Tuskegee University Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide
Tuskegee University recognizes the importance of a quality education and is committed to providing quality service to its students, its primary customers. The university offers numerous scholarships annually from various departments within its colleges and schools, as well as from external entities. These scholarships aim to support students in their academic pursuits and alleviate the financial burden of higher education.
General Scholarship Information
The Office of Financial Aid at Tuskegee University awards numerous scholarships annually. The Office of the Bursar may apply external scholarships directly to students' university billing accounts. Corporations, alumni clubs, individuals, and other organizations have endowed scholarships at the university. General scholarships for incoming freshmen, current students, and transfer students may also be available. Corporations, individuals, and organizations frequently provide one-time scholarships to students.
All scholarships have specific criteria that must be met in order for students to qualify. Unless a scholarship states that it is being awarded to a specific student by the university or by an outside and independent entity, all are awarded competitively, and consideration does not guarantee a scholarship will be awarded. Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at Tuskegee. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college.
Specific Scholarship Opportunities
Tuskegee University offers a diverse range of scholarships, each with its own unique criteria and focus. Here's a detailed look at some of the notable scholarship opportunities available to students:
Dr. Orlando Clark Endowment Scholarship
This scholarship was established by the Dr. Orlando Clark Endowment, generously funded by the late Dr. Orlando Clark, a 1943 graduate of Tuskegee Institute in biology.
Read also: Applying to Tuskegee University
Dr. Benjamin F. Payton Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Benjamin F. Payton, president emeritus of Tuskegee University, gives this award on behalf of himself and in memory of the late First Lady, Mrs. Thelma P. Payton. The scholarship is awarded annually to two (2) sophomore or junior students (one male and one female) who have demonstrated academic excellence in the liberal arts/science fields and shown superb leadership potential. The Dean of Students and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences must jointly recommend the recipients. Mrs. Payton passed away on June 20, 2013, and her remains are interred in the Tuskegee University Historic Cemetery.
The J. H. M. Henderson Award
This award is given in memory of Dr. James H. M. Henderson, professor emeritus and former chairman of the Department of Biology. It is presented to the freshman biology major with the highest first semester GPA who has successfully completed the following courses: Environmental Biology or Cell and Genetic Biology, one course in College Algebra and Trigonometry (if required by his or her placement scores), and who is matriculating satisfactorily in a full course load for the current semester. The award is sponsored by an endowed scholarship fund established by Dr. Henderson’s family and friends after his death on December 3, 2009.
The Larry M. Ludwick Scholarship
This award is given in memory of Dr. Larry M. Ludwick, who was a chemistry professor at Tuskegee University until his death in fall 1998. At his death, a portion of his estate was given to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Tuskegee, to manage this scholarship from the interest earned. Dr. Ludwick was a faithful and active member of St. Andrew’s, serving on the Vestry, singing in the choir, and performing many tasks on behalf of the church. The recipient must have taken chemistry at Tuskegee University and have a GPA of 2.0 or better in all chemistry courses taken; a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0; documented evidence of service to the University and/or community and financial need.
The Walter J. Sapp Scholarship
The family and friends of Walter J. Sapp, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, established this endowed scholarship in his memory to provide financial assistance to graduate students enrolled in the Department of Cell Biology. The scholarship is to be awarded annually to a full-time outstanding graduate student pursuing either an M.S. degree in biology, or a Ph.D. degree in cell biology. The recipient must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better and a documented financial need. The program administrator selects the recipient. Dr. Sapp began his career at Tuskegee University in 1966 and served in a number of capacities during his tenure of over 40 years. Dr. Sapp died Feb. 28, 2009.
The Nancy Hill Harper Award
Curtis Harper, Ph.D., established this award in memory of his mother, Nancy Hill Harper. Dr. Harper, a 1959 graduate of Tuskegee Institute (now University) was elected Student Government President is senior year. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Missouri, and retired as Director of Graduate Studies of the Curriculum in Toxicology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The recipient of this award must be a student who demonstrates potential for biomedical research and intends to pursue an advanced research degree. Recipient must also be a biology or chemistry major, a rising sophomore or junior, have a CGPA of 3.0 or higher, and have spent one summer as a research intern, one semester of research at Tuskegee University, or submitted applications to research programs for the coming summer of the awarding year. Dr. Harper, proud and generous son of Tuskegee University, died November 19, 2014.
Read also: Alumni of Tuskegee
The Windsor D. Ferguson Memorial Awards
The Windsor D. Ferguson Memorial Awards were established by Bishop Windsor Ferguson’s children in his honor and memory at their HBCU alma mater universities. These awards are for fulltime undergraduate STEM students who are Florida or Maryland residents. The family selects the recipient(s) based on outstanding leadership and academic success.
Chemistry Department Awards
The Chemistry Department offers a variety of awards to recognize outstanding students in the field:
- Abdur Razzaque Award: Given by the Chemistry Department faculty to a student who has performed outstandingly in biochemistry, in memory of Dr. Abdur Razzaque.
- L. M. Ludwick and M. C. Datta Award: The Chemistry Department faculty presents this award in memory of their deceased colleagues, Drs. Larry M. Ludwick and Mukul C. Datta, to a chemistry major whom, in the opinion of the faculty, has shown evidence of excellent potential.
- Chemistry Outreach Award: This award is given to students in recognition of their service in chemistry outreach during their tenure at Tuskegee University. The award is given in honor of the parents of chemistry faculty member, Dr. Willard E. Collier. The Department of Chemistry faculty sponsors this award.
- Gregory Pritchett Award: This award is given by Dr. Gregory Pritchett, former Chair, in honor of his mentors and former Chairs, Department of Chemistry, Tuskegee University: Dr. Adriane G. Ludwick, Dr. Courtney J. Smith and Dr. Lawrence F. Koons. This award provides support to a rising senior Chemistry major pursuing the American Chemical Society approved Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. The recipient must have been enrolled in an undergraduate research course and completed at least two semesters of mentored undergraduate research. Additionally, the recipient must be an active member of the Tuskegee University Student Affiliates Chapter, American Chemical Society.
- Handbook of Chemistry and Physics Award: The Handbook of Chemistry and Physics and a commemorative scroll are presented to the chemistry major selected by the chemistry faculty on the basis of academic achievement in general chemistry.
- Russell C. Ragland Award: The Department of Chemistry faculty sponsors this award for a chemistry major, with an excellent academic record and the potential for development in chemistry. The award is given in memory of Russell C. Ragland.
- Drs. Rozlyn N. Chambliss and Tiffany N. Taylor Mayo Award: Drs. Rozlyn N. Chambliss and Tiffany N. Taylor Mayo, (Class of 2006), present this award to a chemistry major with a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or higher who has demonstrated outstanding character. The recipient must also be an active member of the Tuskegee Affiliates of the American Chemistry Society (TUSAACS), with an interest in performing undergraduate research, and a commitment to pursuing an advanced degree upon graduation.
- The Courtney J. Smith Award: The chemistry faculty presents this award in memory of Dr. Courtney J. Smith, professor of chemistry at Tuskegee University until his retirement, to a chemistry major, or student in analytical chemistry, displaying a promising aptitude for analytical chemistry.
- Department of Chemistry Freshman Spirit Award: This award is given to freshman chemistry major in recognition of their spirit and enthusiasm for chemistry.
- ACS Scholars Program: This award is given to a chemistry major who represented the Chemistry Department and Tuskegee University with excellence in both science and community service.
- SAACS Leadership Award: This award is presented to a rising junior or senior chemistry major who has shown great leadership ability and potential in the chemical sciences. The student must have served as an officer in the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society.
- Outstanding Senior Chemistry Major Award: This award is given to a senior chemistry major in recognition of his/her potential for advancement in the chemical profession, on the basis of the student’s demonstrated record of leadership, ability, character and scholastic achievement.
Alvin R. Blount Scholarship
The Alvin R. Blount Scholarship in memory of Myrtle T. Blount is valued at $1,000. This generous scholarship, established in 2012, was designed to assist high-achieving students majoring in English. Dr. Eleanor Blount, retired Associate Professor of English, served Tuskegee University from 2010 until 2018, and the scholarship is financed by her brother Alvin R. Blount, CAS alumnus, Class of 1985.
Dr. Loretta S. Burns Scholarship
This annual scholarship is established in honor of Dr. Loretta S. Burns, Professor of English and Department Chair, who served her alma mater with distinction for four decades and retired on June 30, 2016.
Darren S. Wallace Scholarship
Darren S. Wallace, Class of 1991, B.S. Social Work, sponsors this scholarship for social work majors, in memory of his parents, Adrianna McCray and Sylvester Wallace. The recipients of this scholarship must have a documented financial need, be in good academic standing, and rising, sophomores, juniors or seniors. The Department of Social Work faculty selects the recipients.
Read also: The Legacy of the Tuskegee Logo
AGC Education and Research Foundation Scholarship
The AGC Education and Research Foundation, founded in 1968, has for more than 50 years made good on its commitment to support the future of our industry through its robust scholarship program and innovative projects.
Andrew J. & Jane L. Kaufman Award
This award is given in honor and loving memory of Andrew J. & Jane L. Kaufman, parents of Thomas Kaufmann, former Supervisor of the Robert R. Taylor Architecture and Construction Science Library. This award is given in 2-parts: An Award of $100 given to one deserving student in Architecture, and an Award of $100 given to one deserving student in Construction Science.
Architecture and Construction Science Scholarships
Several scholarships are specifically tailored for students in the Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science (TSACS):
- Architecture Internship Award: Awarded to a Tuskegee University student pursuing a degree in architecture and preparing for internship opportunities. The recipient must have maintained a 3.0 cumulative grade point average, be a full-time student majoring in architecture, and be an active member of the AIAS and NOMAS organizations. The recipient must comply with all meetings, student activities, study groups, student competitions, etc.
- Most Improved TSACS Student Award: Awarded to two females in each of the architecture and construction science and management programs. These students have not only shown significant improvement in their academic performance but have progressed in social behavior, general attitude and have collaborated with other students across academic disciplines.
- HJ Russell Scholarship at TSACS: The HJ Russell Scholarship at TSACS is for Construction Science and Management (CSM) students who have demonstrated academic competence in pursuing their CSM degree with preference given to those with a defined financial need.
- Historic Preservation Internship: The Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science (TSACS) will hire students to develop publishable documentation material for Tuskegee Historic Preservation projects. Interns will be responsible for both independent and collaborative work tasks including cleaning up drawings, laser scanning sites, developing technical drawings, creating virtual models using tools like photogrammetry.
- Historic Preservation Minor Scholarship: Awarded to a student pursuing a minor in historic preservation at Tuskegee University who has demonstrated academic competence in pursuing their minor degree.
- Major L. Holland NAHB Award: The recipient is an active member of NAHB and participates on the NAHB competition team. The student must have a 2.5 GPA and must have attended 80% of club meetings, competition team rehearsals, volunteered for departmental events, and have an interest in residential construction.
- Merit Scholarship for Architecture Students: Merit-based scholarship available to current TSACS students of Architecture entering their 4th or 5th year or curriculum study.
- Richard K. Dozier Endowed Scholarship: This award is given to two freshman students - one in architecture and one in construction science.
- Robert R. Taylor Scholarship: The recipient must have maintained a 3.0 cumulative grade point average, be a full-time student in architecture or construction science management, be an active member of the AIAS, ACG, and NOMAS organization; comply with all meetings, student activities, study groups, study competitions, etc.
- Turner Construction Tuition Assistance Program: The Turner Construction Tuition Assistance Program is for CSMT and Architecture students in their Sophomore or Junior year. To be considered please submit an original essay describing your interest in the construction industry and why you should be considered for the scholarship.
Application Process and Important Dates
The scholarship application deadline for some scholarships is June 30th. The application form must be submitted electronically by 9:00 PM EST on June 30th. The scholarship will be sent directly to Tuskegee University on your behalf. In order to apply the scholarship award to your Tuskegee University account, your student ID number must be filled out on your application.
Tuskegee University accepts applications on a rolling basis. That means that the earlier you submit your application, the better chance you have of gaining admission and strong financial aid. Many schools with rolling admissions have priority deadlines, which means that students that submit their application before these dates have a better chance of receiving financial aid.
Financial Aid and Affordability
The sticker price at Tuskegee is $41,924. The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year. The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to.
WTAC Scholarship
WTAC gives out the scholarship for the Fall term. It can be used on your University account at your discretion. However, we suggest that you contact WTAC if you received a full scholarship from the University for academics or athletics because it will reduce the amount the University provides in scholarship funds. You can receive a scholarship every year that you meet the eligibility requirements. The WTAC scholarship is only available to undergraduate students in the DC metro area.
Student Success and Outcomes
67% of students who start at Tuskegee University finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 9% more than the national median. The median income of students 10 years after starting at Tuskegee University is $49,641. Graduates of Tuskegee take out a median of $27,000 in federal student loans.
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