Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs)
Feeling at home on campus can make all the difference in your college experience. So it makes sense to look for schools that offer you the support to be yourself and learn in an environment tailored to your needs.
One way to do that is to consider specialized learning institutions, like Historically Black Colleges & Universities. If you're a high school student looking for a transformative college experience, here's what you need to know about HBCUs.
What Are Historically Black Colleges & Universities?
Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) are educational institutions founded in the United States to serve the African American community. These institutions have a rich history and legacy of providing quality education, fostering leadership, and promoting social advancement.
Why Are HBCUs Important?
HBCUs offer a unique environment that celebrates and embraces Black cultural heritage, experiences, and achievements. Consider the following reasons to consider attending an HBCU:
Cultural Identity:
- HBCUs provide a nurturing and inclusive space to connect with peers who share your cultural background, traditions, and experiences. This sense of belonging fosters a strong community and allows you to embrace your cultural identity fully.
Empowering Support System:
- HBCUs often have faculty, administrators, and staff who understand and identify with the challenges and experiences faced by Black students. This representation and support system can provide mentorship, guidance, and a network of professionals who can relate to your journey.
History and Legacy:
- Attending an HBCU makes you part of a rich historical legacy. These institutions have been at the forefront of Black education and civil rights movements, fostering a sense of pride, empowerment, and social responsibility. They even have a distinguished and noteworthy group of alumni.
Benefits of Attending an HBCU
Attending an HBCU has many benefits that can positively impact your personal and professional growth. Here are the key advantages:
Supportive Learning Environment:
- HBCUs prioritize student success and provide a supportive learning environment. With smaller class sizes, accessible faculty, and dedicated support services, you'll receive personalized attention, mentoring, and resources to excel academically.
Culturally Relevant Education:
- HBCUs integrate African American history, perspectives, and contributions throughout their curricula. This provides a unique lens through which you can explore various academic disciplines, promoting cultural understanding and appreciation.
Leadership Development:
- HBCUs have a strong emphasis on leadership development. You can develop essential leadership skills, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive impact through mentorship programs, student organizations, and community engagement opportunities.
Professional Networks and Connections:
- HBCUs often have extensive networks that connect students with successful African American professionals, alumni, and organizations. These connections can open doors to internships, mentorship, and career opportunities specific to your field of interest.
How You Can Use This List of Historically Black Colleges & Universities
The Historically Black Colleges & Universities on this list offer a transformative college experience that celebrates African American culture, empowers students, and provides a strong foundation for future success. By attending an HBCU, you can embrace your cultural heritage, access personalized support, and benefit from educational programs tailored to your needs.
Originally founded in 1900 as a training school for African American teachers, Coppin State University is a 4-year public school and an Historically Black College and University in Baltimore. Coppin State hosts colleges of Arts & Sciences, Education...
This is and excellent HBCU, and the nursing program is the !!!TRUTH!!! im am treated like an individual and not a number......
” – Quinton from Baltimore, MD
Bowie State University, Maryland’s first HBCU, offers a diverse and affordable education with 30 undergraduate majors and various concentrations. Known for its experienced faculty and modern facilities, Bowie State fosters innovation, research, and...
So far, I have found the professors to be very knowledgeable in their fields of study.
” – Jasmine from Clinton, MD
With two campuses in Nashville, Tennessee State University is the only state-funded Historically Black College and University in the state of Tennessee and part of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. TSU grants bachelor’s and graduate degrees in 77...
I learn a lot of things here. This college is a great place to be. I love the experience!
” – Amber from Memphis, TN
Founded in 1865, Virginia Union University is a private, historically black institution of higher education in Richmond, VA. VUU is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA and the National Baptist Convention. The school offers a theology...
Virginia Union University is a very small school. That's a plus when in the classroom because you work close with your professors. You get more out of your learning my classroom.
” – Cherrelle from Englewood, NJ
Founded in 1876, Stillman College is a liberal arts school and HBCU. It is situated in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, so every student at Stillman College must complete 12 hours of religious education. On top of...
Stillman is a small college with a great staff that will help you on your collegiate journey. The vibe here is very family oriented and people will strive to help uplift you. Stillman is a great place to attend if you want to be successful in life.
” – Biyunka from Columbus, MSDillard University is a private HBCU and liberal arts institution situated in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is associated with the United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ. Dillard provides a liberal arts-based curriculum focused on...
Here at Dillard University curriculum is excellent. Each and every student and professor inspire you to learn. They encourage you to read to become knowledgeable, they also teach you not to read to retain information for test, but to read to learn...
” – Nicolette from Marrero, LA
Formed by the merger of Clark College and Atlanta University, Clark Atlanta University is an Historically Black College and University affiliated with the United Methodist Church in Atlanta. CAU is home to colleges of Business Administration...
try to go to all your classes and get to know the professors because they can really help you out if you're having trouble.
” – Tia from Atlanta, GAThe University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is a public institution and historically black university. It is a land-grant research university and member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. UAPB operates Research and Extension offices around the state...
UAPB is in a small town but, if you are involved in campus activities there is plenty to do.
” – Kenya from Memphis, TNJarvis Christian College is an HBCU providing a church-related, liberal arts curriculum. The school was founded by the Disciples of Christ Church and offers student-centered support programs in both academics and spiritual worship. Jarvis requires...
Jarvis Christian College is a historically black college. Traditional and hands on. Perfect for students who want the college experience without being on a big campus.
” – Cameron from Dallas, TXFounded in 1894, Texas College is a historically black institution based in Tyler, TX. It is affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and a member of the United Negro College Fund. Noted programs include computer science, criminal...
Texas College has shown me answers to many life questions. Students have the ability to contact their Professors 24/7. Its a population of a 1,000 which leads us to being a huge family.
” – Monique from Milwaukee, WIFounded in 1867, Fayetteville State University is a 4-year public school in central North Carolina and an Historically Black College and University. A member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the University of North Carolina System, FSU...
While Fayetteville State is a great school. With its vast number of programs and clubs offered there is always something to do. Although this school is a HBCU there is still some diversity with the students, the food, and the classes.
” – Taylah from Hope Mills, NC
Rust College is a private, historically black institution established in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Classes at Rust College utilize an 8-week, modular structure, with their academic calendar consisting of six modules. The campus showcases a variety...
Rust College has a great academic program. The teacher's are marvelous at what they do! On a scale of 1-10 I'll give Rust College a blazing number eight.
” – SHANA from milwaukee, WI
Prairie View A&M University is an Historically Black College and University in the Houston metro area and the second oldest public institution of higher learning in the state of Texas. A member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Texas A&M...
I have been at PV for almost 3 years now and I can firmly say that you cant help but learn something as your here. I am a firm believer that Prairie View Produces Productive People because their are so many great influences on this campus you cant...
” – Chelsea from Prairie View, TX
Founded in 1886, The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is a public Historically Black College and University in southeast Maryland. UMES is home to schools of Business, Natural Sciences, Education, and Health Professions conferring undergrad...
I learned alot about the many different life making decisions
” – DENEEN from Washington, DC
Originally founded as a minister training school in 1879, Livingstone College is a Christian institution in central North Carolina and an Historically Black College and University. Affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church...
Not only educationally but attending Livingstone College has taught me a lot about college and life in general.
” – Nichelle from Charlotte, NC
Founded in 1866, Edward Waters College is a private, liberal arts HBCU affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church and is the oldest private university in Florida. Edward Waters is home to the Schell-Sweet Community Resource Center, which...
Edward Waters College is special school. The class are small we learn a lot about black history. The teacher really listing the questions students asks.
” – Mariolinda from Orlando, FL
Founded in 1867, Morgan State University is an Historically Black College and University in Baltimore and Maryland’s preeminent public urban research institution. A member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Morgan State offers degrees in more...
This school has alot to offer. We are very diverse and very welcoming.
” – Chelsea from Germantown, MD
Founded by a Union army soldier in 1865, Shaw University is an Historically Black College and University in the North Carolina Research Triangle and the first HBCU in the south. Shaw confers bachelor’s degrees in over 20 academic majors and is the...
The University has a great campus and is very secure. All staff members of Shaw University are very friendly and are always willing to help if needed.
” – E'Neysia from Charlotte, NC
Founded in 1877, Jackson State University is a public Historically Black College and University in the Mississippi state capital of Jackson and one of the largest HBCUs in the nation. A member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Jackson State is...
great teachers, available tutors for every subject
” – Maia from MI
Founded in 1890, Savannah State University is an Historically Black College and University in east Georgia and the state’s oldest public HBCU. A member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Savannah State grants bachelor’s degrees in 30 academic...
Savannah State makes tons of learning opportunities available to you, but you have to seek them out on your own. Going to class is not enough! The library has great hours, and there are a dozen tutors on campus. If you utilize these your grades will...
” – Simone from Beaverton, OR