The average cost of college, including tuition and room and board, is $36,436 per year. Given this, many students turn to student loans and other sources of financial assistance to pay for school.
However, data shows that African American students are disproportionately affected by student loan debt. According to a recent report from the Education Data Initiative, African American students carry 188% more student loan debt on average than white students four years after graduating.
Fortunately, many scholarships for African American students can lessen these disparities and minimize the out-of-pocket costs of college. Knowing how to get a scholarship can also help you take out fewer student loans, allowing you to graduate with less debt.
To make it easier, we compiled a list of some of the best scholarships for Black and African-American students.
Eligibility for African American Scholarships
Eligibility criteria differ across scholarships. That said, certain requirements are common with many programs.
- Residency and country requirements: You may need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Race/ethnicity: Many of the scholarships listed above are only available to Black or African American students.
- GPA/Academic performance: A minimum GPA may apply to certain scholarships.
- Grade level: Many scholarships are for high school seniors, but some may be for currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students.
- School/degree requirements: Certain scholarships may be for students pursuing a particular degree or require enrollment at a four-year college or university.
- Financial need: You may be required to demonstrate financial need for certain scholarships.
As you research different scholarships, read eligibility requirements on each scholarship’s website, or contact those administering the scholarship with questions.
Top Scholarships Still Open for Self-Identifying Black Students
1. Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship
Students interested in the Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship program must have a 3.3 GPA, demonstrated financial need and an interest in studying computer science, computer information systems or a business major like finance, business administration or marketing.
Microsoft selects 50 winners for this scholarship program. Five applicants will receive $20,000 distributed over four years, and 45 will receive a $2,500 one-time-only scholarship.
Application Deadline: March 13, 2024
Scholarship Award Amount: Up to $20,000
Eligibility/Notes: You must be a U.S.-based high school senior with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
2. AMS Scholarship for Underserved Communities
The American Meteorological Society awards up to $6,000 in scholarships to students from underserved communities pursuing degrees in atmospheric or related oceanic and hydrologic sciences.
Application Deadline: February 23, 2024
Scholarship Award Amount: $6,000
Eligibility/Notes: Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
3. AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students
Students interested in accounting can apply for this scholarship, which provides up to $10,000 scholarships to 60 undergraduate or graduate students majoring in accounting.
Application Deadline: March 15, 2024
Scholarship Award Amount: Up to $10,000
Eligibility/Notes: You must have a 3.0 GPA, demonstrated financial need, and at least six credit hours completed in accounting.
4. CBC Spouses Performing Arts Scholarship
Black students interested in the performing arts, including drama, music, dance, opera, marching band and more, can apply for this $5,000 scholarship. There will be two winners. Applicants must be in their final year of high school or already enrolled in college.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2024
Scholarship Award Amount: $5,000
Eligibility/Notes: You must enroll full-time in a degree program at an accredited university.
5. Congressional Black Caucus Foundation HBCU NREI Scholarship
This scholarship provides a one-time $10,000 award to Black students attending an HBCU and studying one of the following disciplines:
- Criminal justice
- Education
- Civil rights
- Community/economic development
Undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students can all apply.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2024
Scholarship Award Amount: $10,000
Eligibility/Notes: You must enroll full-time in a degree program at an accredited university.
6. ACS Scholars Program
Minority students interested in chemistry can apply for this scholarship, which provides up to $5,000 per academic year. To qualify, you must be a high school senior or currently enrolled in an accredited institution.
You must also be majoring in a chemistry-related major such as biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemical technology or a similar field.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
Scholarship Award Amount: Up to $5,000
Eligibility/Notes: You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
7. BLM² Foundation Scholarship
The BLM² Foundation awards $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are passionate about community service and demonstrate excellence in leadership.
Application Deadline: July 3, 2024
Scholarship Award Amount: $1,000
Eligibility/Notes: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
8. Charles Shelton Foundation Scholarship
The Charles Shelton Foundation gives out $2,000 each to two students enrolled in veterinary school. Students will have to write an essay discussing the ethics of using lab animals for scientific experiments.
Application Deadline: April 15, 2024
Scholarship Award Amount: $2,000
Eligibility/Notes: Applicants must be African American, have a 3.0 GPA or higher, and be legal U.S. residents.
9. American Bus Association Diversity Scholarship
Students who are interested in working in the transportation, travel, or tourism industries can apply for this $5,000 scholarship. Applicants are judged on their grades, financial need, leadership skills and more.
Application Deadline: April 1, 2024
Scholarship Award Amount: $5,000
Eligibility/Notes: Applicants must already be enrolled in a four-year accredited college.
10. National Black MBA (NBMBAA) Graduate Scholarship Program
Graduate students enrolled in MBA programs can apply for a one-time $5,000 scholarship from the NBMBAA. Applicants must be active NBMBAA members, demonstrate leadership skills, academic excellence, and be actively involved in their communities.
Application Deadline: May 15, 2024
Scholarship Award Amount: $5,000
Eligibility/Notes: You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Fill Any Funding Gaps With Private Student Loans
If you’ve applied for scholarships for African American students, maxed out federal student loans, and still need more money for college, consider taking out private student loans. A private student loan can fill in the gaps after you’ve taken advantage of other types of financial aid.
ELFI offers private student loans with terms ranging from five to 15 years. There are no application fees or prepayment penalties. When you apply with ELFI, you’ll be assigned a personal student loan advisor to help guide you through the entire loan application process.
