HBCU Scholarships

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How do you get HBCU Scholarships?

Undergrads and graduate students who plan to enroll in a Historically Black College or University may receive HBCU scholarships. Students may receive a scholarship award to make their education affordable. Recipients may use the money to pay for an HBCU’s tuition, fees, housing, books and more. Some scholarship funds are also renewable if the recipient meets the terms. 

Many HBCU scholarships are also for full time students who show financial need or merit or demonstrate other talents. Financial need scholarships are based on financial aid information from your FAFSA for that academic year. Merit scholarships are based decisions on academic achievement and community service. Academic excellence also tends to mean a minimum GPA (grade point average). Scholarships could also be a better alternative than borrowing student loans.

10 HBCU Scholarships You Should Apply for in 2021

Check out these HBCU scholarship opportunities. If you qualify, fill out a scholarship application. Make sure to read the directions and apply soon. 

  1. 5 Strong Scholarship
  2. Walt Disney Company UNCF Corporate Scholars Program
  3. UNCF Stem Scholarship
  4. Microsoft Scholarship Program 
  5. UNCF/Koch Undergraduate Scholars Program
  6. Toyota/UNCF Scholarship 
  7. Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Scholarship
  8. James M. & Erma T. Freemont Foundation Scholarship Program 
  9. George and Pearl Strickland Scholarship
  10. HBCU Connect Minority Student Scholarship

Getting Considered for HBCU Scholarships

There are full ride HBCU scholarships. These awards pay tuition, fees, and an allowance. They tend to be merit based for high achievers with other qualities such as leadership. Other possible rules about eligibility are:

  • Specific scholarships (for certain majors only)
  • Letters of recommendation 
  • Test scores (undergraduate students: ACT/SAT; graduate students: GRE/GMAT etc.)
  • 500 to 1,000 word essay about goals
  • Being a U.S. citizen / legal permanent resident

Many HBCUs also automatically consider entering high school seniors for scholarships. For these HBCU scholarships, you might not need to fill out a separate form to apply. 

One example are the Spelman merit scholarships. They award a few each year to new incoming first year students. Factors include grade point average, standardized test scores, community service and leadership. Therefore, they only consider admitted students with minimum 1330 SAT or 31 ACT and 3.8 GPA (weighted). 

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) also offers HBCU college scholarships. Some are for use at their network of 37 HBCU partners. UNCF K-12 Education Fellowship is for Black students who are college juniors enrolled at an HBCU. Eligible applicants must have an interest in education reform and a 3.0 GPA.

Why Are HBCUs Important to the Black Community?

HBCUs were set up to serve the higher education needs of black students after the Civil Rights Act and still do. Prior to their existence, many colleges denied college admissions to Black Americans. Today, HBCUs enroll other students as well.

HBCU graduates include Martin Luther King Jr., Kamala Harris and others. Here is how Historically Black Colleges and Universities impact the black community.

1. Leading source of degrees for Black Americans. More than 80% of all black Americans who received degrees in medicine and dentistry earned their degree at an HBCU according to US Department of Education. They also report that 3/4ths of all black persons holding a doctorate degree graduated from an HBCU. HBCUs also award 40% of all bachelor’s degrees held by black college students. 

2. Cultural and racial diversity. HBCUs are also more racially diverse about enrollment and staff than many public universities. Faculty may have more sensitivity to issues on race and economic disadvantage. 

3. Remedial programs and retention. Many HBCUs offer a supportive setting through remedial programs. In general they also offer reading labs, expanded tutorial and counseling services. Plus, many have high rates of graduation says the US Department of Education

4. New high demand programs. US Department of Education says HBCUs award more bachelor’s degrees to black students in STEM or related fields. However, many of these fields do not have a strong presence of Blacks in the labor force, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

5. Networking and support. Joining the HBCU community may connect you with mentors, faculty and peers. Having this support may set you up for success. According to US Department of Education HBCUs rank high for the number of grads who pursue graduate or professional training. Faculty also stresses teaching and student service as much as research. 

Facts About HBCU Attendance

Today, the U.S. Department of Education reports there are 107 Historically Black College or Universities in the United States. These schools enroll over 228,000 students. There are 87 four year colleges. There are also 20 two year institutions. Many of these schools cost less than colleges with a majority of white students. Many of these HBCU students were female (62% in 2018). In 2018, 88% of HBCU students attended four year schools and 12% attended two year schools. A larger share (76%) went to public vs. private colleges.

Here are more interesting facts about HBCU attendance based on the US Department of Education findings:

  • In the past, more than 80% of Black American college graduates went to an HBCU
  • HBCUs account for 20% of black undergraduate enrollment
  • 50% of black faculty in traditionally white research universities earned their bachelor’s degrees at an HBCU
  • 3/4ths of all black officers in the armed forces and 4/5ths of all black federal judges received an undergraduate degree at an HBCU

List of HBCU Scholarships

There are awards worth $ below. Apply soon to our list of HBCU scholarships!

Scholarships For Black Students 2025 List

George and Pearl Strickland Scholarship

This scholarship is available to Georgia undergraduate and graduate students who are attending Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, or Spelman College. Students must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and demonstrate financial need.
Award Amount

Total:  $8,000

Awards:  2

Deadline

Deadline:  January 22

Keisha M. Michael Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is open to African-American high school seniors who reside in New Castle County, Delaware, and have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. Students must plan to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU); community and church service will be considered in selection.
Award Amount

Total:  $1,000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  March 15

James M. & Erma T. Freemont Foundation Scholarship Program – Undergraduate Students

This scholarship is open to U.S. students who are enrolled at an HBCU (Historically Black College/University) pursuing an undergraduate degree in the sciences with the intention of pursuing that discipline as a career. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Award Amount

Total:  $9,000

Awards:  3

Deadline

Deadline:  February 01

Apple HBCU Scholars Program

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund partners with Apple to provide eligible outstanding students who attend a Historically Black College or University with a $15K merit based scholarship and 12 week internship opportunity.
Award Amount

Total:  $15,000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  February 01

HBCU Connect Minority Student Scholarship

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.
Award Amount

Total:  $16,000

Awards:  4

Deadline

Deadline:  April 01

McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Scholarship Program

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?
Award Amount

Total:  $17,000,000

Awards:  34

Deadline

Deadline:  August 03

UNCF/ Smartwool – Go far. Feel good. Scholarship Program

In partnership with UNCF, Smartwool offers one $2,500 Go Far Feel Good Scholarship to college sophomores and juniors who attend a partner HBCU in either Tennessee or North Carolina.
Award Amount

Total:  $250,000

Awards:  10

Deadline

Deadline:  April 28

The Ray Charles Foundation Scholars Fund in Neurosurgery

The Ray Charles Foundation Scholars Fund in Neurosurgery provides a unique opportunity for one individual preferably from an HBCU to spend a full year at the world-class Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles to take part in research.
Award Amount

Total:  $1,000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  April 15

JED’s Student Voice of Mental Health Award

JED’s Student Voice of Mental Health Award is an annual award for an undergraduate college student who raises awareness for mental health issues.
Award Amount

Total:  $3,000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  March 01

Resilience through Diversity: Scholarship for HBCU Students

If you demonstrate interest in a career that builds resilience, such as emergency management, urban planning, crisis communications, engineering, environmental science, public administration, sustainable development, or related fields, this scholarship is for you!
Award Amount

Total:  $20,000

Awards:  2

Deadline

Deadline:  March 15