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Top 15 Scholarships at HBCUs in November 2022

By Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman
Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman is a content editor and writer at Scholarships360. He has managed communications and written content for a diverse array of organizations, including a farmer’s market, a concert venue, a student farm, an environmental NGO, and a PR agency. Gabriel graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in sociology. Full Bio
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Updated: December 5th, 2022

In a nation that has seen unequal access to education throughout its history, HBCUs have helped to break down barriers and provide supportive and financially viable options for Black students. According to a Gallup poll, 40% of HBCU graduates reported a sense of financial security throughout college, versus 29% of Black students across all schools. We are hoping to raise that 40% statistic with this list of the top scholarships at HBCUs.

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See also: Top scholarships for Black students

Top scholarships at HBCUs

Check out these scholarships for current or incoming HBCU students, including some opportunities for students who are looking to study abroad!

“Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students

  • Eligibility: Black students in their senior year of high school to their last year of graduate school
  • Amount: $500
  • Deadline: August 31, 2022

Gates Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Pell-eligible high school seniors who identify as African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American
  • Amount: Full funding of all costs not covered by financial aid and family contribution 
  • Deadline: September 15, 2022

José E. Serrano Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions

  • Eligibility: Open to rising college juniors majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) at Minority Serving Institutions
  • Amount: $45,000
  • Deadline: December 1, 2022

National Black MBA Association Partner Scholarships

  • Eligibility: Open to Black students majoring or intending to major in business at one of the National Black MBA Association’s partner institutions.
  • Amount: Multiple awards up to $50,000
  • Deadline: Varies

SOULE Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Open to full-time undergraduate students of color in the U.S. who identify as LGBTQ+.
  • Amount: Multiple awards worth up to $5,000
  • Deadline: Rolling

Chairish Design Your Future Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Open to all students, with preference given to students from underrepresented backgrounds and design and engineering majors
  • Amount: $2,500
  • Deadline: January 1, 2023

Ron Brown Scholar Program

  • Eligibility: African American high school seniors with demonstrated financial need 
  • Amount: up to $10,000 per year ($40,000 over 4 years)
  • Deadline: January 9, 2023

APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Open to minority graduate students who have financial need and demonstrate a dedication to improving social disparities.
  • Amount: $4,000
  • Deadline: January 23, 2023

Other scholarships for HBCU students

Delta Community Credit Union HBCU Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Current or incoming undergraduate students at a HBCU in Georgia
  • Amount: $2,500
  • Deadline: Awarded quarterly with awards granted in March, June, September, and November

Semester at Sea HBCU Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Students attending HBCUs who have been accepted into the Semester at Sea study and sailing program
  • Amount: $10,000
  • Deadline: Varies; apply after acceptance to program

IES Abroad Tuition and Travel Grant

  • Eligibility: HBCU students who are enrolling in an IES study abroad program
  • Amount: $2,000
  • Deadline: Varies; apply after acceptance to the program

Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarships

  • Eligibility: Wide variety of scholarships for students at HBCUs. Consult their list to find the latest scholarships that you are eligible for
  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: Varies

National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame HBCU COVID-19 Hardship Scholarship

  • Eligibility: HBCU students who are experiencing homelessness, lack a dependable food supply, and/or scarcity of overall resources as a direct or indirect result of COVID-19
  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: Accepted on an ongoing basis during the pandemic

National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame General Scholarship

  • Eligibility: African American undergraduate or graduate students, especially those attending HBCUs
  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis; reviewed quarterly

National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Chefs of the World Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Undergraduate students at HBCUs studying in a culinary program
  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis; reviewed quarterly

Upcoming HBCU scholarships

AlixPartners/UNCF Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Juniors at the listed HBCUs majoring in business, accounting, finance, analytics, and STEM
  • Amount: Varies

BASF/Alfred Chisholm Memorial Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Sophomores and above at HBCUs, especially North Carolina A&T State University and Southern University and A&M College
  • Amount: $2,500

BRPH Future Achievers Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Architecture or engineering majors at Tuskegee University, Kennesaw State University, and Florida A&M University
  • Amount: $1,000

Creme of Nature Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Any HBCU student of any grade level
  • Amount: Varies

Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology

  • Eligibility: Black students enrolling at one of the listed HBCUs who are studying STEM
  • Amount: Up to $3,000 per year

Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship Program

  • Eligibility: Racial or ethnic minorities enrolling in full-time post-secondary study in one of several states
  • Amount: Multiple awards of up to $10,000

ETS Presidential Scholarship for HBCU Students

  • Eligibility: Incoming juniors or seniors at HBCUs
  • Amount: Full tuition

Resilience Through Diversity Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Third-year Black students at HBCUs who demonstrate interest in a resilience-related career field
  • Amount: $5,000 and a $5,000 internship stipend

Ron Brown Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Open to community-minded and intellectually gifted Black/African American high school seniors.
  • Amount: Multiple awards worth up to $10,000

Smartwool HBCU Scholarship

  • Eligibility: HBCU students in North Carolina or Tennessee with a passion for the outdoors
  • Amount: Up to $2,500

TCMF & McDonald’s “Black and Positively Golden” Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Students at HBCUs who demonstrate leadership
  • Amount: $15,000

Thurgood Marshall College Fund All-Around Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Students attending a TMCF partner HBCU at any grade level
  • Amount: Varies

How to win scholarships at HBCUs

Scholarships at HBCUs can be competitive, so it’s important to craft an application that stands out from the crowd. One of the best ways to give your application a boost is to write a great essay! Since you’re applying for scholarships specifically offered to Black students, you may be asked to write about your heritage and what it means to you. Spend some time reflecting on this before you launch into your essay. Once you’re ready to start writing, take a look at the following guides for some inspiration:

Resources for students seeking scholarships at HBCUs

FAFSA Guide

On October 1st of every year, the FAFSA opens. Keep in mind that the deadline for each state is different. Prepare and apply well before the recommended deadline, as some states have a “first come, first serve” policy.

List of HBCUs

HBCUs produce about 20% of all African American graduates in the country, and they have played a crucial role in education for Black students since they began to operate in the 1860’s. If you are wondering exactly which colleges are on the HBCU list, check out the “official” list!

Frequently asked questions about HBCU scholarships

What is the #1 HBCU in America?

Howard University and Spelman College typically rank among the top HBCUs in the nation. However, there are plenty of other great HBCUs across the country. The school that’s best for you may not align with the highest ranked colleges, so be sure to consider your personal preferences when picking a school. Check out our guide on how to choose a college to learn more. 

What are the advantages of attending an HBCU?

HBCUs are a great option for Black students seeking a supportive community and sense of belonging on campus. Not to mention, HBCUs typically have lower tuition rates, excellent programs for STEM students, and great networking opportunities. Check out our complete guide on HBCUs to learn more!

Other scholarship lists to explore