HBCU Scholarships 2025: How To Apply

Scholarships are an integral part of making college more affordable for many students. In addition to other forms of aid, they help to lessen the burden of the cost of education.

There are many opportunities for scholarships at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Here we will explore some of these options, how to apply, and answer some frequently asked questions.

Scholarships for HBCU Students

Here are some scholarship opportunities to explore for students at HBCU institutions.

UNCF Scholarships

The United Negro College Fund provides scholarships to hundreds of thousands of students, and the organization is the largest private scholarship provider to minority group students in the country. The school gives $100 million in scholarships each year.

Students who receive scholarships from UNCF are represented at over 1,000 schools nationwide. This includes nearly 40 HBCU institutions. The organization is also involved in many other scholarship programs.

UNCF has information on how to apply for the various scholarships and other opportunities they offer featured on their website.

Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology Scholarship

The Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology Scholarship is specifically intended for undergraduate students enrolled at HBCUs in programs studying technology and other scientific fields.

To apply, students must meet academic achievement criteria, exhibit financial need, complete a personal essay, and have recommendations from teachers or guidance counselors.

Apple HBCU Scholars Program

The Apple HBCU Scholars Program is a partnership between Apple and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. This competitive program is intended for students pursing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The program requires applicants to have a GPA over 3.25, and it also involves participation in an internship program.

PlayStation Career Pathways Program

The PlayStation Career Pathways Program is designed to provide comprehensive support over a period of several years. Recipients of the scholarship receive not only financial assistance but mentorship and industry experience.

This program is intended for students studying general business, technical engineering, or creative game design. An applicant must have a 3.0 GPA and must be a full-time Black or African-American student at an HBCU or other accredited four-year institution.

Grants for HBCU Students

Grants are similar to scholarships, but are typically need-based rather than merit-based. They are also a great source to make college affordable.

Federal Pell Grant

Federal Pell Grants are one of the most common forms of financial aid for students who exhibit financial need. They are intended for undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree.

Students can see if they qualify for a Federal Pell Grant by completing the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The amount a student will receive varies depending upon financial need.

While these grants are not exclusively for students attending HBCUs, students attending an HBCU can apply for and benefit from a Federal Pell Grant.

How To Apply for HBCU Scholarships

The sheer number of scholarships available can be overwhelming. Additionally, each scholarship will have different requirements that applicants must meet.

Researching different scholarships and ensuring you meet the criteria is the most important aspect of applying for scholarships. Often, students can work with their institutions to find scholarships and grants to apply for.

There are also many resources online for finding scholarships to apply for, and students may be able to find more through organizations relevant to them or their field of study.

Even if a scholarship is very competitive, it is still a good idea to apply for as many as possible, because you never know if you may be selected to receive it!

What GPA Do I Need to Get an HBCU Scholarship?

HBCU scholarships requiring a certain GPA tend to fall in the range of 2.5 to 3.25. For example, to apply for UNCF Scholarships, the organization that is the largest private provider of scholarships to minority students, a 2.5 GPA is required.

If a certain scholarship is particularly prestigious or competitive, the GPA requirement may be higher.

Can You Get a Minority Scholarship at an HBCU?

Minority Scholarships are intended for students who are members of minority communities. Often, these scholarships are not tied to specific institutions, so if a student attending an HBCU meets the other criteria, they will qualify for such a scholarship.

Other Resources

Here are some other helpful resources for students attending or hoping to attend an HBCU

Common Black College Application

The Common Black College Application allows students to apply to multiple HBCU institutions at once for a single application fee. This helps students save enormously on the cost of college application fees.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund can be an enormous resource for students. Not only do they offer scholarships, but they also assist students with internships, career resources, and more.

Apply for HBCU Scholarships Today

Begin your journey of affording a higher education at an HBCU by applying for scholarships today.