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

Black Medical Students Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

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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Keisha M. Michael Memorial Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 15 Deadline

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.

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Anarcha, Betsy, and Lucy Memorial Scholarship Award

$5,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 16 Deadline

This $5,000 award is given to honor three former enslaved women knowns as the Mothers of Gynecology. The award will be given to one (1) African-American woman who is a known descendant of American slaves, and is enrolled in an accredited US medical school program. Finalists will be interviewed by Dr. Thornton.

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Western Digital Scholarship Program

$5,000 Award Amount

10 Awards

Mar 24 Deadline

The Western Digital Scholarship Program is available for underprivileged and under-represented students who are majoring in STEM as well as the children and legal dependents of Western Digital Employees. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

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Unpublished Writer Award

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 31 Deadline

This award is for U.S. female students with an interest in writing. To apply, students must submit an unpublished work of fiction.

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Aspiring Author Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 31 Deadline

This award is for U.S. female sophomore and junior students of African descent who are enrolled full time in an English, literature, journalism or related area of study at a Historically Black college or university. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or better and submit a 800-word essay on the topic the power of the written word.

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Albert W. Dent & Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarships

$5,000 Award Amount

20 Awards

Mar 31 Deadline

The Albert W. Dent & Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarships are available for students who are currently enrolled in the final year of a graduate program in health administration. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, have U.S or Canadian citizenship, and must demonstrate unmet financial need.

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AMA Underrepresented in Medicine Award

$20,000 Award Amount

2 Awards

Mar 31 Deadline

The AMA Underrepresented in Medicine Award provides financial assistance to African American, Latino / Hispanic, or Native Americans / Native Hawaiians / Alaska Natives scholars who are dedicated to serving vulnerable or underserved populations.

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SREB-State Doctoral Scholars Program

$20,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 31 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. minority students who are currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program and planning to pursue a career as a professor.

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SREB Doctoral Dissertation Scholarship for Tennessee Residents

$20,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 31 Deadline

This scholarship is available for minority students who are residents of Tennessee. Applicants must be working on a doctoral dissertation at one of the following institutions: Meharry Medical College, Tennessee State University, Tennessee Technological University, Vanderbilt University, University of Memphis, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

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African American Achievement Scholarship Fund

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

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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Ruth L. Brocklebank Memorial Scholarship Fund

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 31 Deadline

The Ruth L. Brocklebank Memorial Scholarship Fund is available for African American students who have graduated from a public school in Springfield, MA.

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Dr. Richard Allen Williams & Genita Evangelists johnson scholarship

$5,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 31 Deadline

The Dr. Richard Allen Williams & Genita Evangelists Johnson / Association of Black Cardiologists Scholarships provides financial assistance to African American students with an interest in cardiology.

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Rosewood Family Scholarship Program

$6,100 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are considered a minority and planning to attend an eligible college or university in Florida. Priority will be given to direct descendants of African-American Rosewood families affected by the events of January 1923.

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HBCU Connect Minority Student Scholarship

$4,000 Award Amount

4 Awards

Apr 1 Deadline

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.

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George A. Strait Minority Scholarship

$2,000 Award Amount

2 Awards

Apr 1 Deadline

Scholarships and fellowships applicants must be enrolled in an ALA accredited library graduate school program; or law school. Applicants must be members of a recognized minority group (as defined by current U.S. guidelines) with an intention to pursue a career in law librarianship.

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General Hospital #2 Perpetual Trust Fund

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

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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Minorities in STEM

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

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

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

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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Dr. Kenny D. Hasija Scholarship

$2,000 Award Amount

2 Awards

Apr 1 Deadline

The Educational Theatre Association offers this $1,000 one time scholarship to support applicants traditionally underrepresented in the theatre industry such as those who are Black, indigenous or people of color.

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Library Scholarship For Minority Students In Memory Of Edna Yelland

$2,500 Award Amount

3 Awards

Apr 8 Deadline

This award is available to minority students who are currently enrolled in a graduate program related to library science. Applicants must be residents of California and/or intend to work in California upon graduation. Selectees may be subjected to an interview. Click here to learn more and apply today!

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Zenobia V. Brooker Scholarship

$2,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 13 Deadline

UNCF has helped more than 500,000 students earn their college degrees since its founding. UNCF is the nation’s largest private scholarship provider to minority group members. The UNCF-Ralph Lauren Scholarship was established to assist seniors in bridging the financial gap to complete their undergraduate college education.

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National Black Nurses Association Scholarship Program

$3,500 Award Amount

14 Awards

Apr 15 Deadline

This award is available for members of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) who are currently enrolled in a nursing program with at least one year of study remaining. Candidate must be in good scholastic standing at the time of application. Awards range from $1,000- $5,000. Click to learn more and apply today!

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Minority Teaching Fellows Program

$5,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 15 Deadline

This award is available for Tennessee resident, minority undergraduate students who are pursuing teaching field at a public or private Tennessee college or university. Students must plan to teach at a Tennessee public kindergarten, elementary or secondary school upon graduation.

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Walt Disney Company UNCF Corporate Scholars Program

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 15 Deadline

The goals of The Walt Disney Company UNCF Corporate Scholars Program are to help create a diverse pipeline of college educated professionals ready to assume fulfilling off-camera careers in entertainment and to help raise the number of underrepresented minorities employed in the entertainment industry.

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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.