HBCU Scholarships
College is a big investment, and scholarships are a crucial part of making it affordable. Fortunately, there are many scholarships out there, many of which are specifically for students at historically Black colleges or universities (HBCUs).
HBCUs expand access and opportunity to higher education for Black students in the U.S. Many institutions provide scholarships to students, often for those with academic or personal merit. Beyond schools, many national and location organizations also provide scholarships for Black students and students from all backgrounds attending HBCUs.
The following is a list of 10 HBCU scholarships, their application deadlines, and various eligibility requirements.
HBCU Scholarship Opportunities
Coca-Cola Foundation First-Generation HBCU Scholarship Scholars Program Scholarship
Each year, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation partners with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) to award up to $5,000 to 10 scholars on the basis of financial need. Applicants must be a first-generation college student at a TMCF member institution. They must also have a minimum 2.5 GPA and be able to demonstrate financial need.
Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology
The Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology (DFBSST) awards $3,000 scholarships to Black science, technology, and math majors attending specified HBCUs. Recipients who maintain full-time enrollment and a minimum 3.0 GPA can renew their awards for up to four years. The deadline is June 15.
Delta Community Credit Union HBCU Scholarship
Delta Community Credit Union provides four $5,000 scholarships for students accepted to or currently attending an HBCU. Applicants must be Georgia residents. The deadline is March 1.
HBCU Battle of the Brains
At this academic championship event, teams of HBCU students compete to solve business challenges and win $5,000 scholarship awards. Teams may consist of graduate and undergraduate business and STEM majors. The registration deadline is February 6.
Apple HBCU Scholars Program
This merit-based scholarship benefits HBCU students pursuing a degree in an undergraduate, master’s, law or Ph.D. program. Scholars receive a $15,000 scholarship in addition to training, mentorship, and internship opportunities with Apple. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all scholarships are filled.
McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden Scholarships
Undergraduates attending a TMCF member institution can apply for this scholarship. Applicants must submit an essay and hold a minimum 3.0 GPA. The application deadline is April 24.
Semester at Sea HBCU Scholarship
This $10,000 scholarship enables HBCU and PBI students to attend the Institute for Shipboard Education’s Semester at Sea program. Applicants must be active leaders in community service and extracurricular activities. Applications can be submitted year-round.
Enterprise Access HBCU Program
Open to all majors and class levels, this $15,000 merit-based scholarship supports students attending TMCF partner schools. Applicants must hold a minimum 2.75 GPA and demonstrate financial need. The deadline is January 16.
UNCF Social Justice Scholarship
The UNCF Social Justice Scholarship offers $5,666 to undergraduate juniors and seniors in New York, Vermont, or Connecticut who plan to attend law school, with preference for majors related to criminal justice, politics, or law. Students at HBCUs, UNCF member institutions, or any accredited four-year university can apply. The deadline is December 12.
Resources for HBCU Students
UNCF Resource Guide
UNCF’s resource guide provides a vast array of information for HBCU students, including scholarships, college-planning resources, and key facts about HBCUs.
Gates Millennium Scholars Program
The GMS Program supports outstanding students from historically underrepresented groups. It provides mentoring, academic guidance, and resources to help students succeed. GMS also covers tuition for undergraduate studies in any major. Graduate students are eligible for funding in select programs.
Education Advisory Board Resource Center
The EAB Resource Center provides tools and strategies for HBCU students and institutions such as ways to improve institutional strategy and student success. The resource center offers on-demand resources, such as podcasts, blog posts, and interviews.
HBCU First
HBCU First is a resource hub meant to increase college and career success for Black students. HBCU First’s services include leadership programs, mentorship connections, and internship opportunities.
UNCF K-12 Education Fellowship Program
This program provides paid summer internships for HBCU students interested in education reform, regardless of major. Fellows enjoy access to resources such as conferences, competitions, mentoring, career coaching, and networking opportunities. You must be a junior enrolled at a HBCU school to be eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions About HBCU Scholarships
Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are institutions established prior to 1964 that primarily serve Black Americans. In 2022, there were 99 HBCUs across 19 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
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