I just wanted to share the HBCU Institutional Scholarships information and links that my family collected over the course of my kids’ admissions cycles for students (or their parents) to hunt for merit based scholarships. Some of the info listed may be hard to find as some schools have not shared this info online (but we have received going through scholarship processes at some of the schools). If you have other HBCU institutional scholarships to add to the list, please feel free to do so, and good luck hunting.
Howard University:
Karsh STEM Scholars: (Competitive Scholarship with Selection Weekend and Interview for Finalists)
The Karsh STEM Scholars Program is Howard University’s premier scholarship program for high-achieving students of science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines, offering full scholarships for undergraduate studies and support for successful matriculation through graduate and professional studies. The Karsh STEM Scholars Program is committed to increasing the number of underrepresented minorities who earn a Ph.D., or combined M.D.-Ph.D. in STEM-related disciplines. Students must apply this program in addition to applying to Howard University.
Howard University Freshman Scholarships (HUFS)- Available to incoming freshman. The HUFS award criteria for incoming freshman may change every year. No internal application needed. Eligibility for merit-based awards is determined based on students’ SAT/ACT score/high school GPA that are entered into our system by the Office of Admissions. Eligibility for need-based awards is determined based on students’ Expected Family Contribution (EFC). FAFSA is required for domestic students. ISFAA is required for international students.
• HU Presidential Scholarship
• HU Achievers Scholarship
• HU Founders Scholarship
• HU Capstone Scholarship
• HU Leadership Scholarship
• HU Opportunity Grant
• HU Access Grant
https://www2.howard.edu/student-financial-services/scholarships-and-grants
Morehouse College:
Dr. Micheal L. Lomax Student Success Scholarship Program:
Funded by the generous gift from Patty Quillin and Reed Hastings, after all federal, state and other external scholarship are applied, the scholarship will cover the remaining cost of attendance for worthy scholars, beginning with the freshman class entering the fall of 2020. Cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation, and may include other personal costs.
The scholarship program is highly competitive; and each year, Morehouse College will select 20 new freshman students that display both the exceptional academic prowess and significant financial need as outlined in the program description.
At a minimum, applicants must be a graduating high school senior with:
• A cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent);
• An ACT score of 28 or greater or SAT score of 1300 or greater;
• Pell-eligibility;
• U.S. citizen, national, or permanent residency;
• Plan to enroll full-time at Morehouse College and;
• Demonstrated financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and confirmed by the College’s Office of Financial Aid
To apply, applicants must:
• Be accepted as an incoming student to Morehouse College;
• Submit a personal statement of consideration;
• Provide a total of two (2) letters of recommendation from:
o High School Teachers/Counselors
o Employers
o Mentors
Renewable Morehouse Academic Scholarships: Morehouse College will follow up with potential scholarship recipients after considering the most competitive accepted students. Accepted Freshmen must earn a 2.75 GPA, upperclassmen must earn a 3.0 GPA at the end of each academic year and students must complete the Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the college’s priority deadline.
Spelman College:
Spelman Scholarships
The Office of Admissions awards a limited number of merit-based scholarships to new incoming first-year students. Recipients are selected from a competitive pool of students based on the academic profile and details she submitted in her application. The committee considers those who demonstrate strong academic performance and engagement in high school. This determination is based on the grade point average, standardized test scores, community service and leadership. To be considered, admitted students must have a minimum 1330 SAT or 31 ACT and 3.8 GPA (weighted).
Please note, Spelman College has suspended the standardized testing requirement for students applying for the class of 2025. Therefore, all students with a minimum weighted GPA of a 3.8 or higher will be considered for merit scholarships with or without test scores.
Students who have been awarded a scholarship are notified at the time of admission. The details of the scholarship are included in the admitted student packet. Spelman does not require a separate application process for merit-based scholarship consideration nor do students have to request to be considered. The Bonner Scholarship is a need-based scholarship and will require a separate application for consideration. Admitted students who meet the minimum requirements will automatically be reviewed.
The Office of Admissions will consider new first-time applicants for the following scholarships:
Dovey Johnson Roundtree Scholarship, C’38
The Dovey Johnson Roundtree Scholarship covers full tuition, fees and on-campus room and board for four years.
Presidential Scholarship
The Presidential Scholarship covers full tuition, fees and on-campus room and board for four years.
Dewitt Dean’s Scholarship
The Dean’s Scholarship covers full tuition only for four years.
Academic Scholarship
The Academic Scholarship covers half tuition.
Student of Distinction (SOD)
The SOD covers partial tuition and varies between $5,000 - $10,000 per year for four years.
Bonner Scholarship
The Bonner Scholarship is a need-based scholarship and is awarded to students who have been admitted to Spelman College, and have displayed academic achievement and good citizenship in their community.
Flanigan Scholarship
The Flanigan Scholarship is a four-year scholarship for Georgia residents with preference given to graduates of Atlanta Public Schools. The number of awards vary per year and will be awarded based on financial need.
Jonathan Smith Scholarship
The Jonathan Smith Scholarship is a four- year scholarship for residents outside the state of Georgia. The number of awards vary per year and will be awarded based on financial need.
Tuskegee University:
Academic Scholarships/Grants for Incoming Freshmen 2020-2021
SCHOLARSHIP NAME GPA (UW) SAT Total Score ACT Composite
Distinguished Presidential 3.7 1300-1420+ 28-32+
Full tuition, room/board, fees, and $800 books. 3.25 GPA/30 Credit hours needed yearly.
University Merit 3.5 1200-1290 25-27
Full tuition + $800 books 3.0 GPA/30 Credit hours needed yearly to keep scholarship.
University Achievement 3.3 1100-1190 22-24
$10,000 3.0 GPA/30 Credit hours needed yearly to keep scholarship.
Alabama Incentive Grant 2.8 1030-1090 20-21
$5,000 + housing 3.0 GPA/30 Credit hours needed yearly to keep scholarship.
Tuskegee University Grant 3.1 1030-1090 20-21
$8,000 3.0 GPA/30 Credit hours needed yearly to keep scholarship.
https://www.tuskegee.edu/programs-courses/scholarships/freshman-scholarships
Dillard University:
University Scholarship – Full Tuition, Room and Board
• Requirements: 3.8 GPA unweighted on a 4.0 scale with a 27 ACT composite or 1220 SAT combined score.
• Renewal Criteria: Recipient must maintain a cumulative 3.5 GPA and have earned a minimum of 24 credit hours at the end of each academic year.
Presidential Scholarship – Full Tuition
• Requirements: 3.6 GPA unweighted on a 4.0 scale with a 25 ACT composite or a 1200 SAT combined score.
• Renewal Criteria: Recipient must maintain a cumulative 3.2 GPA and have earned a minimum of 24 credit hours at the end of each academic year.
Dean’s Scholarship - $10,000.00
• Requirements: 3.0 GPA with a 21 ACT composite score or a 1060 SAT combined score.
• Renewal Criteria: Recipient must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA and have earned a minimum of 24 credit hours at the end of each academic year.
Merit Scholarship - $8,000
• Requirements: 2.8 GPA with a 19 ACT composite score or a 990 SAT combined score.
• Renewal Criteria: Recipient must maintain a cumulative 2.75 GPA and have earned a minimum of 24 credit hours at the end of each academic year.
DU Grant I - $6,000
• Requirements: 2.5 GPA with an 18 ACT composite score or a 960 SAT combined score.
• Renewal Criteria: Recipient must maintain a cumulative 2.75 GPA and have earned a minimum of 24 credit hours at the end of each academic year.
https://www.dillard.edu/financialaid/institutional-scholarships.php
North Carolina Argicultural and Technical State University (NCAT)
Cheatham-White Scholars: (Competitive Scholarship with Selection Weekend and Interview for Finalists)
Each recipient will be awarded a fully-funded four-year scholarship that covers the costs of all of the following: tuition, student fees, housing, meals, textbooks, a laptop computer, supplies, travel and personal expenses. Each scholarship also provides four summers of fully funded enrichment and networking opportunities that may include international travel and study. It is truly a complete award, meant to recognize academic achievement and potential at the highest levels
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
To be eligible for selection as a Cheatham-White Scholar, an applicant must satisfy all of the following criteria:
• Apply for admissions as a first year freshman for the fall semester in pursuit of a baccalaureate program at North Carolina A&T.
• Be a United States citizen or permanent resident.
• Be on course to graduate from high school in the spring semester prior to college admission.
• Minimum 4.0 or higher weighted cumulative GPA.
• Minimum scholastic test score of 1280 SAT or 28 ACT (test optional for Fall 2021 applicants).
• Show exceptional qualities of character and leadership.
• Be significantly involved in extracurricular activities.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to service.
Candidates for Cheatham-White Scholarships shall be selected on the basis of merit, with all of the above criteria taken into account. Financial need shall not be a consideration.
Expectation of Recipients
Scholarships will be renewable contingent upon the following:
• Maintaining a 3.5 cumulative GPA annually.
• Enrolling full time each semester and earning a minimum 30 credit hours each academic year.
• Maintaining membership and active participation in the University Honors Program.
Dowdy Scholars Program: (Competitive Scholarship with Selection Weekend and Interview for Finalists)
The program provides a four (4)-year renewable scholarship that includes tuition, related fees, and room and board to incoming freshmen who plan to enroll in the upcoming Fall semester.
To be considered, applicants must meet all the following criteria:
• Minimum 3.75 cumulative GPA (weighted)
• Minimum scholastic score 1270 SAT or 27 ACT (test optional for Fall 2021 applicants)
• Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Submit application for admissions to North Carolina A&T State University
• Must show exceptional characteristics of leadership and service
February One Scholars: (Competitive Scholarship with Selection Weekend and Interview for Finalists)
This program will award 15 full scholarships each year to incoming first-year students starting this fall. The first scholarships will be given to students in three A&T colleges — Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Education; and Health and Human Sciences. (Each college can award five scholarships.) These scholarships cover tuition, fees, room and board, and they’re good for four years if students keeps up their grades. February One scholars also will take part in A&T’s honors program.
To be considered, students must have a minimum weighted high school GPA of 3.75, minimum scores of 1,270 on the SAT or 27 on the ACT (but note that test scores are optional this year at A&T and other UNC System schools because of the pandemic), and a demonstrated record of leadership and service.
Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA)
• Board of Trustees Scholarship - The Board of Trustees Scholarship satisfies tuition, fees, and room & board costs for students who are awarded.
• Presidential Scholarship - The Presidential Scholarship satisfies tuition and fees for students who are awarded.
• Saint Katharine Drexel Scholarship - The St. Katharine Drexel Scholarship satisfies tuition and fees for students who attend a Catholic high school within the United States and are the Valedictorian or Salutatorian of their high school graduating class.
• Norman C. Francis Scholarship - The Norman C. Francis Scholarship satisfies tuition and fees for students who attend a public high school within Orleans or Jefferson Parishes and are the Valedictorian or Salutatorian of their high school graduating class.
• Xavier University Academic Scholarships - Xavier University Academic Scholarships are partial, merit-based scholarships awarded to students based on information submitted with the application for admission.
NASA Minority Institutional Research Opportunity (MIRO) SHELiB Center Research Program (Chemistry Majors)
Morgan State University:
Honors Scholarships
Morgan State University offers a limited number of full scholarships to new incoming freshmen students. Students may be awarded up to the full amount of tuition, fees, room and board. To qualify for scholarship review students must first be admitted to the University. For best consideration please submit your completed application for admission by November 15th. A completed application includes your application, official high school transcript, official test score(s), essay, and counselor recommendation. Academic eligibility for full scholarship consideration requires:
In State: Out of State:
GPA: 3.3 GPA: 3.4
SAT 1270 or ACT 26 SAT 1310 or ACT 28
Please note that meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee a scholarship award. Additionally, all students must complete the FAFSA to be considered for scholarships. Morgan State University also offers other forms of merit and need based aid. Please visit the Office of Financial Aid to learn more about these opportunities.
https://www.morgan.edu/honors_college/honors_scholarships/honors_college_scholarships.html
Hampton University:
HAMPTON UNIVERSITY is pleased to recognize outstanding academic achievement by offering merit based scholarships to first-time freshmen. The selection process is extremely competitive and students who submit a completed admission application packets by the Early Action deadline (November 1) are automatically considered for merit awards. (A separate scholarship application form is NOT required for consideration of an award.) To be considered for a merit based scholarship, students must have a minimum 3.30 (unweighted) cumulative grade point average. A minimum 1030 SAT (EBR & M), or an ACT Composite score of 20 is also required. Students who apply using the Test Optional Policy are NOT eligible for merit based scholarships. Official scholarship offers are communicated to the recipient via written correspondence only, and are mailed separately from the offer of admission. Scholarship offer letters are typically mailed in late December.
All scholarship awards are called Merit Scholarships and range from $5,000 -$25,000 per academic year. These generous award amounts are designed to provide many awards to a vast number of our students, as opposed to awarding a few large amounts to a smaller population. Hence, the University no longer has scholarships that are named Trustee, Presidential, Legacy, etc. The deciding factor in the award amount is based largely on the standardized test score, as this puts all applicants on a level playing field. Students may submit test scores for scholarship consideration throughout the academic year. Offers will be made as long as funds are available. Merit based scholarships awarded to entering freshmen are renewable for three consecutive years beyond the first year, provided the student attains a cumulative 3.30 grade point average by the end of the spring semester each academic year.
http://admissions.hamptonu.edu/page/Scholarship-Information
Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College:
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU):
http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?Scholarships&ProspectiveScholarsDeadlines
Tennessee State University (TSU):
Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical University (PVAM):
Texas Southern University (TSU):
First Time Freshmen (Deadline: February 1)
First Time Freshmen Scholarships
Scholarship GPA SAT ACT Maximum Award Amount
Regents 3.75 - 4.0 1370 and up 30 - 36 $14,000
Presidents 3.5 - 3.74 1240 - 1369 26 - 29 $10,000
Genesis I 3.0 - 3.49 1050 - 1239 19 - 25 $7,000
Genesis II 2.50 - 2.99 900 - 1049 17 - 18 $4,000
*Awards granted based on GPA or test scores.
http://www.tsu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/university-scholarships/index.html
Alabama State University:
Presidential Academic, Academic Excellence, and Academic Incentive
These scholarships are awarded to academically qualified students based on information provided in the admission application process, without regard to financial need unless otherwise stated in criteria.
Academic scholarships have the following provisions and requirements:
• Academic scholarships are renewable annually up to a maximum of eight (8) semesters.
• Awardees must remain enrolled full-time (enrolled in a minimum of twelve (12) hours per semester).
• Awardees must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or above.
• Awardees’ progress will be reviewed annually at the end of the spring semester to determine continued eligibility.
• Academic Scholarship awards are not final until the student has fulfilled all requirements for acceptance, including an acceptance letter signed by the University administrator and the student is on file.
PRESIDENTIAL ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP
The Presidential Scholarship pays full tuition, books, required fees, and on-campus room and board for a maximum of eight (8) semesters for freshmen and a maximum of six (6) semesters for college transfer students.
Freshmen:
• High school applicants must have a grade point average of 3.76 or above on a 4.0 scale in academic subjects and an ACT score of 26 or above (comparable SAT score of 1240 (EBR/W and Math).
College Transfer Students:
• College Transfer applicants must have a grade point average of 3.76 or above on a 4.0 scale after completing at least 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) of credit.
• Applicants must transfer from an accredited college.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP
The Academic Scholarship pays full tuition, required fees, and books for a maximum of eight (8) semesters for freshmen and a maximum of six (6) semesters for college transfer students.
Freshmen:
• High school applicants must have a minimum grade point average within the range of 3.51 – 3.75 on a 4.0 scale in academic subjects and an ACT score of 22 or above (comparable SAT score of 1160 (EBR/W and Math).
College Transfer Students:
• College transfer applicants must have a grade point average of 3.51 – 3.75 on a 4.0 scale after completing 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) of credit.
• Applicants must transfer from an accredited college.
ACADEMIC INCENTIVE SCHOLARSHIP
The Incentive Scholarship pays full tuition and a $500 book award for a maximum of eight (8) semesters for freshmen and a maximum of six (6) semesters for college transfer students.
Freshmen:
High school applicants must have a minimum academic grade point average within the range of 3.0 – 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in academic subjects and an ACT score of 20 (comparable SAT score of 1020 (EBR/W and Math).
College Transfer Students:
College transfer applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 – 3.25 on a 4.0 scale after completing 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) of credit.
Applicants must transfer from an accredited college.
BLACK AND GOLD SCHOLARSHIP
The Black and Gold Scholarship pays towards tuition, required fees, and/or on-campus room and board as follows:
The Black and Gold Scholarship pays $4,000 a year for a maximum of eight (8) semesters for freshmen and a maximum of six (6) semesters for college transfer students.
Freshmen:
High school applicants must have a minimum academic grade point average within the range of 2.75 or above on a 4.0 scale in academic subjects and an ACT score of 18 (comparable SAT score of 940 SAT (EBR/W and Math).
College Transfer Students:
College transfer applicants must have a grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale after completing 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) of credit.
Applicants must transfer from an accredited college.
To Maintain Academic Scholarship Awards
Awardees must remain enrolled full-time (in a minimum of twelve 12 hours per semester.) Awardees must also complete at least 24 semester hours by the end of the spring term.
Awardees must have a minimum academic grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale to retain the academic scholarship awards the following academic year (Presidential, Excellence, and Incentive) and 2.5 for the Black and Gold Scholarship. Students who are awarded academic scholarships must stay in compliance with the academic scholarship requirements. Those students who do not meet the specified qualifications will not retain a scholarship.
https://www.alasu.edu/admissions/undergrad-admissions/asu-academic-scholarships
Alabama University and Agricultural & Mechanical College: (AAMU)
The AAMU Presidential Scholarship
Renewable for up to 8 semesters. Covers the cost of tuition, room, board and fees. Also includes a $1,000 book allowance per semester.
CRITERIA
• Applicant must have a High School GPA of 3.75 or above.
• Applicant must have an ACT Score of 28 or above/SAT score of 1310 or above.
RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
• Student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50.
• Student must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours per academic year. Note that the academic year consist of the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
The AAMU Merit Scholarship
Covers the cost of tuition. Renewable for up to 8 semesters.
CRITERIA
• Applicant must have a High School GPA of 3.25 or above.
• Applicant must have an ACT Score of 23 or above/SAT score of 1130 or above.
RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
• Student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.10.
• Student must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours per academic year. Note that the academic year consist of the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
Normalite Opportunity Scholarship
Total annual value of $8,610.
CRITERIA
• Must reside outside of the state of Alabama.
• Must be fully and unconditionally admitted as a full-time/first time freshman for the Fall 2019 semester.
• Must have a Composite Predictive Index, (CPI) Score of 20 or higher upon acceptance. The Composite Index Score is calculated during the admissions process. (Cumulative High School GPA + *Composite ACT Score = CPI)
• Must have paid all required 2019 Fall semester enrollment and orientation fees required of entering freshmen.
• Must have successfully completed the FAFSA, if applicable.
• If selected for verification during the FAFSA process, must have satisfied all verification requirements before receiving this award.
• The recipient of this award in combination with other institutional or federal aid (excluding student or parent loans) cannot result in a cash refund being awarded.
• Recipients of this award will see this award on their account AFTER the enrollment fee is paid.
• To maintain this award, recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 and must complete a minimum of 30 hours per academic year.
*Composite ACT or equivalent SAT Composite score.
RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
• Student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.80.
• Student must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours per academic year. Note that the academic year consist of the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
AAMU Heritage Gold
Total annual value of $5,000 which includes a $250 book voucher per semester.
CRITERIA
• Applicant must have minimum high school GPA of 3.25 or above and ACT score of 17.
RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
• Student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75.
• Student must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours per academic year. Note that the academic year consist of the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
AAMU Heritage Silver
Total annual value of $3,500 which includes a $250 book voucher per semester.
CRITERIA
• Applicant must have minimum high school GPA of 3.0-3.24 and ACT score of 17.
RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
• Student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75.
• Student must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours per academic year. Note that the academic year consist of the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
AAMU Heritage Bronze
Total annual value of $1,500 which includes a $250 book voucher per semester.
CRITERIA
• Applicant must have minimum high school GPA of 2.50 and ACT score of 17.
• Applicant must be a resident of the State of Alabama.
RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
• Student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75.
• Student must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours per academic year. Note that the academic year consist of the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
https://www.aamu.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid/scholarships/index.html