African American Scholarships for College

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Unigo Author Dave Moniz Written by Dave Moniz
Unigo Editor Unigo Staff ✔️ 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

Mamie Earl Sells Scholarship Fund

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
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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Black Law Student Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
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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WRNS Studio Foundation Scholarship

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Award Amount
$10,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
2 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
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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“Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for African American Students

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Award Amount
$500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
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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TMCF McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden Scholarship

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Award Amount
$15,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
63 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
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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The Reginaldo Howard Scholarship

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Award Amount
$138,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
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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BestColleges Black Women in STEM Scholarship

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Award Amount
$30,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
5 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
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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Target Scholars Program

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Award Amount
$5,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Nov 1, 2025 Deadline

In 2020, Target formed our Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) committee to accelerate our work on advancing racial equity and creating lasting, systemic change for our Black guests, team members and communities. Today we’re announcing a new chapter in that strategy — a scholarship program that will support students at more than a dozen Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Target Scholars Program will provide 1,000 first-year students at more than a dozen HBCUs $5,000 scholarships, plus mentoring, internship opportunities, networking and more throughout their college career. “Target has worked closely with HBCUs for years, and we’re excited to deepen our partnership as these scholarships and support will provide more possibilities for Black students,” says Damu McCoy, Target’s vice president of talent acquisition. “It gives me immense pride to see Target continue to invest to create equity and opportunity and help students succeed both during and after college.” Our longtime partners at UNCF (United Negro College Fund) will identify recipients, with a focus on those going into the fields of technology, design and leadership.
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Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith HBCU Scholarship Award

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Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 23 Deadline

Established in 2003, the HBCU Council of Shiloh Baptist Church offers the Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith HBCU Scholarship Award of $2,000 to an incoming freshman at an HBCU with a minimum GPA of 3.5.
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Carolyn M. Harris HBCU Scholarship Award

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 23 Deadline

The HBCU Council of Shiloh Baptist Church offers the Carolyn M. Harris HBCU Scholarship Award of $1,000 to an incoming freshman at an HBCU with a minimum GPA of 2.5 who is a member of a musical group or (music) education major.
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Heritage HBCU Scholarship Award

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Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 23 Deadline

The HBCU Council of Shiloh Baptist Church offers the Heritage HBCU Scholarship Award of $2,000 to an incoming freshman at an HBCU with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on the basis of financial need.
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African-American Entrepreneurs Grant – Female Award

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 11 Deadline

This scholarship is part of the Mechanism Ventures Impact Grants Series. It provides a $1,000 grant to a female Black entrepreneur at any education level who is or wants to launch a new business.
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Minorities in STEM

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Award Amount
$2,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
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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Women in STEM

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Award Amount
$2,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
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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General Hospital #2 Perpetual Trust Fund

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
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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African American Achievement Scholarship Fund

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
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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DFBSST Scholarship

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Award Amount
$15,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
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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TMCF / COVID-19 Emergency Award

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Award Amount
$3,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
3 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
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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NLN Foundation for Nursing Education Scholarship Awards

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Award Amount
$8,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
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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Lynne Edwards Research Scholarship

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Award Amount
$5,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
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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Rita E. Miller Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
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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African-American Journalism Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
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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Black Design Leaders Grant

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Award Amount
$1,050 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
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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Black Medical Students Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 11 Deadline

The Black Medical Students Scholarship will be awarded to a current or future Black medical student across any medical specialty based on the strength of a 500-1000 word essay.
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Impact Scholarship for Black Students

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Award Amount
$2,550 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
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

Joyful friends discuss over coffee in a cozy cafe.

Here are 10 scholarships for African American students to consider applying for now:

  1. UNCF Scholarships
  2. Ron Brown Scholar Program
  3. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
  4. NACME Scholarships
  5. ABA Diversity Scholarship
  6. Gates Scholarship
  7. Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarships
  8. Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship
  9. National Association of Black Journalists Scholarships
  10. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Check Eligibility Requirements: Ensure you meet all the criteria before applying to avoid wasting time on scholarships for which you are not eligible.
  3. Create a List of Scholarships: Keep track of scholarships, their deadlines, and requirements in a spreadsheet or calendar.
  4. Prepare Application Materials in Advance: Gather transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and any other required documents ahead of time.
  5. Follow Directions Carefully: Adhere strictly to application guidelines, including essay prompts and word counts.
  6. Customize Your Essays: Tailor your essays to reflect the mission and values of each scholarship, highlighting how you align with them.
  7. Proofread Your Applications: Review your applications for any errors or omissions before submitting.
  8. 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.