HBCU Scholarships with 2025 Deadlines

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are institutions known for their significant role in advancing educational opportunities for black students. Most HBCUs have a student population composed of more than 80% black students.

However, HBCU scholarships aren't exclusively for black students. Many students are also of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. If you're a black student or are from a different racial or ethnic group and attend an HBCU, you can absolutely qualify for HBCU scholarships!

As the number one scholarship platform in the U.S., Bold.org is able to help you with both a curated list of scholarships and tips for winning. With years of experience supporting students in achieving their academic dreams, we are here to support you on your academic journey.

We'll provide a step-by-step guide for applying to these HBCU scholarships and take a look at alternative forms of financial aid to further reduce your college costs. So take a breath and relax. We've got you covered with our comprehensive list of the top HBCU scholarships to fund your education!

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Types of HBCU Scholarships

HBCU scholarships can help students pay for college and alleviate some of the student loan debt that disproportionately affects black college graduates. It's important to grasp the difference between scholarship types to understand all your options.

Merit-Based Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership qualities, and community service. While some do consider your level of financial need, most merit-based scholarships select winners based purely on the strength of their personal essays, grades, and extra-curricular achievement.

Need-Based Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. This financial need is usually determined by filling out the FAFSA. The lower your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), the more money you are eligible to receive from a need-based scholarship. Additionally, some need-based scholarships require your household to earn below a certain limit in order to qualify. Apply for need-based scholarships today!

Demographic-Based Scholarships

These scholarships support diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Many demographic-based scholarships are also merit-based or need-based scholarships that target certain minority groups, such as black students. Most of the scholarships we'll be exploring incorporate demographics into their eligibility criteria in some way.

Apply for merit-based scholarships only available on Bold.org and maximize your college savings!

Top HBCU Scholarships Sponsored by Corporations

While we tend to think of nonprofits and universities as the only providers of scholarships, many corporations also provide scholarships as a form of giving back to the community. Here are some of our top picks for HBCU students and African American students.

McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden Scholarship

Award Amount: $15,000

The Black and Positively Golden Scholarship is sponsored by the world's biggest fast-food company in collaboration with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. This scholarship program is available to full-time undergraduate students attending TMCF-member HBCUs and Predominately Black Institutions. In addition to a monetary award, winners will receive access to Alkme, a black-owned mental health app that will support them while they are in college.

Wellington Management HBCU Scholars Program

Award Amount: $15,000

Wellington Management is a global asset management firm that champions diversity in many ways, including the provision of an HBCU Scholars Program. Applicants must be sophomores and juniors studying STEM and finance-related programs. What makes this scholarship unique is that winners will receive access to two paid internships and networking opportunities with Wellington leaders.

Procter & Gamble How We HBCYOU Scholarship

Award Amount: up to $2,500

You may know P&G for their popular laundry and soap brands like Tide and Head & Shoulders, but did you know this health and wellness company also provides financial support at HBCUs? In collaboration with UNCF, this series of scholarships is awarded to black college students who are full-time students, U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents.

Delta Community Credit Union HBCU Scholarship

Award Amount: $5,000

Delta Community Credit Union is a Georgia-based bank that provides personal and business services for the metro Atlanta area. They also provide a unique scholarship to support Georgia students who plan to attend or are currently attending an HBCU. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors and Georgia residents.

If you're a high school junior getting a head-start on your scholarship and college applications, take a look at our scholarships for high school juniors!

Best HBCU Scholarship Organizations

Our list of HBCU scholarships is by no means exhaustive, so we want to provide more resources for your scholarship search. The following scholarship organizations are dedicated to supporting HBCUs and black students and offer many scholarships for these student groups. If you can't find a match on our list, definitely check out these organizations for their extensive scholarship programs.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) transforms the lives of students at HBCUs and Predominantly Black Institutions through networking, scholarship, and mentoring programs. Their scholarship programs are extensive and often provide resources beyond financial support.

Key Scholarships:

1. Jacobs HBCU Scholarship Program: a need-based scholarship of $5,000 for STEM students studying engineering or a related major.
2. Descendants Truth & Reconciliation Foundation: winners receive up to $10,000 based on financial need.

United Negro College Fund (UNCF)

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) empowers black students all across the nation to achieve the education they deserve. Like TMCF, their support extends beyond financial aid to provide resources for students in their professional and personal lives.

Key Scholarships:

1. Fidelity Scholars Program: open to residents of specific states. This award varies based on the cost of attendance.
2. John Lennon Endowed Scholarship Program: in memory of John Lennon, this $5,000 scholarship is open to students of UNCF member institutions.

With the discussions of climate change, environmental science is becoming an increasingly popular major, and many HBCUs have top programs to support aspiring environment scientists. If you're one of these students, check out our exclusive environmental science scholarships today!

HBCU-Specific Scholarships

Howard University Scholarships

Nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C., Howard University stands as a beacon of black excellence, renowned for its world-class programs in law, medicine, and the arts. Founded in 1867, Howard has a storied history of producing trailblazing leaders such as Thurgood Marshall and Kamala Harris.

Key Scholarships:

1. HU Achievers Scholarship – Awarded to top undergraduate freshmen with high academic achievement and demonstrated financial need.
2. HU Capstone Scholarship – Covers all textbook expenses for students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.

Spelman College Scholarships

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Spelman College is a historically black women’s liberal arts college celebrated for its exceptional alumnae, including Stacey Abrams and Alice Walker. With a strong emphasis on sisterhood, leadership, and social justice, Spelman is consistently ranked as the top HBCU in the nation.

Key Scholarships:

1. Bonner Scholarship – A need-based award for students who display good citizenship within their community.
2. DeWitt Dean’s Scholarship – Covers full four-year tuition for students with strong academic records and leadership skills.

Florida A&M University

Founded in 1887, Florida A&M University in Tallahassee is a land-grant institution with nationally acclaimed programs in agriculture, pharmacy, and business. Known for its spirited culture and outstanding marching band, "The Marching 100," FAMU fosters academic success and innovation.

Key Scholarships:

1. FAMU Honors Program Scholarship – Eligible students must be accepted into the FAMU honors program and meet GPA and standardized test requirements.
2. Turner Construction Scholarship – A $10,000 award for students studying mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or chemical engineering in their second or third year at FAMU.

If you're a minority student and want to expand your search beyond HBCU scholarships, consider applying to these scholarships for minorities to secure funding for your college education!

Grants for HBCU Students

Grants are another form of financial aid that doesn't have to be paid back. Some grants, such as the Pell Grant, function exactly like need-based or merit-based scholarships. Other grants typically provide funding for research or academic work done in a specific field. Below are three federal grants that HBCU students may be eligible for:

1. Federal Pell Grant: This grant is only available to undergraduate students. Eligibility is based on demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For the 2024-2025 academic year, the maximum award is $7,395, but the exact amount depends on financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status.
2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): This program targets students with exceptional financial need. FSEOG awards range from $100 to $4,000 per year, depending on the funding available at the student’s school. Because funds are limited, students are encouraged to apply early.
3. Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant: This grant requires recipients to commit to a teaching service obligation in order to receive a maximum of $3,772. It is designed to increase the quality of the national teaching workforce and can be converted into a loan should the teaching service obligation remain unfulfilled.

Still have questions about grants? Learn all about them in our comprehensive blog on college grants!

How to Apply for HBCU Scholarships

1. Complete the FAFSA

Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many HBCU scholarships require FAFSA submission to determine your financial need. Be sure to gather the necessary documents, such as tax records and income information, to complete the form accurately.

2. Research and Review Eligibility Criteria

Identify scholarships specific to HBCUs, such as the suggested opportunities on our list. While you can definitely apply for general scholarships open to all students, targeting your efforts towards niche scholarships can maximize your chances. Review the eligibility criteria carefully to ensure you meet requirements such as GPA, major, or residency. Websites like UNCF.org and institutional scholarship pages are excellent resources.

3. Submit a Well-Crafted Essay

Many HBCU scholarships require an essay. Use this opportunity to showcase your personal story, cultural heritage, and how attending an HBCU aligns with your goals. Make your essay compelling, authentic, and free of grammatical errors. It's always a good idea to seek feedback from a mentor or teacher before submitting.

Get more in-depth tips about writing a stellar essay with our guide to writing a scholarship essay!

Head over to our Scholarship Blog to unlock more tips and tricks for paying for college!