Grants for Black Women Going Back to School in 2026

If you are a Black woman thinking about going back to school, there are grants and scholarships specifically designed for you. These exist on top of federal aid and state grants. Stacking them is how you minimize debt and maximize what you keep.

Here is a clear breakdown of what is available in 2026.

UNCF Scholarships

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is the largest source of private scholarship money for Black students in the United States. UNCF manages over 400 scholarship programs, including field-specific awards in healthcare, STEM, business, education, and the arts.

Many UNCF scholarships are open to students at any accredited institution, not just HBCUs. Some are specifically for HBCU students. Awards range from $2,500 to $10,000 per year, with some going higher for specific programs.

Apply at uncf.org/scholarships. You create one profile and are matched to scholarships you qualify for. Deadlines vary by scholarship. Check the site regularly because new awards open throughout the year.

HBCU-Specific Opportunities

If you are attending or considering an HBCU, your school likely has institutional grants and scholarships beyond what federal aid covers. HBCUs also receive federal Title III funding that supports student services and financial aid programs not available at other schools.

Contact the financial aid office at any HBCU you are considering and ask specifically about institutional grants for adult returning students. Many HBCUs also have emergency funds and needs-based institutional aid that is not widely advertised.

National Black MBA Association

The National Black MBA Association offers scholarships for Black students pursuing graduate and undergraduate business degrees. Awards range from $2,500 to $10,000. You apply at nbmbaa.org. The application opens in the spring.

The Links Incorporated

The Links Incorporated is a national organization of Black professional women that funds scholarships for Black students through its local chapters. Award amounts vary by chapter. Find your local chapter at linksinc.org to ask about scholarships they sponsor.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation offers scholarships for Black women at the undergraduate and graduate level. Awards include merit-based and need-based options. Apply at akaeaf.org. Deadlines are typically in the spring.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

Delta Sigma Theta chapters sponsor scholarships and grants for Black women in their local communities. Awards and availability vary by chapter. Contact your nearest chapter through deltasigmatheta.org to ask about educational assistance programs they offer.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority's National Educational Foundation offers scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. Awards start at $500 and go higher for certain programs. Apply at zpbnef.org.

Gates Scholarship

The Gates Scholarship is one of the most generous scholarships for high-achieving, Pell-eligible students from underrepresented backgrounds. It is open to Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian Pacific Islander students in their senior year of high school, so it is for women who are just now enrolling, not returning adults. I mention it because if you have a daughter or young woman in your life who is about to start college, this is worth knowing about.

Federal and State Grants Still Apply

These specific scholarships are in addition to, not instead of, federal and state grants. You should file your FAFSA every year to access the Pell Grant, SEOG, and your state's grants alongside these private sources.

For the full picture on federal and state options, read my complete guide to education grants for women.

Field-Specific Programs to Know

Healthcare: The National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program pays for nursing and health professional school in exchange for service at underserved facilities. The NURSE Corps Scholarship is a similar program. Both prioritize candidates from underrepresented groups.

STEM: The National GEM Consortium offers fellowships for underrepresented students in STEM graduate programs, including full tuition plus a stipend.

Law: The Earl Warren Scholarship, managed by NAACP Legal Defense Fund, supports Black students pursuing law degrees.

Last reviewed: July 2026. Scholarship amounts and deadlines change annually. Verify current details at each organization's website before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a full-time student to qualify for these scholarships?

Requirements vary by scholarship. Some require full-time enrollment. Others, including some UNCF awards, are open to part-time students. Check the specific requirements for each scholarship you apply to.

Can I apply to multiple scholarships at once?

Yes. You should. There is no rule against receiving multiple scholarships simultaneously. Apply to every scholarship you qualify for. Many women stack five or more smaller awards to cover significant portions of their costs.

Are these scholarships only for HBCU students?

Most are not. UNCF, the sorority scholarships, and most of the private foundation grants are open to Black students at any accredited institution. Some UNCF scholarships are restricted to HBCU students, but many are not.

What if I already have a bachelor's degree?

Some scholarships are for undergraduate students only. Others support graduate and professional programs. NCNW, NBMBAA, and some AKA scholarships support graduate-level study. Filter your UNCF search by degree level to find options that match where you are.