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.
Tougaloo College is a private, historically black institution established in Madison County, Mississippi. The college offers undergraduate degree programs in 29 fields of study, as well as graduate degree programs in both Education and Child...
Professors are helpful, and available to the student.
The small classes are helpful to older students.
The online classes are helpful the those who work and are unable to attend some classes.
Founded in 1867, Morehouse College is an Historically Black College and University in Atlanta and a 4-year liberal arts college for men. Morehouse grants bachelor’s degrees in 26 academic majors and the college consistently produces more Rhodes...
Morehouse College is the perfect instutution. It have excellent teachers that can have individual time with their student becauese of the number of student that attend the college.
” – Trey from Lynn, MA
Virginia State University is an Historically Black College and University in central Virginia and the nation’s first fully state-supported university for African Americans. The VSU campus hosts colleges of Business, Education, Agriculture, Humanities...
The professors that I have come in contact with so far at VSU, have all be amazing. The knowledge held within the school grounds is overwelming. I feel as though a little bit every day rubs off and sticks to me. I have learned so much being on...
” – Jasmine from Springfield, NJ
Founded by a freedman, Alabama A&M University is a public Historically Black College and University situated in Huntsville and a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Alabama A&M is home to colleges of Business, Natural Sciences, Engineering...
I would honestly say that I am learning a lot of new things at AAMU. I came here thinking that college was going to be extremely hard and that I would fail. But in reality I have had the best classes and very helpful teachers. This is my second...
” – Jalesia from Anniston, AL
Founded in 1866, Kentucky State University is a public institution situated in Frankfort, KY. The school offers a liberal arts education and is also a land-grant institution. Popular majors at KSU include human development, nursing, and criminal...
Kentucky State University is a well-rounded school overall. They challenge you academically and give many academic opportunities. They also make you feel at home.
”Morris College is a private, historically black college located in Sumter, South Carolina. The college is career-focused, and offers a number of programs to prepare students for employment, including their Cooperative Education and Call Me Mister...
Very motivating college
” – Britney from Kingstree, SC
Albany State University is an Historically Black College and University in southwest Georgia and part of the University System of Georgia. A member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, ASU is home to colleges of Arts & Sciences, Health Professions...
ASU is a great place for learning. The teachers are very nice. Therefore they help you with your classes. If you are failing and do not understand. They will help you or even waver your grades to help you out. They have a lot of people to help you if...
” – Camille from Columbus, GA
Founded in 1867, Talladega College is private liberal arts school and the oldest historically black institution in Alabama. It is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Top fields of study...
Talldega is a very well-rounded and well respected HBCU. Its historic value makes it a very high name on your school list and the student teacher ratio is awesome.
” – Kadeem from Talladega, AL
Voorhees College is a private, historically black institution located in Denmark, South Carolina. The school offers degree options that can be completed entirely in evening courses for students with scheduling limitations. Voorhees’ campus features...
The classroom settings are very small so you can ask for help anytime. There are various opportunities to be taken advantage of. There are also many different programs on campus that help expand your cultural enrichment.
” – Karessa from Long Beach, CA
Founded in 1896, South Carolina State University is a 4-year public school in central South Carolina and the only public Historically Black College and University in the state. SCSU is home to six academic departments conferring undergraduate degrees...
The learning environment at South Carolina State is very relaxed. Teachers are easily accessable and willing to help students understand course material.
” – Andrew from Florence, SCFounded in 1837, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania is the first historically black university in the nation and a member of the Thurgood Marshall Fund. This public institution is home to a planetarium and aquaponics greenhouse, and features a...
By attending you have a lot of learning experiences whether its in the class room or on campus. Being there i learned that no matter what problem you have there will always be someone there to help.
” – Rachael from Virginia
Huston-Tillotson University is a private historically black institution located in Austin, Texas. It is affiliated with both the United Church of Christ and United Methodist Church and offers students a weekly chapel service, bible study groups, and...
The professors strive to help and support you with exceeding in your education.
” – Daneesha from San Antonio, TXSouthern University at New Orleans is a public and historically black university, and it’s the only institution in the state to offer a degree in museum studies. SUNO is a participant in the Upward Bound Program, which is funded by the US Department...
I never thought I had a chance of attending a 4 year college, nevertheless wanting to stay. Southern University at New Orleans is a school of chance and a school where everyone succeeds and all faculty see to it that you do. There's no failure at...
” – Paulitha from New Orleans, LA
Elizabeth City State University is a public HBCU situated in the rural town of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. It is a member of the University of North Carolina system and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. ECSU is a military-friendly university...
ECSU is a fantastic school and I'm really learning a lot that will def help me improve my outlook.
” – Devon from Kinston, NCLincoln University is a public land grant university in central Missouri that was founded by African American Civil War veterans as an institution for educating freedmen. Lincoln is home to five colleges conferring undergraduate degrees in 50 fields...
All teachers are generally consistent with their teaching and availability to help you understand.
” – Chelsia from Kansas City, MO
Paine College is a private, historically black, liberal arts institution located in Augusta, Georgia. The college’s campus features a prominent historic district, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is noted as a...
Due to Paine College's size, which is limited, learning is an essential. Many students, like myself, are hands-on learners. The smaller classrooms and less students in each class make it much easier to stay alert and focused.
” – MaLisa from Lithonia, GA
Bennett College is a private, four-year, and historically black liberal arts college for women. It was founded in 1873 as a coeducational school for teachers, but in 1926 it became a four-year women's college. The 60-acre campus in Greensboro, North...
With Bennett being a liberal arts institution, I know the education I am receiving allows me the freedom to explore other majors and interest such as acting or painting and not feel claustrophobic within my own major. Bennett’s curriculum forces you...
” – Brittany from Atlanta, GA
The Virginia University of Lynchburg is a private, historically black institution founded in 1886. The campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts a number of historic facilities for students to attend. Academics at VUL...
Philander Smith College is a private, historically black institution established in Little Rock, Arkansas. Philander is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and holds chapel on a weekly basis, which freshmen are required to attend. The college...
Not only are you driven to learn in the classroom, but outside as well. We are advocates for social justice and we know that we all will graduate to help change the world.
” – Michelle from Raytown, MOFounded in 1871, Alcorn State University is a public Historically Black College and University in southwest Mississippi. The oldest historically black land-grant university in the United States, Alcorn State is home to five schools offering...
Anybody who is pursuing an education at Alcorn State University will be in a positive learning environment:full of fun and a better understanding about careers all in one.
” – Imara from Sontag, MS