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.
$5,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Mar 24
Deadline
The Western Digital Scholarship Program is available for underprivileged and under-represented students who are majoring in STEM as well as the children and legal dependents of Western Digital Employees. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 31
Deadline
This award is for U.S. female students with an interest in writing. To apply, students must submit an unpublished work of fiction.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 31
Deadline
This award is for U.S. female sophomore and junior students of African descent who are enrolled full time in an English, literature, journalism or related area of study at a Historically Black college or university. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or better and submit a 800-word essay on the topic the power of the written word.
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$5,000
Award Amount
20
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
The Albert W. Dent & Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarships are available for students who are currently enrolled in the final year of a graduate program in health administration. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, have U.S or Canadian citizenship, and must demonstrate unmet financial need.
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$20,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
The AMA Underrepresented in Medicine Award provides financial assistance to African American, Latino / Hispanic, or Native Americans / Native Hawaiians / Alaska Natives scholars who are dedicated to serving vulnerable or underserved populations.
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$20,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 31
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. minority students who are currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program and planning to pursue a career as a professor.
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$20,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for minority students who are residents of Tennessee. Applicants must be working on a doctoral dissertation at one of the following institutions: Meharry Medical College, Tennessee State University, Tennessee Technological University, Vanderbilt University, University of Memphis, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 31
Deadline
The African American Achievement Scholarship Fund is provided to African American residents of Franklin, Hampden, or Hampshire Counties in Massachusetts.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 31
Deadline
The Ruth L. Brocklebank Memorial Scholarship Fund is available for African American students who have graduated from a public school in Springfield, MA.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 31
Deadline
The Dr. Richard Allen Williams & Genita Evangelists Johnson / Association of Black Cardiologists Scholarships provides financial assistance to African American students with an interest in cardiology.
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$6,100
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are considered a minority and planning to attend an eligible college or university in Florida. Priority will be given to direct descendants of African-American Rosewood families affected by the events of January 1923.
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$4,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
HBCUConnect.com encourages minority students from all around the nation to pursue bachelors degrees at U.S. historically black colleges and universities. Applicants must be minority graduating high school seniors, transfer, or full time undergraduate students attending historically black college or university.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
Scholarships and fellowships applicants must be enrolled in an ALA accredited library graduate school program; or law school. Applicants must be members of a recognized minority group (as defined by current U.S. guidelines) with an intention to pursue a career in law librarianship.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
The General Hospital #2 Perpetual Trust Fund is available for African American students from the greater Kansas City area who are majoring in nursing. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
For the Minorities in STEM scholarship, the applicant should include information about organizations they’ve been a part of and/or what they’re done in their community to support and promote minority leadership. The winner will be announced no later then May 1.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
Avomeen recognizes the incredible contributions women make in STEM fields every day and is offering a scholarship to help fund their education.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
The Educational Theatre Association offers this $1,000 one time scholarship to support applicants traditionally underrepresented in the theatre industry such as those who are Black, indigenous or people of color.
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$2,500
Award Amount
3
Awards
Apr 8
Deadline
This award is available to minority students who are currently enrolled in a graduate program related to library science. Applicants must be residents of California and/or intend to work in California upon graduation. Selectees may be subjected to an interview. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 13
Deadline
UNCF has helped more than 500,000 students earn their college degrees since its founding. UNCF is the nation’s largest private scholarship provider to minority group members. The UNCF-Ralph Lauren Scholarship was established to assist seniors in bridging the financial gap to complete their undergraduate college education.
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$3,500
Award Amount
14
Awards
Apr 15
Deadline
This award is available for members of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) who are currently enrolled in a nursing program with at least one year of study remaining. Candidate must be in good scholastic standing at the time of application. Awards range from $1,000- $5,000. Click to learn more and apply today!
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 15
Deadline
This award is available for Tennessee resident, minority undergraduate students who are pursuing teaching field at a public or private Tennessee college or university. Students must plan to teach at a Tennessee public kindergarten, elementary or secondary school upon graduation.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 15
Deadline
The goals of The Walt Disney Company UNCF Corporate Scholars Program are to help create a diverse pipeline of college educated professionals ready to assume fulfilling off-camera careers in entertainment and to help raise the number of underrepresented minorities employed in the entertainment industry.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 15
Deadline
The National Black Nurses Association offers the Dr. Lauranne Sams Scholarship to a qualified NBNA member nurse pursuing a PhD who is in good standing at the time of the application. Click to learn more and apply today!
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 15
Deadline
The National Black Nurses Association offers the Rita E. Miller Scholarship for an NBNA member BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) student who is attending a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Click to learn more and apply today!
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$45,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Apr 15
Deadline
In the first sentence, mention # of awards and total award amount or range): As part of the National Black Nurses Association programs, FIGS sponsors $45,000 worth of grants. Three grants of $15,000 each go to eligible nursing students pursuing a BSN degree or higher.
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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