23 Scholarships for African American and Black Students in 2025

In Fall 2022, Black students represented 12.5% of the total number of undergraduates in the United States. According to the Postsecondary National Policy Institute, this group of about two million African American undergraduates took out student loans at a much higher rate than their peers in other ethnic groups. Fortunately, scholarships like the ones below can help make higher education affordable. To help you in your scholarship search, we’ve compiled 23 great college scholarships for Black and African American students.

1. Growing up in the Family Restaurant Business Scholarship

Amount: $2,000

Provider: The Lam-Wong Family

Requirements: 

• First-generation college student
• BIPOC high school senior or bachelor’s degree student
• Must have grown up in the family restaurant business

The Growing up in the Family Restaurant Business Scholarship aims to support students who were raised in the family restaurant business so they can afford to pursue all of their goals for the future.

2. Future Women In STEM Scholarship

Amount: $1,040

Provider: Keisha Durham

Requirements: 

• Female
• High school senior or undergraduate student 
• Pursuing a STEM degree 
• Member of a historically underrepresented group

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are responsible for millions of jobs, daily innovations, and society’s general growth. While these fields have much to offer, from competitive salaries to career advancement and beyond, there are still obstacles to be tackled. The Future Women In STEM Scholarship seeks to foster gender equity in male-dominated fields by supporting women who are pursuing STEM disciplines.

3. William A. Lewis Scholarship

Amount: $1,500

Provider: Edwards Lewis Family

Requirements: 

• BIPOC 
• Undergraduate or graduate student 
• Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in STEM at an HBCU

The William A. Lewis Scholarship aims to honor the legacy of William A. Lewis by supporting underrepresented students interested in pursuing careers in mathematics or other STEM fields. 

4. Charles Cheesman’s Student Debt Reduction Scholarship

Amount: $3,414

Provider: Cheesman Family

Requirements: 

• African American or Hispanic/Latino 
• First-generation college student
• Currently in college or have graduated with student loans

Student debt can be crippling to dreams of saving, investing, home ownership, starting a business and other life ventures. Charles Cheesman’s Student Debt Reduction Scholarship seeks to reduce student loan costs for African American or Hispanic/Latino first-generation students who are currently in college or have graduated with student loans.

5. The Gates Scholarship

Amount: Full cost of attendance

Provider: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Requirements: 

• Minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
• Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander
• Plan to enroll full-time, in a four-year degree program
• Graduating high school senior
• Pell Grant eligible

Awarded to 300 top student leaders, the Gates Scholarship recognizes high school students with exceptional leadership abilities, personal success skills, and academic records. Eligible students must complete the FAFSA to determine their financial aid package and family contribution. For winners of this scholarship, the award will cover the remaining cost of tuition and can also be applied to costs like room, board, books, transportation, and other personal costs associated with pursuing an undergraduate degree.

6. TMCF and ETS Presidential Scholarship for HBCU Students

Amount: Full tuition-only need/merit scholarship

Provider: TMCF and ETS

Requirements: 

• Minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Black/African American
• Enrolled full-time as a junior or senior at a public or private HBCU

The TMCF and ETS Presidential Scholarship for HBCU Students awards eight undergraduate students enrolled at a private or publicly-supported Historically Black College and University (HBCUs). This undergraduate scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and will be given to four students at a public HBCU and four students at a private HBCU. Sponsored in part by Educational Testing Services (ETS), candidates for this college scholarship will need to write an essay about their most rewarding educational experiences and how education has helped them achieve their personal goals.

7. Ron Brown Scholarship Program

Amount: $40,000 ($10,000 each year)

Provider: Ron Brown Scholar Program

Requirements: 

• Black/African American
• Current high school senior 

The Ron Brown Scholarship Program awards Black students who will help to honor the memory of the late Ron Brown through their commitment to academic achievement and community service. The scholarship provides financial assistance for four years to high school seniors who plan to pursue an undergraduate degree. Each year, the program awards 45 to 50 scholarships to deserving students who demonstrate financial need.

8. Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship

Amount: $35,000, plus Summer Associate salary 

Provider: Goldman Sachs

Requirements: 

• Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American female
• First-year MBA student

For graduate students in their first year of business school, the Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship is a lucrative scholarship with the potential to help kickstart a career in the financial services industry. Industry leader, Goldman Sachs, seeks to provide a launchpad to the industry leaders of tomorrow. In addition to the award amount to help cover the cost of tuition, awardees will receive a $40,000 salary for their work as a summer associate at the bank.

9. Sidney B. Williams Jr. Scholarship

Amount: Up to $30,000

Provider: The Foundation for Advancement of Diversity in IP Law

Requirements: 

• Black/African American
• Enrolled as a law school (1L) student at an ABA-accredited law school
• Proven academic performance at the undergraduate, graduate, and law school levels
• Intend to practice patent law

For Black students pursuing their educational dreams in law school, the Sidney B. Williams Jr. Scholarship should be one to add to your scholarship shortlist! This generous scholarship program provides financial support for three years of law school. Sponsored by the Foundation for Advancement of Diversity in IP Law, an interest in patent law will move you to the top of the list for this specific scholarship. In addition to academic requirements, this scholarship provider prefers applicants with leadership abilities and a record of community service. 

10. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

Amount: $30,000

Provider: Jackie Robinson Foundation

Requirements: 

• Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander
• Plan to attend a four-year college within the United States or affiliated with a United States-based college or university
• Graduating high school senior
• Minimum SAT score of 1000 or ACT score of 21

The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship is an award for high school seniors from underrepresented groups. Inspired by the athlete and pioneer Jackie Robinson, this scholarship fund supports minority students with similar groundbreaking dreams. This comprehensive award also provides students with unique mentorship opportunities, and the program prefers to honor well-rounded, community-service-minded minority scholars with leadership potential.

11. Minority/BIPOC Students in STEM Scholarship

Amount: $10,000

Provider: Floyd|Snider

Requirements: 

• High School Senior, attending community college, or attending a 4 Year University
• Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander
• First Generation Student
• Majoring in Geology and Earth Sciences or Civil and Environmental Engineering

Sponsored by Floyd|Snider, this unique scholarship is for Black scholars with a specific interest in majoring in Geology and Earth Sciences or Civil and Environmental Engineering. The Minority/BIPOC Students in STEM Scholarship exists to support underrepresented students as they prepare to pursue their college education. This scholarship is open to students pursuing either a Bachelor’s or an Associate’s degree.

12. Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship

Amount: $10,000

Provider: UNCF and the Signore Family

Requirements: 

• Minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale 
• Black/African American
• Enrolled full-time at a four-year HBCU
• Rising senior 

In honor of the late American hero, the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship program awards exceptional Black students who are rising seniors at an HBCU. The award is given each year to one male and one female student who have demonstrated academic achievement and a commitment to community service. Financial need is a key piece of eligibility, so if your aid packages aren’t what you’d hoped, this could be the scholarship that fills the gap.

13. The Legacy Lab Scholarship

Amount: $10,000

Provider: Legacy Lab

Requirements: 

• Black/African American

This scholarship is ideal for Black students with a deep sense of self and passion for their community! The Legacy Lab Scholarship wants to reward and develop the next generation of ambitious, principled leaders. To complete this application, candidates will create a video explaining their future vision and dreams for making a positive impact in their communities. This scholarship program prioritizes passion and personality so applicants should be sure to showcase their unique selves.

14. Actuarial Diversity Scholarship

Amount: Up to $4,000

Provider: The Actuarial Foundation

Requirements: 

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• At least one birth parent who is Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, or Pacific Islander
• Pursuing a career in the actuarial profession

The Actuarial Foundation provides scholarship awards from $1,000-$4,000 for students with the Actuarial Diversity Scholarship. Actuaries are a key piece of the financial industry as they help to assess risk and liability. Actuarial work is both a stimulating and financially stable career and one that the Actuarial Foundation wants to expand access to across underrepresented groups. 

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15. Walt Disney UNCF Corporate Scholarship & Internship Program

Amount: $5,000

Provider: The Walt Disney Company and the UNCF (United Negro College Fund)

Requirements: 

• Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Black/African American
• Enrolled full-time as a junior at a four-year college or university
• Plan to pursue a career at The Walt Disney Company in a related field of business (e.g., film, television, journalism, media production, digital media, finance, technology, education, sports marketing, animation, etc.) 
• Available for the full length of the summer internship

For college juniors enrolled full-time in a four-year college or university, the Walt Disney UNCF Corporate Scholarship and Internship Program is worth a look. This unique program provides both financial assistance and a paid summer internship. Walt Disney seeks to support a diverse future by empowering the next generation of leaders from underrepresented groups. If you’re interested in a career in entertainment or a related field, this program could be a great way to kickstart your career – and offset the cost of college at the same time.

16. Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship

Amount: $5,000

Provider: American Library Association (ALA)

Requirements: 

• Minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
• Black/African American
• Plan to study engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or another related field 
• Plan to attend a four-year college or university in the U.S.
• High school senior

The Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship is a unique award for Black students with an interest in pursuing a career in technology. Microsoft wants to discover the next generation of exceptionally talented Black engineers, computer scientists, and businessmen and women. If that sounds like you, this award could help fund your next chapter in education. Candidates with a love of community service and a track record of leadership will stand out to this scholarship selection committee.

17. Spectrum Scholarship Program

Amount: $5,000

Provider: American Library Association (ALA)

Requirements: 

• Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Middle Eastern/North African, Native American, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander
• Attending an ALA-accredited graduate program in library and information studies

The Spectrum Scholarship Program is an opportunity for minority students sponsored by the American Library Association. Libraries are a key part of the educational experience and the ALA wants to empower the next generation of diverse librarians. In addition to financial support, the ALA provides job preparation and placement opportunities both at libraries and within the ALA. If your goal is a graduate degree in library and information studies, be sure to check out this scholarship.

18. National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. National Scholarship

Amount: Varies per recipient

Provider: NANBPWC, Inc.

Requirements: 

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Black/African American
• Graduating high school senior

The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. founded in 1935, emerged as a national non-profit organization in light of the need to promote and protect the interests of women business owners and professionals. Each year the association awards the NANBPWC, Inc. Scholarship specifically to Black female students seeking to further their education at the undergraduate level.

19. Martin Luther King Scholarship

Amount: Varies

Provider: Rhode Island Foundation

Requirements: 

• Resident of Rhode Island
• Black/African American
• Accepted or enrolled in a college or technical school within the U.S.
• Demonstrate leadership abilities

The Martin Luther King Scholarship is sponsored by the Rhode Island Foundation and awarded annually to Black students in pursuit of an undergraduate degree. Given in honor of celebrated civil rights hero, Martin Luther King, this scholarship provides the opportunity for future Black scholars to follow in his revolutionary footsteps. Students with a history of leadership and academic achievement will be the ideal candidates for this selection committee.

20. Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship Program

Amount: $5,000

Provider: Illinois Student Assistance Commission

Requirements: 

• Resident of Illinois
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, and/or Asian American
• High school graduate or GED recipient 
• Plan to teach at a non-profit school in Illinois following graduation

The Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program is a great opportunity to help pay for college and give back! This scholarship is funded by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, whose goal is to spread access to education by making it more affordable to residents of the state of Illinois. This unique award helps to fund college for the winner in return for their time and energy as a teacher at a non-profit school – public, private, or parochial – in the state upon receipt of their undergraduate degree. 

21. William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship

Amount: $4,000

Provider: Indiana Commission for Higher Education

Requirements: 

• Resident of Indiana
• Minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx
• Enrolled full-time at any university in Indiana
• First-time undergraduate student 
• Majoring or minoring in education or another related field
• Commit to teaching in Indiana for at least three years upon graduation

With the dream of diversifying leadership in classrooms, the William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship provides scholarship funds to Black or Latinx/Hispanic students. Named for the legendary Indiana representative, William A. Crawford, who sought to spread access to education to all citizens, this scholarship opportunity is tailored to those who similarly believe in the power of education. If you commit to teaching in the state of Indiana, this scholarship can help pay for your education for all four years as it is eligible to be renewed annually!

22. Larry W. Carter Scholarship

Amount: $3,000

Provider: The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

Requirements: 

• Resident of Iowa
• Black/African American
• Enrolled full- or part-time in any college program 

The Larry W. Carter Scholarship was created in memory of Larry W. Carter, an activist and prominent community leader. Any African American Iowa resident is eligible to apply. Applicants can be pursuing full-time or part-time studies at the undergraduate or graduate level.

23. Black Philanthropy Bannister Scholarship

Amount: Varies

Provider: Rhode Island Foundation

Requirements: 

• Resident of Rhode Island 
• Black/African American
• Pursuing or advancing a career in healthcare at a post-secondary institution
• High school graduate or adult student 

This specific scholarship is provided by the Rhode Island Foundation and is perfect for Black students with an interest in medicine and community service. The Black Philanthropy Bannister Scholarship supports students from Rhode Island pursuing a career in healthcare. The scholarship is given in honor of the Bannister House, a nursing home for retired African American domestic workers, and seeks to support the Black community in Rhode Island. This scholarship may be renewable for up to four years and is open to undergraduate and graduate students.

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Kelly Lamano

Though always a creative, Kelly's momentum into the world of writing and publishing arrived when she attended college. She quickly learned the financial value - and cost - of honing her craft, and sought scholarships that would be crucial to not only funding, but fueling her education. She wants to help new students thrive with Going Merry's easy scholarship finder. Kelly holds a bachelor's degree in Broadcast, Print and Online Media, and a minor in Spanish from Florida Southern College.

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