Scholarships for Black Americans

If you are African American, there are many scholarships to help pay for college tuition and expenses, with some based upon merit and others based upon both merit and financial need. The scholarships listed on this page are designed for Black Americans, and include both specific scholarships, such as The Gates Scholarship (replaces the Gates Millennium Scholarship), and lists of scholarships for blacks provided by different organizations.

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African American Scholarships

Marshall-Motley Scholars Scholarship Program

Application Deadline February each year

Award Amount Full scholarship law school

These new scholarships were just announced in January 2021. The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund will sponsor a scholarship program designed to produce a new team of civil rights lawyers who advocate for racial justice in the South. This includes a full law school scholarship, summer internship and additional support. For more information Marshall Motley Scholars.org

George Floyd Memorial Scholarship

Application Deadline Varies

Award Amount Varies

These scholarships are being offered by various universities as a response to the tragic death of George Floyd. University of Minnesota Winona State University, Alabama State, North Central and Missouri State and some of the colleges and universities who are offering this scholarship. Inquire at the individual school for more information.

The Gates Scholarship

Application Deadline September 15

Award Amount full scholarship - tuition, fees and living expenses after other sources of aid

These scholarships for African Americans with GPA 3.3 or higher, and will enroll as a student at a college or university. Must meet the Pell Grant eligibility, and demonstrate leadership skills. This is a new program for 2018, and replaces the former Gates Millennium Scholarship. Bill Gates Scholarships for Minorities

Generation Google African American Scholarships

Application Deadline Feb to May

Award Amount up to $10,000.

This Generation Google scholarship for blacks is for students majoring in computer engineering, computer science, or software engineering. Graduate or undergraduate degree. For more information and to apply online see www.google.com.

United Negro College Funds Scholarships for Blacks

Application Deadline varies

Award Amount varies

These African Americans scholarships, including scholarships for black women, are administered by the United Negro College Fund. They offer a great list of scholarships, that support more than 65,000 black college students at more than 900 colleges and universities in the U.S. You can search their lists of scholarships, or check the ones with approaching deadlines, which is a nice feature. See the African American Scholarships from UNCF on their website at www.uncf.org

National Achievement Scholarships for Blacks

Application Deadline fall each year (PSAT test) for high school juniors planning to attend college after high school.

Award Amount $2500

These scholarships are part of the National Merit Scholarship programs. The process starts with the PSAT test in the fall of the junior year of high school. Semi-finalists are notified the following spring, and finalists, who are eligible for $2500 one-time scholarships for black college students, are notified in February. See additional requirements for National Achievement Scholarships for Blacks at www.nationalmerit.org/nasp

Jack and Jill African American Scholarships

Application Deadline March each year

Award Amount $1500 - $2500

These scholarships for African Americans women and men are offered to high school seniors planning to attend a 4 year college full time, in any state. Must have a GPA 3.0 or better. Funds may be used for tuition or board, Dependents of member of Jack and Jill are not eligible. For detailed Scholarships from Jack and Jill requirements see www.jackandjillfoundation.org

List of Scholarships for African Americans

Application Deadline varies

Award Amount varies

These scholarships are administered by the Sallie Mae fund. They have a scholarship search engine with over 300 scholarships that can be searched by GPA requirements, academic and career interest, and application deadline, which is very important. See the Sallie Mae Fund List of Scholarships for African Americans at their website www.salliemae.com

Wells Fargo Scholarships for Black Americans

Application Deadline varies

Award Amount 138 scholarships for up to $5000

These African Americans scholarships offered by Wells Fargo Bank, are administered by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). Recipients must be outstanding students attending one of TMCF’s member-schools that include 47 publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). See these Scholarships for Blacks from Wells Fargo at www.tmcf.org

Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarships for Blacks

Application Deadline March each year

Award Amount multiple awards of $2000

These scholarships are for high school seniors, recent high school graduates and college freshmen dedicated to advancing the cause of civil rights. Academic excellence, leadership potential, service to others and financial need are considered. For scholarship application see African American Scholarships at the NAACP website www.naacpldf.org

National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs National Scholarships

Application Deadline February each year

Award Amount 10 scholarships of $1000

These scholarships for African American women and men. Various scholarships offered with different criteria. For more information on these Scholarships for Black Women and Men see www.nanbpwc.org

Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarships for Blacks

Application Deadline April each year

Award Amount multiple awards average $2200 per semester

These scholarships are for students attending public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Both merit and need based. Academic excellence (GPA 3.0 or higher), leadership qualities, service to others and financial need are considered. For TMCF Scholarship application see www.tmcf.org