Scholarships

Scholarships are the key to making your college dreams a reality without the burden of debt. But with thousands of opportunities out there, where do you even begin to look?

At HBCU Harvest, we take the guesswork out of the process, helping you find and apply for the money you've earned.

Free Money for Your HBCU Education

Scholarships are not just about academics.

They are about rewarding hard work, talent, and passion. The best part?

They are a form of gift aid that you do not have to pay back. This is a powerful tool for reducing the overall cost of your education and minimizing student loan debt.

Scholarship Search

Tips for Securing Scholarships

Start Early: The earlier you begin your search, the more opportunities you'll have. You can start looking as early as your freshman year of high school.
Highlight Your Story: Your personal story is your greatest asset. Use your essays to share what makes you unique and how your experiences have shaped your goals.
Stay Organized: Create a spreadsheet or use our tools to track application requirements, due dates, and essay prompts for each scholarship.

Featured National Scholarship Programs

College Board BigFuture Scholarships – Earn scholarships just by planning for college!
Study.com Student Scholarships – Browse over 100 targeted scholarships for different majors, backgrounds, and interests.

Featured National Scholarship Programs Scholarship Search Engines

These trusted websites are great for casting a wider net:

Tuition Funding Sources (via Wells Fargo – free and easy to use)
Scholarship America
Fastweb
Scholarships.com
Sallie Mae Scholarship Search
FinAid

UNCF (United Negro College Fund): UNCF is the largest private scholarship provider to minority group members. They manage a variety of scholarship programs and award over $100 million in scholarships annually to students at more than 1,100 schools, including their network of 37 HBCUs. Their website is a comprehensive resource for finding and applying for these awards.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF): TMCF is a non-profit organization that exclusively supports the Black college community, including 47 publicly-supported HBCUs. They offer a wide range of scholarships, leadership programs, and career resources to students.

HBCU CONNECT: This organization offers its own scholarship program for students enrolled or planning to enroll at an HBCU. Their website also features a scholarship database specifically for HBCU students.

The Common Black College Application: While primarily an application portal for up to 67 HBCUs for a single $20 fee, it also provides resources and links to other organizations that offer scholarships.
- Common Scholarship Application

Institutional & Departmental Scholarships

Beyond federal and national awards, a student's greatest financial opportunities often lie with the university itself. Institutional scholarships, offered directly by a college, can significantly reduce the cost of attendance and are a crucial part of the financial aid puzzle. They are a university’s way of investing in the students they want to attract and retain. Many schools offer a variety of awards based on merit, legacy, and academic department, directly supporting their students' success.

Higher Odds of Winning

These scholarships have a smaller applicant pool compared to national awards. When you're competing against students in a specific major or a particular school, your chances of winning are much higher.

Direct Validation

Receiving a scholarship from an academic department shows that the faculty believes in your potential. It's a powerful vote of confidence that can motivate you throughout your college career.

Pathway to Success

Many of these scholarships come with perks beyond the financial award, such as access to mentors, invitations to exclusive events, and networking with professionals in your field. This is a crucial first step for building a professional foundation.

Reduced Debt Burden

These scholarships don't have to be paid back. By securing these awards, students can significantly reduce the amount they need to borrow in student loans, giving them more freedom and a better financial start after graduation.

How to Find Institutional & Departmental Scholarships

Finding these scholarships requires a targeted approach. Your goal is to go beyond the major search engines and dig deeper into the specific institutions and organizations that align with your interests.

Check the University’s Financial Aid Website: This is your primary resource. Every university has a Financial Aid or Scholarships section that lists institutional awards. For example, Hampton University's website clearly outlines its merit-based scholarships, and Prairie View A&M has an online scholarship portal.
Contact the Academic Department Directly: This is the most important step. Email the department's administrative office or the head of your intended major. Ask for a list of departmental scholarships, their eligibility criteria, and application deadlines.
Explore Honors Colleges and Specific Programs: Many HBCUs have Honors Colleges or special programs that come with their own dedicated scholarships. These can be very generous, sometimes covering a large portion of tuition.
Inquire About Legacy Scholarships: Some institutions offer scholarships specifically for students whose parents, grandparents, or other relatives are alumni.

HBCU Harvest