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.
$6,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Oct 15
Deadline
This scholarship is designed to encourage minorities, ages 17 and older, to enter into the field of strength and conditioning. A minority is defined as an "ethnic minority," as determined by the U.S. Census Bureau. Applicants must demonstrate they have been accepted into an accredited institution working toward an undergraduate or graduate degree in the strength and conditioning field. Awards in the amount of $2,000 are granted and are to be applied toward tuition charges accrued by the student.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
Awarded on the basis of academic excellence, the AEIRF Minorities and Women Education Scholarship offsets the cost of degrees in real estate appraisal or related fields.
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$4,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 23
Deadline
The APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship is a $4,000 award that supports minority students going for a master’s or doctorate degree in an accredited program.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 15
Deadline
The Western History Association offers a graduate student award of $500 for an MA or PhD minority student who is doing research on the North American West.
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$500,000
Award Amount
34
Awards
Aug 3
Deadline
Incoming and current HBCU students are encouraged to apply for the Black & Positively Golden Scholarship now through May 10 at 11:59 PM EST at www.tmcf.org. Thirty-four scholarships, up to $15,000 each will be awarded to students for the 2021-2022 academic year, and winners will be announced this summer.
All Applicants Must:
Provide the transcript (official or unofficial) for your most recently completed academic term-this should include your end of Fall 2020 grades and cumulative GPA.
Please upload a professional image in your school logo/and colors.
Answer the following video interview questions (1-2 mins for each question):
Do you consider yourself a changemaker? An individual that helps institute positive growth for your school? For your community? If so, how & why?
How do you demonstrate Black & Positively Golden at your HBCU or community?
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$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
U.S. minority students who are enrolled or plan to enroll in a doctoral accounting program are eligible for this award. Students must enroll full time and be or plan to become a CPA.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jun 11
Deadline
Deivery Harris was a lifelong educator and a champion for educational justice who believed in empowering, as well as inspiring and supporting African American students. Scholarships in the amount of 1000 dollars are available to empower any and all African-American students who presently reside in any of the following counties: Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach.
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$1,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Aug 15
Deadline
he Marki Lemons Ryhal Education Advancement Scholarship will support candidates that are seeking to obtain their real estate license OR attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). This fund is applicable only to African American women whose primary residence is in underserved communities within the Chicagoland area.
This scholarship is in special honor of Marki’s late mother, Hazel S. Lemons.
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$25,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Sep 18
Deadline
Ulta Beauty and Her Campus are teaming up to empower Black Beauty enthusiasts across college campuses. Together we are helping 5 beauty-loving, college undergraduate students shine by awarding each individual $5,000 to be used toward their education.
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$4,500
Award Amount
5
Awards
Nov 17
Deadline
General rules:
a. Selection of candidates will be decided by the Scientific Advisory Board of Dimensions Sciences, following an independent Ad-Hoc expert peer-review evaluation;
b. Benefits to awardees will consist of two one-time prize of US$1,500 and up to 3 honorable mentions of US $500;
c. This is a one-time prize given to an individual awardee. Organizations are not eligible.
Prize:
a. The funds will be disbursed using the individual's bank account in the sole name of the individual awardee. Awardee must hold a valid bank account in the US.
Roles and responsibilities:
a. Dimensions Sciences:
i. will make final decision on candidate selection and approval of awardee and honorable mentions;
ii. will be responsible for providing the funds for selected awardees;
iii. will survey the awardees to quantify impact of award for a period of up to 5 years after the award.
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$1,500
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jan 30
Deadline
The Family Matters' Scholarship is funded by the Fall 2019 initiates of the Nu Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. The scholarship was established on the merit of providing additional resources to Black women who illustrate core values of Scholarship and Service, alike our beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated's mission.
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$25,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Jan 6
Deadline
Delta Eta Boulé of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity is now accepting scholarship applications from black males in Denver Metro Area pursuing undergraduate degrees. Successful undergraduate applicants will receive an annual award of $2,500 renewable for up to four years as long as they satisfy criteria for renewal. They will also have access to Delta Eta Boulé Foundation’s professional development resources — mentorship, the Institute for Professional Development, and Delta Eta Boulé’s vast professional network.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 18
Deadline
Mamie Earl Sells was committed to young people, promoting programs that encouraged them to expand and improve their personal lives and career opportunities. This scholarship is dedicated to her memory, honoring her loyalty and service to the community through her volunteer work in the arts, education, racial justice programs and social services. Personally dedicated to the YWCA during the last decade of her life, Mamie played a leadership role in developing the Career Women of Achievement event and served as board member, vice president of membership and overall friend to the YWCA.
This scholarship award honors Mamie’s philosophy that we must “lift as we climb,” meaning that we must act as role models and mentors to the young women of today and tomorrow.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 6
Deadline
The Foray Firm Houston, we base our practice on two principles:
We handle matters of family law with as much concern for the family as for the law.
We stand up for the rights of all types of families, including African American, Spanish-speaking, multinational, and LGBTQ families
To be considered for The Foray Firm Black Law Student Scholarship, students must submit a video of no more than 5 minutes discussing one of the prompts provided on the scholarship webpage. Applicants must also include their contact information, unofficial transcript, proof of eligibility, and a professional headshot.
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$10,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 29
Deadline
The WRNS Studio Foundation Scholarship Program was established in 2021 and seeks to cultivate a thriving higher education program that will encourage Black students to pursue careers in architecture by providing multi-year educational financial support and access to professional relationships.
WRNS Studio Foundation recognizes the barriers to higher education and the study of architecture. The WRNS Studio Foundation Scholarship Program was established in 2021, and makes monetary awards to full-time students in California, Hawaii, New York, New Jersey, and Washington. Students pursuing degrees in architecture or design at approved NAAB-accredited programs, including a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree, or a four-year pre-professional bachelor’s degree followed by a Master of Architecture degree are eligible to apply. The monetary award includes funding for costs of tuition, fees, room and board, along with an allotment for qualified educational expenses. In addition, recipients receive a personalized, one-on-one commitment by WRNS Studio staff members who provide advisory support until graduation.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 31
Deadline
In offering the “Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students, we want to help offset the cost of attending college for Black students. Open to high school students in the graduating class of 2024 and undergraduate and graduate students enrolled during the 2023-24 academic year, this scholarship aims to lighten your financial worry and allow you to take fewer loans. Remember, scholarships are essentially “free money” that need not be paid back. This scholarship, specifically, aims to help out a Black student who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. The “Scholar Dollars” Scholarship will be awarded to students based on both the quality of their essays and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. With that in mind, why not spend a little time applying for a $500 scholarship now for more financial freedom from loans later? We look forward to reading your application, and wish you much success on your academic journey!
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$15,000
Award Amount
63
Awards
Mar 27
Deadline
The TMCF McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden Scholarship is an incredible opportunity for exceptional students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). With up to 63 (sixty-three) $15,000 scholarships available for the upcoming academic year, this scholarship can help cover verifiable costs associated with tuition and fees for motivated students. To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled full-time as an undergraduate freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior at an HBCU. The application process includes submitting a two-minute video answering the question, “How will your continued education empower you to achieve Black Excellence?” Don’t miss out on this chance to take your education to the next level!
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$138,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 15
Deadline
The Reginaldo M. Howard Memorial Scholarship is offered to Black and African-American students, and those of African descent, who excel academically and demonstrate a commitment to leadership and social justice. Reginaldo Howard Scholars are committed to serving their communities and becoming leaders at Duke, both inside the classroom and beyond. Established in 1979, this scholarship honors Reginaldo “Reggie” Howard, the first African American President of the Associated Students of Duke University and an A.B. Duke Scholar. He was tragically killed in an automobile accident during his sophomore year, but his ambition and commitment to helping others lives on.
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$30,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Jul 15
Deadline
On average, Black women in STEM earn salaries that are 45% lower than their highest-paid peers. BestColleges is committed to breaking down barriers for students in underrepresented communities, who desire careers in the most competitive fields. This year, we'll be giving away five $6,000 scholarships to Black women who are currently pursuing careers in STEM.
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$15,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 15
Deadline
The Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology (DFBSST) provides scholarships to African-American undergraduate students who enroll in scientific or technical fields of study at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
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$3,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
May 21
Deadline
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund and varying partners unite to offer the COVID-19 Emergency Award to students attending one of TMCF’s publicly supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) or Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs).
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$8,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
The NLN Foundation for Nursing Education offers scholarships of up to $8,000 each year to support the NLN’s mission to build a strong and diverse nursing workforce of qualified nurse educators.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 11
Deadline
The African-American Journalism Scholarship will be awarded to a Black student at any education level who plans on (or already is) pursuing a career in journalism and shows both impact and drive.
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$1,050
Award Amount
1
Award
May 11
Deadline
The Black Design Leaders Grant will be awarded to a Black student or recent graduate who plans on (or already is) pursuing a career in design at a start-up and shows impact and drive.
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$2,550
Award Amount
1
Award
May 11
Deadline
This scholarship will be awarded to a Black student who excels at dreaming big and starting small while building their vision for the future. Strong candidates will be extremely ambitious, driven, and talented.
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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
✔️
Edited by Unigo Staff