Thurgood Marshall Scholarship 2026 

With tuition costs rising, finding the right financial aid is crucial for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

If you are looking for the “Thurgood Marshall Scholarship,” you are likely referring to the opportunities offered by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). 

This organization is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community.

What is the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship?

It is important to clarify that there isn’t just one “Thurgood Marshall Scholarship.” 

Instead, TMCF manages a scholarship portal that connects students with dozens of different scholarships funded by corporate partners like McDonald’s, CoBank, Molson Coors, and more.

These scholarships are designed for students attending TMCF member-schools, which include 57 publicly supported HBCUs, PBIs (Predominantly Black Institutions), and HBCCs (Historically Black Community Colleges).

Note: Do not confuse this with the “Marshall Scholarship,” which funds American students studying in the United Kingdom. TMCF scholarships are for study within the United States.

2026 Application Timeline

Missing a deadline is the most common reason students miss out on funding. The TMCF scholarship cycle for the 2026-2027 academic year generally opens in the fall of 2025 and closes in early 2026.

Here are the critical dates you must mark on your calendar:

Milestone	Date	Notes
Applications Open	September 15, 2025	The TMCF portal opens for general applications.
Early Deadline	January 16, 2026	Deadline for specific scholarships like CoBank and Molson Coors.
Standard Deadline	April 24, 2026	Deadline for major awards like the McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Scholarship.
Review Period	May – July 2026	Committees review applications and video essays.
Notifications	12 Weeks Post-Close	Successful applicants are notified via email approx. 12 weeks after the portal closes.

Note: Deadlines are firm (Eastern Standard Time). TMCF does not accept late submissions.

General TMCF Eligibility Requirements (2026)

For the standard scholarships found in the TMCF portal (such as the McDonald’s or Enterprise Access awards), eligibility criteria are slightly different from Stamps.

To qualify for most 2026-2027 TMCF scholarships, you typically must:

• Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
• Enrollment: Be enrolled full-time as an undergraduate (freshman through senior) at a TMCF member school for the 2026-2027 academic year.
• GPA: Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (some awards accept 2.7).
• FAFSA: Have a current FAFSA on file with your university to demonstrate financial need.
• Character: Demonstrate leadership abilities and community involvement.

How to Apply via the TMCF Portal

If you are targeting the general Thurgood Marshall scholarships (not Stamps), follow these steps to ensure your application is valid.

Create a Profile

Visit the TMCF Scholarship Portal (scholarships.tmcf.org) after September 15, 2025.

Complete the General App

Fill out your student profile. The system will use this data to “match” you with scholarships you are eligible for.

Submit Video Essays

Many TMCF scholarships (like CoBank) require a two-minute video answering a prompt about your values and community impact.

Tip: Record in a quiet, well-lit room. Wear professional or school-branded attire.

Upload Documents

Have your transcript and financial aid summary ready. Ensure they are in PDF format.

Submit Before Deadline

Do not wait until 11:50 PM EST on the due date. Technical glitches can happen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship renewable?

Most TMCF scholarships are one-time, non-renewable awards for the specific academic year (e.g., 2026-2027). 

What happens if I miss the deadline?

There are no exceptions. If you miss the January or April deadlines for the 2026 cycle, you will have to wait for the next academic year.