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    Top 212 Scholarships for Black Students in September 2024

    Will Geiger Written by Will Geiger
    Will Geiger

    Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

    Full Bio Linked-In

    Learn about our editorial policies

    Updated: September 30th, 2024

    Historically, access to higher education has not always been equal. Many groups, including African American and Black students, have been left out of educational opportunities.

    Because of this, many colleges and scholarships aim to support African American students as they pay for college. These scholarships include specific scholarships for African American women, full ride scholarships, and scholarships generally for students from minority backgrounds.

    Read More
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    Scholarship Review Process

    The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:

    • The scholarship requires a fee to apply
    • The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
    • The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
    • Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
    • The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
    • The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
    • The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
    • There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
    • The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
    • There is no available contact information

    If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!


    * There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system.
    ** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements.
    ***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.

    Learn about our editorial policies
    All Scholarships
    Women
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    High School
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    210 scholarships
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    “Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    In offering the “Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students, we want to help offset the cost of attending college for Black students. Open to…Show More

    In offering the “Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students, we want to help offset the cost of attending college for Black students. Open to…Show More

    In offering the “Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students, we want to help offset the cost of attending college for Black students. Open to high school juniors and seniors (graduating class of 2024 and 2025) and undergraduate and graduate students enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year, this scholarship aims to lighten your financial worry and allow you to take fewer loans. Remember, scholarships are essentially “free money” that need not be paid back. This scholarship, specifically, aims to help out a Black student who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application, and wish you much success on your academic journey! Show Less

    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students
    Quick Apply

    Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship

    Offered by Microsoft

    50 awards worth $2,500 - $20,000
    Expected deadline March 2025
    Grade Level High School Senior

    Offered by Microsoft

    Are you a graduating, high school senior of African descent who plans on attending a U.S. four-year university in the Fall following graduation? Further, do…Show More

    Are you a graduating, high school senior of African descent who plans on attending a U.S. four-year university in the Fall following graduation? Further, do…Show More

    Are you a graduating, high school senior of African descent who plans on attending a U.S. four-year university in the Fall following graduation? Further, do you plan on pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or a business field If so, consider applying for the Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship! Each year, four applicants are selected to win a $5,000 scholarship that can be renewed for up to four years, while 41 others win a one-time $2,500 scholarship. The scholarship is funded by Microsoft itself to “support the continued growth and development of black employees and encourage students to pursue a career in technology.” If you’re a Black high school senior seeking to pursue a degree in computer science, business, or a related field, we encourage you to apply to the Blacks in Microsoft Scholarship!Show Less

    50 awards worth $2,500 - $20,000
    Expected deadline March 2025
    Grade Level High School Senior
    Get Started

    $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $10,000
    Deadline Jun 30, 2025
    Grade Level All Grade Levels

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…Show More

    The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…Show More

    The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education.Show Less

    1 award worth $10,000
    Deadline Jun 30, 2025
    Grade Level All Grade Levels
    Quick Apply

    The Gates Scholarship

    Offered by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

    Multiple awards worth Full Ride
    Expected deadline September 2025
    Grade Level High School Senior

    Offered by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

    Are you an academically excellent, minority, high school senior from a low-income household? If so, we may have a perfect opportunity for you: the Gates…Show More

    Are you an academically excellent, minority, high school senior from a low-income household? If so, we may have a perfect opportunity for you: the Gates…Show More

    Are you an academically excellent, minority, high school senior from a low-income household? If so, we may have a perfect opportunity for you: the Gates Scholarship! The scholarship is extremely prestigious and generous, offering a full ride to students by covering any of their college costs that are not already covered by financial aid and one’s expected family contribution (EFC). Applicants should ideally have an outstanding academic record, demonstrate leadership ability, and have impressive personal success skills. The scholarship is offered by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and is committed to helping low-income, minority students realize their full potential.  If you’re a low-income, minority student who has gone above and beyond during the course of high school, we encourage you to apply to the Gates Scholarship!Show Less

    Multiple awards worth Full Ride
    Expected deadline September 2025
    Grade Level High School Senior
    Get Started

    Niche $50,000 No Essay Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Niche

    Sponsored
    1 award worth $50,000
    Deadline Dec 31, 2024
    Grade Level All Grade Levels

    Offered by Niche

    Sponsored

    Niche is giving one student $50,000 to help pay for tuition, housing, books and other college expenses — no essay required! Easy scholarship open to…Show More

    Niche is giving one student $50,000 to help pay for tuition, housing, books and other college expenses — no essay required! Easy scholarship open to…Show More

    Niche is giving one student $50,000 to help pay for tuition, housing, books and other college expenses — no essay required! Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.Show Less

    1 award worth $50,000
    Deadline Dec 31, 2024
    Grade Level All Grade Levels
    Apply

    $2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Sallie Mae

    Sponsored
    1 award worth $2,000
    Deadline Oct 31, 2024
    Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

    Offered by Sallie Mae

    Sponsored

    Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

    Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

    Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

    1 award worth $2,000
    Deadline Oct 31, 2024
    Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students
    Apply

    Ron Brown Scholarship

    Offered by Ron Brown Scholar Program

    Multiple awards worth $10,000
    Deadline Dec 1, 2024
    Grade Level High School Senior

    Offered by Ron Brown Scholar Program

    Are you a Black or African American U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is currently a high school senior? Furthermore, are you planning on soon…Show More

    Are you a Black or African American U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is currently a high school senior? Furthermore, are you planning on soon…Show More

    Are you a Black or African American U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is currently a high school senior? Furthermore, are you planning on soon attending college and have an interest in global entrepreneurship and/or community engagement? If that sounds like you, consider applying for the Ron Brown scholarship! Dedicated to supporting community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans, the scholarship awards $40,000 scholarships to 20-25 hardworking students each year. The scholarship is awarded over the course of one’s four-year undergraduate career, offering $10,000 per year. Winners must be planning on attending accredited four-year universities in the United States. In order to apply, applicants must submit two 500-word essays, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. If you’re passionate about community engagement and want some help paying for college, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

    Multiple awards worth $10,000
    Deadline Dec 1, 2024
    Grade Level High School Senior
    Get Started

    $10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by CollegeXpress

    Sponsored
    1 award worth $10,000
    Deadline May 1, 2025
    Grade Level High School Students

    Offered by CollegeXpress

    Sponsored

    Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.

    Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.

    Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.

    1 award worth $10,000
    Deadline May 1, 2025
    Grade Level High School Students
    Apply

    TLF Undergraduate Scholarships

    Offered by The LAGRANT Foundation

    30 awards worth $2,500
    Deadline Feb 28, 2025
    Grade Level College Students

    Offered by The LAGRANT Foundation

    The TLF Undergraduate Scholarships are open to minority students studying advertising, marketing, public relations, or a related field. This scholarship is funded by The LAGRANT…Show More

    The TLF Undergraduate Scholarships are open to minority students studying advertising, marketing, public relations, or a related field. This scholarship is funded by The LAGRANT…Show More

    The TLF Undergraduate Scholarships are open to minority students studying advertising, marketing, public relations, or a related field. This scholarship is funded by The LAGRANT Foundation, an organization dedicated to increasing diversity in the above mentioned fields. In order to support this goal, all 30 scholarship winners receive academic support and professional guidance for a year after being given their $2,500 award. If you’re a minority student passionate about advertising, marketing, and/or public relations, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

    30 awards worth $2,500
    Deadline Feb 28, 2025
    Grade Level College Students
    Get Started

    $1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Appily

    Sponsored
    Monthly awards worth $1,000
    Deadline Oct 31, 2024
    Grade Level High School Students & College Underclassmen

    Offered by Appily

    Sponsored

    This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More

    This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More

    This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be awarded each month.Show Less

    Monthly awards worth $1,000
    Deadline Oct 31, 2024
    Grade Level High School Students & College Underclassmen
    Quick Apply

    NASP-ERT Minority Scholarship Program

    Offered by National Association of School Psychologists

    Multiple awards worth $5,000
    Deadline Oct 14, 2024
    Grade Level Graduate Students

    Offered by National Association of School Psychologists

    Are you a minority student and NASP member pursuing a career in school psychology? If so, consider applying for the NASP-ERT Minority Scholarship Program! This…Show More

    Are you a minority student and NASP member pursuing a career in school psychology? If so, consider applying for the NASP-ERT Minority Scholarship Program! This…Show More

    Are you a minority student and NASP member pursuing a career in school psychology? If so, consider applying for the NASP-ERT Minority Scholarship Program! This scholarship is open to minority graduate students enrolled in or accepted for enrollment in a school psychology program that is NASP-approved. It is funded by the National Association of School Psychologists, one of the world’s largest organizations of school psychologists that works to advance effective practices to improve students' learning, behavior, and mental health. The program seeks to lower financial barriers to training and to highlight the accomplishments of promising future professionals by supporting culturally diverse graduate students who will eventually provide school-based services to diverse student populations. Each year, the program grants $5,000 awards to help lucky students pay for their graduate school costs. If you’re a minority student passionate about being a School Psychologist, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

    Multiple awards worth $5,000
    Deadline Oct 14, 2024
    Grade Level Graduate Students
    Get Started

    Actuarial Scholarship for Minority Students

    Offered by Mutual of Omaha

    Multiple awards worth $5,000
    Deadline Oct 20, 2024
    Grade Level College Students

    Offered by Mutual of Omaha

    The Actuarial Scholarship for Minority Students annually awards $5,000 to multiple full-time undergraduate minority students who are pursuing an actuarial or mathematics-related degree. Applicants must…Show More

    The Actuarial Scholarship for Minority Students annually awards $5,000 to multiple full-time undergraduate minority students who are pursuing an actuarial or mathematics-related degree. Applicants must…Show More

    The Actuarial Scholarship for Minority Students annually awards $5,000 to multiple full-time undergraduate minority students who are pursuing an actuarial or mathematics-related degree. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, recipients of asylee or refugee status by the Department of Homeland Security – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, or temporary residents under the 1986 Amnesty Programs. If chosen for the scholarship, recipients must be willing to relocate to Omaha for the upcoming summer (May-August) to complete an internship at Mutual of Omaha's home office. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading for more application details.Show Less

    Multiple awards worth $5,000
    Deadline Oct 20, 2024
    Grade Level College Students
    Get Started

    $25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Bold.org

    Sponsored
    1 award worth $25,000
    Expected deadline October 2025
    Grade Level All Grade Levels

    Offered by Bold.org

    Sponsored

    Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

    Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

    Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

    1 award worth $25,000
    Expected deadline October 2025
    Grade Level All Grade Levels
    Apply

    Diversity in Esthetics Scholarship for PCA Partner Schools

    Offered by Beauty Changes Lives

    1 award worth $5,000
    Deadline Oct 31, 2024
    Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students

    Offered by Beauty Changes Lives

    Are you newly or currently enrolled in an esthetics program at a PCA SKIN® Partner School that leads to licensure in the U.S.? Further, are you…Show More

    Are you newly or currently enrolled in an esthetics program at a PCA SKIN® Partner School that leads to licensure in the U.S.? Further, are you…Show More

    Are you newly or currently enrolled in an esthetics program at a PCA SKIN® Partner School that leads to licensure in the U.S.? Further, are you a member of an underrepresented ethnic/racial group, are part of the LGBTQ+ community, or are disabled? If so, the Diversity in Esthetics Scholarship for PCA Partner Schools may be a great opportunity for you! Twice a year, the scholarship awards $5,000 to one (1) esthetics student from a PCA SKIN Partner School who belongs to an underrepresented group. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.Show Less

    1 award worth $5,000
    Deadline Oct 31, 2024
    Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students
    Get Started

    FOZA Scholarship for Awareness of Maternal Suicide

    Offered by Friends of Zayne Adams (FOZA) Inc.

    Multiple awards worth $1,000
    Deadline Nov 1, 2024
    Grade Level HS Seniors, College Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

    Offered by Friends of Zayne Adams (FOZA) Inc.

    Are you a Black, Latine, or Indigenous American high school senior or undergraduate student (excluding seniors) who has lost a parent due to maternal suicide…Show More

    Are you a Black, Latine, or Indigenous American high school senior or undergraduate student (excluding seniors) who has lost a parent due to maternal suicide…Show More

    Are you a Black, Latine, or Indigenous American high school senior or undergraduate student (excluding seniors) who has lost a parent due to maternal suicide as a result of postpartum depression? If so, we are sorry for your loss, and recommend that you check out the FOZA Scholarship for Awareness of Maternal Suicide if you are looking for ways to fund your post-secondary education. Each year, the scholarship awards $1,000 to multiple current and incoming post-secondary students who have lost a parent due to postpartum depression-related maternal suicide. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply. Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

    Multiple awards worth $1,000
    Deadline Nov 1, 2024
    Grade Level HS Seniors, College Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
    Get Started

    The Georgia Ann Benard Hall Award of Excellence

    Offered by Mississippi Nurses' Association (MNA)

    1 award worth $2,000
    Deadline Nov 8, 2024
    Grade Level College Upperclassmen

    Offered by Mississippi Nurses' Association (MNA)

    This Georgia Ann Benard Hall Award of Excellence is open to African-American students currently enrolled and in good academic standing in a Mississippi University BSN…Show More

    This Georgia Ann Benard Hall Award of Excellence is open to African-American students currently enrolled and in good academic standing in a Mississippi University BSN…Show More

    This Georgia Ann Benard Hall Award of Excellence is open to African-American students currently enrolled and in good academic standing in a Mississippi University BSN program at the junior or senior level. Applicants must also be Mississippi Students Nurses Association members and submit an essay and proof of enrollment to apply. If you're an aspiring nurse and member of the Mississippi Students Nurses Association, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

    1 award worth $2,000
    Deadline Nov 8, 2024
    Grade Level College Upperclassmen
    Get Started

    APTA Minority Scholarship Award

    Offered by American Physical Therapy Association

    Multiple awards worth $3,000 - $5,000
    Deadline Dec 1, 2024
    Grade Level College Seniors & Graduate Students

    Offered by American Physical Therapy Association

    The APTA Minority Scholarship Award is funded by the American Physical Therapy Association, an organization of physical therapists dedicated to building a community that advances…Show More

    The APTA Minority Scholarship Award is funded by the American Physical Therapy Association, an organization of physical therapists dedicated to building a community that advances…Show More

    The APTA Minority Scholarship Award is funded by the American Physical Therapy Association, an organization of physical therapists dedicated to building a community that advances the profession of physical therapy to improve the health of society. Every year, their APTA Minority Scholarship Award grants up to $5,000 to multiple minority physical therapist students and minority physical therapist assistant students. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.Show Less

    Multiple awards worth $3,000 - $5,000
    Deadline Dec 1, 2024
    Grade Level College Seniors & Graduate Students
    Get Started

    Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

    Offered by Jackie Robinson Foundation

    Multiple awards worth up to $8,750
    Deadline Jan 9, 2025
    Grade Level High School Senior

    Offered by Jackie Robinson Foundation

    Are you a graduating, minority high school senior who demonstrates both academic excellence and financial need? If so, consider applying for the Jackie Robinson Foundation…Show More

    Are you a graduating, minority high school senior who demonstrates both academic excellence and financial need? If so, consider applying for the Jackie Robinson Foundation…Show More

    Are you a graduating, minority high school senior who demonstrates both academic excellence and financial need? If so, consider applying for the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards winning applicants up to $35,000 over the course of four years. In addition to the monetary award, winners will be invited to JRF’s annual four-day “Mentoring and Leadership Conference” in New York City. Lastly, winners will receive four years' worth of a comprehensive program that includes career guidance, internship and job placement, and more. The scholarship is offered by the Jackie Robinson Foundation, an organization founded by Rachel Robinson in honor of her late husband. It was created with the goal of helping sponsor and support the education of talented young, minority youth.  If you’re an academically exceptional minority high school senior with plans to enroll in a U.S. college, we encourage you to apply! Bear in mind that the scholarship cycle runs from September to January of each year.Show Less

    Multiple awards worth up to $8,750
    Deadline Jan 9, 2025
    Grade Level High School Senior
    Get Started

    Capt. Kenneth D. Allen Scholarship

    Offered by Hillsborough Education Foundation

    1 award worth up to $5,000
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level High School Senior

    Offered by Hillsborough Education Foundation

    The Capt. Kenneth D. Allen Scholarship is open to minority high school seniors in Florida. Students seeking an associate or bachelor's degree in criminal Justice…Show More

    The Capt. Kenneth D. Allen Scholarship is open to minority high school seniors in Florida. Students seeking an associate or bachelor's degree in criminal Justice…Show More

    The Capt. Kenneth D. Allen Scholarship is open to minority high school seniors in Florida. Students seeking an associate or bachelor's degree in criminal Justice or criminology are eligible to apply.Show Less

    1 award worth up to $5,000
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level High School Senior
    Get Started

    Ethnic Minority and Women’s Enhancement Graduate Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by National Collegiate Athletic Association

    26 awards worth $10,000
    Deadline Feb 3, 2025
    Grade Level Graduate Students

    Offered by National Collegiate Athletic Association

    This Ethnic Minority and Women’s Enhancement Graduate Scholarship is for students and student-athletes who earned an undergraduate degree from an NCAA member school. The NCAA…Show More

    This Ethnic Minority and Women’s Enhancement Graduate Scholarship is for students and student-athletes who earned an undergraduate degree from an NCAA member school. The NCAA…Show More

    This Ethnic Minority and Women’s Enhancement Graduate Scholarship is for students and student-athletes who earned an undergraduate degree from an NCAA member school. The NCAA awards $10,000 to 13 ethnic minorities and 13 female college graduates entering a sports administration or program that will help the applicant obtain a career in intercollegiate athletics. Each applicant must have an overall undergraduate minimum GPA of 3.2 based on a 4.0 scale.Show Less

    26 awards worth $10,000
    Deadline Feb 3, 2025
    Grade Level Graduate Students
    Get Started
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    Top 5 scholarships for Black students in 2024

    We’ve hand-picked the following scholarships based on the strong reputation of their organizations, the value of the awards, and being open to a wide number of students. Apply with confidence to these 5 top scholarships for Black students:

    Related: Top scholarships for Black women

    How to win scholarships for Black students

    As with any scholarship opportunity, scholarships for Black students are highly competitive, and in order to achieve success, you’ll need to craft an application that stands out from the crowd. One great way to write a strong application is to spend some time reflecting before you start your essays.

    Because these applications are offered specifically to Black students, they will often ask questions relating to your heritage and its importance in your life. Spend some time and reflect on what your Black background means to you, and talk to family members or friends to get some ideas for your application. You can jot down some informal notes about your findings, and come back to the document as you fill out your applications.

    It’s also a good idea to look for local Black institutions that could help you in your search. Whether they are professional organizations, religious organizations, or educational organizations, they may have tips for scholarships and grants you can apply to.

    How to write a great essay

    Once you have an idea of what you want to say in your essays, it’s time to make sure you say it in the most compelling way possible. Try to be succinct, charismatic, and insightful in your responses. Oftentimes, getting someone to proofread your essays can help you gain some perspective.

    We have a host of resources to help you fine-tune your applications, including guides on writing 250 word or 500 word essays, writing about yourself, and answering some of the most common scholarship essay prompts. You can also check out our guides for starting and ending your essays, as well as a guide on how to write a winning scholarship essay.

    Related: List of top HBCUs

    Tips for African American students applying for scholarships

    Prestigious scholarships for Black and African American students

    These scholarships are some of our top picks, as they come with high awards, can be used at any accredited college, and are very prestigious to receive.

    Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

    Black high school seniors can apply to this program to earn $35,000 over their four years of college. They also receive invitations and funding to attend annual leadership conferences in New York to help support them through their college journey and beyond. In order to qualify, you’ll have to be a member of a minority group, demonstrate financial need, and demonstrate civic engagement through volunteer work, leadership roles, or other similar achievements.

    Ron Brown Scholar Program

    Black high school seniors who show interest in business and public service and who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds can qualify for this scholarship. The program offers up to $40,000 over a student’s four years of college. Community service, academic achievement, and financial need are all weighed heavily in this scholarship.

    Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship

    Students who are of African descent and who are planning to major in engineering, computer science, computer information system, or business programs such as finance and business administration, are eligible. Students apply in their senior year of high school. The scholarship can provide up to $20,000 over four years of college. You’ll need to submit letters of recommendation for this one, so if you are planning to apply, make sure to request them earlier rather than later.

    What you should know about HBCUs

    HBCUs have historically been extremely important in the education of Black students. For many years, they were the only universities that admitted Black students. Fortunately, this is no longer true. However, they continue to provide unique benefits for Black students across the country. Here is a list of some of the highest-rated HBCUs:

    School  Location Enrollment Tuition  Acceptance Rate
    Spelman College Atlanta, GA 2,120 $29,972 43.4%
    Howard University  Washington, DC 6,526 $28,440 36.1%
    Xavier University of Louisiana  New Orleans, LA 2,530 $25,947 60%
    Tuskegee University Tuskegee, AL 2,394 $22,679 51.7%
    Hampton University Hampton, VA 3,714 $29,287 36%
    Morehouse College Atlanta, GA 2,238 $28,847 99.8%

    Also see: Top HBCUs in America

    There are many scholarship opportunities specifically for Black students attending an HBCU. These include the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame General Scholarship. We also have a full list of HBCU scholarships to check out.

    Don’t forget financial aid

    While scholarships are a great way to pay for your education, it’s important not to forget financial aid as you move through the application process. Be sure to fill out the FAFSA to discover your eligibility for federal funding such as the Pell Grant, Stafford Loans, and state grants, as well as institutional aid. If your school requires the CSS Profile, make sure to fill that out too. And be sure to check in with your local community to see if there are any grants available for students.

    Resources for Black students

    If you have a good idea of the type of work you want to get into, it’s a good idea to seek out some Black professional organizations in your field. These organizations often offer their own scholarships, and they also host events that unite professionals in the field. From these events, you may gain additional guidance on your career trajectory, or even land a job or internship.

    Professional organizations can vary widely in scope and focus. Some may be regional organizations, whereas others will be national. For example, the National Association of Black Accountants boasts of over 200,000 members nationwide, and could be a great resource for Black students interested in accounting.

    And they are far from the only ones – whether you plan to be a physicist, cardiologist, a psychologist, or a host of other professions, there is an organization out there for you! Even students who are not set on a career path may benefit from joining or investigating these organizations. The firsthand experience with professionals in the field can help you decide whether it is a good fit for you or not.

    Black Student Unions

    Most colleges around the country have  Black Student Unions, which unify Black students on campus. If you are considering attending a school, you may find it beneficial to reach out to their Black Student Union. They may be able to steer you in the direction of school-specific scholarships and other resources. They can also offer insight about the experience of being a Black student on that school’s campus.

    Additional organizations to check out

    • Black Career Network – a great resource for landing a job after graduation or an internship while you’re still in school
    • United Negro College Fund (UNCF) – an organization that offers a wide array of dependable and lucrative scholarships for Black and African American students
    • HBCU Network – a catch-all hub of resources for students attending an HBCU or considering attending one
    • I’m First – if you are a first-generation college student, this is a great hub of resources to answer questions you may not even know you had. This can make your application process and your first semesters in school much easier and more successful

    Frequently asked questions about scholarships for Black students

    Are there scholarships specifically for Black women?

    The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs offers several scholarships specifically for Black women. If you are looking for other scholarships for women, we’ve got you covered with our top scholarships for women list that’s updated each month!

    Do I qualify for scholarships for Black students if I am multiracial?

    Yes, you do! Though they may exist, we have never seen a scholarship that requires 100% Black heritage. And you can apply to scholarship opportunities meant for any race or heritage you identify with. So, if you are Black and Hispanic, you can apply to scholarships targeted towards either community.

    What are the advantages of HBCUs?

    Though every student’s needs are different, HBCUs can be a great option for some Black students. Studies have shown higher levels of engagement and higher graduation rates among Black students at HBCUs. Additionally, they often have more institutional aid set aside for Black students.

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