Zina Kumok Image Written By: Zina Kumok | Edited By: Kevin Ladd | Updated: April 17, 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

  • Synchrony Scholarship for Autistic Students of Color

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineApril 21, 2025

The Organization for Autism Research offers scholarships to students across the autism spectrum. Applications are welcome from individuals with an autism diagnosis (DSM-IV or later criteria) pursuing full-time, post-secondary education in various settings, including four-year undergraduate colleges, two-year undergraduate colleges, trade schools, technical schools, vocational schools, or

  • 2

  • SVGS Foundation Walker Williams Wilson Scholarship

  • Amount$500
  • DeadlineApril 21, 2025

The Seeking Visions, Gaining Success Foundation (SVGS), and Walker-Williams-Wilson Memorial Scholarship Fund, were established in 2018. The mission of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance, empower, educate and encourage deserving and committed African American male scholars to attend a Historically Black College and Universities. The SVGS Foundation through the

  • 3

  • McDonald's TMCF Black & Positively Golden Scholarship

  • Amount$15,000
  • DeadlineApril 25, 2025

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and McDonald’s are proud to offer financial assistance to outstanding students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Sixty-Three (63) scholars will be selected to receive a scholarship up to $15,000 for the upcoming academic school year ($7,500 per semester), which can only be applied to verifiable costs associated with average

  • 4

  • WCADC Visual Arts Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

The Women’s Caucus for Art of Greater Washington, DC (WCADC) Visual Arts Scholarship recognizes artistic excellence among 12th grade female-identifying Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color (BIPOC), enrolled in a high school within the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia. Students will apply online and upload original compositions, process folios, and other required documentation. Students

  • 5

  • Spingarn Alumni Association Scholarship Program

  • Amount$1,500
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

We are accepting applications from graduating seniors from the Washington Metropolitan Area. Public high school students should be recommend by members who will advance the student's application. With your application, you must submit: a typed / computer generated essay of at least 200-250 words describing what makes you the most qualified to receive this scholarship; a transcript; a

  • 6

  • Brown MAE Foundation Healthcare Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

The Brown MAE Foundation Healthcare Scholarship is designed for undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S. pursuing careers in healthcare fields such as medicine, nursing, and allied health. This scholarship aims to support students from diverse backgrounds, including Black/African American, Native American/American Indian, Hispanic/Latin American, Asian, or Pacific Islander, in achieving

  • 7

  • Brown MAE Foundation Education Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

The Brown MAE Foundation Education Scholarship is designed for undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S. pursuing careers in Education. This scholarship aims to support students from diverse backgrounds, including Black/African American, Native American/American Indian, Hispanic/Latin American, Asian, or Pacific Islander, in achieving their academic and professional goals in

  • 8

  • East Kings County Alumnae Chapter Scholarship

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

Since East Kings County Alumnae Chapter’s chartering in 2007, the Scholarship Committee has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships to college-bound high school seniors recognizing the outstanding academic achievement of graduates in our service area who demonstrate a desire to pursue higher education. Applicants must be high school students who reside in the EKC service areas of eastern

  • 9

  • ABA Diversity Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

The American Bus Association Foundation promotes academic excellence and diversity in the motorcoach travel and tour industry through its scholarship program. The ABA Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in financial support to hundreds of scholars since its inception. The ABA Foundation Scholarship Program recognizes deserving students who demonstrate scholastic ability, leadership,

  • 10

  • Episcopal Diocese of Long Island Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

The Barbara C. Harris Scholars Program aims to promote equity in education by providing financial assistance to Blacks, African Americans and Caribbean-Americans, who are African descendants of slavery in the United States. To be eligible, applicants must: be Black, African American, and/or Caribbean American and must be a descendant of enslaved people; be a US citizen or permanent resident;

  • 11

  • DBMG Scholarships

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineMay 1, 2025

Scholarship applications are now being accepted for the Diablo Black Men's Group's Scholarships. These scholarships are intended for African American male students who will be graduating from Contra Costa or Alameda County high schools in Spring. Eligibility Criteria: African American males scheduled to graduate from a Contra Costa or Alameda County high school at the end of the current academic

  • 12

  • University of Illinois President's Award Program

  • Amount$20,000
  • DeadlineMay 1, 2025

The President’s Award Program (PAP) assists the University of Illinois to enroll highly capable students who have been admitted to one of the U of I campuses and are members of historically underrepresented groups and groups that have been less likely to enroll at the university. High-achieving newly-admitted freshmen from several underrepresented groups are considered for the PAP award. The

  • 13

  • Laurel House Social Work Racial Equity Scholarship

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineMay 15, 2025

To qualify for the Laurel House Social Work Racial Equity Scholarship, applicants must be a Black or Hispanic Connecticut resident who has enrolled in a Master’s of Social Work program in CT or NY in the coming academic year. Applicants must demonstrate need for financial assistance and show they are dedicated to improving access to mental health care for underserved individuals in Connecticut’s

  • 14

  • 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

  • 15

  • 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

  • 16

  • 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

  • 17

  • 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

  • 18

  • Panacea Financial Foundation Medical Student Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineMay 20, 2025

Our foundation is focused on strengthening the pipeline of underrepresented ethnic or racial minorities in medicine through scholarships to medical students. The application for this round of $5,000 scholarships to medical students from underrepresented ethnic or racial minorities is open March through May. Applicants for Medical School Scholarships must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident

  • 19

  • 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.

  • 20

  • 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

  • 21

  • 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

  • 22

  • Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

The Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship provides financial assistance to qualified students from minority groups underrepresented in the Bay Area. Applicants must be attending eligible law schools in the Bay Area and must demonstrate financial need. Applications will be reviewed once received and the packet is deemed complete. Scholarship funds will be disbursed only upon proof of

  • 23

  • 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

  • 24

  • 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

  • 25

  • Passion to Succeed Student Scholarship

  • Amount$6,500
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

The Jerry Alexander Gorman Foundation “The Passion to Succeed” Student Scholarship was formed to support those in need to achieve their goal of becoming a licensed professional. The scholarship will be awarded through the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation and is open to newly accepted or currently enrolled students in a cosmetology, hair design or barbering that leads to licensure in the

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.