What GPA Do You Need To Get a Scholarship to an HBCU?

The GPA needed to earn a scholarship to your HBCU of choice depends on the school you select and the scholarship you aim to secure.

All entities offering scholarships � private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and HBCUs � create their own scholarship award criteria.

As a student interested in earning a scholarship to attend an HBCU, it's important to learn the criteria needed to win the award.

Keep reading to find out more about the GPAs needed to earn HBCU scholarships as well as any other eligibility requirements.

What GPA Is Needed for HBCU Scholarships?

HBCU (historically black college and university) scholarships have varying GPA requirements. To get a better idea of GPA criteria, take a look at some examples.

Scholarships from HBCUs

The following are scholarship GPA requirements from several of the nearly 100 HBCUs found nationwide.

Alabama State University

Alabama State University offers the Presidential Academic Scholarship, Academic Excellence Scholarship, and Academic Incentive Scholarship, all of which require a 3.00 GPA or above.

Fort Valley State University

At Fort Valley State University in Georgia, students can apply for the Porter Scholarships, which award up to $1,250 and require a minimum 3.30 GPA.

Virginia State University

Virginia State University delivers nearly a dozen scholarships, including the Presidential Scholarship, Founder's Scholarship, and University Scholarship. Each requires at least a 3.0 GPA.

Dillard University

Dillard University in Louisiana offers the University Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, Dean's Scholarship, or Merit Scholarship, which range in GPA requirement from 2.75 to 3.8.

Langston University

At Langston University, attendees can apply for the Langston University Leadership Scholarship, Bridge Scholarship, and others requiring at least a 2.5 to 3.0 GPA.

HBCU Scholarships from Businesses and Organizations

Learn the GPA requirements for the following HBCU scholarships from businesses and organizations nationwide.

Eaton HBCU STEM Scholar Scholarship

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) delivers the Eaton HBCU STEM Scholar Scholarship, a $2,500 award for HBCU students requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA.

UNCF Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Last Dollar Scholarship

The UNCF Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Last Dollar Scholarship is a $2,640 award for students attending HBCUs in Texas. The minimum GPA requirement is 2.5.

UNCF-Ralph Lauren Scholarship

Black/African American students attending any accredited HBCU with a minimum GPA of 3.0 might be eligible for a $5,000 award from the UNCF-Ralph Lauren Scholarship.

Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation Scholarship

The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation Scholarship is for eligible Black/African American students with a minimum 2.75 GPA who are enrolled as juniors at one of 10 HBCUs.

TMCF | Medtronic Foundation Graduate Scholarship

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Medtronic Foundation present the $8,500 Medtronic Foundation Graduate Scholarship for five HBCU graduate or Ph.D. students with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

How Can I Qualify for HBCU Scholarships?

While a student's grade point average plays a huge role in HBCU scholarship eligibility, most scholarships have additional criteria.

Test Scores

You might encounter HBCU scholarships that require students to earn a specific score on either the SAT or the ACT. Graduate-level scholarships might require the GRE or other scores.

Enrollment Status

Depending on the HBCU scholarship, you might be required to have full-time enrollment as an undergraduate or graduate student. Some scholarships are only open to specific years (i.e. freshmen, sophomores, etc.).

School or Residency

Many scholarships either require students to attend specific HBCUs or live in a certain state. Being a U.S. citizen might also be an eligibility requirement.

Program of Study

While some HBCU scholarships open eligibility to all students, others might narrow the criteria to students taking on specific programs of study like engineering or communication.

Essay or Questionnaire Submission

Some HBCU scholarships require students to create an essay, fill out a questionnaire, or submit a video with their application.

What Are HBCU Scholarship Alternatives?

If you're looking to supplement an HBCU scholarship or need an alternative to fund your school costs, consider the following options:

Federal Student Aid

By filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, students might qualify for grants, loans, or the Federal Work-Study Program.

Tuition Reimbursement

Students who work a job while enrolled might be able to have their tuition paid via their employer's tuition reimbursement program.

Military Aid

Veterans or active service members might qualify for military tuition reduction options from their school. Students can also consider the GI Bill and military scholarships and grants.

Frequently Asked Questions About HBCU Scholarships

Do you have more questions about HBCU scholarships? Explore the following frequently asked questions.

Are Full Scholarships Available for HBCUs?

Yes, HBCUs give full rides. For example, Spelman College offers three scholarships granting full tuition: the Presidential Scholarship, the Dewitt Dean's Scholarship, and the Dovey Johnson Roundtree Scholarship, C'38.

When Is the Best Time to Apply for Scholarships?

According to the U.S. Department of Education, a good time to apply for scholarships is between a student's junior and senior years in high school; however, sticking with scholarship deadlines is best.

Are HBCU Scholarships Hard to Get?

Some HBCU scholarships are harder to attain than others. Eligibility criteria, the number of awards available, and the pool of applicants competing can determine the ease or difficulty of winning.

Secure an HBCU Scholarship Today

HBCUs across the country offer great academic experiences and plenty of scholarships to make earning a degree affordable. If you want to win an HBCU scholarship, research GPA requirements and other criteria and apply today.