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.
Founded in 1887, Central State University is a 4-year public school in western Ohio and an Historically Black College and University. A member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Central State hosts colleges of Education, Engineering, Business...
Central State University is a great HBCU for African American Students. As the only HBCU in Ohio it provides students with with a rich learning experience. The professors go out their way to make sure students comprehend classroom material.
” – Armond
The University of the Virgin Islands is a public, historically black institution established on the scenic islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. The college offers over 45 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in variety of areas of...
The learning experience here is quite interesting because the professors know their stuff and very knowledgeable in their fields. You can learn a good bit just by attending the classes but to get the most out of the college you would have to take...
” – Tyriq from St. Thomas, VI
Originally founded by former slaves, Alabama State University is an HBCU situated in Montgomery and a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The ASU campus hosts eight colleges offering over 50 undergraduate and graduate degrees. The ASU...
Alabama State University is a university moving in the right direction. This school has been through adversity with so many changes from the head personnel, but it seems its all coming together. This university is one to adore with the various...
” – Leslie from Fairfield, ALPaul Quinn College is a private and historically black liberal arts institution. It was founded by African Methodist Episcopal Church preachers in 1872 and maintains close ties to the church today. It is a federally funded work college and a minority...
Allen University is a private HBCU founded in 1870 by ministers of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and located in Columbia, South Carolina. The school provides a liberal arts and professionally-focused education centered around Christianity...
I give Allen university 8 on a scale of 1-10.
” – Ieesha from Wallace, SC
Formed by the merger of the Cookman Institute and Daytona Normal & Industrial Institute, Bethune-Cookman University is an Historically Black College and University in eastern Florida affiliated with the United Methodist Church. B-CU confers bachelor...
My major is Elementary Education and thus far i have been enjoying every little minute of it. I have learn a lot about my major and i can not wait to return to Bethune Cookman to learn even more. Cookman has so many Majors that stand out but to me...
” – Johnua from Jacksonville, FLBluefield State College is a public, historically black college established in the state of West Virginia. The college also maintains a satellite campus in Beckley, which serves students in the county of Raleigh and features programs in Nursing...
Lane College is a private, historically black institution established in Jackson, Tennessee. Along with its traditional class offerings, the college also offers the Lane Evening Adult Program to allow working adult learners the ability to earn a...
College itself is what you make it!! The small class room setting is really a huge plus!!
” – Jelisa from LA Vergne, TNSaint Augustine's University was founded by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina in 1867. It is one of only two HBCUs affiliated with the Episcopal church. SAU offers a liberal arts education, Greek Life, Peer Mentorship, and a Royal Court...
It's hard to fail at this school. Their program Freshman Experience, keeps you in constant contact with advisors, professors, and tutors. You even have to check in with them.
” – Chelsea from Afghanistan
Harris-Stowe State University is a public, historically black institution established in St. Louis, Missouri. Students attending HSSU have the opportunity to visit a number of on-campus facilities, such as the Board of Regents Gym, the Bank of...
Good school. easy to get accepted into and is reasonably cheap.
” – Marcella from Saint Louis, MOFounded in 1898, Miles College is a private liberal arts institution in the greater Birmingham area and an Historically Black College and University. A member of the United Negro College Fund, Miles confers undergraduate degrees in six academic...
To be a private HBCU, the price is very reasonable.
” – Darielle from Vance, AL
Founded in 1935, Norfolk State University is a 4-year public school and Historically Black College and University in southeast Virginia. Norfolk State confers bachelor’s degrees in 31 academic majors and is the only school in the state to offer a...
I am in the Nursing associate degree program right now. It is a tough program, but is defiantly worth it. You get action first semester when you have your clinical at Nursing Homes.
” – Celestine from Greensboro, NC
Langston University is a public institution and historically black college. LU operates a main campus in Langston, Oklahoma as well as University Centers in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. It is a land-grant institution best known for its E de la Garza...
Classes are small which provides you with one on one time with your professors which is great, because being a full time college student sometimes you may be busy during tutoring hours. So if you can talk to your professor and get help in class, you...
” – Shyla from Tulsa, OKOriginally opened in 1862 as a school for freedman and runaway slaves, Le Moyne-Owen College is a liberal arts institution and the only Historically Black College in Memphis. LOC is home to five academic divisions offering 23 majors including Urban...
This school is an awesome HBCU institution, concluding that it is a constant affiliation with the connections of one's warmth of history.
” – Angelique from Memphis, TNMississippi Valley State University is a public HBCU and member of the Thurgood Marshall Fund. The institution is home to the “Mean Green Marching Machine” marching band and the “Satin Dolls” dancing squad. For high school students interested in MVSU...
Mississippi Valley State is a great school. My first year everyone one was very helpful and supprtive. I had an awesome first year experience.
” – Arlinda from Greenville, MS
Founded by a group of African American farmers in 1901, Grambling State University is a 4-year public school in north central Louisiana. This Historically Black College and University is listed on the Louisiana African-American heritage trail. Part...
Grambling is a great school because you get to experienve the life of a black college and how diffeerent some things at grambling are compared to other schools. Grambling also gives you the chance to make out there in the work world with the...
” – Domonique McElroy from Little Rock, ARWilberforce University is a private institution and the nation’s first historically black university. Wilberforce is associated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Wilberforce requires all students to participate in the “cooperative program”...
Wilberforce University is a very family oriented institution. Its atmosphere is just above average, having both good and bad times. The campus facilities are moderate but comforting.
” – Dahrion from Southfield, MIWest Virginia State University is a public, historically black college established in Institute, West Virginia. Academic studies at WVSU are divided into four colleges: the College of Arts and Humanities, the College of Business and Social Sciences...
My classes are very informative and they are fun. High school had so many rules that prevented a positive learning experiance. College is different, but in some classes its still the same. Many teachers push you to be on time and to always attend...
” – Kim from Charleston, WVH Councill Trenholm State Community College is a 2-year institution with two campuses in Montgomery, Alabama. Trenholm State offers associate degrees in 26 programs of study and is also home to numerous technical training programs. Due to the college...
I really want to learn a lot more from this school. Many of my friends have attended and I would like to be the first in my family to go to college
” – LaTishia from Union Springs, ALFounded by the Churches of Christ, Southwestern Christian College is an institution in the Dallas metro area centered upon Christian living. Southwestern Christian offers a bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies as well as two associate degrees in...
