fund (UNCF), and the Ron Brown Scholar Program.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 2.4 million Black students are pursuing higher education in the United States. Despite increasing enrollment, African American students are less likely to graduate on time, with only about 40% of Black students completing a bachelor's degree within six years. Scholarships play a crucial role in bridging the financial gap, enabling more students to graduate.
$1,800
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to incoming and current undergraduate nursing students from Forsyth County, NC, who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students must demonstrate some financial need, although merit is given greater consideration; preference is given to African-American students.
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$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors from Forsyth County, North Carolina, who are African-American or Hispanic. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate financial need; academic merit will be given greater consideration than financial need.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to African-American high school seniors who attend Forsyth County (NC) high schools and plan to attend a Historically Black College/University (HBCU). Students must have a grade point average of 2.75 or higher and demonstrate financial need; merit and need are equally weighted.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to African-American high school seniors who attend a Forsyth County (NC) high school and reside in The Winston-Salem Foundation's service area. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate financial need.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for African American residents of Maryland who have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate, graduate, or professional education program in the U.S.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for African American residents of Washington D.C. who have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher and unmet financial need. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program in the U.S.
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$1,500
Award Amount
5
Awards
Apr 13
Deadline
New Hampshire residents who are minorities will be considered for this award; preference is given to Hispanic students. Students must enroll in undergraduate or certificate programs of study.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. students in their junior year of college who are American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian or Pacific Islander, Black or African American, or Hispanic or Latino and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students must have a declared major in civil, chemical, or environmental engineering or in one of the environmental sciences (geology, hydrogeology, biology, ecology, public health, or industrial hygiene toxicology).
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$10,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 15
Deadline
U.S. undergraduate students who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must major in hospitality management or hotel/motel management and be part of a traditionally underrepresented group.
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$8,750
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for African-American MBA students who are attending the Foster Business school at the University of Washington in Seattle.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 19
Deadline
This scholarship is open to Rhode Island students who are studying communications at the undergraduate or graduate level. Students must be from a minority group.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 26
Deadline
This award is available for medical students who are planning to pursue a career related to HIV psychiatry and counseling.
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$8,250
Award Amount
10
Awards
Apr 30
Deadline
This award is for nursing students who are attending a professional registered nurse program and seeking initial licensure as a registered nurse in the state of Ohio. Applicants must be a member of an underrepresented group in the registered nursing profession and maintain a grade point average of 2.75.
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$7,400
Award Amount
222
Awards
May 1
Deadline
This award is available to Kansas undergraduate minority students who are planning to enroll at a Kansas college or university. Students must demonstrate financial need and must be identified as members of any of the following ethnic/racial groups: African American, American Indian or Alaskan Native; Asian or Pacific Islander; or Hispanic. Awarding priority is given to eligible renewals and freshmen students.
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$1,750
Award Amount
560
Awards
May 1
Deadline
This award is available for minority undergraduate students with financial need who are residents of Minnesota and attending a college or university in Minnesota. Students who accept financial aid from the foundation are required to return to their communities and perform annual service-to-children projects with younger children of color.
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$500
Award Amount
2
Awards
May 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. female, minority high school seniors who are currently attending a high school in the Bronx or Manhattan. Students must have a cumulative, weighted grade point average of 80 or higher (3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale).
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$15,000
Award Amount
20
Awards
May 1
Deadline
This award is for racially and ethnically diverse students entering their first year of law school. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States, have a 2.5 grade point average, and demonstrate financial need. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$43,000
Award Amount
7
Awards
May 6
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. students in the New York area who are members of an underserved or underrepresented population and enrolled in or planning to enroll in an associate's degree program with the intention of transferring to a bachelor's program immediately upon completion of associate's degree. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, enroll full time, and receive federal or state financial aid.
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$5,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
May 10
Deadline
Indiana high school seniors or older who have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must be minority students enrolled or planning to enroll in a four-year college or university and be residents of Lake, LaPorte, or Porter counties.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for minority students who are majoring in communication science and/or communication disorders. Applicants must be accepted to, or in good standing at an accredited graduate program in the U.S.
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$1,500
Award Amount
2
Awards
May 31
Deadline
This award is offered to U.S. college juniors or seniors who are of African-American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, Native American, Alaskan Native, or Pacific Islander ancestry. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and it is preferred that they major or minor in public relations (or are in a communications degree program if a public relations program is not offered at their school).
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for minority students who are members of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Applicants must demonstrate a passion for the profession and potential for leadership.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for members of the Public Relations Student Society of America who are entering their junior or senior year of college. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 and contribute to ethnic diversity in the field.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 1
Deadline
The Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Kappa Sigma Alumni Chapter Scholarship is available for black men who are graduating from a high school in the St. Louis city area. Applicants must demonstrate academic merit and unmet financial need.
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$3,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Jun 15
Deadline
This award is available for minority students from Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program and majoring in journalism. Applicants must have completed at least one full year of academic classes to be eligible for this scholarship.
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Black and African American Scholarships
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is a prominent source of scholarships for Black students, awarding over $100 million annually to more than 10,000 students attending over 1,100 schools nationwide, including 37 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Similarly, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) offers over 300 scholarships each year to students demonstrating academic excellence and community involvement.
To apply for these scholarships, students typically need to complete an application form and provide their academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essays.
The Ron Brown Scholar Program supports community-minded and intellectually gifted Black and African American students by awarding four-year scholarships totaling up to $40,000 (or up to $10,000 per year). Eligible applicants must be high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need. Semifinalists are invited to a selection weekend in Washington, D.C., where finalists are chosen based on interviews, participation, and application materials.
Scholarships for African American students are essential financial aid sources, helping many overcome economic barriers to achieve a college degree.
10 Scholarships for African American Students in 2025
Here are 10 scholarships for African American students to consider applying for now:
- UNCF Scholarships
- Ron Brown Scholar Program
- Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
- NACME Scholarships
- ABA Diversity Scholarship
- Gates Scholarship
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarships
- Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship
- National Association of Black Journalists Scholarships
- American Chemical Society Scholars Program
What HBCUs Offer Scholarships to Black Students?
HBCUs are dedicated to providing quality education to Black and African American students. There are over 100 HBCUs located in 19 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Many of these institutions offer scholarships specifically for incoming freshmen.
Howard University is a private HBCU in Washington, D.C., enrolling over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Howard offers several merit-based scholarships for first-year students. Eligibility typically requires a strong GPA, high SAT/ACT scores, and submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Spelman College is a private, historically Black women’s college in Atlanta, Georgia, with an enrollment of around 2,100 students. Spelman offers competitive scholarships limited to first-year students. To qualify, applicants generally need a weighted GPA of at least 3.8 and SAT scores of 1330 or ACT scores of 31. Demonstrated leadership and community service are also important factors.
These HBCUs provide a supportive community and high-quality education, often with strong programs in STEM and business fields. They receive public funding and endowments to support resources that prepare Black students for success.
Are There STEM Scholarships for Black Students?
Yes, numerous STEM scholarships are available specifically for Black students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) partners with colleges and universities to offer scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $4,000. These scholarships are for high school students applying to engineering or computer science programs and current college students enrolled in these fields. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship or permanent residency and a minimum GPA of 3.0.
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF), in collaboration with corporations like Intel, offers STEM scholarships such as the Intel Scholarship. Eligible applicants must be college juniors, seniors, or graduate students majoring in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering with a GPA of 3.20 or higher. Application requirements typically include letters of recommendation, transcripts, a resume, and an essay.
Are There Scholarships for Black Women Students?
Many scholarships are specifically focused on African American women, promoting equality and encouraging them to pursue higher education. The number of female students at HBCUs has risen significantly, with women now comprising over 60% of the student population at these institutions.
The William H. Davis Scholarship for Women in STEM partners with UNCF to award scholarships up to $5,000 to eligible female students majoring in STEM fields at UNCF member institutions. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate financial need, and provide transcripts, letters of recommendation, an essay, and proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
Scholarships for Black women often aim to encourage entry into professions where they have been historically underrepresented, providing financial assistance to those who need it most.
There are also a variety of scholarships dedicated to supporting black men.
Why You Should Apply for an African American Scholarship
College scholarships for Black students can make higher education more affordable by covering costs such as tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. Unlike student loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid, making them a valuable resource for reducing student debt.
Whether you are a first-generation college student or continuing your education, scholarships can provide the financial support necessary to achieve your academic goals. According to the U.S. Department of Education, 14% of all first-generation students are African American, highlighting the importance of financial aid in supporting educational advancement.
Tips on Applying for Black Scholarships
Applying for scholarships can be a competitive and involved process, but these tips can help improve your chances:
- Complete the FAFSA: Many scholarships administered by colleges and universities consider information from the FAFSA in terms of determining eligibility and award amounts. The FAFSA is also necessary for any state and federal grant aid you may be eligible for. Completing the FAFSA should be your first step.
- Check Eligibility Requirements: Ensure you meet all the criteria before applying to avoid wasting time on scholarships for which you are not eligible.
- Create a List of Scholarships: Keep track of scholarships, their deadlines, and requirements in a spreadsheet or calendar.
- Prepare Application Materials in Advance: Gather transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and any other required documents ahead of time.
- Follow Directions Carefully: Adhere strictly to application guidelines, including essay prompts and word counts.
- Customize Your Essays: Tailor your essays to reflect the mission and values of each scholarship, highlighting how you align with them.
- Proofread Your Applications: Review your applications for any errors or omissions before submitting.
- Apply Early: Submitting your application before the deadline demonstrates enthusiasm and allows time to address any unforeseen issues.
Keep Copies of Your Applications: Save copies of all materials submitted for future reference and to help with other applications.
Our Scholarships
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$1,500 – I Have a Dream
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$10,000 – Unigo $10K Award
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$1,500 – Sweet and Simple
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$2,500 – Superpower
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$3,000 – All About Education
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$1,500 – Fifth Month Scholarship
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$1,500 – Do-Over
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$1,500 – Flavor of the Month
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$1,500 – Make Me Laugh
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$1,500 – Shout It Out
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$2,000 – Zombie Apocalypse
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$5,000 – Education Matters
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$1,500 – Top Ten List
Written by Dave Moniz
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Edited by Unigo Staff