Updated
National pathway · Grants & scholarships

Ron Brown Signature Scholarship

Competitive undergraduate scholarship for eligible Black/African American high-school seniors; the 2027 competition is open.

Free if eligibleSources checked Oct 16, 2026View sources ↓Compare related routes ↓
Students & families · General optionBlack students & HBCU communities · Explicitly servedHigh-school students & recent graduates · Explicitly servedLow-income learners · Explicitly served

At a glance

Free if eligible
What it covers
$40,000 over four years, normally $10,000 annually, at an accredited U.S. four-year college. Any academic major can qualify; selection is competitive.
As of Oct 16, 2026 · Ron Brown Scholar Program ↗
Income / financial rules
Financial need matters; no fixed income ceiling is published here.
As of Oct 16, 2026 · Ron Brown Scholar Program ↗
Who to check first
Be a Black/African American current high-school senior and U.S. citizen/permanent resident. Current college students are excluded.
As of Oct 16, 2026 · Ron Brown Scholar Program ↗
Application timing
The open 2027 competition lists December 1 applications and December 15 supporting documents; these month/day statements have no explicit calendar year, so confirm portal timing.
As of Oct 16, 2026 · Ron Brown Scholar Program ↗
Read official guidanceYou’ll leave FreeCheapEdu. The program makes the eligibility decision.

Check your eligibility

Some items describe alternative routes rather than requirements for everyone. Use the route that applies to you as a preparation checklist; the program makes the eligibility decision.

As of Oct 16, 2026 · Ron Brown Scholar Program ↗

How to apply

  1. 1
    Submit the online application for the open 2027 competition; prepare three essays and request two recommendations, including one school counselor/teacher/principal.
    As of Oct 16, 2026 · Ron Brown Scholar Program ↗
  2. 2
    Submit the application by December 1 and supporting transcripts/recommendations by December 15. Recommenders are contacted only after submission.
    As of Oct 16, 2026 · Ron Brown Scholar Program ↗

What to watch for

Late/incomplete applications cannot be considered. This funds undergraduate college, not vocational training.
As of Oct 16, 2026 · Ron Brown Scholar Program ↗

Common questions

What is the main benefit?

$40,000 over four years, normally $10,000 annually, at an accredited U.S. four-year college. Any academic major can qualify; selection is competitive.

As of Oct 16, 2026 · Ron Brown Scholar Program ↗
Is there an income limit?

Financial need matters; no fixed income ceiling is published here.

As of Oct 16, 2026 · Ron Brown Scholar Program ↗
When should I apply?

The open 2027 competition lists December 1 applications and December 15 supporting documents; these month/day statements have no explicit calendar year, so confirm portal timing.

As of Oct 16, 2026 · Ron Brown Scholar Program ↗

Sources & verification

Source summaries checked by automated research on the dates below. No human professional review is claimed.

Ron Brown Signature Scholarship
Ron Brown Scholar Program
Checked Oct 16, 2026
Read official guidance