Paying for college is already stressful — and if you’re attending an HBCU, keeping track of scholarships can feel like a job you didn’t apply for. The good news? There are scholarships specifically meant for HBCU students, whether you’re a first-gen freshman, a STEM girlie, or already deep into your major. Below are HBCU-focused scholarships worth putting on your radar for the 2026–2027 academic year, with the details you actually need to know.
Award: Up to $15,000
Who it’s for: Undergraduate students at TMCF member HBCUs
If you’re already involved on campus or known for stepping up in your community, this one’s worth a look. This need-based scholarship supports full-time HBCU students across all majors and class years.
You’ll need:
- Full-time enrollment during the 2026–2027 academic year
- A minimum 2.7 GPA
- Demonstrated leadership and financial need
- U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
How to apply: Submit a 100-word essay about the values that guide your community impact and future career.
Deadline: April 24, 2026
Award: Up to $5,000
Who it’s for: First-gen students entering an HBCU as freshmen
If you’re the first in your family to attend college, this scholarship was made with you in mind. It’s open to all majors and focuses on students who demonstrate financial need and a clear sense of purpose going into college.
You’ll need:
- To be a graduating high school senior
- Enrollment as a full-time freshman at a TMCF member HBCU
- A minimum 2.5 GPA
- A FAFSA on file for 2026–2027
How to apply: Submit a two-minute video explaining the values that guide you and how you plan to show up in school and beyond.
Deadline: January 16, 2026
Award: $40,000 total ($10,000 per year for four years)
Who it’s for: High school seniors planning to major in STEM at an HBCU
If you’re a STEM girlie (or guy!) with your eye on engineering, chemistry, computer science, or environmental studies, this is one to prioritize. FOSSI supports students pursuing STEM degrees tied to fields like engineering, sustainability, and chemical sciences — and it comes with mentorship and internship opportunities, too.
Best fit majors include: Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; Chemistry; Biology; Computer Science; Environmental Studies; Math; Physics; and Sustainability.
You’ll need:
- A minimum 3.0 GPA
- Plans to attend an HBCU for all four years
- An approved STEM major
- Demonstrated financial need
Deadline: January 15, 2026
Award: Up to $1,500
Who it’s for: Students attending historically Black community colleges
If you’re starting at an HBCC and planning your next steps, this scholarship can help cover tuition and fees while you’re building momentum.
You’ll need:
- Full-time enrollment at a TMCF-member HBCC
- A minimum 2.75 GPA
- A FAFSA on file
- Demonstrated financial need
How to apply: Submit a two-minute video about the values that guide your community impact and future goals.
Deadline: January 16, 2026
Award: $25,000
Who it’s for: Incoming HBCU freshmen majoring in STEM or supply-chain-related fields
This scholarship supports students entering an HBCU who are interested in STEM or supply-chain pathways.
You’ll need:
- A minimum 3.0 GPA
- Graduation from high school in spring 2026
- Plans to attend an HBCU full-time
- Demonstrated financial need
Deadline: February 17, 2026
Award: To be announced
Who it’s for: HBCU students with a tennis background or sports management focus
If tennis has been part of your life — whether competitively or recreationally — or you’re studying sports management, this scholarship could be a great fit.
You’ll need:
- Full-time enrollment at a four-year HBCU
- A minimum 3.0 GPA
- Experience playing tennis at any level or a sports management major
Deadline: February 16, 2026
Award: $2,500
Who it’s for: High school seniors committed to attending an HBCU
This scholarship is ideal if you’re HBCU-bound and already active in your school or community.
You’ll need:
- A minimum 3.0 GPA
- Proof of acceptance to an HBCU
- A letter of recommendation
- A 500-word essay about your decision to attend an HBCU
Deadline: May 1, 2026
Award: $5,000
Who it’s for: High-achieving HBCU undergraduates majoring in STEM
If you’re deep in your STEM era and maintaining a strong GPA, this award recognizes both academic excellence and leadership.
You’ll need:
- Full-time enrollment at an HBCU
- A minimum 3.5 GPA
- A faculty recommendation and essay
Deadline: April 1, 2026
Award: $3,000
Who it’s for: First-gen HBCU students
This award supports students navigating college without a family blueprint and highlights resilience, leadership, and community involvement.
You’ll need:
- Full-time enrollment at an HBCU
- A minimum 3.0 GPA
- A 500-word personal essay
Deadline: February 1, 2026
Award: $4,500
Who it’s for: HBCU students interested in AI, machine learning, or data science
If you’re into coding, data, or building something smarter than your group chat, this scholarship supports students applying AI to real-world impact.
You’ll need:
- A minimum 3.2 GPA
- Enrollment in a related STEM field
- A 500-word essay (portfolio links optional)
Deadline: April 15, 2026
Applying for scholarships can feel overwhelming, but starting early makes a real difference. Save the ones that apply to you, set deadline reminders, and give yourself credit for even taking the first step.
Award: Covers tuition and fees for junior and senior year.
Who it’s for: California community college students transferring to an HBCU to study communications or related fields
If you’re a California community college student planning to transfer to an HBCU and major in something communications-adjacent — think journalism, mass communications, English, or similar fields — this scholarship is one to seriously consider. It’s designed to support students making the jump from community college to a four-year HBCU while pursuing careers in storytelling, media, or communications.
You’ll need:
- Current enrollment at a California Community College
- Acceptance to a partner HBCU
- A declared major in a communications-related discipline
How to apply: Submit an application with transcripts, your HBCU acceptance letter, essays, and any additional required materials through the scholarship portal or email.
Deadline: Typically March 31, 2026