The Complete Guide to Scholarships & Financial Resources for Black Students
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Four years of college can easily cost $40,000 at a state school and $100,000 at a private institution. The price of a college education is a barrier to many people who have dreams of attending college, including African Americans who are underrepresented at many colleges across the country.
There are several organizations, colleges, associations and nonprofits that recognize the desire to attend college but the inability to be able to afford it. They offer scholarships and grants geared specifically to black students to help close this educational gap. Some cover the cost of a full college degree while others provide stipends to supplement expenses associated with higher learning. Some programs blend scholarships with internships and even fast tracks to jobs right after graduation. While requirements and eligibility vary depending on the type of scholarship or grant, the range of options opens up an even wider range of educational possibilities. Below, you will find information to help you get started on finding scholarships and understanding the application process.
Scholarships, Grants & Resources for Black Students
Scholarship | Eligibility | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|
The Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship | Open to NAACP members under the age of 25 who is currently enrolled or accepted into an accredited college or university. Must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate financial need. | https://www.poisefoundation.org/ |
Department of Defense SMART Scholarship | Open to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. Recipient is guaranteed internship and job placement. | https://smartscholarshipprod.service-now.com/smart?id=smart_index |
APPLE HBCU Scholars Program | Open to students pursuing a degree in business, communications, computer science, technology, public relations or engineering. Applicants have to be in their second-to-last year of study and have a GPA of at least 3.30. | https://tmcf.org/ |
David J. Stern Sports Scholarship Program | Open to students enrolled in a historically black college or university who has a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants have to be pursuing a degree with an interest in sports. | https://tmcf.org/ |
The Walmart Foundation First-Generation Scholarship | Open to high school graduates who have a GPA of 2.5 or more and will be attending a historically black college or university. Applicant must be a first generation student. | https://tmcf.org/ |
The 100 Black Men Scholarship | Open to high school seniors and undergraduates enrolled in college who have a GPA of 2.5 or better. | https://100blackmen.org/ |
The Ralph Johnson Bunche Distinguished Graduate Award | Open to incoming, full-time students attending Rutgers, who have a background of substantial educational or cultural disadvantage. | https://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/ |
Hallie Q. Brown Scholarship | Open to active members of the National Association of Colored Women's Club who graduated from high school with a C average or better. Applicants must need financial assistance and recommend by an active Club's woman and endorsed by the member's club and the club's region. | https://www.nacwc.com/ |
The Tom Joyner Foundation Full Ride Scholarship | Open to current high school seniors who have a GPA of 3.5 or better and a minimum SAT score of 2100 or ACT score of 30. Must demonstrate leadership skills. | https://tomjoynerfoundation.org/ |
Foot Locker Foundation UNCF Scholarship | Open to all undergraduates and those recently graduated from high school. | https://scholarships.uncf.org/ |
The Need for Scholarships: By the Numbers
85% of black students who took out student loans in 2016, with the average student graduating with $34,000 in debt.
69% of white students who took out student loans in 2016, with the average student graduating with less than $30,000 in debt.
48% of black college graduates in 2014 who were first-generation graduates. That's down from 77% in the 1970s.
Sources: Gallup Poll, CRL/NAACP Study
Heritage with a Future: Historically Black Colleges/Universities
Colleges specifically for African Americans were started in the nineteenth century to offer black students access to higher education in an era that largely blocked them from enrolling at existing schools. The Higher Education Act of 1965 defined a historically black college or university (HBCU) as any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964 and whose main mission is the education of black Americans. Now, more than 100 HBCUs in the U.S. are building on their mission, evolving to offer programs uniquely suited to the challenges and hopes of today's African American students.
College students of any race choose schools that offer what they want to study. Cost is a close second on the scale of decision factors. With those priorities in mind, there are compelling reasons to consider attending a historically black college or university. These schools offer a unique setting and cultural context for academic topics, social life and community service. For instance, professors and advisors at HBCUs often have had life experiences that make them empathetic to black students. HBCUs usually offer a richer array of African-American-oriented social groups, venues, events, programs, and community service and internship opportunities. And because of their unique status in American culture, HBCUs actually can be a better financial bet, as they can tap resources earmarked for black students and programs.
Alumni of HBCUs gain additional benefits as they enter the work world with rich and wide graduate networks. Every school has its alumni association, but HBCUs often offer multiple groups to keep graduates connected for a lifetime.
Scholarships, Grants and Resources Offered by HBCUs
Scholarship | Eligibility | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|
International Education of Students Abroad Historically Black Colleges and Universities Scholarship | Open to students who are attending a HBCU school and are a member or associate member of the IES Abroad consortium. Most will be attending an IES Abroad fall, spring academic year or calendar year program. | http://www.ama-assn.org/ |
The Tom Joyner Foundation Denny Launch Scholarship | Available for students attending HBCUs who demonstrates efforts to combat hunger. | https://tomjoynerfoundation.org/ |
Thurgood Marshall College Fund Altria Scholarship Program | Open to junior or senior students enrolled in a TMCF member school. Must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Applicants must major in account, business, computers, IT, finance, engineering or human resources. | https://tmcf.org/ |
Thurgood Marshall College Fund Hershey Scholarship | Open to undergraduate students who are attending a HBCU school. Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants must be pursuing a STEM degree, food science or finance and sales. Must be recommended by the school's faculty or staff. | https://tmcf.org/ |
Organizing Your Scholarship Options and Setting Your Priorities
The process of applying for scholarships, grants and programs can be daunting. The good news is there are many resources available to help. The bad news is that you have to sort out which ones are best for you, focusing on those that support your goals and setting aside those that are irrelevant.
Start by making a list of the scholarships, grants and programs that you qualify for, in terms of your own needs and your family's resources.
Grab a calendar and mark the deadlines for each scholarship and grant. This will help you tackle first the opportunities that offer both the most money and that have the earliest deadlines.
It's also a good idea to get all of the necessary documentation in order ahead of filling out the application. That means you are going to want to get your letters of recommendations, transcripts and cover letter in advance.
Writing a strong essay is crucial - and time-consuming. Consider drafting a couple of template essays that address common requests (for instance, one might focus on your personal growth while another might focus on your community service). Customize the appropriate template essay as needed for each application.
Finally, keep track of each application as you send it out, either via certified mail or online submission.
Black Students: Balance Your Budget for More Savings
Grants and scholarships can help you pay for most of your college expenses, but what about books, living expenses, and fun money? If you’re looking for additional ways to raise funds, it may be time to review your monthly budget and spending habits. There are likely cost-saving measures you can take to save you hundreds of dollars a year, including reducing your monthly auto, home, and credit card payments.
Assess Your Credit Card Spending
Credit cards can help black college students with unexpected or large expenses, but credit limits can quickly get maxed out. Learn how to manage your credit card spending effectively and lower your monthly payments and if a student credit card, prepaid, or gas credit card can save you money.Create Affordable Auto Loan Payments
While many black students purchase their dream car, it may come with a less than ideal monthly payment. If you’re currently in an auto loan, there are ways you can decrease your payment by contacting your lender or refinancing your loan. If you’re thinking of upgrading your vehicle to a new or used car, see what options fit your budget with MoneyGeek’s auto calculator.Review Your Car Insurance for Discounts
Are you getting the best car insurance for your needs? Often, students don’t shop around and are paying more than they need to. Find out if your policy options are the best for you by comparing a few different auto insurance quotes, applying student and good driver discounts to your policy, and see what savings are available if you change your premiums.Save on Renters Insurance
As a renter, you and your belongings may not be insured in the case of a fire, theft, or vandalism under the homeowners insurance. Renters insurance is not only affordable, but it offers you peace of mind in your living arrangement. It’s important to shop around for the best option for your budget.Find Affordable Health Insurance Coverage
While health insurance premiums can be expensive, having adequate coverage can mean saving thousands of dollars in the event of a health emergency. Navigating and finding health insurance as a student can be difficult, but it's possible to obtain adequate coverage — either through your school, your parent's plan or a private insurance company.
How a Scholarship Coach Got Her Own Scholarships
"Being socially minded and committed is a great way to stand out and get noticed,"
Watson brought more to Morris Brown than just great grades and top scores. She coupled those crucial accomplishments with participation in volunteer activities and community outreach, two things donors are looking for in their scholarship and grant recipients. Watson suggests that students should try to apply for at least one scholarship per week. Craft a compelling essay by being honest about your journey, seeking to let the awards committee understand how you are growing as a person. "Convey the truth, honesty and purity. Also, this is not the time to be shy. If you have accomplished something great, talk about it. If you have experienced a series of hardships talk about it. If you have a disability describe it and your challenges with it," she says.
How a Black Tech Innovator Snagged Awards for His Education
"If you are being honest with yourself and your aspirations, when you talk and meet with other people, they will be more than willing to make an introduction to help you achieve your goals"
Martín, who is taking the front-end engineering course at the Atlanta campus of The Iron Yard, says that his unique background set him apart from his peers when applying for the scholarship. He started graduate work at The Wharton School, a top business management school, but then pivoted to take a position with Teach For America. Meanwhile, Martin founded honorCode, a start-up focused on increasing the access to coding knowledge in primary and secondary schools in the city. "Hopefully, they knew that their funds would be going to an amazing cause and also have a higher return on investment in the future," says Martín of the support offered by The Iron Yard. "The partial scholarship that I received from them really relieved some of the financial burden to be in the program."
When applying for the scholarship, Martín didn't have one essay to tackle, he had three. He approached the essays with the mission of conveying why he was a great choice. "I honestly believe that my purpose in this world is to help open doors for those who aren't given access to open them alone. Knowing that this is my purpose, this is what I conveyed in my essays. I am very thankful that they believed me," he says.
What advice does Martín have for other students trying to win scholarship money? He says to be genuine, take care of the community and be your best advocate. "It is my honest belief that people want to help other people. Only you know where you are trying to go.If you are being honest with yourself and your aspirations, when you talk and meet with other people, they will be more than willing to make an introduction to help you achieve your goals," says Martín.
Minority Scholarships: Questions and Answers
How can college-bound black students maximize the amount of scholarships they receive?
Deshundra Walker:
Applicants can maximize the amount of scholarships they can receive by applying to as many scholarships as they are eligible. A college education is an attainable goal, and there are many avenues for funding that are available. Students should avoid not applying because they think to themselves, "everyone is applying or I will never win." Apply for those scholarships that match your criteria and it may increase the odds of their selection. Don't sell yourself short. Apply!
If a requirement of the scholarship is to be African American, are there ways to stand out in how you answer the questions on the scholarship or grant application?
Deshundra Walker:
There are minority scholarships available. Applicants should seek out these scholarships and others to increase their chances of selection. They can stand out by being creative and completing the application in its entirety. Be sure to toot your own horn, but be honest — not too modest though.
What about the essay? What should applicants try to get across and are there ways to craft the essay that will get them noticed more?
Deshundra Walker:
In writing the essay, the applicant should make sure to carefully read and follow the instructions and take the essay seriously. It's the one aspect in which they can sell themselves, to allow the reviewer to get to know them better and to present their best self. The applicant wants to get across their knowledge of the subject in which they are writing and to convince the provider that they are the candidate they are looking for. A strong essay may rescue the application from the reject pile. Ensure that the question is addressed, explained clearly and given solid support. Read, proofread and most definitely, spell check. Ask someone (a trusted teacher, coach or mentor) to critique as well.
How can applicants create a winning scholarship strategy?
Deshundra Walker:
An applicant can create a winning scholarship strategy by being organized. Keep records from ninth to twelfth grade, tracking the organizations involved in, as well as extracurricular activities, awards and honors received, achievements, community service, internships, leadership positions, jobs and academic information. Practice writing essays. Research the organization you are applying to learn the audience you will submit your application to.
What are the judges looking for in a black student applicant?
Deshundra Walker:
Judges look for academic excellence, demonstrated leadership, creativity, story told in a compelling way, success in high school, community service, extracurricular activities and good test scores. Reviewers judge on quality, originality and the merits of the application presented. Supporting diversity at the collegiate level is essential to ensuring a quality education and meeting the nation's growing workforce demands.
What are some mistakes to avoid when searching and applying for scholarships?
Deshundra Walker:
Some mistakes applicants can avoid when searching and applying for scholarships are to make sure to adhere to deadline dates. Don't procrastinate. Also, you should not have to pay a fee to apply for a scholarship or pay someone to help you find scholarships for you. Scholarships help you financially and if you have to pay to apply, most likely, it is a scam. You should not provide any financial information, including your social security number on any application. The Federal Trade Commission has good information on scholarship scams. Applicants can locate information on scholarships on their own. Use legitimate websites such as tmcf.org, collegeboard.com, fastweb.com, and scholarships.com. You can visit your local library to see if they offer books that provide a list of scholarships. Other good sources would be the high school guidance counselors, foundations, federal agencies, parent's employers, civic groups, community organizations and your chosen university.
What can students do to get a leg up on the competition and get the process going?
Deshundra Walker:
Start the process early. You can shine by getting things done early. Be persistent and stay positive. Search often. Make sure to have multiple copies of transcripts, reference letters, resumes and other documentation. Double-check your applications to ensure that all requested information is supplied and that all supporting documents are included.
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