College and University Funding for Black Students
Historically, African Americans have been the one of most disadvantaged minority populations across the U.S. education system. Fortunately, with the help of federal, state and private finaical support, more African American students have access to college grants and additional funding options to sustain their education beyond high school.

African Americans wishing to pursue degrees can often receive financial help at all degree levels, however grants and scholarships are more widely available to black students who are studying towards a first degree or professional certificate.

Specialized Grant Funds from Public and Private Organizations

Grant, Internship and scholarship programs from a multitude of sources are available to African American students pursuing a variety of college degrees including those with specialist career interests such as nursing, athletics and accountancy;

  • The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) provides a popular source of merit-based and need-based grants for minority students including African Americans enrolled in undergraduate accountancy and finance degree programs on a full-time basis.
  • The National Black Nursing Association is a leading support organization to African American nurses. The organization offers a variety of grants, scholarships and fellowships worth between $500 and $2,500 that support the career and educational development of black nursing students enrolled in 4-year nursing degree programs.
  • African American nursing students studying at graduate degree level can apply for scholarship grants through the March of Dimes “Nursing Scholarships program”. A number of generous awards are issued each year to minority nursing students to assist with nursing school fees and expenses.

Federal and State Funded Grants

For over 40 years the U.S. Department of Education have provided federal funds that assist disadvantaged and minority students. As these funds have proved to be of great significance many states have chosen to administer their own programs to support the educational development of student residents.

  • The Federal Pell Grant is available to African American undergraduate students who come from low-income households and provides up to $5,500 per academic year.
  • Minority students who are eligible to receive Pell Grant funds may also apply for the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). This government grant provides financially disadvantaged students with awards that can almost match the maximum Pell Grant award.
  • Many states funded grants are available to help underprivileged, minority and low-income students. The California CAL Grant is an example of a state-based grant program available to disadvantaged students including African American men and women.

United Negro College Fund – a Prominent Student Funding Resource

Founded in 1942, the United Negro College Fund is a major backbone of student funding and educational support for Black / African American students. A multitude of donors have assisted the UNCF in being able to provide a host of grants, scholarships and fellowships to support the educational advancement of black students at all degree levels.

In addition, the organization also plays a vital role in the funding of historically black colleges and universities, which in turn allows these educational institutions to support economically, all African American students who enroll into their two-year, four-year and graduate degree programs.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Steadfast support towards African American education and social advancement has come from a network of over one-hundred-and-thirty-five historically black colleges and universities in the U.S. This support also extends as financial help offered to individual black students in the form of grants and scholarships.

  • Washington D.C.’s Howard University makes available a number of merit-based freshman grants and scholarships for black students. The university also offers the Douglas Scholars Program and a number of other scholarship programs based on academic excellence.
  • Atlanta’s Morehouse College administers grants for African American students focused on specific program majors that include music. In addition, the college also offers some very attractive grants based on academic and athletic excellence.