Zina Kumok Image Written By: Zina Kumok | Edited By: Kevin Ladd | Updated: May 3, 2025

Scholarships for Black Students

Key takeaways:

  • Scholarships vary in amounts, ranging from a few hundred dollars to substantial sums. For example, the Gucci Changemakers Scholarship offers up to $20,000
  • Scholarship opportunities are available through private foundations, corporations, non-profits, and colleges/universities, specifically designed to support Black students.
  • Scholarships for Black students may be merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both, often recognizing academic excellence, leadership, community service, and financial need.

When it comes to attending college, all is not fair. According to research from the Pew Charitable Trusts, Black students owe about $25,000 more in student loans than white students. Also, Black students are more likely to take out private student loans than white students. These loans usually have higher interest rates, fewer repayment options and almost no forgiveness programs.

Continue reading the article below the scholarship list.

25 Scholarships for Black Students with Approaching Deadlines

  • 1

  • Laurel House Social Work Racial Equity Scholarship

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineMay 15, 2025

The Laurel House Social Work Racial Equity Scholarship supports Black and Hispanic students from Connecticut who are pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work in Connecticut or New York. This scholarship aims to improve access to mental health care in underserved communities of color by empowering future social workers dedicated to social change. Awarded on a one-time basis, the scholarship funds

  • 2

  • UNACUHCP Alexis G. Philius Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineMay 15, 2025

The UNAC/UHCP Alexis G. Philius Scholarship is a UNAC/UHCP scholarship program introduced to provide resources and support to students of Black/African descent pursuing education toward a career in health care. Lack of diversity has significant consequences on health outcomes, health equity for patients and communities of color. UNAC/UHCP has decided to address underrepresentation in health

  • 3

  • Leon Bradley Scholarship

  • Amount$3,500
  • DeadlineMay 16, 2025

The Leon Bradley Scholarship Program was established to encourage People of Color to enter the field of teaching and school leadership. The American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA) believes that it is beneficial for all students to experience diversity among the educators who serve as role models for our students. Scholarship Details Annual scholarships to support

  • 4

  • Words of Comfort Ministries Scholarships

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMay 16, 2025

The Words of Comfort Ministries Scholarship fund provides annual financial assistance to outstanding African-American Georgia high school graduating seniors who plan to attend an accredited 4-year college or university. These individuals exemplify core values to serve others and excel in education. In addition to the above, the Marvin Lee Daniels 982nd Signal Command ROTC Scholarship will be

  • 5

  • NMF General Scholarships

  • Amount$25,000
  • DeadlineMay 18, 2025

Since inception, National Medical Fellowships’ scholarships and awards have been at the core of its programming. NMF scholarship programs recognize merit as well as financial need. Over the years, funding for scholarships has come from hundreds of foundations and from individuals. NMF actively seeks and welcomes partnerships to build the scholarship program. To meet general eligibility

  • 6

  • David Sankey Minority Scholarship in Meteorology

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMay 20, 2025

To be eligible for the David Sankey Minority Scholarship in Meteorology, applicants must: be a minority undergraduate (going into their sophomore year or higher in the fall) or graduate student who is majoring in meteorology (or related field); be US citizens, or students with residence status, attending a US accredited college or university; and not be past recipients of this scholarship.

  • 7

  • Panacea Financial Foundation Medical Student Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineMay 20, 2025

Panacea Financial works to strengthen the underrepresented ethnic and racial minority pipeline of physicians with a consistent commitment of financial and administrative support to physician-trainees, aspiring physicians, and not-for-profits with a shared mission to improve the diversity of the medical field. Scholarship Details Award is disbursed as one check made payable to the medical

  • 8

  • Reason One Mentorship and Scholarship Program

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineMay 23, 2025

The Reason One Mentorship & Scholarship Program awards scholarship and mentorship opportunities to Black students who are enrolled or recently accepted in a digital-related program, pursuing or with plans to pursue a career in the tech industry. This program is explicitly focused on removing the systemic, financial, and socio-economic barriers that Black students encounter in tech career

  • 9

  • Rizing Tide Crest Scholarship

  • Amount$28,000
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

Rizing Tide offers an annual Crest scholarship of $14,000 to underrepresented BIPOC students pursuing a physical therapy degree. Eligible applicants are first or second-year DPT students or PTAs entering a PTA-to-DPT bridge program. Scholarships are renewable twice. Eligibility: To qualify, you must: • Be in your first or second year of a DPT program. • Attend a CAPTE-accredited PT

  • 10

  • S.I.S.T.A.s of Middle Georgia Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

In order to be considered for the S.I.S.T.A.s of Middle Georgia Scholarship, applicants must: be currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate Communication Sciences and Disorders Program; be a minority female; be a resident of Georgia; and have a 2.5 G.P.A. in an Accredited Undergraduate Program or a 3.0 G.P.A. in an Accredited Graduate Program. This scholarship is to be used for

  • 11

  • For A Bright Future Scholarship Programs

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

We strive to empower underserved students with the potential and passion to pursue higher education by providing them with the necessary means to address their community's social and financial challenges. Each year, we award scholarships based on financial need, academic excellence, community involvement, and the student’s chosen academic institution. Scholarship Details Scholarship

  • 12

  • Dr. Paul Ernsberger Research Scholarship

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineJune 1, 2025

The mission of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance is to change perceptions of fat and end size discrimination through advocacy, education, and support. The goal of the Dr. Paul Ernsberger Research Scholarship is to provide financial support to graduate students currently enrolled in a graduate program with an accredited U.S. college or university. Dr. Ernsberger’s decades of

  • 13

  • Katie Cannon Scholarship

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineJune 1, 2025

The Katie Cannon Scholarship honors the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon, a pioneer and legend in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This scholarship supports Presbyterian women of color, clergywomen, college women and other women with opportunities for leadership and spiritual development as well as mission opportunities in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Individuals must

  • 14

  • Provident Foundation Scholarship

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineJune 2, 2025

The goal of the Provident Foundation Scholarship is to enhance underrepresented minority Chicago-area students’ ability to pursue training in a medical field by offering financial assistance in the form of scholarships. To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must: reside in the Chicago Metropolitan Area; be a high school senior or undergraduate college student; be an underrepresented

  • 15

  • Joseph Zukin Jr. Scholarship For Entrepreneurship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineJune 2, 2025

The Joseph Zukin Jr. Educational Opportunity Scholarship is presented to any graduate or undergraduate student whose academic record and community activities reflect the entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated by Mr. Zukin in his lifetime. Special consideration is given to applicants from marginalized communities and to students who have an understanding, connection, or relationship to the OOH

  • 16

  • White Rose Scholarship

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineJune 2, 2025

An applicant for the White Rose Scholarship Award must be a Massachusetts resident who is an African American male or female, and who is a high school senior applying for the upcoming Fall admission into an accredited four-year college/university. Minimum GPA of 3.0 required. An applicant for the White Rose Scholarship Award must be a Massachusetts resident who is an African American male or

  • 17

  • Alan & Mary Jo Lincoln Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJune 8, 2025

We are offering a $1,000 scholarship to graduating African American High School Seniors who will be attending College/University or Trade School full-time in the Fall. Scholarship Details Open to African American high school seniors graduating in the current academic year Supports full-time enrollment at a college, university, or trade school Award amount and number of recipients may vary

  • 18

  • AICPA Fellowships for Doctoral Students

  • Amount$15,000
  • DeadlineJune 15, 2025

The first step in becoming a CPA is to complete your higher education. Graduating from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university is strongly recommended. The AICPA is looking for scholarship applicants who are declared accounting, finance or related majors and intend to pursue the CPA license. Become an AICPA Legacy Scholar by applying for an AICPA Legacy Scholarship. If chosen,

  • 19

  • Desire to Inspire Scholarship

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineJune 20, 2025

The Desire To Inspire Scholarship awards a total of $5,000 to students from historically underrepresented minority groups who are passionate about pursuing a career in healthcare and inspiring others. This one-time scholarship honors young changemakers making a meaningful impact in their communities while striving to achieve their educational and career goals. Winners are selected through a

  • 20

  • Nola Cook Scholarship

  • Amount$750
  • DeadlineJune 27, 2025

The Nola Cook Scholarship is for students underrepresented in the S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) fields. Eligibility The student has, or is planning to have, a declared S.T.E.M (science, technology, engineering, math) related major at an accredited college/university in Kentucky Must be currently enrolled full-time (12 hours) at the undergraduate level or, for

  • 21

  • Martha J. Branch Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJune 27, 2025

The Martha J. Branch Scholarship is for those minority students seeking to improve the health, fitness, and/or nutrition of the community. Example programs are exercise science, nutrition, or health education. Past recipients are eligible to receive the scholarship again, but must complete the application procedure and be selected. Eligibility The student has, or is planning to have, a

  • 22

  • NBCC Minority Fellowship Program for Addictions Counselors

  • Amount$15,000
  • DeadlineJune 30, 2025

The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and Affiliates seeks to advance the profession of counseling, health equity, and access to mental health services across the globe through counselor certification and capacity building. NBCC offers national certification with foundational eligibility requirements defined by counselors, accountable to counselors, and serving as a model for

  • 23

  • AOA/AOSA Opportunities in Optometry Grants

  • Amount$1,500
  • DeadlineJuly 1, 2025

To promote diversity and equity in the optometric profession for generations to come, the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) have created the AOA/AOSA Opportunities in Optometry Grant program. This fund is designed as a one-time stipend for under-represented minority students interested in the field of optometry to help defray the costs

  • 24

  • BLM² Scholarship Foundation College Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJuly 3, 2025

The BLM² Scholarship Foundation program is designed to address the financial needs of minority college students and award outstanding high school graduates who plan to earn a baccalaureate degree from an accredited, four-year college or university with financial assistance. Scholarship Details Financial award to be used at an accredited four-year U.S. college or university

  • 25

  • Annie Ibok Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJuly 31, 2025

The Annie Ibok Scholarship is a one-time award given primarily to underserved students to offset the rising costs of undergraduate studies at Historically Black Colleges & Universities(HBCUs). This scholarship honors the late Mrs. Annie Ibok, a loving wife, mother, and RN from the Bay Area with a deep passion for supporting her community. Eligibility Be a rising college freshman

One way to combat a high student loan balance is to find more college scholarships. And even though affirmative action has been dismantled, there are still special scholarships available for Black students. Keep reading to learn all about scholarships for Black students.

What are Scholarships for Black Students?

Scholarships for Black students are given to a Black student who is attending college, either a two-year or four-year institution. These awards may be need-based scholarships, merit-based scholarships, or a combination of both.

Need-based awards are only given to students who have demonstrated financial need. Merit awards don’t necessarily refer only to academic merit; merit can also include athletic or artistic talents as well.

How to Qualify for Scholarships for Black Students

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all formula for qualifying for a scholarship as a Black student. Each scholarship program can create its own rules, which may be as broad or as specific as they want.

Some scholarship providers require that students be interested in a particular career or industry, like the Nightwing Underrepresented Minorities in Cybersecurity Scholarship. Two winners will be chosen every year, with each individual receiving $10,000. The scholarship is available to Black students as well as other minority groups.

Below are the criteria to qualify to apply for the scholarship:

Some scholarships ask that students have a track record of community service or a long list of extracurriculars. Make sure to understand what each scholarship wants before applying.

Where to Find Scholarships for Black Students

If you create an account at Scholarships.com and add your demographic information, you’ll receive a list of scholarship opportunities, including ones for Black students.

Your school may also have a list of scholarships. Sometimes you may be eligible for them just with your general admission application, but other scholarships will require a separate application.

If you’re already enrolled in college, you may still be eligible for internal scholarships. However, you’ll have to be more proactive.

Reach out to the financial aid office or the department that supports minority students. They may have a list of scholarships and grants you can apply for. Talk to your department chair; they may know about scholarships for minority students in your field.

The United Negro College Fund is another good source, providing several different scholarship programs for eligible students.

How to Apply for Scholarships for Black Students

Almost all scholarships require that students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the official government form that grants you access to federal student loans, grants and even scholarships. You should fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible, even if you haven’t applied for college yet.

If you’re a Black student, make sure to widen your scholarship search to include all types of diversity and minority scholarships. For example, the Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship is open to minority students in general, not just Black students.

Here’s how to qualify:

If you’re a female Black student, you can also search for scholarships just for Black women or women of color. Look for professional organizations that are targeted toward Black people. For example, the National Association of Black Journalists offers scholarships for students who want to pursue a media career.

There are also some Black scholarships for students in particular fields, like the Blacks at Microsoft scholarship. Five winners will receive $5,000 each, while 50 winners will receive $2,500 each.

Here’s how to qualify:

Frequently asked questions about Scholarships for Black Students

There are several prominent scholarships for black students that offer either a full ride or a generous award.

For example, the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is a full tuition scholarship that also covers room and board, textbooks and fees.

Here’s how to qualify:

  • Must have a 3.0 GPA
  • Must have a minimum 21 ACT or 1080 SAT score
  • Open to high school seniors and current undergraduate college students
  • Must study one of the following:
    • Agriculture
    • Agricultural Business/Management
    • Agricultural Economics
    • Agricultural Engineering/Mechanics
    • Agricultural Production and Technology
    • Agronomy or Crop Science
    • Animal Sciences
    • Botany
    • Food Sciences/Technology
    • Forestry and Related Sciences
    • Home Economics/Nutrition
    • Horticulture
    • Natural Resources Management
    • Soil Conservation/Soil Science
    • Farm and Range Management
    • Other related disciplines (e.g. non-medical biological sciences, pre-veterinary medicine, computer science)
  • Must attend one of the following 19 HBCUs:
    • Alabama A&M University
    • Alcorn State University, Mississippi
    • Central State University, Ohio
    • Delaware State University
    • Florida A&M University
    • Fort Valley State University, Georgia
    • Kentucky State University
    • Langston University, Oklahoma
    • Lincoln University, Missouri
    • North Carolina A&T State University
    • Prairie View A&M University, Texas
    • South Carolina State University
    • Southern University, Louisiana
    • Tennessee State University
    • Tuskegee University, Alabama
    • University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
    • University of Maryland Eastern Shore
    • Virginia State University
    • West Virginia State University

If you’re from Africa, make sure you meet any citizenship requirements. Most scholarships in our database are only available for U.S. citizens or permanent residents. If you’re here on a student visa, you may have trouble qualifying for a scholarship.

However, you may be eligible for an out-of-state tuition waiver, which will grant you an in-state tuition rate at a public school. This can be worth tens of thousands of dollars per year, so it’s potentially a huge benefit.

If you’re a Black student attending an HBCU, then you may find special scholarships, like the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship Program. This scholarship is worth $10,000, and only two awards are given every year.

Here's how to qualify:

  • Must be enrolled full-time as a rising senior at a four-year HBCU
  • Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • Must demonstrate leadership and commitment to community service
  • Must have an unmet financial need, verified by their college or university
  • Must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form

Contact your school’s financial aid office and ask them how to maximize your scholarship opportunities.