Maximizing Financial Aid to Help Fund Your Education
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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Financial Trends for Black Students
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
Advice for Finding & Landing Financial Aid for Black Students
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
Finding Financial Aid & Scholarships
Black fraternities and sororities
“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
Churches
“Many black churches provide scholarships for their members at either the local church level or at the denominational level.” Pam Andrews
Organizations
“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
Colleges
“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
Family, friends, and professionals
“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
College access programs
“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
Landing Financial Aid & Scholarships
Tell a compelling story
“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
Prepare for interviews
“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
Be disciplined
“Demonstrate self-discipline. Colleges and scholarship committees are looking for great, likeable kids.” Shannon Evans
Build relationships in the community
“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
Raise GPA and test scores
“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
Get to know college admissions counselors
“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
Financial Aid Opportunities for African-American Students
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.
General
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Jackie Robinson Foundation: Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Program
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Amount:
Up to $28,000 for four years
-
Deadline:
Early February
Available to African American high school seniors planning to attend an accredited four-year school. Applicants must participate in community service activities, get a minimum combined SAT score of 1,000, and demonstrate financial need.
-
Amount:
-
National Merit Scholarship Corporation: The National Achievement Scholarship Program
-
Amount:
$2,500
-
Deadline:
Students are automatically considered for the award by taking the PSAT/NMSQT test by their junior year in high school.
Awarded to African-American students who demonstrate high academic achievement. Scholarship winners are chosen by earning a high score on the PSAT/NMSQT.
-
Amount:
-
Ron Brown Scholar Fund: Ron Brown Scholar Program
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Amount:
$10,000 per year
-
Deadline:
Early January
Scholarship is granted to high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential. Applicants must participate in community service activities and prove financial need.
-
Amount:
First-Generation College Students
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Colorado Christian University: First-Generation Minority Scholarship
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Amount:
Varies
-
Deadline:
Varies
Available to minority students at Colorado Christian University whose parents never attended college. In order to be chosen, students must demonstrate financial need.
-
Amount:
-
First in the Family Humanist Scholarship: Black Skeptics Group Los Angeles
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Amount:
$1,000
-
Deadline:
Mid-June
Awarded to African-American students who attended a school in the Los Angeles Unified School District and are accepted into a two- or four-year college. Applicants must be first-generation college students. People who have been homeless, or in foster care or group homes are given preference.
-
Amount:
-
Fontana Transport Inc.: Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program
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Amount:
$5,000
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Deadline:
Mid-March
Available to minority students who are the first in their family to go to college. Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in math, science, architecture, technology, psychology, environmental design, or transportation.
-
Amount:
Female Students
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Community Foundation of Northern Illinois: Dr. Gussie M. Ware Memorial Scholarship
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Amount:
Varies
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Deadline:
Early February
Scholarship is provided to female African-American students who have been accepted into a two- or four-year college. Applicants must be from Winnebago County, Illinois.
-
Amount:
-
Denver Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.: Denver Alumnae Chapter Scholarship
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Amount:
$6,000
-
Deadline:
Early April
Scholarship for African-American female students graduating from a high school in the Denver metropolitan area. Applicants should have at least a 3.0 grade point average.
-
Amount:
-
YWCA Greater Cincinnati: Mamie Earl Sells Scholarship Fund
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Amount:
$1,000
-
Deadline:
Mid-January
For female African-American students graduating from a high school in the Greater Cincinnati area. Applicants should demonstrate community service, academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and personal challenges.
-
Amount:
Male Students
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Community Foundation of Northern Illinois: Era L. and Frances L. Walker Scholarship
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Amount:
$500 to $2,500
-
Deadline:
Early February
For African-American male students graduating from a public school in District #205 in Illinois. Students must have community service and volunteer experience, as well as a minimum 2.9 grade point average.
-
Amount:
-
The Dallas Foundation: The Pickard Scholarship Fund
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Amount:
$4,000
-
Deadline:
Late May
Available to male African-American students in Dallas County. Applicants should have at least a 2.5 grade point average and demonstrate financial need.
-
Amount:
-
The Winston-Salem Foundation: Mark Collier Caudill Scholarship
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Amount:
$500
-
Deadline:
Early April
This scholarship is for minority male students who are graduating from R.J. Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Applicants must participate in athletics, have at least a 2.75 grade point average and demonstrate financial need.
-
Amount:
Social Science
STEM
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Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: Gates Millennium Scholars Program
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Amount:
Varies
-
Deadline:
Mid-September
Available to minority students enrolled in a STEM-related degree program. The amount of the scholarship is determined based on the financial need of the student.
-
Amount:
-
Microsoft Corporation: Blacks at Microsoft Scholarships
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Amount:
$5,000
-
Deadline:
Early March
This scholarship is available to high school seniors of African descent, including African Americans and native Africans. Winners must plan to enroll in a technology or engineering degree program.
-
Amount:
-
National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering: NACME Scholars Program
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Amount:
$12,500 for up to five years
-
Deadline:
Mid-March
Scholarship provided to African-American high school seniors who have been admitted into an engineering degree program. In order to continue receiving the award, students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5.
-
Amount:
Grants and Fellowships
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.
Grants
Grants are a form of financial aid that is completely based on student need. As a result, factors such as grades and extracurricular activities are not considered when students apply for them. Grant money can be used toward college tuition and fees, books, or other education-related expenses.
TYPES OF GRANTS:
- Federal Pell GrantsThese grants are provided by the U.S. Department of Education. Students can be considered for Pell Grants by filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Government Grants by StateIn some cases, students are able to secure grant money from their state. Generally, applicants must attend college in the state in order to receive the grant.
- Private GrantsIn order to promote diversity in a specific field, some private companies or professional associations may offer grants to promising African-American students.
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African-American Success Foundation: Lydia Donaldson Tutt-Jones Memorial Research Grant
-
Amount:
$5,000
-
Deadline:
Early June
This grant is for African-American graduate students.
-
Amount:
-
Page Education Foundation: Page Education Foundation Grants
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Amount:
$2,500
-
Deadline:
Early May
Minority students from Minnesota can win these grants to pay for college anywhere in the state. Winners must commit to tutoring young students on a volunteer basis.
-
Amount:
-
Presbyterian Mission Agency: Presbyterian U.S.A. Women of Color Grant
-
Amount:
$3,000
-
Deadline:
Mid-May
This grant is provided to minority women who are enrolled in an M.Div. program at a college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church.
-
Amount:
-
United Negro College Fund Inc: UNCF
-
Amount:
Varies
-
Deadline:
Students are considered by filling out a FAFSA
African-American students can win these grants by demonstrating need.
-
Amount:
Fellowships
Fellowships not only allow students to pay for their education, they also give them the opportunity to get hands-on experience in their field. As a result, students who win fellowships may participate in activities such as research projects or community service work. Generally, fellowships are available to graduate students, although some organizations do provide this type of aid to those enrolled in undergraduate degree programs. The following are some examples of the types of fellowships that African-American students can receive.
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Association of International Certified Professional Accountants: AICPA Fellowship for Minority Doctoral Students
-
Amount:
One Year
-
Deadline:
Mid-May
This fellowship is available to minority students enrolled in an accounting doctoral program. Applicants should have a master's degree in accounting or at least three years of experience working in the field.
-
Amount:
-
Goldman Sachs: Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship
-
Amount:
One Summer
-
Deadline:
Varies
This fellowship is for African-American students who are in their first year of an MBA program. Winners get a Summer Associate position at the company, an associate's salary, and a $35,000 award.
-
Amount:
-
National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine: Ford Foundation Fellowship Programs
-
Amount:
Three Years
-
Deadline:
Early January
Available to minority students enrolled in a research-based doctoral program. Disciplines that will be considered include anthropology, life sciences, psychology, mathematics, and physics. Winners receive an annual stipend of $24,000.
-
Amount:
-
NBCC Foundation: NBCC Minority Fellowship Program
-
Amount:
One Year
-
Deadline:
Late October
This $11,000 fellowship is available to minority students who are working on a graduate degree in addiction studies. Winners are required to provide counseling to young minorities struggling with addiction.
-
Amount:
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
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.
- Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology: Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology Scholarships
- Amount: Up to $3,000
- Deadline: Mid-June
- Go On Girl! Book Club: Aspiring Literary Scholar Award
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: Late March
- The Department of Defense and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund: TMCF/Department of Defense Scholarship
- Amount: Up to $15,000
- Deadline: Late April
- Tom Joyner Foundation and Denny's Corporation: Denny's – Tom Joyner Foundation Hungry for Education Scholarship
- Amount: $2,000
- Deadline: Early December
Additional Resources for African American Students
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.
- The HBCU Foundation, Inc. HBCU students can receive access to internships, scholarships, and career development services through this organization.
- The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education This journal provides the latest information on the state of African-Americans in higher education.
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund HBCU graduate and undergraduate students can receive scholarships from this organization.
- United Negro College Fund This organization provides college scholarships to over 10,000 black students each year.
$1,000
Early June
This scholarship is for minority students who want to use their education to pursue a criminal justice career.
$5,000
Early November
Available to minority graduate students who are studying to become school psychologists. Students must be a member of the National Association of School Psychologists and have at least a 3.0 grade point average.
$2,500
Mid-March
For United Methodist minority students who are studying communication, religion, or journalism. Should demonstrate commitment to the church and academic achievement.