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If you're planning on applying to a historically black college or university, or HBCU, you probably already know that this group of universities represent some of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education in the United States.
As with any college choice, you may also be wondering how to pay for tuition and other school expenses. Thankfully, HBCUs are known for making college financially accessible. Here, we've compiled a long list of scholarships available to students attending HBCUs.
In this article, we'll talk about:
- Grants and scholarships offered directly from HBCUs
- Grants and scholarships for students in specific majors attending HBCUs
- Non-major-specific grants and scholarships for student attending HBCUS
Scholarships by school
The following comprehensive list makes it easy for you to find scholarships you might qualify for depending on the school you're applying to or attending.
Please click through to each scholarship website to learn about specific requirements and deadlines.
Alabama State University (Montgomery, Alabama)
ASU Academic Scholarships — Four scholarship programs under this category are awarded to students based on merit, academic achievement and college entrance test scores. These are need-blind scholarships.
Albany State University (Albany, Georgia)
Christo Family Athletic Scholarships — For students enrolled full-time at Albany State University who are members of an organized intercollegiate athletic team.
School of Humanities & Social Sciences Dedication Scholarship — For students pursuing a program of study in School of Humanities and Social Sciences and in their second or subsequent semester at Albany State University.
Richie Day Golf Scholarship — Awarded to a first-time freshman who is eligible to play for the Albany State University Golf team and is a Georgia resident.
Emergency Medical Scholarship — For students enrolled in the Emergency Medical Program at Albany State University.
Garry Whitehead, PhD Academic Scholarship — Awarded to students who have a demonstrated financial need and are pursuing a degree in psychology.
First Generation College Student Scholarships — Awarded to incoming, first generation college students.
Alcorn State University (Alcorn, Mississippi)
Academic Scholarships — A group of three scholarship programs for incoming freshmen based on merit, GPA and college placement exam scores.
ASU Foundation, Inc. Scholarship — A merit-based scholarship for admitted undergraduate students.
Allen University (Columbia, South Carolina)
Allen University Presidential Scholarship — For students who exhibit academic excellence.
Arkansas Baptist College (Little Rock, Arkansas)
Alice Ware Watson Memorial Scholarship — Based on academic achievement and financial need. Students who currently reside in Mississippi County are given preference.
Dr. Robert U. Ferguson Scholarship — Based on demonstrated financial need. For students currently enrolled at the college.
J.A. Booker/J.C. Oliver Memorial Scholarship — For students who demonstrate financial need and and a devotion to their academic pursuits. Scholarship is renewable each semester.
National Dunbar Alumni Association Scholarship — For high school graduates of Little Rock public high schools who attend Arkansas Baptist College. Scholarship is need-based and can be renewed each academic year.
Benedict College (Columbia, South Carolina)
Academic Scholarships — A group of scholarship opportunities for incoming freshmen based on merit and GPA.
Bennett College for Women (Greensboro, North Carolina)
Academic Scholarships — Multiple scholarship opportunities for incoming freshmen based on merit and GPA.
Leadership Scholarships — Two scholarship opportunities for incoming freshmen with leadership potential based on merit and GPA.
Bethune-Cookman University (Daytona Beach, Florida)
Homecoming Scholars Award Program — $25,000 scholarship awarded by Beyoncé for students with at least a 3.5 GPA.
Academic Scholarships — Rewards incoming students who demonstrate financial achievement.
Bishop State Community College (Mobile, Alabama)
Merit-based Scholarships — Awarded to students based on academic achievement.
Technical Career Scholarship — Awarded to high school students who will pursue a degree or certificate technical field.
Bluefield State College (Bluefield, West Virginia)
Bluefield State College Foundation Scholarships — Scholarships are granted annually on the basis of academic achievement. There are also a slew of other scholarship opportunities available for specific degree plans.
Bowie State University (Bowie, Maryland)
BSU Merit Scholarship — Awarded to undergraduate or graduate students based on academic merit.
BSU Institutional — Open to new and returning full-time students who complete an application and essay.
BSU National Alumni Association — Available to full-time undergrad students who provide an essay and two letters of recommendation.
BSU Assist — A merit-based scholarship with funding based on year.
BSU Associate of Arts in Teaching — Available to full-time transfer students from a community college with an associate degree in teaching.
Conroy Scholarship — Available to new and returning students with a family member who has suffered a disability or death as a result of military service or was a victim of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Central State University (Wilberforce, Ohio)
Continuing Student Scholarship — Awarded to students enrolled at Central State University who demonstrate financial need.
Broadening Ohio’s Workforce in STEM-Agriculture Scholarship — Up to $10,000 a year to students pursuing a STEM, agriculture or related field.
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania (Cheyney, Pennsylvania)
Alumni Scholarships — Nearly 50 different alumni scholarship opportunities available to students.
Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, Georgia)
Institutional Scholarships — Merit-based scholarships for first-time students.
Coahoma Community College (Clarksdale, Mississippi)
Henry “Win” Wingrond Memorial Graduate Scholarship — For students who demonstrate academic achievement and want to complete their bachelor's at any four-year college or university.
Norran Snerling Memorial Scholarship — Designed to provide one year of funding for a student currently enrolled at Coahoma Community College.
Institutional Scholarships — Merit-based scholarships.
Coppin State University (Baltimore, Maryland)
Alumni Associate Scholarship — Students enrolled at the university who are related to a Coppin graduate will be given preference.
Delaware State University (Dover, Delaware)
Inspire Scholarship — For incoming freshmen graduating from Delaware high schools who demonstrate academic excellence and complete at least 10 hours of community service per semester.
Dillard University (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Institutional Scholarships — Several need-based and merit-based scholarships are available for incoming students.
Elizabeth City State University (Elizabeth City, North Carolina)
Chancellor's Academic Scholarship — Fully funded four-year scholarship for incoming students based on entrance exam scores, GPA and a commitment to service and academics.
UNC Campus Based Scholarship — For North Carolina residents who graduate from a state school.
Fayetteville State University (Fayetteville, North Carolina)
Dr. Valeria Fleming STEM Scholarship — For incoming freshmen pursuing a STEM-related field.
Fisk University (Nashville, Tennessee)
Ella Sheperd Moore Provost Scholarship — Awardees must complete at least 50 volunteer hours per semester.
Erastus Milo Cravath Presidential Scholarship — Based on students' academic performance and commitment to community service. Applicants must complete at least 50 volunteer hours per semester to apply.
Fisk Outstanding Scholars and Leaders Award — For students with academic successes and a record of community service hours. Scholarship is renewable.
Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, Florida)
Presidential Special Scholarship — For high school students attending Florida A&M University who have exceptional placement exam scores. Amount is based on need.
Fort Valley State University (Fort Valley, Georgia)
James H. Porter Scholarship — A scholarship for Georgia residents based on entrance exam test scores and GPA.
Grambling State University (Grambling, Louisiana)
Academic Scholarships — Based on academic performance for incoming students.
Trenholm State Technical College (Montgomery, Alabama)
Institutional Scholarships — Awarded to high school graduates, GED recipients and first-time Trenholm students with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above.
Achievement Scholarships — Awarded to students who maintain a minimum of 12 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or better.
Career Technical Scholarships — Available to students through the recommendation of a career technical center director.
Howard University (Washington, D.C.)
Bison STEM Scholars Program — For high-achieving high school students who go into a STEM-related field.
Alumni Association Scholarships — A half-dozen scholarship opportunities with varying qualifications.
Huston-Tillotson University (Austin, Texas)
St. David’s Scholar Program — For incoming freshmen to pursue a health degree.
J.F. Drake State Technical College (Huntsville, Alabama)
Institutional Scholarships — Awarded to student based on leadership and academics.
Jackson State University (Jackson, Mississippi)
Merit-Based Scholarships — Awarded based on academics.
John C. Smith University (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Institutional Aid Program — Academic scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, entrance exam scores, class rank and high school GPA.
Music Scholarship — Music scholarships are available to students who demonstrate exceptional skills in band and choir.
Kentucky State University (Frankfort, Kentucky)
Academic Scholarships — Rewards students who have demonstrated academic achievement.
Langston University (Langston, Oklahoma)
Legacy Scholarship — Students whose parent is an alum or employee of the University are invited to apply.
Lincoln University - Missouri (Jefferson City, Missouri)
Lincoln University Foundation Scholarship — Awarded based on complete application, essay and financial need.
Meharry Medical College (Nashville, Tennessee)
Honors Incentive Scholarship — Awarded to a first-year students who have achieved academic excellence in their undergraduate course of study.
Miles College (Fairfield, Alabama)
Miles College Academic Scholarships — Three scholarship types awarded based on merit, including GPA and entrance exam scores.
Mississippi Valley State University (Itta Bena, Mississippi)
Academic Scholarship Program — Designed to recognize and reward those students who have exemplified academic excellence based on GPA and entrance exam scores.
Morehouse School of Medicine (Atlanta, Georgia)
Ty Cobb Scholarship — Awardees must be residents of the state of Georgia to attend medical, dental, law or veterinary school and have demonstrated financial need.
George and Pearl Strickland Scholarship — For low-income students and Georgia residents who are enrolled or accepted at Morehouse School of Medicine.
Morgan State University (Baltimore, Maryland)
Institutional Scholarships — These awards are available on a limited basis to new and continuing Morgan students, and they are based on need and academic average. Award amounts vary.
Diversity Grants — Awarded in order to help diversify Morgan ethnically, geographically and academically based on their current major.
Morris College (Sumter, South Carolina)
Bertha Belle Williams Scholarship — Awarded to a deserving student with financial need.
Dr. L. W. Long Memorial Scholarship — Presented to a non-traditional junior or senior with the highest grade point average.
Morris College Presidential Scholarship — Awarded to incoming freshmen students who rank in the upper twenty-fifth percent of their high school graduating class.
Mary A. Vereen-Gordon Memorial Scholarship — Awarded based on financial need to students pursing an education at Morris College.
Morris College National Alumni Scholarship — Awarded to one advanced student in teacher education and two students in any other major who based on GPA, leadership skills and financial need.
North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro, North Carolina)
National Alumni Scholarship — For incoming freshmen who meet certain academic requirement. Renewable for four years.
Oakwood University (Huntsville, Alabama)
Advancement & Development Scholarship — For students who meet a GPA requirement and demonstrated financial need.
First Time Freshmen Academic Scholarship — For incoming freshmen who meet a GPA and entrance exam test score requirement.
Paul Quinn College (Dallas, Texas)
Texas Lyceum Scholarship — Awarded to students who represent exemplary academic accomplishment and leadership on the Paul Quinn College campus and/or within their community.
Philander Smith College (Little Rock, Arkansas)
Institutional Scholarships — Awards based on academic-merit and demonstrated financial need.
PSC National Alumni Association Scholarship — Open to full-time students with 2.5 GPA.
Rust College (Holly Springs, Mississippi)
Academic Scholarships — Awarded based on academic merit and an essay submission. Renewable for four years.
Saint Augustine's University (Raleigh, North Carolina)
Institutional Scholarships — For incoming students who meet certain academic requirements. Award ranges from $2,000 to full tuition.
Diversity Merit Scholarship — Awarded to select first-year freshmen coming from a diverse cultural background who meet academic requirements.
Selma University (Selma, Alabama)
Fine Arts — Awarded annually on a competitive basis.
Academic — Academic scholarships awarded annually by each division of the university.
Athletic — Athletic scholarships are awarded annually in basketball and baseball.
Shelton State Community College (Tuscaloosa, Alabama)
Foundation Scholarships — Several scholarships available for incoming students with various requirements.
Shorter College (North Little Rock, Arkansas)
Academic Merit Scholarships — Awarded based on academic GPA and SAT or ACT scores.
Shorter Excellence Scholarship — Awarded to students who have obtained a 3.0 GPA.
Baptist Appreciation Scholarship — Open to students who are active members of a Grace Bible Church.
Simmons College - Kentucky (Louisville, Kentucky)
Merit-based Scholarships — Competitive awards based on academic performance, leadership and community service.
South Carolina State University (Orangeburg, South Carolina)
General University Scholarship — Awarded to incoming freshmen who have at least a 3.25 GPA.
Presidential Scholarships — A renewable, full scholarship for students with at least a 3.50 GPA.
SC State University Achievers Scholarship — This tuition-only scholarship is awarded to currently enrolled SC State University students who have achieved academically over the prior academic year.
Spelman College (Atlanta, Georgia)
Merit-based Scholarships — Available for incoming first-year students, ranging from $5,000 per year for four years to covering full tuition and fees.
Bonner Scholarship — Based on financial need and community service.
Tuskegee University (Tuskegee, Alabama)
Homecoming Scholars Award Program — $25,000 scholarship awarded by Beyoncé for students with at least a 3.5 GPA.
University of the Virgin Islands (Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands)
University Scholarships — For incoming students who meet academic requirements.
Virginia State University (Petersburg, Virginia)
Academic Scholarships — Students eligible for merit-based scholarships of $500-$10,000 a year based on GPA, entrance exam scores and other criteria.
STEM Scholarship — Available to incoming Presidential scholars majoring in a STEM field.
Wilberforce University (Wilberforce, Ohio)
Homecoming Scholars Award Program — $25,000 scholarship awarded by Beyoncé for students with at least a 3.5 GPA.
Winston-Salem State University (Winston-Salem, North Carolina)
Chancellor Scholarship — A merit-based scholarship that covers all tuition and fees not paid for by state or federal grant sources or other scholarships.
Xavier University (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Homecoming Scholars Award Program — $25,000 scholarship awarded by Beyoncé for students with at least a 3.5 GPA.
Scholarships by field of study
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Whether you plan to be a lawyer, an engineer or a musician, there are dozens of scholarships opportunities tailored to your degree and designed to help you on your educational path at an HSBC.
Humanities
GOG Aspiring Writer Scholarship — For freshman, sophomore or junior writers.
Carolyn M. Harris HBCU Music Scholarship Application — A one-time award for HBCU students who are members of a musical ensemble and are pursuing a degree in a music-related field.
McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Scholarship — Offered to students at HBCU pursuing music-related academics.
Walton-UNCF K-12 Education Fellowship — Designed to develop students' K-12 leadership skills through a variety of developmental and internship opportunities. Applicants must demonstrate leadership qualities.
Business
UNCF/KOCH Scholars Program Undergraduate Application — For undergraduate students fin a business-related field. In addition to scholarship funding, winners of the scholarship will also receive mentoring and networking opportunities.
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
Isabelle Gaines Scholarship Program — For students who graduated from Essex County High School in 2017 and intend to pursue a degree in either art, education or STEM.
George Washington Carver Scholarship Fund — Open to students who embody a sense of leadership and community service and who are pursuing a degree in an approved STEM- or business-related fields.
HBCU Battle of the Brains — A competition-based funding opportunity for students in a STEM-related field. Participants go head-to-head with other teams throughout the country to solve complex issues
Department of Defense Scholarship — Available to full-time, undergraduate students enrolled at an HBCU and pursuing a STEM-related degree.
Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology — For African-American STEM majors attending an HBCU. Funding can be renewed annually.
Apple HBCU Scholars Program — Offers funding up to $25,000 and the chance at an internship and professional development opportunities at Apple in Cupertino, California.
Rackspace Minority Fem-STEM Scholarship Program — For female students attending one of Texas’ HBCUs to pursue a degree in a STEM-related field.
Sports
David J. Stern Sports Scholarship Program — Awardees of this three-year renewable scholarship for accepted students also have the chance to apply for an internship with the NBA office.
Kat Team Foundation Scholarship — For undergraduate students enrolled in one of their school's varsity athletic programs.
Law
Sidney B. Williams Jr. Intellectual Property Law Scholarship — Designed for students pursuing a career in intellectual property law. In addition to overall academic performance, candidates must demonstrate leadership skills, community service and individual accomplishments.
Non-major-specific grants and scholarships
These scholarships are neither school-specific nor degree-specific, but they are for students attending HBCUs.
Wells Fargo Scholarship — Sophomores, juniors and seniors can apply for this one-year merit scholarship. Amount varies by demonstrated need.
Lowe’s Scholarship — A need-based scholarship available to students after completing their freshman year.
Northwest Indiana Scholarship Program — For permanent residents of the Northwest region of Indiana, specifically Lake, LaPorte and Porter Counties.
Northern Ohio Scholars Scholarship — For incoming freshmen who maintain residency in Northern Ohio.
MILLERCOORS Scholarship — For students who demonstrate academic excellence.
Michael Amos HBCU Scholarship — For students living in either the District of Columbia, Maryland or North Virginia.
McDonald’s Black Forward Scholarship — For students who have demonstrated leadership and community service experience.
McDonald’s HBCU Forward Scholarship — For students with at least a 3.0 GPA.
National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) Scholarship Program — For undergraduate and graduate-level students who exemplify academic and community leadership.
HBCU Heritage Scholarship — For students who exhibit financial need and are residents of either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or North Virginia.
Fort Worth Independent School District Scholarship — For high school graduates from the Fort Worth Independent School District.
Evelyn Hider A&B HBCU Scholarship — One of the several scholarship awards provided by the HBCU Council of Shiloh Baptist Church. For students with demonstrated financial need and academic achievement.
Evelyn Hider Continuing Education HBCU Scholarship — Applicants accepted based on overall GPA and the quality of an essay submission.
ETS Presidential Scholarship for HBCU Students — For upper-level undergraduate students. Applicants must be referred to the scholarship program by the president of their institution.
Delta Community Credit Union HBCU Scholarships — For residents of the state of Georgia.
IES Scholarship — This scholarship partially funds a student's study-abroad program and overseas airfare.
overs all expenses for one student.
UNCF King Lab Scholarship — For students who demonstrate financial need.
TMCF Access Scholarship Program — Students are required to demonstrate academic success and write an essay.
The HBCU Scholarship Fund — For current or incoming HBCU students.
Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith HBCU Scholarship — Awards individuals who have exhibited a high level of community and church-based service.
Semester at Sea HBCU Scholarship — For students to participate in a Semester at Sea program. In addition to a $10,000 financial package, awardees receive one semester of undergraduate credit from Colorado State University.
Important reminders
Most scholarships are offered annually, so if the deadline has already passed, set a calendar reminder for next year.
Looking for more ways to pay for school? Check out our College Scholarship Database and other financial aid resources.