College scholarships for African American and Black students are designed to help cover a portion or all of the cost of college and give students more opportunities. These scholarships let students focus on their goals without having to worry about paying the money back, unlike student loans. You can think of them as free money to help make paying for college a little more manageable.
Keep reading to learn the best scholarships for African American students, tips for applying, and the different types of scholarships available.
Key Points
• Scholarships for African American students help increase college access by providing financial assistance, making higher education more affordable and achievable.
• Scholarships are available based on various factors, including academic achievement, financial need, leadership, community service, and specific career interests.
• Many scholarships prioritize students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), promoting and preserving the unique legacy of these institutions.
• The two main types of scholarships available for African American students are need-based scholarships and merit-based scholarships.
• Scholarships are free money given to students, reducing the amount of federal and private student loans the student may need.
Eligibility Requirements
Before you start applying for African American scholarships, it’s important to understand the qualifications needed to win college award money. Every scholarship has its own specific requirements, but here are a few common ones you might see:
• Strong academic performance
• Involvement in community service
• U.S. citizenship or residency status
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Enrollment at an accredited college or university
• Special talents or unique personal traits
• Financial need
Recommended: How College Financial Aid Works
How to Find African American Scholarships
With so many scholarship opportunities available for African American students, there are plenty of resources to help you find ones you may qualify for. Here are some great places to start your search:
• Your college’s financial aid office
• Your high school counselors
• Scholarship search tools, such as SoFi’s Scholarship Search Tool
• State grant and federal agencies
• Religious groups and community organizations
• The U.S. Department of Labor’s scholarship search tool
• Professional associations tied to your career interests
• Nonprofit organizations, neighborhood associations, small businesses, and clubs
Types of Scholarships Available for African Americans
There are many different types of scholarships available for African American students, from athletic achievements to extracurricular activities. However, the two most common types are need-based and merit-based scholarships.
Need-Based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships are meant to help students who can’t cover the full cost of their education. To qualify, students typically need to show that their family’s income is below a certain amount.
Scholarship committees review factors like family income, assets, and household size to figure out how much financial help a student needs. They might ask for proof of income or FAFSA details. This process ensures that scholarships go to those who need it most, making education more affordable.
Recommended: How to Complete the FAFSA Step by Step
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships, commonly called academic scholarships, are offered to students who perform exceptionally well in academics or possess distinct skills, often determined by GPA or talents. Schools, federal agencies, and local organizations often offer these scholarships to high-achieving students.
Scholarships for African American Students
Here are some scholarships for African American students to consider:
The Sphinx Competition
Scholarship amount: $3,000 to $50,000
Application deadline: Closed for 2024
The Sphinx Competition is an annual national event in Detroit, MI, for Black and Latino string musicians, offering career opportunities and addressing barriers in these communities. Finalists get the chance to perform with the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra and compete for over $100,000 in prizes, including the top Robert Frederick Smith Prize. To apply for this scholarship, you need to submit a video audition, a biography, and a headshot.
Scholarship for Diversity in Media
Scholarship amount: $10,000
Application deadline: Applications opening soon for 2025
The Chronicle of Higher Education’s Scholarship for Diversity in Media is for students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) who are interested in a media career. Besides the $10,000 award, winners also have the chance to join the Chronicle’s Summer Editorial Reporting Internship.
Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
Scholarship amount: Up to $35,000
Application deadline: January 9, 2025
The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship honors the first African American to play in Major League Baseball by offering four-year scholarships and support services to motivated college students who need financial help. This scholarship aims to ensure award winners succeed in school and grow as leaders.
Diversity Advancement Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $20,000
Application deadline: Closed for 2024
The Diversity Advancement Scholarship is geared toward students who strive to make a big difference in architecture through creativity, hard work, and support from others. To apply, you need to write an essay explaining how you think architecture can help improve communities and why this makes you excited to become an architect. You must also be planning to attend a NAAB-accredited architecture program.
Minority Natural Resource Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $1,000
Application deadline: January 31, 2025
The Conservation Foundation’s Minority Natural Resource Scholarship offers $1,000 to minority students interested in careers like wildlife, forestry, and water conservation. It aims to increase diversity in Missouri’s natural resource agencies. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in a Missouri college and majoring in a natural resource field.
Recommended: 30 College Scholarships for Minority Students
The NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship
Scholarship amount: $8,000
Application deadline: Closed for 2024
The NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship is for students who want to pursue careers in fields like film, theater, fashion, photography, graphic design, dance, music, journalism, or mass communications. To qualify, you must be an NAACP member and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Frank M. Snowden Jr. Undergraduate Scholarships
Scholarship amount: $4,500
Application deadline: January 20, 2025
The Society for Classical Studies (SCS) is offering scholarships for Summer 2025 to undergraduate students from groups that have been underrepresented in the past. These scholarships offer award money to students studying classics or classical archaeology through summer programs and language training. To apply, you must be enrolled in a degree program.
Recommended: Enter SoFi’s Monthly $2,500 Scholarship Sweepstakes
Tips for Applying for Scholarships
Applying for scholarships can feel overwhelming, but with a bit of preparation and organization, it becomes much more manageable. The key is to start early, stay organized, and explore all your options. Here are some simple tips to help you through the process and increase your chances of success.
• Check who can apply: Each scholarship has different eligibility requirements. Make sure you meet all the criteria before you apply.
• Explore all your options: There are many scholarships out there, including scholarships for current college students, and the more research you do, the more opportunities you’ll find. In fact, nearly $100 million in scholarships goes unclaimed each year because of a lack of applicants.
• Start applying early: It’s never too early to start applying. Some scholarships are even available as early as grade school.
• Take time to prepare: Many scholarship applications require essays, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and FAFSA® information. It’s best to gather these materials ahead of time so you don’t rush at the last minute and risk missing an important deadline.
• Get (and stay) organized: Try sorting your applications by deadline so you can focus on the ones with upcoming due dates. Also double-check that your essays meet the requirements if they’re part of the application. Scholarship workshops are available to help your application stand out.
Recommended: Guide to Unclaimed Scholarships and Grants
The Takeaway
If you need extra money to help pay for college as an African American student, there are many scholarships available to apply for. Even if you’re still in high school, it’s a good idea to start looking for scholarships now. Remember that the earlier you begin, the more chances you’ll have to find the right scholarships to help with your college expenses.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
Are there scholarships for specific African American groups?
Yes, there are scholarships for different African American groups. For example, the Diversity Advancement Scholarship is for students who want to become architects, and the Conservation Foundation’s Minority Natural Resource Scholarship is for students interested in environmental conservation.
Do I need to have a certain GPA for a scholarship?
Some scholarships require you to have a certain GPA, but other scholarships are given for different reasons, such as if you need financial help, are active in your community, or belong to a specific group. There are also sweepstakes scholarships you can enter simply by filling out a few basic details about yourself.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, you can apply for as many scholarships as you’d like. The more you apply for, the better your chance of getting money for college. Just make sure you take your time with each application. Also remember that the total money you receive from scholarships usually can’t be more than the cost of attending your school.
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