Exploring Financial Support Options for African American Students

Promoting diversity in education helps ensure equal opportunities for all. Every student aspires to earn a degree to achieve their dreams. Sadly, racial disparities exist in U.S. university admissions. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that fewer than 65% of African American high school graduates attend college. Even though dropout rates are low, many leave due to concerns like student loan debt, employment challenges, and racial bias.

Many African American students remain unaware of the various financial aid options available. Grants in the U.S. are often awarded based on financial need, and low-income students have the greatest requirement. Wealth disparities and fears of debt often hinder students from pursuing higher education. Fortunately, numerous scholarships and grants target African American students specifically, helping bridge the financial gap.

Organizations dedicate resources to provide scholarships for different groups, including women and students researching specific fields. African American students seeking higher education can often access federal, state, and private grants to support their academic goals. When applying, students should review each grant’s criteria, which may include both need-based and merit-based factors. Some grants focus on particular demographics, such as gender or academic discipline. The award amounts typically range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, and recipients often need to reapply annually based on academic progress.

Eligibility Criteria

The primary requirement is that applicants must be African American. Most grants assess financial need via FAFSA, while others consider residence, academic achievements, and intended major. Different grants may target specific populations or research areas.

Below are examples of available African American grants:

General Grants

• AICPA Fellowship for Minority Doctoral Students
• Ford Foundation Fellowship Program
• Frederick Douglass Scholars Program
• United Negro College Fund

Women-Focused Grants

• AAUW Professions Group Fellowship
• National Black Nurses Association
• National Association of Black Journalists Awards
• Dr. Julianne Malveaux Scholarship
• Dr. Blanca Moore-Velez Woman of Substance Scholarship

Men-Focused Grants

• Pell Grant
• CUNY Opportunity Programs
• Cornell University Minority Fellowships
• National GEM Fellowship
• 100 Black Men Virginia Scholarship

Numerous scholarships are available for students pursuing postgraduate studies, including:

• AAAS Minority Science Writers Internship
• ABA Diversity Scholarship
• ALA LITA/LSSI Scholarship
• ACS Scholars Program
• ACHE Albert W. Dent Graduate Scholarship
• Actuarial Diversity Scholarship
• Energy Industry Scholarships
• African American Teaching Fellowships
• American Library Association Spectrum Scholarship