When it comes to college, the money matters.
We break down scholarships, financial aid, and early college credits so families can decide with the cost in mind.
What people are saying...
Where The Money Decisions Happen
These areas have the biggest impact on what families actually pay
and where smart planning decisions turn into lower costs.
How Scholarships Really Work
How scholarships can reduce costs, fill gaps, replace loans, and in some cases generate refunds
Earn College Credits Early
How AP, dual enrollment, CLEP, and other early credits can shorten time to graduation and lower overall cost
Explore HBCUs by State
Learn what makes HBCUs different, how affordability works across states, and what families should know beyond rankings.
HOW IT WORKS
How Families Put This Information to Work
Most families start here when they realize college costs aren’t as straightforward as they expected and want to understand how to lower costs before making a decision.
Instead of comparing schools on name alone, families use HBCU resources and articles to see how affordability, policies, and opportunities differ from college to college.
Because plans shift and deadlines move, many families use the College Dollars & Sense newsletter to keep track of scholarship deadlines and college cost updates.
When the Plan Is Clear, the Outcomes Follow
These outcomes reflect what happens when families understand the money before students commit.
Naysa R.
University: Bethune-Cookman University
Major: Psychology
Award: Merit scholarship
Awards: $100,760
Mario D.
University: Alabama A&M University
Major: Urban Planning
Award: Transfer scholarship
Awards: $27,951
Dashay R.
University: Coppin State University
Major: Criminal Justice
Award: Merit scholarship
Awards: $56,092Â
Who We Are
HBCU Money Guide exists to help families understand the money side of college planning, how scholarships, financial aid, and early college credits actually affect what students pay.
College funding information isn’t always clear. Families are often asked to make big decisions with incomplete information. Details can vary by state, institution, and program, and families can be left piecing things together on their own. This site brings that information into one place and explains it in plain language.
While HBCU-specific insights are a core strength, the information shared is also useful for any family navigating college costs. Our goal isn’t to push a particular path or school. It’s to help families see the money clearly so they can make choices that make sense for them.
The information here is shaped by years of working with students and parents, reviewing real financial aid offers, and seeing what happens when planning starts early and when it doesn’t.
The goal is simple: help families understand the numbers and opportunities before decisions are made.
The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Families should consult appropriate professionals when making individual financial decisions.
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