15 Best Scholarships for Minority Students Attending HBCUs

There are many scholarships available for students who want to attend historically black colleges and universities

The College Board estimates the average cost of tuition is now up to $31,231 a year for students at private, four-year colleges. With that in mind, getting any assistance in offsetting the price tag can prove crucial for launching a future that is as debt-free as possible. This is where scholarships can prove quite helpful.

With the National Center for Education Statistics reporting the number of African-American students enrolled in postsecondary education climbed to 32% in 2008, the competition for some minority scholarships may be fierce.

 Fortunately, minority students with a desire to attend historically black colleges and universities will find there are a number of different scholarship opportunities that can help them offset costs. Here are just a few:

1. Ronald McDonald House Charities – This nonprofit provides three scholarship awards for African-American, Hispanic or Asian students. Applicants must be high school seniors and must have at least one parent of the specific heritage. Students must have plans to attend school full-time at a two- or four-year college. The scholarship awards vary. Recipients are judged based on community involvement, academic achievement and financial need. While not strictly merit-based, accomplishments play a big role in the final determinations.

2. Jackie Robinson Foundation – These four-year scholarships of up to $7,500 are awarded each year to high school seniors from minority backgrounds. Students must complete an online essay application, possess at least one letter of recommendation and submit their SAT or ACT scores.

3. Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship – Students interested in this $5,000 scholarship must be high school seniors who are interested in technology careers. Applicants must have plans to attend a four-year school, demonstrate a passion for technology and have a GPA of 3.3 or higher. In addition, some financial need aspects are considered and leadership abilities are also helpful.

4. Gates Millennium Scholars – This program is open to minority students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher and are entering college for the first time. The average award of the scholarship is $12,227 per academic year.

5. Microsoft Technical Scholarships for Minorities and Women – This opportunity is open for students who plan to pursue degrees in computer science, engineering, physics, math or other STEM-related fields. Students must have minimum of a 3.0 GPA and apply for and complete a 12-week, paid internship at Microsoft. The amounts vary, but may cover entire tuition costs for a year.

6. Xerox – This company offers a Technical Minority Scholarship program that awards from $1,000 to $10,000 to students seeking a degree at the four-year or graduate level. Students must be enrolled in school full-time and have at least a B average to apply.

7. Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship – This opportunity is open to current NAACP members. Established in honor of long-time NAACP member, this scholarship has a maximum award of $2,000. Students must have a GPA of at least 2.5 to apply and must be under the age of 25 by the application deadline. Graduate students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

8. William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship for Minority Students – This program, offered by the Aspen Institute Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation, is based on academic excellence and need. Selected students work a 12- to 15-week internship in Washington, D.C. Not technically a scholarship program, interns receive a stipend upon completion, which generally adds up to about $2,000. Students interested in this resume-boosting internship must have excellent research and writing skills, a demonstrated interest in the social sector and financial need.

9. Lagrant Foundation Scholarships – These scholarships are available to students in such majors as art, communications, English, sociology, marketing and related fields. Students must have a 2.75 cumulative GPA and be willing to attend a career development workshop. The scholarship is generally awarded in the amount of $2,500 with numerous students selected each year.

10. The Generation Google Scholarship – Students eligible for these scholarships must intend to pursue a degree and career in computer science, computer engineering or a related field. They must also attend Google's Computer Science Summer Institute. A demonstrated strong academic record is required for these awards, which total up to about $10,000.

11. Ron Brown Scholar Program – This scholarship is designed for students with a strong academic record who have demonstrated a solid background in community leadership. The annual scholarship award can total up to $40,000 over the course of four years.

12. Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation – These achievement-based scholarships are open to high school seniors who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 at the end of their junior years. The typical award is in the amount of $20,000. The company also offers a Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise scholarship program that offers $1,000 awards.

13. NABJ Scholarship – This award receives a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and a background in community service and leadership. Students must have a demonstrated financial need. Students must pursue a journalism, communications or related degree. The award amount is $2,500.

14. UNCF-Merck Undergraduate Science Research Scholarship – This scholarship can add up to $30,000 and is open to students who are enrolled at junior or four-year schools in such areas as life sciences, engineering, physical science and medicine. Students must have a minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA.

15. Society of Women Engineers – This scholarship is open to women pursuing engineering or computer science-related fields. A minimum 3.5 cumulate GPA is received and students must not receive funding from other organizations. The typical award ranges from $1,000 to $10,000.

Students interested in applying for minority scholarships are urged to conduct their own research. Application deadlines and other requirements may vary based on the specific scholarship(s) a student is interested in pursuing.

Source: 15 Best Scholarships for Minority Students Attending HBCUs