Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in USA

Today, people have contacted me to specifically ask for recommendations about USA schools with predominantly Black student populations. In response, let me tell you a lot about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in USA

- Facts, Admissions and Funding

I am going to start by providing an official description of an HBCU.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are “those that were established prior to 1964 and have the principal mission of educating Black Americans”. - Source: Status and Trends in the Education of Racial and Ethnic Minorities

Facts about HBCU

Here are some facts about HBCUs according to @EdNCES (2019):

- In 2018, there were 101 HBCUs located in 19 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

- Amongst the 101 HBCUs:
a. Public Institutions = 51
b. Private non profit = 50

ðŸ”‘:Fall enrollment, degrees conferred, and expenditures in degree-granting historically Black colleges and universities, by institution: 2017, 2018, and 2017-18

Now, the HBCUs were founded to educate Black students, today it is quite diverse.

- In the year 2018, non-Black students made up 24% of enrollment. In 1976, this number stood at 15%.

One can infer that out of 10 students in HBCUs, 7 are Black.

ðŸ”‘: Fall enrollment in degree-granting historically Black colleges and universities, by sex of student and level and control of institution: Selected years, 1976 through 2018

Let’s talk about Gender.

- In HBCUs, Fall 2018 data reflects that 62% of students are female. This is up from 53% back in Fall 1976.

- At all levels (Associate, Bachelors, Masters and PhDs), majority of degrees conferred to Black students were conferred to female students.

Selected statistics on degree-granting historically Black colleges and universities, by control and level of institution: Selected years, 1990 through 2018: Selected statistics on degree-granting historically Black colleges and universities, by control and level of institution: Selected years, 1990 through 2018

Types of degrees obtainable at HBCUs

Moving forward, let us talk, in-depth, about the types of degrees obtainable at HBCUs. HBCUs offer majors in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Also, degree programs cover Humanities, Arts and Literature and Management (non-STEM).

HBCU graduates have distinguished themselves in every works of life.

Here are “Five Famous HBCU Alumni You Should Know About”

1. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
2. Marian Wright Edelman
3. Langston Hughes
4. Alice Walker
5. Toni Morrison

Read: 5 Famous Graduates of Historically Black Colleges - Best Value Schools

Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Now, let us talk about the colleges and universities.

Here is a comprehensive list of HBCUs and direct links to the websites of the institutions: HBCU Listing

To make your search easier, here is a list that breaks HBCUs down into Public, Private, 2-year or 4-year colleges: List of HBCUs by State | HBCU List | HBCU Lifestyle

If you want to search by Major, Degree or/and State, here is a search tool: Find your HBCU match

Now that you have the list and the means to search for HBCUs, let me talk about admissions.

Steps to choosing an HBCU

In a search for a good fit, Here are some Steps to choosing an HBCU:

1. Consider size, location and environment
2. Choose the type of school
3. Evaluate your financial picture and aid opportunities
4. If possible, Visit

Find a robust discussion about this steps, kindly read: Applying to HBCUs | UNCF

Regarding admissions, international students have largely found a home at HBCUs. According to @hechingerreport, these colleges are bringing in foreign students to give their campuses more international flavor, and help with the bottom line.

Cheers!

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