We are living through the times when the Black Lives Matter social movement has finally highlighted problems of the African Americans in our society that have been evident for decades. It is hard to ignore the challenges that are related to college education and enrollment. One must remember that the college costs and the related debts increase dramatically all the time. Taking a look at the statistical data provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, college tuition rose to more than $27,300 since 2010. As a rule, it forces students, regardless of their racial or social background, to seek scholarships and additional financial help. No one is prepared to pay that much and deal with all the unexpected expenses.
According to the Postsecondary Policy Institute, the majority of undergraduate Black students were in a much better position between 2000 and 2010. The enrollment rates among the Black learners have decreased by about 21% between 2010 and 2018. The same source also claims that Black students also turn to federal student loans more often than white students by borrowing more than Asian or Native Americans as well. While this aspect requires a deeper study, we are happy to let you know that there are numerous helpful scholarships aimed specifically at the Black college students.
Advice For Finding & Landing Financial Aid For Black Students
Even if you have never thought about earning a scholarship before, it is only natural to feel this way. You need to start with a good strategy first that will help you to apply for those financial help awards that are aimed at minority students. The trick is to keep things clear, honest, and organized. Here are some steps you must consider:
- Know Your Options. Always start with researching through the list of available ideas like the ones that you will find in our Black scholarships guide in a bit. You may create a target list where you either focus on need-based or merit-based scholarships. Remember that you can apply to both. It will be guided by various academic and personal factors, which is normal. Do not forget to contact your local college or school advisor as well as they may know about specific minority scholarships that are available in your local community or at the institution of your choice.
- Create a Special Scholarship Calendar. By doing so, you can focus on application deadlines and will never miss all the important dates. You should remember that it often takes time to get your transcripts and recommendation letters ready, so take time to stay organized. You can even turn to traditional planning apps or just write down the list of scholarships for Black students that you plan to check.
- Learn The Application Requirements. Let us not forget that it is always a competition. It means that your entry must stand out. It is only possible if you know the requirements well and fully understand what provides you with even more chances of winning. You can also make your application much better if you research various individual scholarships and understand what makes them special or how the selection criteria works.
- Compose a Strong Personal Statement or Your Life's Background Essay. It is one of the most complex aspects. You need to understand whether you have to discuss your background, financial needs, professional aspirations, or talk about your academic achievements and the charity work in the local community. It is always good to study the organization in question before you choose what must be written. Use scholarship writers if you're not sure you can write a good personal statement yourself and show you in the best light.
- Proofread & Check Your Application Twice. Do not forget that your application letter must be flawless in terms of grammar and structure, so do not forget to proofread it twice and check again with the rules to ensure that nothing is missed.
These simple steps will help you to avoid stress and keep things under control as you make your choice. You will also feel much more confident as you think about how to approach this or that idea.
The List of Scholarships for Black Students
Before you start with the various scholarships for Black students in the local community, you must remember that what we offer is only a small section of opportunities that you may consider. As a rule, the scholarships will vary between those that are aimed at undergraduate students and those that require graduate financial help.
Undergraduate Black Scholarships:
- Apple HBCU Scholarship. It is an award of $15,000 that is offered by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. It is aimed at students attending historically black colleges and universities that are also known as HBCUs. If you are majoring in Computer Science, Engineering, Business Marketing, Supply Chain Management, or Finance, consider this award. You will also receive a 12-week summer internship from Apple Inc.
- BAM Scholarship. This Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship award is aimed at high school students who plan to enter four-year college studies. The award varies between $1,000 - $20,000.
- Brown and Caldwell Minority Scholarship Program. If you are majoring in Engineering (Civil, Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical) or Environmental Studies (Ecology, Hydrology, or Geology), consider this financial aid of $5,000. You need a minimum 3.0 GPA, a personal statement, and at least two recommendation letters.
- KnowBe4 Scholarship for Black Americans in Cybersecurity. You can receive up to $10,000 scholarship help if you are a Black college student planning to study cybersecurity. You also get a direct training seminar and exam training materials.
- NABA National Scholarship Program. It can vary between $1,500 and $3,000. Offered by the National Association of Black Accountants, it can be received if you have a current NABA membership and a minimum 3.3 GPA. You should be enrolled in a full-time accounting course.
Graduate Scholarships for Black Students:
- ACHE Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship. You can win up to $40,000 financial aid for your 4-year college studies. You must be the former recipient of the Sachs undergraduate scholarship although it is not obligatory. Submit your college transcripts, one recommendation letter, and a personal statement with financial aid proof.
- AICPA Fellowship for Minority Doctoral Students. You can receive up to a $12,000 scholarship if you belong to minority students pursuing various doctoral programs in accounting. You must be either a licensed CPA or plan to seek CPA licensure. See their website for more details.
- APSA Minority Fellowship Program. It is offered by the American Political Science Association that serves the minority students who apply to Political Science doctoral programs. You must show interest in teaching the subject and must offer transcripts, GRE scores, and at least three recommendation letters. You can win between $1,000 and $5,000 financial assistance.
- CBC Spouses Education Scholarship. The amount of this award varies. It is offered to the Black students enrolled at the Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral levels. You must attend an institution in a CBC member district. You must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and show strong leadership and community skills. Remember to submit two recommendation letters and a personal statement.
- NLN Foundation for Nursing Education Scholarship. The National League for Nursing can offer up to $8,000 to students who have completed at least one year of their graduate nursing studies. Submit a personal statement letter, two recommendation letters, and describe your graduate project.
Some scholarships, however, are aimed at the overall difficult situation among the Black students:
- Breath of Life Scholarship. It is a $6,000 financial aid aimed at Black or African American students planning to major and work in nursing. It is aimed to fight the continued discrimination against African Americans in the healthcare sector.
- Endure in Faith Scholarship. This is a grant of $500 for the ethnic minority students just for those individuals who need just a little bit of help to continue with their studies.
- Social Change Fund United Scholarship. If you plan to study in the mental healthcare sector, consider this $5,000 award.
- Impact Scholarship for Black Students. If you are a Black student who dreams big and wants to build a certain business plan for the future or research something that will have an influential impact, this $2,700 financial assistance is your safest way to receive funding. You must be ambitious, driven, and talented.
- African-American Journalism Scholarship. Your educational level does not matter for this $1,000 award as long as you are planning or already pursuing a career in journalism.
Once again, remember that these are only the starting points to consider as there are literally hundreds of reliable scholarships to explore!
Additional Financial Resources for Black Students
Remember that in addition to all the possible scholarships based on your merits and necessities, you also have a legal right to educational and financial aid as a college student. Even if you receive legal consulting, it can already become the game-changer for your academic and financial success.
- Federal Student Aid. As a rule, when a scholarship’s requirement or some college official asks you for proof of your low financial state, you must complete the FAFSA. It will show your eligibility for grants, special loans, and other types of federal financial aid.
- Minority Student Achievement Network. It is always helpful when you can turn to a friendly network of fellow minority students. MSAN is exactly that as they will assist you with things like fixing your college application or sharing various study tips. You can also talk to experts regarding college selection, the application process, scholarships, and taxes among other things.
- MoneyGeek. This website helps with financial planning and has a great financial guide aimed at Black students. It also tells about how to find amazing scholarship ideas. Do not forget to read about student budgeting as it will always be helpful.
Before we move any further, remember that you should always keep your documents clear and check things twice regarding your applicability. Remember that the FAFSA document is a must!
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
The HBCUs or Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) have been established in the United States before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 came to power. The purpose of them is to serve primarily the students belonging to the African-American community. The most famous of them are Spelman College, Howard University, Xavier University of Louisiana, Tuskegee University, Hampton University, Morehouse College, Florida A&M University, North Carolina Agricultural, and Technical State University among others.
Of course, if you do not belong to Black or African American students, you can join as well. It means that you are also eligible for financial HBCU aid. Here are some options to consider:
- U.S. Institute of Peace Jennings Randolph Senior Fellowship. You can win up to $50,000 of financial aid if you want to study Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding as well as actively participate in this field.
- Liberty Ranch Additional & Mental Health Scholarship. If you are ready to make this world a better place and help people who fight addiction finally get better, consider this $1,000 award.
- Levine Law Annual College Scholarship. Aimed at the HBCU students, it is for those Law students who want to be advocates for personal injury cases. It is also a chance to join the great community.
- Because College is Expensive Scholarship. As simple as that, you can receive a $500 assistance if you plan to enroll within 12 months. The winner is picked randomly.
As always, if you belong to the HBCU community, you should never ignore asking your academic advisor for help and advice first!
Additional Resources for Black Students
Here are some important resources that you must check based on your academic preference or just to know that these organizations can be of help in your professional field:
- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. NAACP works hard to provide both students and teachers with financial resources, emotional support, and assistance to help Black students achieve success.
- National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education. It is an umbrella organization for Historically Black Colleges and Universities that we have discussed above. It also covers PBIs in the United States. It helps with advocacy initiatives and offers financial support.
- Black Data Processing Associates. It is aimed at African American IT professionals. Great info about job opportunities and financial aid.
- National Association of Black Accountants. Share your skills and learn more about various projects and recommendations.
- National Association of Black Engineers. You can find anything from related scholarships to events and organizations that help within most engineering fields.
- National Association of Black Journalists. You can join the fellowship and receive great internships as a Black journalist.
- National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice. An important community that provides help and professional assistance for those who need help and study law enforcement, the court system, and related subjects.
- National Black MBA Association. It is aimed at the corporate sector specialists and the Black students aiming for a business degree.
- National Black Student Union. It is dedicated to making the academic experience of African American students equal and attractive.
- Research Proposal Writing Service. If you already are a student, this useful website can help you with overwhelming amounts of assignments and keep you stress level controlled.
- United Negro College Fund. It would be unfair to miss this organization that was established in 1944 with a focus on minorities in the academic community. Take your time to find out more about it and see what kind of help you can receive.
Summing things up, we should say it again that you must strive for success and explore your options by starting with your local community and talking to your academic advisor. Next, explore the list of our scholarships, and even various global opportunities if you would like to study abroad. Just believe in yourself, stay honest, and success will definitely come your way!