Why HBCUs Offer Some of the Best Scholarship Opportunities
Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a unique and powerful scholarship ecosystem built around them. From the United Negro College Fund to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to hundreds of corporate partners specifically targeting HBCU students, attending an HBCU opens doors to scholarship funding that is simply not available at predominantly white institutions.
UNCF: The Largest Source of HBCU Scholarship Funding
The United Negro College Fund is the nation's largest minority education organization and the primary source of scholarship funding for HBCU students. UNCF manages hundreds of named scholarship programs funded by corporate partners and individual donors. Most UNCF scholarships are available to students at UNCF's 37 member institutions, but some are open to any HBCU student.
Thurgood Marshall College Fund
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund supports students at 47 public HBCUs and predominantly Black institutions. TMCF scholarships average $6,800 and are renewable for students who maintain academic standards. TMCF also offers leadership development programs and connections to corporate internships.
Corporate HBCU Scholarship Programs
Major corporations have invested heavily in HBCU scholarship programs in recent years. Boeing, Apple, Google, Qualcomm, Goldman Sachs, and dozens of other companies offer HBCU-specific scholarships and internship pipelines. These awards range from $5,000 to full scholarships and often include mentorship and guaranteed internship opportunities.
State HBCU Scholarship Programs
Many states with significant HBCU populations — including Maryland, North Carolina, Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia — offer state-funded scholarships specifically for students attending in-state HBCUs. Check with your state's higher education commission for available programs.