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.
The University of the District of Columbia is the only public institution in Washington, DC. It is a land-grant university and a member of the Thurgood Marshall Fund. UDC is an HBCU with an open admissions policy. Legal studies, foundations of...
UDC is a wonderful university to attend. The instructor are very helping students reach their education goals. I recommend University of the District of Columbia for a quality education.
” – jimmie from Peoria, IL
American Baptist College is a liberal arts college emphasizing Christian leadership, service, and social justice. Although its student body is predominately African American, ABC is open to all students regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity. ABC...
Founded in 1876, Meharry Medical College is an institution of health sciences in Nashville and an Historically Black College and University. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Meharry is home to Schools of Medicine and Dentistry. In...
Arkansas Baptist College is the only Historically Black Baptist College west of the Mississippi River. In addition to its 4-year liberal arts programs, Arkansas Baptist also offers 2-year associate degrees and certificates. Attendance at weekly...
Founded in 1870, Benedict College is a liberal arts college and an HBCU. It is a private institution based in Columbia, South Carolina, and home to the Benedict College Historic District which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places...
Yes, Benedict College you do learn alot in your major. The teachers will give you research projects and writing papers to become more familiar with you studies. The library is alway open from early mornings to late nights, so you can always study.
” – Jasmine from College Park, GA
St. Philip's College is a public community college located in San Antonio, Texas, with an open admissions policy. SPC is an HBCU and an Hispanic-Serving Institution, the only college to be federally recognized as such. They offer associate’s degrees...
its amazing what i am learning here
” – Edna from San Antonio, TXSouthern University Shreveport Louisiana is a 2-year commuter campus of Southern University and an institution designated an Historically Black College. SULA is home to six academic departments offering associate degrees as well as a Louisiana...
Southern University in Shreveport is an interesting school filled with many activities. Even though they don't have sororities or fraternities the most important thing is getting an education. I feel Southern is a fast school to get a degree from.
” – Shreveport, LAOriginally founded in 1878 as a training school for African American ministers and teachers, Selma University is an Historically Black Bible College affiliated with the Alabama State Missionary Baptist Convention. While most of Selma’s degree...
Founded in 1947, Southern University Law Center is a public law school in Baton Rouge affiliated with Southern University, an Historically Black College and University. SULC oversees a Juris Doctor degree-granting program, available full and part...
Bishop State Community College is a public, historically black institution established in Mobile, Alabama, with satellite locations in Semmes and Theodore. The college offers over 40 Academic and Technical/Workforce Development programs, awarding...
depending on how well a student does on the placement test or the act test determines the classes that a particular student will be placed in, which can range from remedial courses to college-level classes. so no matter the academic aptitude of the...
” – Wendell from Mobile, ALClinton College is a private, historically black institution established in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Academics at CC are primarily focused on liberal arts and holistic learning, and while many students enrolled pursue an associate degree, the...
Dorm Life can be pretty cool at CJC. My freshman year i was a little scared at first. I cried like the first whole week there. But i got use to it. Its fun meeting new people and you learn so much when you all are living together. It literally...
” – Ashanti from Lancaster, SCOriginally established as the first agricultural high school for African Americans in Mississippi, Coahoma Community College is a 2-year Historically Black College. Academics at CCC are divided among 55 university transfer programs, eight Health...
Denmark Technical College is a 2-year technical and vocational school serving three counties in South Carolina. Denmark offers 10 associate degrees and 18 diploma and certificate-granting academic programs. For students who wish to live on campus...
Gadsden State Community College is a public, 2-year institution established in Etowah County, Alabama, with satellite campuses also located in Anniston and Centre. GSCC offers over 80 associate’s degree and certificate programs in 13 fields of study...
J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College is a 2-year institution in Huntsville, Alabama. Drake State is home to four academic departments offering degrees and certificates in Business & Engineering Technologies, General & Developmental...
Lawson State Community College is a public, historically black institution established in the state of Alabama. The Birmingham campus, located approximately nine miles from the neighboring Bessemer campus, is split between an East and West campus and...
The school is great by getting you in without an ACT/SAT score.
The school is well kept.
You have great advisor that help you when you need the help the most .
Shelton State Community College is a two-year public institution based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The school offers professional certificates and associate degrees. Many students choose to major in liberal arts and humanities, nursing, or cosmetology...
At Shelton State the teachers are very effective with their teaching. If you have any questions they give plenty of time to sit down with you and explain what you need to know. It is obvious they care about the future of their students.
” – Hannah from Lake View, ALThe Interdenominational Theological Center is a theological graduate school in Atlanta consisting of five denominational seminaries with an Africentric focus. ITC offers master’s degrees in Divinity, Ministry, and Religion & Education and all...
Morehouse School of Medicine is a private medical school situated in Atlanta, Georgia. It is an independent institution formerly associated with Morehouse College. MSM is home to several research facilities including the Prevention Research Center...
Founded by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Shorter College is a Christian college in the Little Rock metro area and one of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities. As the only 2-year HBCU in the United States, Shorter grants...
