Scholarships for Historically Black Colleges and Universities

By Staff Writers

Published on September 2, 2021

Scholarships for Historically Black Colleges and Universities

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HBCU Scholarships for Students

Most HBCUs are land-grant institutions and represent some of the oldest institutions of higher education operating in the United States. Being accepted as an HBCU is a great honor, but there are several aspects to pursuing a collegiate-level education that can act as roadblocks for potential students. One common blocker comes with the cost of attending college. Although HBCUs are well known for making college accessible for low-income students, it’s always good to supplement the cost of your degree by applying to scholarships and grants. This guide lists 50 scholarships available for HBCU students, how to land them and where to find more information. This guide features 50 scholarships and grants specifically geared towards HBCU students. Find out if you qualify for any of the awards below.

Alice Ware Watson Memorial Scholarship Alice Ware Watson Memorial Scholarship Arkansas Baptist College is proud to offer this scholarship, established in honor of the late Mrs. Alice B. Watson. Deadlines occur annually, typically around mid-July. Students who currently reside in Mississippi County are given preference in the selection process. Deadline: Mid-July Amount: Varies
Allen University Presidential Scholarship Allen University Presidential Scholarship Allen University rewards its students who exhibit academic excellence with their Presidential Scholarship, applied directly to tuition and fees of attendance. Application for this scholarship is competitive, and students will be expected to maintain a GPA of a 3.5 or higher. Deadline: Mid-June Amount: Varies
Alumni Associate Scholarship Alumni Associate Scholarship Awarded annually, the Alumni Associate Scholarship is offered to any qualifying individuals enrolled at Coppin State University. Students who are related to a Coppin graduate will be given preference in the selection process. In addition to maintaining a minimum 2.5 GPA, students will also submit a one-page essay discussing their accomplishments and career aspirations. Deadline: Late May Amount: Varies
Apple HBCU Scholars Program Apple HBCU Scholars Program In addition to receiving funding up to $25,000, recipients of the Apple HBCU Scholars Program will have the chance to Apple internship and professional development opportunities in Cupertino, California. Accepted students will also paired with an experience Apple employee for continual professional guidance. Deadline: Mid-March Amount: Up to $25,000
BSU Merit Scholarship BSU Merit Scholarship In addition to receiving funding up to $25,000, recipients of the Apple HBCU Scholars Program will have the chance to Apple internship and professional development opportunities in Cupertino, California. Accepted students will also paired with an experience Apple employee for continual professional guidance. Deadline: Mid-March Amount: Up to $25,000
Carolyn M. Harris HBCU Music Scholarship Application Carolyn M. Harris HBCU Music Scholarship Application A one-time award, the Carolyn M. Harris HBCU Music Scholarship provides academic funding to HBCU students currently pursuing a degree in a music-related field. Additionally, applicants must be a member of a musical ensemble, submit a 500-word minimum essay, and provide one letter of recommendation. Deadline: Late January Amount: $1,000
Continuing Student Scholarship Continuing Student Scholarship With the Continuing Student Scholarship, students enrolled at Central State University can receive a variety of financial packages, each level of funding depending on the applicant’s GPA. For students to be eligible to receive this scholarship, they must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Deadline: Late May Amount: $1,000-$3,000
David J. Stern Sports Scholarship Program David J. Stern Sports Scholarship Program The National Basketball Association has partnered with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to provide a 3-year renewable scholarship for accepted students. Awardees will not only receive $10,000 per year but will also have the chance to apply for an internship with the NBA league office. Deadline: Early June Amount: $10,000
Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology (DFBSST) Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology (DFBSST) The Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology provides financial backing for African-American STEM majors attending an HBCU. Potential applicants are identified with the assistance of faculty and staff members who have noted academic excellence in their students. Funding can be renewed annually. Deadline: Mid-June Amount: Up to $3,000
Department of Defense (DOD) Scholarship Department of Defense (DOD) Scholarship The goal of the Department of Defense (DOD) Scholarship is to bolster awareness for STEM fields for full-time students enrolled at an HBCU. Undergraduate students interested in applying must be pursuing a STEM related degree and maintain a GPA of 3.25 or higher. Deadline: Late April Amount: Up to $15,000 per year
Delta Community Credit Union HBCU Scholarships Delta Community Credit Union HBCU Scholarships Residents of the state of Georgia who are enrolled at a Historically Black College or University can receive funding of $2,500 dollars by being nominated for this essay competition. Applicants must be over the age of 18 at the time of entry. Essay selection criteria will review a student’s financial need, clarity of composition, and expressed interest in continuing an academic career. Deadline: Mid-February Amount: $2,500
Dr. Robert U. Ferguson Scholarship Dr. Robert U. Ferguson Scholarship This scholarship is offered to students enrolled at Arkansas Baptist College and honors the memory of the late Dr. Robert U. Ferguson. Potential applicants are selected based off demonstrated financial need and are urged to contact the Arkansas Baptist Office of Financial Aid for further information. Deadline: Mid-July Amount: Varies
Ella Sheperd Moore Provost Scholarship Erastus Milo Cravath Presidential Scholarship In order to maintain funding for this scholarship, recipients must be enrolled at least full-time (12 credits) at Fisk University and keep their GPA over a 3.2. Student eligibility will also rely on their ability to complete a minimum of 50 volunteer hours per semester. Deadline: Early November Amount: Full cost of tuition
Erastus Milo Cravath Presidential Scholarship Erastus Milo Cravath Presidential Scholarship Recipients of this scholarship, offered through Fisk University, are selected based on their academic performance (3.2 cumulative GPA or higher) as well as their commitment to community service. Applicants must perform at least 50 volunteer hours per semester to be eligible for application. Deadline: Early November Amount: Full tuition, fees, room and board, and books up to $1,000
ETS Presidential Scholarship for HBCU Students ETS Presidential Scholarship for HBCU Students *With the goal of recognizing exceptional upper-level undergraduate students enrolled at an HBCU, the ETS Presidential Scholarship provides one year of funding to students from any academic background. Applicants must be referred to the scholarship program by the president of their institution. Up to five students may be recommended per-institution. Deadline: Mid-March Amount: Varies
Evelyn Hider A&B HBCU Scholarship Evelyn Hider A&B HBCU Scholarship One of the several scholarship awards provided by the HBCU Council of Shiloh Baptist Church, the Evelyn Hider A&B HBCU Scholarship seeks to acknowledge students in the HBCU community for their academic achievements. This scholarship’s dispersion depends on both academic prowess—GPA of 2.5 or higher—as well as financial need; applicants must provide most recent W-2 documentation to verify need for financial assistance. Deadline: Late January Amount: $1,000
Evelyn Hider Continuing Education HBCU Scholarship Evelyn Hider Continuing Education HBCU Scholarship The HBCU Council of Shiloh Baptist Church provides a variety of funding opportunities to students enrolled at HBCUs, including the Evelyn Hider Continuing Education HBCU Scholarship. Applicants will be accepted based on overall GPA (3.0 or higher) and the quality of a 500-600 word essay submission. Deadline: Late January Amount: Up to $3,000
Fisk Outstanding Scholars and Leaders Award Fisk Outstanding Scholars and Leaders Award Fisk University seeks to reward students for their academic and community successes with this renewable scholarship program. Eligible applicants must have completed a specified number of community service hours, as well as keeping their GPA at a minimum of 2.75. Deadline: Early November Amount: $5,000-$15,000
Fort Worth Independent School District Scholarship Fort Worth Independent School District Scholarship This scholarship is specifically designed to prepare high school graduates from the Fort Worth Independent School District to continue their education in a collegiate setting. Students must have a 2.7 GPA or higher, as well as provide a letter of recommendation from a qualified individual. Deadline: Mid-April Amount: Up to $5,000
George Washington Carver Scholarship Fund George Washington Carver Scholarship Fund The George Washington Carver Scholarship is awarded to students enrolled at an HBCU who embody a sense of leadership and community service. To apply, students must have completed a minimum of 40 hours of community service, as well as pursuing a degree in one of the approved STEM or business-related fields. Deadline: Late May Amount: Varies
GOG Aspiring Writer Scholarship GOG Aspiring Writer Scholarship Undergraduate writers attending a Historically Black College or University may be interested in applying for this one-time $1,000 scholarship. Applicants will be judged on a 500-word submission essay discussing “The Power of the Written Word.” Applicants must be a freshman, sophomore or junior and maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. Deadline: Mid-March Amount: $1,000
HBCU Battle of the Brains HBCU Battle of the Brains As a competition-based funding opportunity, the HBCU Battle of the Brains gives HBCU students learning in a STEM related field to go head-to-head with other teams throughout the country. Contestants will join a group of three to five students to solve complex issue and present the solution to a panel of judges. Deadline: Late February Amount: $25,000
HBCU Heritage Scholarship HBCU Heritage Scholarship The HBCU Heritage Scholarship has been offered in a variety of forms over the last fifteen years and is now pleased to offer HBCU students with funding up to $2,000. Students who are interested in applying for this scholarship must exhibit financial need, as well as being a resident of either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or North Virginia. Deadline: Late January Amount: $2,000
Henry “Win” Wingrond Memorial Graduate Scholarship Henry “Win” Wingrond Memorial Graduate Scholarship Coahoma Community College students may be rewarded for their academic achievement by applying for the Henry “Win” Wingrond memorial Graduate Scholarship. This scholarship program seeks to provide funding to Coahoma graduates with necessary funding to continue their education at the bachelor’s level and is applicable to any four-year college or university. Deadline: Early September Amount: $4,500
Homecoming Scholars Award Program Homecoming Scholars Award Program After her 2018 performance at Coachella, Beyoncé announced that she will give $25,000 to four HBCUs: Xavier University of Louisiana, Wilberforce University, Tuskegee University and Bethune-Cookman University. To qualify, students must attend one of the qualifying schools and have at least a 3.5 GPA. All finalists and winners will be selected by the universities. Deadline: None Amount: $25,000
IES Scholarship IES Scholarship This scholarship is designed to support students enrolled at one of the country’s HBCUs that holds a membership with the IES Abroad consortium. $1,500 of this $2,000 scholarship is put towards the credits the awardee will complete while studying abroad; the remaining $500 applies to overseas airfare. Deadline: Early May Amount: $2,000
Isabelle Gaines Scholarship Program Isabelle Gaines Scholarship Program This scholarship program is geared specifically towards students who graduated from Essex County High School in 2017 and intend to pursue a degree at an HBCU. Students must be pursuing a degree in either Art, Education or STEM, and will be required to submit a letter of recommendation from a non-family individual. Deadline: Late March Amount: Varies
J.A. Booker/J.C. Oliver Memorial Scholarship J.A. Booker/J.C. Oliver Memorial Scholarship Awarded by the National Alumni Association of Arkansas Baptist College, Inc., the J.A. Booker/J.C. Oliver Memorial Scholarship is geared towards students who have demonstrated both financial need and a devotion to their academic pursuits. The scholarship is renewable each semester, so long as funds are still available. Deadline: Mid-July Amount: Varies
Kat Team Foundation Scholarship Kat Team Foundation Scholarship The United Negro College fund is proud to offer the Kat Team Foundation Scholarship, a $1,000 financial package geared towards undergraduate students who are enrolled in one of their institution’s varsity athletic programs. A letter of recommendation will be required, along with the student’s ability to keep their GPA at a minimum of a 3.0. Deadline: Mid-May Amount: $1,000
Lowe’s Scholarship Lowe’s Scholarship After completing their freshman year of learning, students may be eligible to apply for this need-based scholarship offered through a partnership between Lowes and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. No application essays are required, but students must provide a resume, college transcript and current bank statement. Deadline: Mid-May Amount: $500-$7,500
McDonald’s HBCU Forward Scholarship McDonald’s HBCU Forward Scholarship Geared towards students attending one of the nation’s 47 HBCUs, the McDonald’s HBCU Forward Scholarship is designed to help cover anything from cost of tuition to a student’s room and board. Applicants will be required to maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher in addition to attending an HBCU. Deadline: Mid-June Amount: $10,000
McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Scholarship McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Scholarship The McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Scholarship is offered to students older than 18 participating in music-related academics at a Historically Black College and University. In addition to providing a resume upon application, students will also submit two short essays on provided topics. Deadline: Mid-June Amount: $10,000
McDonald’s Black Forward Scholarship McDonald’s Black Forward Scholarship Designed to reward HBCU students who have demonstrated leadership and community interest during their academics, the McDonald’s Black Forward Scholarship provides funding for tuition, books, and on-campus housing. Eligible students will be required to submit two 500-word essays in regard to leadership and community service. Deadline: Mid-May Amount: $10,000
Michael Amos HBCU Scholarship Michael Amos HBCU Scholarship Awarded through the HBCU Council of Shiloh Baptist Church, the Michael Amos HGCU Scholarship is specifically designed for students living in either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or North Virginia. Applicants will provide a short essay between 500 and 600 words on a given topic, as well as one letter of recommendation. Deadline: Late January Amount: One iPad
MILLERCOORS Scholarship MILLERCOORS Scholarship *The Thurgood Marshall College Fund partners with MillerCoors to reward academic excellence in students enrolled at an HBCU. In addition to providing a resume and a letter of recommendation from a current faculty member, students will also be required to fill out their FAFSA prior to application. Deadline: Late April Amount: Up to $6,700
National Dunbar Alumni Association Scholarship National Dunbar Alumni Association Scholarship Little Rock public high school graduates who are attending Arkansas Baptist College can apply for the National Dunbar Alumni Association Scholarship, a need-based award designed for renewal each academic year. Students must provide proof of financial need as well as hold a GPA of at least 2.5. Deadline: Mid-July Amount: Around $2,000
National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) Scholarship Program National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) Scholarship Program Undergraduate and graduate-level HBCU students who exemplify academic and community leadership can apply for the National Forum for Black Public Administrators Scholarship. Applicants must attend the NFBPA’s 35th Annual Conference, located in Cleveland, Ohio to receive their award. Deadline: Early March Amount: $10,000
Norran Snerling Memorial Scholarship Norran Snerling Memorial Scholarship Established in memory of Norran Snerling, this scholarship is designed to provide one year of funding for an applicant enrolled at Coahoma Community College. Applicants are required to be enrolled full-time (15 credits) for the fall and spring semesters, as well as holding a GPA of at least a 2.5. Deadline: Early September Amount: $600
Northern Ohio Scholars Scholarship Northern Ohio Scholars Scholarship The Northern Ohio Scholars Scholarship is available to high school seniors and students currently enrolled at an HBCU; applicants must maintain residency in Northern Ohio. An essay is required upon submission, as well as a detailed career projection, outlining the applicant’s long-term goals and how they intend to achieve them. Deadline: Late April Amount: Varies
Northwest Indiana Scholarship Program Northwest Indiana Scholarship Program Applicants for this scholarship must be permanent residents of the Northwest region of Indiana, specifically Lake, LaPorte and Porter Counties. Upon application, students will provide a personal statement regarding their long-term educational and career goals, highlighting why they are a good choice for financial backing. Deadline: Mid-May Amount: Up to $5,000
Presidential Special Scholarship Presidential Special Scholarship High school graduates who have received exceptional scores on their college placement exams—SAT and ACT—can benefit from the Florida A&M University Presidential Special Scholarship. Annual disbursement varies from candidate to candidate, depending on student qualifications and level of need. Deadline: Early November Amount: $2,000-$4,000
Rackspace Minority Fem-STEM Scholarship Program Rackspace Minority Fem-STEM Scholarship Program Female students attending one of Texas’ HBCUs and intend to pursue a degree in a STEM-related field may be eligible to receive up to $3,000 of financial support for their academics with this scholarship program. This program is valued at a total of $9,000, allowing multiple students the opportunity for acceptance. Deadline: Mid-May Amount: Up to $3,000
Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith HBCU Scholarship Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith HBCU Scholarship The Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith HBCU Scholarship acknowledges academically excellent individuals who have exhibited a high level of community and church-based service. Students must be high school seniors who intend to pursue an education at a Historically Black College or University. To be considered for acceptance, applicants must maintain a GPA over a 3.5. Deadline: Late January Amount: $2,000
Semester at Sea HBCU Scholarship Semester at Sea HBCU Scholarship In addition to receiving a $10,000 financial package, awardees of the Semester at Sea HBCU Scholarship will receive one semester of undergraduate credit from Colorado State University. Students will participate in a Semester at Sea voyage, either in the spring or fall semester, helping to develop a more realized world-view while furthering their academics. Deadline: Varies Amount: $10,000
Sidney B. Williams Jr. Intellectual Property Law Scholarship Sidney B. Williams Jr. Intellectual Property Law Scholarship Students who are interested in pursuing a career in intellectual property law and are enrolled at an HBCU may be eligible to apply for this scholarship. In addition to overall academic performance, qualities such as leadership skills, community service, and individual accomplishments will be taken into consideration during the selection process. Deadline: Mid-March Amount: $10,000
The HBCU Scholarship Fund The HBCU Scholarship Fund This scholarship is sponsored by the United Negro College Fund and is geared specifically towards current or incoming HBCU students. Funding relies on the number of credits a student is enrolled in; full-time students will receive full funding and part-time students will receive 50 percent funding. A minimum of a 2.5 GPA is required for student funding to continue. Deadline: Late March Amount: $2,000
TMCF Access Scholarship Program TMCF Access Scholarship Program The Access Scholarship is provided by the Thurgood Marshall College fund, and organization committed to provided financial assistance opportunities to individuals enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Students will be required to demonstrate academic prowess by maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher and providing a 750-word essay discussing their major. Deadline: Late April Amount: $7,200
UNCF King Lab Scholarship UNCF King Lab Scholarship This renewable scholarship is split into two payments: an initial package of $2,500 for the student’s first year of funding and $3,500 for their second year. To receive this scholarship, students must demonstrate financial need as well as a minimum GPA of 2.5. Deadline: Mid-May Amount: $6,000
UNCF/KOCH Scholars Program Undergraduate Application UNCF/KOCH Scholars Program Undergraduate Application The UNCF/KOCH Scholars Program seeks to support undergraduate students focusing their academics in a business-related field. Funding varies and caps at $5,000, but funding is renewable, and accepted students will also receive mentoring and networking opportunities. Deadline: Mid-May Amount: Up to $5,000
Walton-UNCF K-12 Education Fellowship Walton-UNCF K-12 Education Fellowship Designed to develop a strong community of academic individuals enrolled at one of the country’s many HBCUs, the Walton-UNCF K-12 Education Fellowship provides students with the opportunity to develop their K-12 leadership skills through a variety of developmental and internship opportunities. Applicants must demonstrate leadership qualities, as well as a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Deadline: Early January Amount: Leadership Development and Internship Opportunities
Wells Fargo Scholarship Wells Fargo Scholarship Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors enrolled at an HBCU may be eligible to apply for this one-year merit scholarship. Funding amounts can vary depending on demonstrated level of need, maxing out at $5,000. This scholarship is available to students of all majors. Deadline: Late April Amount: Up to $5,000

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