What African American Scholarships Can Students Apply For?

There are many African American Scholarships to apply for. Some notable organizations that offer black scholarships are Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Jackie Robinson Foundation, NAACP, and UNCF.

What HBCU Colleges Offer Scholarships to African American Students?

There are about 101 HBCUs located in 19 states, and many offer HBCU scholarships. Some HBCU scholarships for incoming college freshmen are from Howard University and Spelman College.

Can African American Women Students Win a Scholarship?

There are many scholarships for African American women. These awards promote more equality and encourage women to attend college. African American women may apply for the Davis Scholarship for Women in STEM

Why Is it Important to Apply for an African American Scholarship?

College scholarships for Black students can make your college education more affordable. You may use the funds to pay for tuition, fees, books and other expenses.

African American Scholarships for College

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Written by Dave Moniz

✔️ Edited by Unigo Staff

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.

List of African American Scholarships for College

National Black Nurses Association Band Aid Grants

$50,000 Award Amount

5 Awards

Apr 15 Deadline

As part of the National Black Nurses Association programs, Band Aid sponsors $50,000 worth of grants. Five grants of $10,000 each go to eligible nursing students pursuing a BSN degree or higher.

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Actuarial Diversity Scholarship

$4,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 16 Deadline

The Actuarial Diversity Scholarship promotes diversity within the profession through an annual scholarship program for Black/African American, Hispanic, Native North American and Pacific Islander college students intent on a career in the actuarial profession.

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KnowBe4 Scholarship for Black Americans in Cybersecurity

$13,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 19 Deadline

The Center for Cyber Safety and Education offers the KnowBe4 Scholarship for Black Americans in Cybersecurity to a male or female pursuing, or planning to pursue, a degree with a focus on cybersecurity or information assurance.

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The Maasai Haile Jones Memorial Scholarship

$17,500 Award Amount

3 Awards

Feb 28 Deadline

The Maasai Haile Jones Memorial Scholarship is exclusively for residents of San Jose, CA. Eligible applicants must be African American students who are high school seniors or college freshmen. Three finalists will be selected. Grand Prize: $10,000. First runner-up will receive $5,000. Second runner-up will receive $2,500.

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ACS Scholars Program

$5,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

U.S. high school senior and undergraduate minority students who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and plan to enroll full time are eligible for this award. Students must be planning to pursue a career in the chemical sciences and majoring in an appropriate chemical science field.

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AIA/F Diversity Advancement Scholarship

$20,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 17 Deadline

High school seniors, current college freshmen, and community/technical college graduates who will enroll in an NAAB-accredited architecture program are eligible for this award. Students must be minorities and/or financially disadvantaged.

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AMS Minority Scholarship

$6,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 12 Deadline

Minority U.S. students entering their freshman year of college in the fall who are planning to major in an atmospheric science, oceanography, or hydrology are eligible to apply for this award. Marine biology is not an eligible field of study.

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EDSA Minority Scholarship

$5,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 1 Deadline

This scholarship is open to international and U.S. students who are in the final two years of undergraduate program or a graduate program in landscape architecture. Students must be of African American, Hispanic, Native American, or other cultural/ethnic minority heritage.

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Jackie Robinson Annual Scholarship

$30,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 11 Deadline

The Jackie Robinson Foundation provides a multi-faceted experience designed to address financial needs of minority students pursuing an education. U.S minority high school seniors with SAT scores of 1000 or higher or ACT scores of 21 or higher are eligible. Financial need and other factors will be taken in consideration.

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Ron Brown Scholar Program

$160,000 Award Amount

4 Awards

Jan 9 Deadline

The Ron Brown scholars program honors students making impacts on their communities. African-American incoming college freshmen are eligible for this award. Applicants should demonstrate academic achievement, leadership ability, participate in community service activities and demonstrate financial need.

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Connecticut Minority Teacher Incentive Grant Program

$5,000 Award Amount

64 Awards

Oct 15 Deadline

This award is for Connecticut upper-level undergraduate students who are enrolled in an undergraduate teacher preparation program at an eligible college or university in Connecticut. The student must be a minority student (African, American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American or Native American heritage) and intend to teach in a Connecticut public school after graduation.

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Kathy Johnson Outreach Scholarship

$600 Award Amount

1 Award

Dec 7 Deadline

This award is for a non-traditional undergraduate or post-baccalaureate student. Applicants must attend an Oregon school and pursue a degree in a field of study related to wildlife science.

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Wisconsin Minority Undergraduate Retention Grant

$1,022 Award Amount

800 Awards

Dec 7 Deadline

This award is available to Wisconsin residents who are classified as a minority and are undergraduate students enrolled in degree or certificate programs at Wisconsin Technical College, independent colleges and universities, or tribal colleges based in Wisconsin. Awards are based on financial need.

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Wisconsin Talent Incentive Program (TIP) Grant

$9,000 Award Amount

4,815 Awards

Dec 7 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. high school students who are residents of Wisconsin and planning to attend an in-state or eligible out-of-state public or independent postsecondary institution. Students must be first-time freshman, demonstrate financial need, and come from a non-traditional or educationally disadvantaged background.

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Minority Teacher Scholarship

$1,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Aug 31 Deadline

This scholarship is available to Indiana undergraduate students who are minority (black or Hispanic) and attending an Indiana college or university. The student must intend to pursue or be pursuing a course of study that would enable the student, upon graduation, to teach in an accredited school in Indiana.

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Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship

$5,000 Award Amount

558 Awards

Mar 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for Illinois resident undergraduate and graduate students who are African American/Black, Hispanic American, Asian American or Native American origin and planning to become preschool, elementary or secondary school teachers. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.

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Colgate 'Bright Smiles, Bright Futures' Minority Scholarship

$2,500 Award Amount

2 Awards

Feb 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for U.S. students who are studying in a certificate or associate's program for dental hygiene and are professional or student members of ADHA. Students must be an underrepresented minority in the dental hygiene profession (e.g., African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, and males).

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UPS Diversity Scholarship

$5,250 Award Amount

3 Awards

Dec 1 Deadline

This award is for U.S. college juniors who are pursuing a degree in occupational safety and health or a closely related field. The applicant must be of a minority ethnic or racial group and must be a United States citizen. The applicant must enroll full time and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

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Mildred Towle Scholarship for African-American Students

$11,000 Award Amount

11 Awards

Feb 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are of African-American descent and studying at a college in Hawaii. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

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Brian M. Day Scholarship

$12,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 6 Deadline

This award is for Puget Sound area gay men of color who are U.S. citizens and have significant financial need and demonstrate activism in the gay/lesbian community and communities of color.

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Thelma Fisher Dewitty Scholarship

$12,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 6 Deadline

This scholarship is available for African American undergraduate and graduate students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ). Applicants must reside in of one of the following states: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska.

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CANFit Graduate Scholarship

$1,500 Award Amount

2 Awards

Mar 31 Deadline

This award is available for minority students currently enrolled in a graduate program for nutrition, public health nutrition, physical education, or an American Dietetic Association-approved pre-professional practice program at an accredited California college or university. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and have completed 12 to 15 units of graduate course work at the time of application.

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Calvin College A.M.D.G. Scholarship

$4,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 31 Deadline

International and U.S. college sophomores, juniors and/or seniors are eligible for this award. Students must be enrolled in a pre-architecture program at Calvin College.

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Jimmy A. Young Memorial Education Recognition Award

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jun 1 Deadline

This scholarship is for U.S. undergraduate students currently enrolled in a respiratory care program. The applicant must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher to be eligible. Preference for this award will be given to minorities.

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NABA National Scholarship Program

$5,000 Award Amount

50 Awards

Dec 15 Deadline

This award is available for currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students who are African American (black) or of African descent and are active members of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). Students must have an overall grade point average of 3.3 or higher and a major grade point average of 3.5 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

Joyful friends discuss over coffee in a cozy cafe.

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?

Elegant woman in hijab with makeup smiling warmly indoors.

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?

Joyful group of friends laughing together outdoors.

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

Confident man with arms crossed wearing a black shirt, gray backdrop.

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.