African American Scholarships for College Students

Last updated: April 23, 2019

Opportunities in education have been progressively moving forward since the 1800s, especially regarding people of color. Prior to the establishment of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), African Americans were generally denied admission to traditionally white colleges and universities. Consequently, HBCUs became the sole provider of higher education for African Americans.

Since then, millions of dollars are donated annually to privately funded institutions, scholarships, grants and awards targeted specifically towards students of color, many of which move on to become some of the most important thinkers, creators, innovators, entrepreneurs and scholars of our time. A new report  found that the number of African American female entrepreneurs has grown 322% since 1997, making black females the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S.

What does a better future look like to you? With higher education and the support to help get you there, the possibility for you to create the future of your dreams is possible.

How to Pay | Application Prep | African American Scholarships | All Scholarships

Educational Milestones for African Americans

Educational Milestones for African American Students in the U.S.
“Through UNCF alone, more than $100 million in scholarships is awarded annually to students of color. 
— UNCF Annual Report

Scholarships cater specifically to underrepresented students in hopes of offering increased opportunities for programs in predominantly white degree programs and institutions, while also increasing diversity on university campuses nationwide. While federal funding is a great way to receive need-based support, private scholarship funds offer a more targeted opportunity to pursue any degree, or career, that will help set students up on the path towards success.

Resources for African American Students

UNCF Sponsorships & Scholarships

The nation’s largest minority education organization provides scholarship opportunities by raising money to support students of color to attend, thrive and graduate from college to become better leaders of their communities.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities

The HBCU Network was established in the 1800s to provide higher education opportunities for underrepresented minorities. The initiative is a professional and social community to network and to offer substantial scholarship opportunities for African-American students in the community.

Grants from the U.S. Government

Apply for need-based national grant opportunities suited for any academic course of study.

Federal Student Aid

The Office of the U.S. Department of Education provide over $120 billion in federal grants, loans and work-study funds each year to sponsor millions of students pursuing their academic dreams.

National Society of Black Engineers

The NSBE provide pre-college, collegiate and technical professional programs, scholarships, internships and support to students of color pursuing careers in the engineering industry.

National Society of Black Journalists

The NSBJ offers specialized scholarships, awards, events, fellowships and internships for African-American students pursuing a career in journalism.

Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

Awards four-year scholarships to students of color demonstrating academic excellence and promise, and financial need.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

The NAACP is a national education program that works to eliminate education-related disparities in public schools through policy development, guidance, and collaborative networks.

 
 

How to Pay for College

1

Scholarships

There are hundreds of scholarships for African Americans, which are awarded by local organizations, private companies, societies and more.

 
2

Grants

Grants don’t need to be paid back and are based on your financial circumstances. They are usually funded by the federal government, your state or college.

 
3

Fellowships

While scholarships usually fund tuition, fellowships typically cover graduate study, research projects and abroad experiences without needing to be paid back.

 
4

Student Loans

You can borrow money from the government or a bank, but it needs to be paid back with interest. The federal government offers many loan options—fill out the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for financial aid. If you need help, use our interactive guide to learn how to answer every question.

 
5

Federal Work-Study Program

Provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to pay education expenses.

 
 

If you’re just beginning the process of finding suitable scholarships, make sure you’re prepared for the application process by starting a folder with the assets below.

Scholarship Application Preparation

Not all scholarships are based off of your GPA, but most need to verify your high school education to qualify. Try to get certified copies of your transcript early, so you have plenty of time to meet the deadline.
Although there are scholarship opportunities that aren’t merit-based, it’s valuable to take the SAT or ACT standardized tests in case it’s a scholarship qualification.
Your scholarship essay is what will bring attention to your application out of the pool of applicants. That’s why it’s important to craft a stand out piece that attests to your experience, adheres to the scholarship guidelines and most importantly, highlights your true personality.
Letters of recommendation are a true judgement of your character—something that can’t be revealed through your test scores or transcript. Reach out to former teachers, counselors or bosses, so that they can speak to your qualifications. You may also want to provide them with a resume that outlines your achievements and goals as well.
 

African American Scholarships

Instructions: Click through the dropdowns below to sort by your field of study, award amount and if you qualify for need-based aid. Click the box for a larger view.

Hyatt Hotels Fund for Minority Lodging Management Students

Amount: $500 - $7500

Deadline: February 28, 2021

The scholarship is open to minority students who are attending an undergraduate institution in the next academic year. Students must be majoring in hospitality management.

Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship

Amount: $1,250

Deadline: February 28, 2021

This award will recognize one African American female that's pursuing a full time bachelor's degree and participating in golf at an accredited university. Students must demonstrate academic achievement and community service for consideration

The Lagrant Foundation Graduate Scholarships

Amount: $3,750

Deadline: February 28, 2021

The Lagrant Foundation scholarships aim to increase the number of minorities working in the fields of advertising, marketing, and public relations. Applicants must be a minority student pursuing a masters degree in one of those subjects.

Boule' Foundation Scholarship

Amount: $4,000

Deadline: March 2, 2021

These merit-based scholarships are awarded to entering college freshmen students of African American descent attending four-year, accredited, non-profit degree granting colleges and universities of their choice.

Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship

Amount: $25,000

Deadline: March 29, 2021

The MBA Fellowship is designed to increase interest in financial services among black, hispanic and native american business school students.

UNCF/Best Buy Scholars Program

Amount: Varies

Deadline: March 31, 2021

High school seniors planning to enroll at an historically black college or uiversity (HBCU) and plan to major in business, information technology, finance, data sciences, communications, or marketing. Preference given to students who are active high school participants in a Best Buy Teen Tech Center.

TMCF Wells Fargo Scholarship

Amount: Varies

Deadline: April 1, 2021

Applicant must be attending one of the 47 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) within the TMCF member-school network and have at least a 3.0 GPA. Must be an upperclassmen pursuing majors in business, finance, mathematics, accounting, statistics, and other relevant fields.

Palantir Future Scholarship

Amount: $7,000

Deadline: April 5, 2021

The scholarship celebrates and supports freshmen, sophomore, or junior students from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups majoring in STEM.

Ohio Newspapers Foundation Minority Scholarship

Amount: Varies

Deadline: April 19, 2021

Applicants must graduate from an Ohio high school and be enrolled as a freshman at an accredited college or university. Minimum GPA of 2.5 required as well as a 750-1,000-word autobiography.

CBC Spouses Education Scholarship

Amount: Varies

Deadline: April 30, 2021

Candidates must African American or black students and constituents of a CBC member's district who are enrolled or plan to enroll in the upcoming academic year as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student. A GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is required.

Denny's Hungry for Education Scholarship

Amount: Varies

Deadline: August 18, 2021

All applicants must be enrolled in an accredited educational institution (K-12, high school and college) in the United States or Puerto Rico

 

Sources

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