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.
$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
U.S. and Canadian citizens who will have earned no more than 12 hours towards a Master of Library Science degree by June of the award year are eligible for this award. Students must be members of a principal minority group; attend an ALA-accredited school; and plan to enter the library automation field.
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$4,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
College juniors, seniors and/or graduate students who are Illinois residents currently attending an accounting program of study at an Illinois college or university with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must be African-American.
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$500
Award Amount
21
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for minority U.S. students who are residents of the state of Illinois. The applicant must be pursuing courses of study that will prepare him/her for careers relating to the real estate industry or will enhance the skills and knowledge that he/she currently uses as a real estate professional.
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$4,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 14
Deadline
This award is available to Florida resident undergraduate students who are enrolled as upper division undergraduates in a state-approved teacher education program at an eligible Florida institution. Students must be of African, American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/Alaskan Native descent, and plan to teach in a Florida public school upon graduation.
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$26,890
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, SAT score of 980 or an ACT score of 21. Applicants must attend Milligan College and must contribute to the diversity of the student body.
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$1,000
Award Amount
9
Awards
Oct 15
Deadline
This award is for U.S. high school seniors who will be attending college in the fall. Applicants must be a member of an underrepresented group, have a minimum 3.0 grade point average and be pursuing a major in a STEM field; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Learn more and apply today!
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$26,000
Award Amount
26
Awards
Feb 4
Deadline
The Ethnic Minority and Women's Enhancement Graduate Scholarship were developed by the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics and the NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee.
The goal of the enhancement programs is to increase the pool of and opportunities for qualified minority and female candidates in intercollegiate athletics through graduate scholarships.
The NCAA awards $10,000 to 13 ethnic minorities and 13 female college graduates who will be entering their initial year of graduate studies. The applicant must be seeking admission or have been accepted into a sports administration or program that will help the applicant obtain a career in intercollegiate athletics, such as athletics administrator, coach, athletic trainer or a career that provides a direct service to intercollegiate athletics.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
May 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. students who are members of an ethnic minority group. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and acceptance or enrollment in an American Art Therapy Association (AATA) approved art therapy program.
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$200,000
Award Amount
20
Awards
Oct 14
Deadline
We recognize the value and advantages of diverse ideas within our communities. We are committed to providing a platform to support the next generation of leaders and champions in our industry, and we are focused on growing diversity within the science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) fields.
The Stantec Equity & Diversity Scholarship will contribute to the creation of a critical mass of talented students that will fully represent our industry—it will provide an environment in which all can thrive academically and professionally. Through this scholarship, Stantec will award $200,000 annually. We believe everyone has a right to education, and we are committed to providing people in historically underrepresented and Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) groups with financial aid.
Here at Stantec, we value an inclusive and diverse workplace culture where we seek a broad range of perspectives and contributions to our industry—and the communities where we live and work.
The number of scholarships awarded will be based on the specific needs articulated by applicants, and the award values will be a variable range between $1,500 and $10,000. Additionally, there will be 10 paid internships (locations to be confirmed annually) available to applicants.
The Stantec Equity & Diversity Scholarship is part of a broader commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in our organization. We know that we must increase our focus on building the future talent pipeline and find more ways to support underrepresented populations in our industry. This scholarship program is just one example of our commitment to break through barriers to have an impact.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 4
Deadline
This award is available for minority students who are currently attending FSU or USF. Applicants must be enrolled as a graduate student in a program of library science.
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$60,000
Award Amount
20
Awards
Sep 24
Deadline
The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship is available to minority students who are pursuing a graduate degree in foreign affairs. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.2 or higher and demonstrate financial need.
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$16,333
Award Amount
6
Awards
Oct 15
Deadline
This competition is open to African-American and Hispanic students who play violin, viola, cello or double bass. Applicants must be 26 years of age or younger at the time of the competition.
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$6,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
Graduating high school seniors who are minorities or economically disadvantage are eligible for this award. Students must rank in the top 25% of their graduating class and have an ACT/SAT of 25/1150 or higher.
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$24,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
Graduating high school seniors who are minorities or economically disadvantage are eligible for this award. Students must rank in the top 25% of their graduating class and have an ACT/SAT of 25/1150 or higher.
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$18,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Dec 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for current high school seniors and undergraduate students who are applying to admission at Clemson University in South Carolina. To be considered for a Diversity Scholarship, applicants must add to the ethnic, cultural, geographic, or intellectual diversity of the campus.
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$10,000
Award Amount
25
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
To be considered for this scholarship, the student must have a demonstrated commitment to the promotion of diversity and inclusion. They must also meet one or more of the following criteria:
Be from a historically underrepresented group;
Be from a low socio-economic background; or
Be a first-generation college student (i.e., neither of your parent(s)/guardian(s) has a bachelor's degree.
The student's academic performance and their record of school and community service will also be considered.
Students will be selected by a committee established by the Office of Multicultural Services.
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$4,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
The Dr. Charles L. Cooke Scholarship is available for first-time students at the Southern California University of Health Sciences. Applicants must be African American and must have a grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
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$1,500
Award Amount
5
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
The Dr. Gertrude Dunsworth Scholarship is available for first-time students at the Southern California University of Health Sciences. Applicants must be of Native America, African American or Latin American descent, and must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Oct 1
Deadline
Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C., a personal-injury law firm based out of Michigan, is pleased to announce the annual Buckfire & Buckfire Medical School Diversity Scholarship. This scholarship has been funded as part of Buckfire & Buckfire’s commitment to and mission of helping to promote diversity of backgrounds and experience within the legal profession.
Application is open to racial and ethnic minorities of all backgrounds who are currently enrolled in an accredited medical school within the United States. Award selection will be based on a combination of essay responses and academic achievement as demonstrated in the applicant's transcripts.
The Buckfire & Buckfire Medical School Diversity Scholarship is provided annually to medical school students who represent ethnically and racially diverse populations.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 16
Deadline
This scholarship was established to honor the life of Craig D. Butler and to continue his legacy of integrity, generosity and service. Applicants must be of African-American descent, with a GPA of at east 3.0, pursuing higher education whether at a college, university or vocational-technical school.
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$9,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Dec 20
Deadline
Students studying classics or classical archaeology are encouraged to apply. Eligible proposals might include (but are not limited to) participation in classical summer programs or field schools in the Mediterranean or language training at institutions in the U.S., Canada, or Europe. The maximum amount of the award will be $4,500.
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$80,000
Award Amount
40
Awards
Dec 20
Deadline
The NAACP Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship honors its namesake who was a long time member from the San Francisco branch with up to 40 scholarships for graduating high school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students based on GPA and financial need.
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$20,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Dec 20
Deadline
Rapper Megan Thee Stallion is partnering with Rap Rotation, amazon music’s flagship global hip-hop brand and playlist that spotlights the best in hip-hop. Two $10,000 scholarships will be awarded to female students of color pursuing an Associates, Bachelors or Postgraduate Degree in any field. Learn more and apply today!
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$7,500
Award Amount
2
Awards
Dec 4
Deadline
The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) is partnering with ESPN to help pave the way for Black women in the sports media industry. One undergraduate and one graduate female African American student will each receive a $3,750 educational scholarship.
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$1,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Dec 4
Deadline
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Queen City Metropolitan Chapter offers two non renewable merit/need Based scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each. Click to learn more and apply today!
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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