HBCU Week Scholarships Guide: Empowering Futures Through Education

The mission of HBCU Week is to encourage high-school aged youth to enroll into HBCU’s, provide scholarship dollars for matriculation and sustain a pipeline for employment from undergraduate school to corporate America. Paying for college can feel overwhelming, especially with juggling work, family responsibilities, or a tight budget. For Black students or those planning to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), the financial aid research process can add an extra layer of stress. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are specifically designed for HBCU students, addressing various needs and academic pursuits. This guide provides valuable information on HBCU Week scholarships, common HBCU scholarships, and resources to help navigate the financial aid process.

Understanding HBCU Week and Its Scholarship Initiatives

HBCU Week is an initiative designed to promote enrollment in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). A core component of this effort involves providing scholarships to deserving students.

HBCU Week x AstraZeneca Scholarship

The HBCU Week x AstraZeneca Scholarship exemplifies this commitment by awarding scholarships to students entering an HBCU and pursuing STEM or supply chain-related majors. The selection process emphasizes academic achievements, financial need, and engagement in community service.

Navigating the Financial Aid Landscape

Before diving into specific scholarships, it's essential to understand the broader financial aid landscape.

The FAFSA as a Starting Point

The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Think of the FAFSA as your entry ticket to federal grants, work-study, and many scholarships. The 2026-27 FAFSA is live, and the federal deadline is June 30, 2027; many states and schools set earlier priority dates, so file ASAP. The FAFSA unlocks access to federal, state, and school-based aid, including grants and work-study programs.

Scholarship Alignment

As a next step, apply for scholarships aligned with your background, major, and pathway.

Key Scholarship Providers and Programs

Several organizations and programs offer significant scholarship opportunities for HBCU students.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF)

Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community.

United Negro College Fund (UNCF)

UNCF is the nation’s largest private scholarship provider to minority group members. UNCF provides various scholarships, including the UNCF General Scholarship, available to full-time undergraduate and graduate students attending a UNCF member college or university, with a minimum 2.5 GPA eligibility requirement.

Scholarship Universe

Scholarship Universe is now open. Southern University A&M College Scholarship Universe (SU) is a matching tool connecting admitted students to internal and external funding opportunities.

Unigo

Welcome to Unigo. Go. Find. In addition to scholarships, you now have access to colleges, internships, careers, and a whole lot more - all with your same login.

Featured HBCU Scholarships

A variety of scholarships cater specifically to students attending or planning to attend HBCUs.

Michael S. Purzycki Changemaker Scholarship

This scholarship supports Delaware residents attending HBCUs as incoming freshmen.

USTA Althea Gibson HBCU Scholarship

Scholarship for full-time HBCU students who major in sports management or play tennis competitively.

The Hoffman Agency HBCU Scholarship

The Hoffman Agency HBCU Scholarship is available to students who are currently enrolled at a California community college. Covering full tuition and fees for two years, this scholarship supports California community college students transferring to an HBCU to major in communications. If you’re a California community college student planning to transfer to an HBCU and major in something communications-adjacent - think journalism, mass communications, English, or similar fields - this scholarship is one to seriously consider.

Read also: Top HBCU Bands

Delories Thompson Scholarship

Supports Black undergraduate students attending HBCUs.

Ronald Whitmore Jr. Scholarship

Supports high-achieving Black male high school seniors planning to attend an HBCU.

Walter and Shelia Umphrey Last Dollar Endowed Scholarship

Need-based last-dollar scholarship for Texas juniors and seniors from Golden Triangle communities attending select UNCF member institutions.

Beverly J. Gilliam Scholarship for Foreign Study

Scholarship for UNCF students accepted into approved summer study abroad programs.

Institutional Scholarships at HBCUs

Many HBCUs offer their own internal scholarships, providing additional financial support to their students.

Alabama A&M University Scholarships

Alabama A&M University offers several scholarships, including:

Noyce Scholarship Program: Supports Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics majors pursuing teacher certification.
Alumni Scholarships: The Alabama A&M University Alumni Association and its regional chapters provide scholarships to support both incoming freshmen and current students.
Academic Scholarships: AAMU offers a range of academic scholarships for incoming freshmen and transfer students.
STEM Star Scholarship: Supports incoming freshmen with financial need pursuing STEM degrees at Alabama A&M’s College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences.

Alcorn State University Scholarships

Alcorn State University provides scholarships such as:

Academic Scholarship Program: Alcorn State offers renewable academic scholarships for first-time freshmen and eligible community college transfer students.
College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences (CAAS) Scholarship Program: Sponsored by USDA-NIFA, this scholarship supports students at Alcorn State University pursuing agriculture or related majors.

Allen University General Scholarships

Tiered scholarships for incoming students based on GPA, test scores, and minority status.

Arkansas Baptist College Institutional Scholarships

Arkansas Baptist College offers Presidential, Dean’s, Honor’s, and Transfer scholarships for first-time freshmen and new transfer students.

Bethune-Cookman University Merit Scholarship Program

Merit-based awards for incoming B-CU students, considering academics, leadership, and extracurriculars.

Bowie State University Scholarships

Bowie State University offers several scholarships, including:

Private Donor Scholarships: BSU’s Private Donor Scholarships offer awards for freshmen, returning, and transfer students.
Band Scholarship: Renewable merit-based scholarships for BSU students who audition and join the university bands. Awards vary by musical skill.
Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship: This scholarship is given to juniors and seniors in Secondary Math or Science Education.

Cheyney University Bond Hill Scholarship Program

Awarded to Cheyney and Lincoln University graduates pursuing approved graduate or professional programs in Pennsylvania.

Claflin University Honors & Presidential Scholarship Program

Competitive four-year scholarships for high-achieving freshmen entering Claflin’s Honors College.

Clark Atlanta University Scholarships for Art History Majors

Funded by the Atlanta University Center Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective and Alice L. Walton Foundation, these scholarships support CAU art history majors. Open to first-year and continuing students with GPA ≥ 3.0.

Central State University General Scholarships

CSU offers merit-based scholarships for freshmen, continuing students, and upper-classmen.

Delaware State University Scholarships

Delaware State University offers a variety of scholarships:

Inspire Scholarship: A 4-year full tuition scholarship for Delaware high school graduates enrolling at DSU immediately after graduation. Requires strong academics, FAFSA completion, and community service.
In-State Freshman Scholarship: Merit-based scholarships for Delaware high school graduates enrolling at DSU. Awards are determined by GPA, test scores, and academic profile.
Out-of-State Freshman Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships for out-of-state students enrolling full-time at DSU immediately after high school.
Returning Student Scholarships: Privately funded scholarships for current and returning DSU students, including Alumni Legacy and Reentry awards.

ECSU Scholarships

Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) offers scholarships like:

Chancellor’s Academic Scholarship: A premier four-year merit scholarship for exceptional incoming freshmen at ECSU.
Foundation Scholarships: Donor-funded scholarships awarded to ECSU students based on major, residency, talent, academic merit, or financial need. Some awards require FAFSA.

Featherstone HBCU Scholarships at Coppin State University

This scholarship supports underrepresented students, including international students, first-generation college students, and racial minorities, attending Coppin State University. Recipients are recognized at the Featherstone Awards Ceremony.

Fayetteville State University Scholarships

Fayetteville State University (FSU) offers:

Merit & Competitive Scholarships: Open to first-time freshmen and eligible undergraduates at FSU, these scholarships are GPA-based and include competitive awards that may cover full tuition.

Fisk University Merit Scholarship Program

Competitive merit awards for academically strong students demonstrating leadership and community service.

Hampton University Merit Scholarships

First-time freshmen who apply by November 15 and meet GPA and test score requirements are automatically considered for Hampton’s merit scholarships. No separate application required.

Howard University Scholarships

Howard University offers several scholarships, including:

Emergency Scholarship Fund: This need-based fund offers urgent financial support to Howard University students facing hardships that may prevent them from continuing or completing their education.
Freshman Scholarships (HUFS): A suite of merit- and need-based awards for first-time freshmen at Howard University. No application required-eligibility is based on academic performance or financial need.
Need Based Grant (Needy): Matches Pell Grant amounts for Howard students with zero EFC. Requires full-time enrollment and Pell eligibility.

HSSU Merit Scholarships for First-Time Freshmen

Awarded to first-time freshmen based on GPA and test scores, offering full or partial tuition benefits.

HSSU Transfer Academic Scholarships

Transfer scholarships offering tuition assistance to high-achieving transfer students based on GPA and transferable credits.

Huston-Tillotson’s St. David’s Foundation Medical Careers Scholarship

Provides full tuition for HT students pursuing medical careers during junior and senior years.

Jackson State University Academic Scholarships

JSU offers multiple academic scholarships for high-achieving freshmen, including Presidential, Provost, Heritage & Medallion scholarships.

Jarvis Christian University Academic Excellence Scholarship Program

Tiered merit scholarships for first-time freshmen and transfer students based on GPA, leadership, and service.

Kentucky State University Scholarships

Kentucky State University offers a range of competitive scholarships to recognize academic excellence and support student success. Awards include general academic scholarships, alumni-funded scholarships, foundation awards, and external opportunities.

Langston University Scholarships

Langston University offers scholarships such as:

Freshman Scholarship: Supports first-time freshmen with qualifying GPAs through resident, non-resident, and out-of-state tuition assistance.
Honors Program Scholarship: Competitive honors award for first-time freshmen with strong academics.
1890 Land-Grant Scholarship Program: USDA-funded scholarship supporting students pursuing Food, Agriculture, and related majors. Includes academic funding, research mentorship, and professional development.

Lincoln University Scholarships

Lincoln University provides:

Advancement Scholarships: A collection of donor-funded scholarships based on financial need, academic performance, major, residency, or leadership.
Blue Tiger Advantage Scholarships: Automatic, guaranteed scholarships for qualifying freshmen and transfer students, awarded based on GPA and test scores.

Miles College Institutional Scholarships

Miles College offers renewable scholarships for incoming freshmen and transfer students with strong academic performance.

Mississippi Valley State University Scholarships

Mississippi Valley State University offers several scholarship opportunities:

Presidential Academic Scholarship: Full tuition, room, board, fees, and book allowance for incoming freshmen with a 3.0 GPA and strong SAT/ACT scores.
Transfer Scholarship: For transfer students with an AA degree and 3.25+ GPA. Covers tuition and book allowance.
Scholarship: Covers half tuition, fees, and book allowance for freshmen with a 3.0 GPA and ACT 20-21 (or SAT equivalent).
Valedictorian/Salutatorian Academic Scholarship: For first-time freshmen who graduate as Valedictorian or Salutatorian. Covers full tuition, fees, and book allowance.
Vice President’s Scholarship: Covers full tuition, fees, and book allowance for freshmen with a 3.0 GPA and ACT 22-23 (or SAT equivalent).

Morehouse College Scholarships

Morehouse College offers:

GAP Funding: Supports Morehouse students by covering unmet financial needs after all aid is applied.
Institutional Scholarships: Morehouse College offers institutional scholarships to admitted freshmen and current students based on merit, need, and donor-specific criteria.

Morris Brown College Scholarships

Morris Brown College offers a variety of scholarships to support affordability for new and continuing students. Awards include general scholarships, institutional awards, and leadership-based opportunities.

Morris College Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to exceptional high school graduates with strong academic performance.

NC A&T and NCCU Cheatham-White Scholarship Program

A prestigious full-ride scholarship to NC A&T and NCCU, the Cheatham-White covers tuition, housing, meals, travel, and more, plus four summers of enrichment.

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