Howard University Scholarship: 6 Funding Options for Part-Time and Online Students

Introduction

Howard University’s scholarship programs give driven students a great chance to get an MBA without having to pay a lot of money.For many professionals, the idea of advancing their careers through graduate study comes with a serious financial dilemma: how to balance the rising cost of tuition with everyday living expenses. Part-time, online MBA programs are an excellent way to earn a master’s degree in business while defraying costs compared to enrolling in a full-time graduate program, and this affordability becomes even more achievable when paired with scholarship funding. While part-time MBA programs and online MBA programs seldom cost less in tuition than traditional Master of Business Administration programs, they confer several unique financial advantages. When students also receive a Howard University scholarship, the overall return on investment is even stronger, allowing them to focus on learning rather than worrying about debt.

Working While Studying

For instance, students in part-time, online MBA programs can keep working full-time and not have to give up income or chances to go up in their careers to get a graduate degree. This dual-track system lets professionals keep moving up in their careers, get promotions, and earn significant job experience while they are still in school. Some students who are working while getting their MBAs pay for part of their degrees out of their own pockets. This can make it far less necessary to take out a lot of loans. Many businesses are also like people who can handle both the graduate-level work and the demanding job at the same time. With the help of a Howard University scholarship, these students may afford graduate school since they will have a regular income and lower tuition prices.

Semester-Based Savings

The total cost of online MBA programs may not be lower than that of traditional programs, however students in part-time programs normally pay less per semester because they take fewer credits at a time.This stretched-out payment plan makes the financial burden feel lighter and more manageable. Additionally, distance learners do not have to pay commuting costs, move to expensive metropolitan areas, or uproot their families to attend a prestigious program. Imagine saving thousands of dollars in transportation, housing, and relocation costs over the course of a degree program—savings that add up considerably. These cost reductions, when combined with the direct tuition relief provided by a Howard University scholarship, allow MBA candidates to manage their finances more strategically and avoid overwhelming debt loads.

Real-Time Application of Knowledge

More importantly, students pursuing MBAs online in flexible programs can apply what they learn in the classroom directly to their full-time jobs.Instead of waiting until after graduation to employ their new skills, candidates can test their ideas in real business environments and bring them back to class discussions. They will always be learning and applying what they learn, which makes their degree and professional experience more useful. For example, a student might learn advanced financial modeling in one week of study and then use it straight immediately in their employment as a financial analyst. While they are still in school, students can occasionally get increases, incentives, or promotions because they are learning how to do their jobs better. Students may confidently lean into the connection between education and career with a Howard University scholarship alleviating some of the financial load off of them. This makes every part of their graduation route more relevant.

Balancing Benefits and Costs

However, these and other benefits to studying part-time cannot entirely negate the challenges of paying for an MBA. Even for the most financially disciplined professionals, enrolling in a graduate business degree program involves making a significant financial investment that is daunting for many people. The sticker price of tuition can discourage otherwise talented candidates from pursuing a degree that might transform their careers. Fortunately, Howard University scholarship opportunities—combined with federal aid, employer assistance, and external funding—exist to bridge this gap. By lowering direct costs and supplementing other financial strategies, scholarships make higher education accessible to a broader, more diverse pool of students. This guide digs deeper into part-time and online MBA scholarships: what they are, where to find them, and how to apply, with a particular focus on how a Howard University scholarship can redefine affordability for MBA candidates.

Types of MBA Scholarships

Internal scholarships

Most universities have graduate scholarship programs funded by endowments, individual donors, businesses, and private organizations. The availability of internal part-time and online MBA scholarships varies by institution. Howard University scholarship opportunities fall into this category and are among the most respected forms of aid available to MBA candidates. Some business schools automatically consider full-time graduate students and part-time graduate students for internal MBA scholarships. Others require full-time and part-time MBA candidates to apply for internal funding. In that case, students should submit their MBA scholarship applications as early as possible because there is often a limited amount of money in scholarship funds.

Part-time and online Master of Business Administration candidates at Howard are eligible for several internal scholarships, including:

• Howard School of Business Endowed Scholarships: Howard University scholarship funds awarded based on need, academic excellence, test scores, MBA essays, and applicants’ contributions to their field of study.
  
• Howard University Donor Scholarships: MBA candidates in good standing who submit the Donor Scholarship application may qualify for multiple donor-funded scholarships.
  

At Howard, admissions officers review all online MBA applications to determine if applicants’ backgrounds and circumstances align with current scholarship opportunities. Internal scholarship recipients are usually notified of their awards in their acceptance letters or when they receive financial aid. For many, a Howard University scholarship is the deciding factor in making graduate education financially possible.

External scholarships

External scholarships are funds for business school students awarded by businesses, professional groups, nonprofit organizations, religious institutions, special interest groups, political organizations, and other funders not directly associated with a university. Typically, students must submit applications to access these scholarships, which may be granted based on financial need, area of study, professional accomplishments, race or ethnicity, national origin, or religion.

Specific scholarships open to students pursuing MBAs at Howard include:

• National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) member scholarships, which include two $10,000 awards and one $5,000 award earmarked for current members.
  
• The Hennesey Fellows scholarship, which grants high-achieving graduate students from HBCUs up to $20,000 per academic year for up to two years plus a one-time $10,000 stipend.
  

While researching additional scholarship awards, prospective students should consider awards of all sizes. Most scholarships open to part-time and online graduate students do not cover full tuition, but even small MBA scholarships can add up to cover a large portion of the cost of an MBA. Combining these awards with a Howard University scholarship can significantly reduce reliance on loans.

How to Find Part-Time MBA Scholarships

Entire websites exist to help students find scholarships, including BigFuture, Fastweb, and Scholarships.com. MBA candidates can also research funders directly. For instance, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) teams up with corporate and nonprofit partners to offer merit and need-based scholarships to students attending TMCF member schools, and students can apply for scholarships directly on the site.

Funding an MBA with external scholarships is often challenging because scholarships for graduate students are less common than scholarships for undergraduates. Howard School of Business Enrollment Advisors and financial aid advisors help part-time and online MBA students find business scholarships that do not make it onto scholarship aggregator sites. Importantly, they also guide students toward the right Howard University scholarship programs that align with their profile, academic record, and career aspirations.

Military Scholarships

Some partial and full tuition scholarships for MBA degree candidates are earmarked for active duty service members and their families. Military veterans can also use GI Bill benefits to pay for graduate school, though these benefits seldom cover the entire cost of an MBA. Howard University is veteran-friendly, meaning it is an approved institution where service members can use their education benefits. MBA candidates can contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-442-4551 or visit the VA website at gibill.va.gov to learn more about eligibility.

For service members, combining GI Bill benefits with a Howard University scholarship can make pursuing an MBA significantly more affordable. Many military candidates specifically choose Howard because of its strong veteran support programs and flexible online MBA structure.

Other Ways to Pay for a Part-Time Online MBA

Employer Assistance

Many employers offer education benefits, including business school tuition reimbursement, that can cover some or all of the cost of an MBA. Some organizations have official tuition assistance policies and an application process, while others fund professional development such as MBA programs on a case-by-case basis.

To find out whether your employer will cover some or all of the cost of an MBA program, reach out to the human resources department. Be aware that tuition assistance is frequently conditional. Companies usually require that MBA graduates who receive funding commit to staying with the organization for a specific period after graduation—often one to two years. Pairing employer funding with a Howard University scholarship is one of the smartest strategies for minimizing debt.

Financial Aid

MBA students can apply for federal financial aid, including grants and student loans. Like undergraduates, graduates must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year to access available funds. Most grants are awarded based on financial need. Student loan eligibility varies by loan type. MBA candidates can tap into two kinds of federal student loans: lower-interest-rate Direct Unsubsidized Loans and no-limit Graduate PLUS loans. Students can fund up to $20,500 of educational expenses annually using Direct loans, regardless of financial need. Graduate PLUS loans have no borrowing limit, but the interest rates associated with these loans are generally higher.

When combined with a Howard University scholarship, financial aid can cover almost all MBA-related costs, from tuition to course materials. Students who carefully manage their aid applications and scholarship opportunities are more likely to graduate debt-free.

Don’t Underestimate the Time It Takes to Apply for Scholarships

MBA scholarships are an attractive form of financial support because there are no strings attached. MBA graduates do not need to pay back scholarship funds awarded and typically do not have to meet post-graduation obligations. However, applying for scholarships can take a great deal of time and effort. Scholarship applications vary in complexity. Many require applicants to submit detailed personal essays.

If your goal is to fund as much of your MBA tuition as possible with scholarships, organization is crucial. Set aside time in your schedule to research MBA scholarships and make a list of the best options that includes application requirements and deadlines. Start working on essays and applications immediately so you can approach each application with care and do not feel rushed. The key to winning as much MBA funding as possible is to treat applying for scholarships like a second job—one that can help you graduate with less or even no student debt. With persistence, combining multiple smaller awards with a Howard University scholarship can make a significant difference in affordability.

The Power of an Online MBA from Howard University School of Business

The ROI of a Master of Business Administration from Howard’s business school is substantial. Students receive not only an exceptional education in advanced management fundamentals but also robust career support, professional connections, and access to an engaged global alumni network. Howard’s reputation is also an asset graduates can leverage in their post-MBA careers. Howard ranks #2 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities and is the only HBCU ranked in Bloomberg Businessweek’s top U.S. Schools. It is one of the best U.S. business schools and offers more support for minority students than any other institution in the nation.

The student experience at Howard is second to none, whether you enroll in the traditional full-time MBA program or you pursue an MBA online. The value of an MBA is about more than skill-building and academic achievement. The business school professors are accessible to remote graduate students, and small class sizes foster a close-knit virtual environment. The Career Center at Howard University’s School of Business has an exceptional track record of job placement for MBA students, whether full-time or part-time. Recruiters from leading corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations hire Howard MBA graduates, and the university’s relationships with employers help students launch more lucrative careers.

Ultimately, when you combine world-class academics with the financial support of a Howard University scholarship, you create a pathway to success that is both affordable and transformative.

FAQs about Howard University Scholarship Programs

1. What types of Howard University scholarships are available for MBA students?
Howard offers endowed scholarships, donor-funded awards, and special need- or merit-based funds. MBA students may also apply for external scholarships and combine them with Howard University scholarship opportunities.

2. Can part-time or online MBA students qualify for Howard University scholarships?
Yes. Both part-time and online MBA candidates are eligible. Applications are reviewed by admissions officers to match applicants with the most appropriate Howard University scholarship options.

3. How do I apply for a Howard University scholarship?
Most internal scholarships are considered automatically with your MBA application, but some require a separate donor scholarship application. Deadlines vary, so applying early is strongly recommended.

4. Can I combine a Howard University scholarship with federal financial aid?
Absolutely. Scholarships can be paired with FAFSA-based aid such as Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Graduate PLUS loans, and even employer tuition reimbursement.

5. Do military veterans qualify for Howard University scholarships?
Yes. Veterans and active-duty service members can combine GI Bill benefits with Howard University scholarship opportunities to cover a larger portion of tuition.