For many African American students and their families, the rising cost of college can make earning a degree feel financially out of reach. For students attending a public four-year college in their home state, the average annual cost was $27,146 during the 2022–23 academic year, with tuition alone averaging $9,750. Students who attend public colleges outside their home state face a much steeper bill, paying an average of $28,386 in tuition alone. Scholarship provides financial assistance to first-year college students attending UNCF member institutions or other accredited four-year colleges and universities. Students who demonstrate academic promise and financial need are encouraged to apply, making this an excellent opportunity for incoming freshmen looking to reduce first-year expenses.