Scholarships for Black College Students

With the rising cost of college, all students are concerned about how they will pay for their higher education. For African-American students who often come from underprivileged families, this concern is even more real because in many cases, financial aid can mean the difference between being able to go to college and not having that opportunity at all. This guide provides vital information for these prospective college students. Continue reading to find out how African-American students can find and win scholarships, and the different funding sources out there.

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Student loan debt has been a growing problem for college graduates around the country and, according to Forbes, it recently hit the $1.5 trillion mark. However, for black students who want to get a college education, the student loan debt crisis hits home a little bit more because they often have more debt than their white classmates. The following statistics illustrate how black students fare when it comes to borrowing money for college.

On average,
black students owe $7,375 more in student loan debt than white students.

57% of black students
who earn associate degrees at public institutions take out student loans to pay for their education, compared to 43% of white students.

40%
of black students borrow money to attend graduate school, while 22% of their white counterparts do.

Source: The Brookings Institution,Demos,The Brookings Institution

Financial aid can go a long way toward helping black students achieve their college dreams without as much student loan debt. But they have to find and win the scholarships first. In this section, we get advice from the following experts on how black students can find and land the financial aid and scholarships they need to pay for their education.Pam Andrews, CEO of The Scholarship Shark Shannon Evans, College Recruiting Coach and owner of The Scholar Coach Carl J. Thomas, Associate Director of Admissions and Coordinator of Minority Services at Berea College

“There are nine Black Greek letter organizations that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council. These organizations are referred to as “The Divine Nine.” Most of the Divine Nine offer scholarships for African-American high school students.” Pam Andrews

“Many black churches provide scholarships for their members at either the local church level or at the denominational level.” Pam Andrews

“Depending on where the student lives, there are organizations that are looking for students specifically from underserved populations, and award scholarships and grants to students who apply. The key is finding those organizations during your junior year of high school (Rotary, Civitan, Kiwanis Clubs, as well as local chapters of groups like the ACLU and UNCF) and then finding out what are the deadlines and requirements for applications and then following through.”Shannon Evans

“While searching for colleges, ask them what scholarships and grants are available to students and especially for minority students. Many colleges have admissions counselors that will be assigned to students based on geographic region, and will be well-versed in specific types of scholarships and grants available based on geography and based on minority populations.”Shannon Evans

“Inquire about scholarships others may have received while they were in college. These sources may also have knowledge about community programs that may provide scholarships or financial support—churches, PTA, Optimist Club.” Carl J. Thomas

“There are numerous college access programs that provide assistance to first-generation students with great financial need. Students who plug into these programs receive support with ACT/SAT prep and help finding college scholarships and applying for local community scholarships. Community foundations, upward bound programs, the Urban League are all places to seek help finding scholarships.” Carl J. Thomas

“Carefully think through obstacles if asked in an essay prompt. African-American students have had to overcome many barriers, both social and economic, in their pursuit of a college education. When writing an essay on the hardships that you’ve had to overcome, highlight what you have learned or who you have become as a result of overcoming it.” Pam Andrews

“Know how to communicate in person because some scholarships require interviews. Students should know how to listen, so that they can think critically and quickly during a scholarship interview.” Pam Andrews

“Demonstrate self-discipline. Colleges and scholarship committees are looking for great, likeable kids.” Shannon Evans

“Cultivate a good rapport with your community leaders at school, church/mosque, organizations, etc. They will be the ones you ask for letters of recommendation!” Shannon Evans

“Raising your GPA and test scores will increase your chance of earning a merit scholarship. Take both the ACT and SAT to increase your chances of meeting requirements.” Carl J. Thomas

“Find out who the college admissions counselor is for the area where you live. Call them and introduce yourself and let the counselor know how serious you are about attending the college. Ask for help in identifying scholarships.” Carl J. Thomas

Armed with the tips from our experts on how to find and secure scholarships, students can apply with confidence to different funding opportunities that are available to them. This section contains information on several scholarships that African-American students can apply for.

In addition to scholarships, students can also win grants and fellowships to help pay for their college education. This section outlines some of the grants and fellowships that are available to black students.

Historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, were given their designation by the Higher Education Act of 1965, which defined these schools as “any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans.” These colleges and universities were created after the Civil War in order to meet the needs of black students who, up to that point, had very few opportunities to obtain a higher education. Classes were often conducted in church basements and old school houses until the Morrill Act of 1890—which required states to provide land-grants for colleges that cater to black students—allowed these schools to build their own campuses.

Although African-American students today have a myriad of choices when it comes to higher education, HBCUs are still significant in the black community. With over 100 HBCUs around the country to choose from, these schools give students the opportunity to learn among those who share their unique backgrounds and experiences.

Like students at other schools, those who enroll in HBCUs have the opportunity to get scholarships to help pay for their education. The following are some examples of these scholarships.

Students who are going through the college application process are extremely busy, and in some cases it may be difficult for them to find all of the scholarship opportunities that are out there. Below are some resources that can help African-American students find the funding they need to pay for their higher education.