Hi all! Recently I’ve been looking into schools with full ride and full tuition scholarships, as I am trying to avoid student loans as much as possible. I come from a single-parent household with an annual income around $70k/year (though it has been $60k and lower for most of my life) and have one sibling already in college, and my family has already told me that I will be completely on my own in terms of college costs. After seeing it on a list of schools with considerable financial aid/scholarships, Howard University is definitely on my radar now. Below I am going to outline my academic and extra-curricular background, and after that my main concerns/questions will be written.
High School Academic Background
GPA : 4.0 UW
ACT : 32
Class Rigor : I was on an accelerated track which started in middle school, so by the time I finished sophomore year I only need a year’s worth of credits to graduate. Up until that point, I took honors courses (called “gifted” in my home state of Georgia) and one AP course which I did not take the exam for. In my junior year, I dual-enrolled full-time (beginning with two courses over the summer) at the local research university, ranked #4 in my state, and I graduated in May, a year ahead of my designated class. I made the Dean’s list for the university, graduated with high honors from my high school, and gained ~35 college credit hours.
Extra-curricular/Non-School Background
High School Clubs : French Club (3 years), French Honor Society (2 years), Interact/High School Rotary (1 year), and Advanced Choir (1 year)
College Clubs : French Club (1 year)
Volunteering : 30 French Honor Society service hours (tutoring, club participation, etc.) and a couple of events with the Rotary Club
Work Experience : 1.5 years of employment as a server and manager in a local restaurant, and I’m about to complete a nine-month employment contract in Germany as an au-pair/nanny for a family so I can learn the language/culture
Alright, so here are my questions.
First, I know that white students are accepted, but what are my chances? I am aware that I do not have a strong service background, but I have always had very strong academics. Would HU be willing to look over my lack of service hours and focus mainly on my grades? I’ve grown up in a primarily black city, and I have no racial hang-ups whatsoever, but I’m concerned my race won’t work very much in my favor. I would have done more volunteering hours had I had the time, but most of my time was spent working so I could contribute to my household. 
Second, HU has a Founder’s Scholarship that they give to academically strong students. My ACT scores and GPA place me right in the range, but are those scholarships mainly given to black students only? I plan on applying by the early decision deadline, and this scholarship is one of the main deciding factors for me, as I have significant financial need.
Third, given I am both accepted and am awarded a reasonable financial aid/scholarship package, how is the business school? I would love to study International Business or at least minor in it, as I have a passion for foreign languages and cultures. That’s another reason why I am really interested in Howard, as it would give me the opportunity to learn about a different culture within my own country. Plus it’s in the DC area, so that’s awesome for internships and whatnot. Do you know the requirements to get into the Business Honors program?
Thank you so much, and I hope you can help me out. 