African American Scholarships for College (2025 - 2026)

Overview of African American Scholarships & Grants

Scholarships and grants for African American students are designed to increase access to higher education, promote academic excellence, and reduce student debt. These financial aid opportunities are available through national foundations, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), private organizations, corporations, and community programs. From full-ride scholarships to local awards, these programs empower Black students to pursue degrees in every field — from STEM and business to the arts and healthcare.

This guide highlights some of the best scholarships and grants available for Black high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate students, and adult learners. You’ll also find resources for women, students attending Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs), and those studying STEM disciplines. Whether you’re applying to college for the first time or returning to school later in life, these opportunities can help make higher education more affordable and equitable.

Are There Free Grants for African American Students?

Yes, African American students can access free grants like the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Need-Based Grant, the Pell Grant (for eligible low-income students), and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Scholarships. Additionally, programs like the Sallie Mae Bridging the Dream Scholarship for Graduate Students provide need-based aid for African American students pursuing higher education.

Are Scholarships for Black Students Really Going Unclaimed?

While it’s a common myth that millions of dollars in scholarships for Black students go completely unclaimed, the truth is more nuanced. Some scholarships and grants are indeed underutilized—not because they aren’t available, but because many students either don’t know they exist, miss the deadlines, or assume they’re too competitive to win. This is especially true for local and community-based awards, which often receive fewer applications than national programs.

Prestigious programs like the Ron Brown Scholar Program and the Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship do attract many applicants—but some other valuable opportunities, such as regional NAACP chapter scholarships, National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) scholarships, and awards from Black fraternities, sororities, or civic organizations, may not be as widely known or promoted in high schools.

Several factors contribute to these scholarships being overlooked:

• Lack of awareness – Many students and families aren’t introduced to scholarship databases or don’t realize these specific awards exist.
• Assumed competitiveness – Some students assume they won’t qualify and never apply, even when they meet all criteria.
• Complicated applications – Students may feel overwhelmed by requirements like essays, recommendations, or financial documentation.
• Limited guidance – Not all high schools have dedicated college counselors who help students find and apply for niche scholarships.

By investing time into scholarship research and being proactive about the application process, Black students can tap into these opportunities and significantly reduce the cost of college. Many of these programs are not just about funding—they also offer mentoring, internships, and leadership development that open doors well beyond graduation.

Tip: Start by looking into local organizations (Urban League, churches, NAACP chapters), school-sponsored award lists, and trusted national scholarship databases. Applying to less-publicized scholarships with fewer applicants can often result in higher odds of success.

What Scholarships Are Available for Black Students in STEM?

Black students in STEM can apply for scholarships such as the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Scholarship, the Microsoft Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship, the AAAS HBCU Making & Innovation STEM Scholarship, and the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarships. These programs provide financial aid and mentorship opportunities for African American students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Are There Scholarships for Black Students Attending PWIs?

Yes, scholarships for Black students at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) include the Minority Achievement Program (MAP) Scholarship, the UNCF/Koch Scholars Program, and diversity scholarships like the Chancellor’s Scholarship at Vanderbilt University. Many PWIs also offer specific awards for underrepresented groups to promote diversity on campus.

What Scholarships Are Available for Black Women?

Scholarships for Black women include the Dr. Julianne Malveaux Scholarship, the Black Women in STEM Scholarship, the Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program, and the Spelman College Scholarships for Women of Excellence. Programs like the L’Oreal USA For Women in Science Fellowship also provide funding for Black women pursuing advanced degrees in STEM fields.

What Scholarships Are Available for Black High School Students?

Black high school students have access to a wide range of scholarships designed to support academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. These scholarships are offered by national foundations, corporations, nonprofits, and local organizations that are committed to advancing educational equity and increasing college access for underrepresented students.

Some of the most well-known and prestigious scholarships for Black high school students include:

• Ron Brown Scholar Program – This program awards $40,000 over four years to academically talented and community-minded African American high school seniors. It also offers mentorship and leadership development opportunities.
• The Gates Scholarship – Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this full-cost-of-attendance scholarship is awarded to 300 exceptional minority students each year, covering tuition, room, board, books, and more.
• Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship – Offers up to $30,000 over four years to minority high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need.
• UNCF Scholarships – The United Negro College Fund manages dozens of scholarship programs for Black students, many of which are open to high school seniors pursuing a college degree at a four-year institution.

In addition to national programs, many corporations and community organizations offer scholarships targeted at Black students. Examples include:

• McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Scholarship – Offered in partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, this scholarship supports students attending HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).
• Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship – Awards $1,000 to students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and a strong commitment to community service.
• Local Urban League chapters, NAACP branches, and Black community foundations – Often provide scholarships to graduating Black seniors in specific cities or regions. These awards may be less competitive and highly relevant to students’ local impact.

To increase your chances of receiving a scholarship, start early in your senior year and build a strong application that includes:

• A compelling personal essay that reflects your goals, values, and story
• Strong letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or community leaders
• A list of extracurriculars, leadership roles, and volunteer service
• Academic records showing your GPA and standardized test scores, if required

Scholarships for Black students are not just about financial aid—they’re also about empowerment, representation, and creating pathways to success in higher education and beyond. With the right preparation and persistence, students can find programs that recognize their achievements and invest in their future.

What Scholarships Are Available for Black Undergraduate Students?

Scholarships for Black undergraduate students include the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) General Scholarship, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Scholarship, the NAACP Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship, and the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship. Other programs like the Google Student Veterans of America Scholarship also support Black undergraduate students with unique backgrounds or experiences.