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.
$10,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Aug 20
Deadline
If you're a minority or a woman with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, in need of financial aid and are interested in studying computer science, data science, or a related field in tech, this scholarship is for you! Click to learn more and apply today!
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$2,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Apr 15
Deadline
U.S high school seniors who are African American and have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must pursue a degree full time in any of the social sciences, including technology, forensic investigations, and other criminal investigative studies, to further a career in law enforcement or criminal justice.
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$75,000
Award Amount
30
Awards
Feb 26
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. graduate students with a grade point average of 3.2 or higher who are of either African American, Asian/Pacific, Hispanic, or Native American heritage. The applicant must major in a field of study that has an emphasis on public relations, marketing or advertising.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 20
Deadline
Undergraduate students attending Prescott College in Arizona planning to pursue a course of study in writing, literature or journalism are eligible for this award. Preference will be given to a student whose legal place of residence is southeast Texas (Jefferson, Orange, Tyler, Newton, and Hardin counties) and/or a student who is a member of an ethnic minority group.
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$20,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Apr 23
Deadline
This award is available to current high school seniors planning to major in electrical engineering or computer science from underrepresented groups (women, African American, Hispanic, American Indian, and disabled students). Eligible applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, be U.S. residents, and demonstrate financial need.
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$40,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 18
Deadline
The Corris Boyd Scholarship is available for deserving students of color entering a graduate program in healthcare management. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$90,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Jan 31
Deadline
This award is available for minority students who are currently enrolled in and have completed at least one year of a graduate program in sociology and are working toward a Ph.D. in the field.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for minority students enrolled in an accredited law school in the U.S. Applicants must have a permanent residence in Michigan, a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and unmet financial need.
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$1,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for minority students who reside in and around Grand Rapids, Michigan. Applicants must be currently enrolled in one of the specified nursing specialities and must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$7,500
Award Amount
3
Awards
Oct 30
Deadline
NACME Collegiate Scholars are performing undergraduate students who are matriculating in strategic engineering or computer science programs. Students must have an updated NACME Common Application on file, a GPA of 2.8 or higher, enrolled full time at an engineering or computer science program at a NACME Partner Institution.
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$300,000
Award Amount
30
Awards
Oct 30
Deadline
The NBCC Foundation will administer up to 30 master’s level counseling fellowships of $10,000in exchange for a commitment to teach, serve or counsel minority populations post graduation.
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$2,217
Award Amount
85
Awards
Oct 30
Deadline
This award is available to Wisconsin resident undergraduate and graduate students who are attending a Wisconsin college or university which offers teaching degrees. The student must be a minority, be enrolled in a program leading to teaching licensure, and have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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$6,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 11
Deadline
This award is available for undergraduate minority students in California who plan to pursue a career in education.
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$15,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Feb 11
Deadline
This award is for first-year law school students who are members of a diverse population that has been historically represented in the legal profession. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or authorized to work in the U.S. and have demonstrated excellent academic performance at their undergraduate school.
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$20,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 15
Deadline
The American Psychology Association Minority Fellowship awards are available to minority students pursuing pre-doctoral or post-doctoral education in psychology.
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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
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Edited by Unigo Staff