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Top Scholarships at HBCUs
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.
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Varonika Ware is a content writer at Scholarships360. Varonika earned her undergraduate degree in Mass Communications at Louisiana State University. During her time at LSU, she worked with the Center of Academic Success to create the weekly Success Sunday newsletter. Varonika also interned at the Louisiana Department of Insurance in the Public Affairs office with some of her graphics appearing in local news articles.
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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.
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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.
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!
IES Abroad Tuition and Travel Grant
- Eligibility: HBCU students who are enrolling in an IES study abroad program
- Minimum GPA: 3.3
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: March 15 for Summer Internships, April 1 for Summer Standard Programs, May 1 for Fall/Academic Year Programs, and November 1 for Spring/Calendar Year/J-Term Programs
Delta Community Credit Union HBCU Scholarship
- Eligibility: Current or incoming undergraduate students at a HBCU that are Georgia residents
- Minimum GPA: N/A
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: Must be nominated by April 30, 2024
Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology
- Eligibility: Black students enrolling at one of the listed HBCUs who are studying STEM. There’s no required GPA, but students are partially ranked according to their academic achievement.
- Minimum GPA: N/A
- Amount: Up to $3,000 per year
- Deadline: June 15
National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame HBCU Scholarships
- Eligibility: The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame offers multiple different scholarships that HBCU students can apply for. Undergraduate and graduate students are both eligible.
- Minimum GPA: N/A
- Amount: Not listed
- Deadline: Rolling basis, but reviewed quarterly
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
- Minimum GPA: 3.0 or above
- Amount: $1,000 – $50,000
- Deadline: Varies
Semester at Sea HBCU Scholarship
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students attending HBCUs who have been accepted into the Semester at Sea study and sailing program
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Amount: $10,000
- Deadline: Varies; apply after acceptance to the program
Other scholarship lists to explore
- Top scholarships for minority students
- Top scholarships for international students
- Top scholarships for women
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 HBCU 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:
- How to start a scholarship essay (with examples)
- How to end a scholarship essay
- How to write a 250 word essay
- How to write a 500 word essay
- How to write an essay about yourself
- Overview of common scholarship essay prompts
- How to write a winning scholarship essay
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 1860s. If you are wondering exactly which colleges are on the HBCU list, check out the “official” list!
Don’t forget to check out some more HBCU scholarship lists such as the United Negro College Fund UNCF) Scholarship List.
Upcoming scholarships
CBS Sports HBCU Scholarship
- Eligibility: This scholarship is offered to full-time HBCU juniors and can possibly be renewed for an additional year if you win! However, applicants must have completed the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need.
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Amount: Up to $4,250
ETS Presidential Scholarship for HBCU Students
- Eligibility: Incoming juniors or seniors at HBCUs
- Minimum GPA: 3.5
- Amount: Full tuition
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
- Minimum GPA: 3.2
- Amount: up to $45,000
- Opens: September 1, 2024
TMCF & McDonald’s “Black and Positively Golden” Scholarship
- Eligibility: Students at HBCUs who demonstrate leadership
- Minimum GPA: 2.7
- Amount: $15,000
Frequently asked questions about HBCU scholarships
What is the #1 HBCU in America?
What are the advantages of attending an HBCU?
Can you get a full ride at an HBCU?
What’s the most expensive HBCU?
