What Is an HBCU? A Complete Guide to Historically Black Colleges

Delve into the history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States, and read on to celebrate the role they've played in creating educational and career opportunities for the African American community.

During Black History Month (and every month, really), we at Collegewise take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), paying special attention to the vital role they’ve played in the education and empowerment of African Americans.

In an effort to help students identify if an HBCU is the right college fit for them, we've put together a complimentary resource that will outline the history of HBCUs, key characteristics, and recent shifts impacting HBCUs in the college admissions landscape. Click here to download our free resource, or read on for the abridged version!

Table of Contents

• What are Historically Black Colleges and Universities?
• The Beginning of Historically Black Colleges& Universities
• Historically Black Colleges and the Wealth Gap
• Historically Black Colleges, Career Opportunities & Notable Alumni
• Full List of Historically Black Colleges
• The Changing Landscape of Historically Black Colleges
• Researching HBCUs: Finding the Right College Fit

• How to Apply to HBCUs: Common App vs. Common Black College Application

• An Overview of the Common Black College Application
• Financial Aid and Scholarships for HBCU Students
• Myths and Misconceptions about HBCU Schools

What are Historically Black Colleges and Universities?

Some of you may be wondering, "What is an HBCU?" An HBCU is a college or university established before 1964, with the principal mission of educating Black Americans. These schools were founded during a time when Black students were systematically denied access to education. HBCUs provided a safe space for Black students to pursue higher education and build a strong community for academic excellence, cultural pride, and social activism. 

The Beginning of Historically Black Colleges & Universities

The first HBCUs were established in the 19th century, primarily in response to the lack of educational opportunities for African Americans due to segregation and discrimination. The earliest HBCUs were founded before the Civil War,  with institutions like Cheyney University of Pennsylvania (1837) and Wilberforce University (1856) leading the way.

The period following the Civil War saw a significant expansion of HBCUs. The Second Morrill Act of 1890, also known as the Agricultural College Act of 1890, required states with racially segregated educational systems to provide land-grant institutions for Black students if the states were to receive federal funding for land-grant colleges. This led to the establishment of many new HBCUs, often as land-grant institutions, including institutions such as Tuskegee University and Florida A&M University. During the Jim Crow era, HBCUs faced immense challenges due to racial segregation laws and unequal funding compared to predominantly white institutions (PWIs).

Despite these obstacles, HBCUs remained vital centers of learning and cultural development for African American communities. They provided avenues for higher education, professional training, and leadership development for African Americans who were excluded from white institutions.

Colleges Between the 1950s and 1960s

HBCUs played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Many students and faculty members from HBCUs were active participants in protests, sit-ins, and other forms of activism to combat racial segregation and discrimination. Following the Civil Rights Movement, HBCUs continued to evolve, expanding their academic offerings and contributing to the advancement of African American communities.

Historically Black Colleges and the Wealth Gap

Considering the role HBCUs have played in closing the wealth gap for African Americans:

• HBCUs prioritize the educational needs and aspirations of minority students, offering supportive learning environments where students can thrive academically, socially, and culturally. These institutions often have smaller classes, personalized academic support services, and mentorship programs that help students succeed academically and prepare for successful careers. By addressing the unique challenges faced by African American students and fostering their academic and professional growth, HBCUs contribute to narrowing the educational attainment gap and equipping students with the skills and credentials needed to build wealth.
• HBCUs offer robust academic programs, internships, and career placement services that prepare students for high-demand fields and lucrative career opportunities. Additionally, HBCUs often have extensive alumni networks and partnerships with employers, allowing students to access job opportunities, internships, and mentorship from successful professionals in their chosen fields. These networking opportunities help students secure employment, advance in their careers, and build wealth over time.
• Many HBCUs offer entrepreneurship programs, incubators, and resources to support student-led startups and small businesses. By fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and providing resources for business development, HBCUs empower students to create wealth through entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic development in their communities.

Historically Black Colleges, Career Opportunities & Notable Alumni

Recruitment in the Technology Sector

HBCUs have been a popular ground for recruitment in various industries, especially in the technology sector.

Many companies, particularly in the tech industry, have recognized the importance of diversity and inclusion in their workforce. As part of their diversity initiatives, these companies actively seek to recruit talent from underrepresented groups, including African American students attending HBCUs. By partnering with HBCUs and participating in career fairs and recruitment events on campus, tech companies aim to attract diverse candidates and build more inclusive teams.

Tech companies often establish internship and co-op programs specifically targeted at students from HBCUs. These programs provide students with hands-on experience, exposure to industry professionals, and opportunities to work on real-world projects. By participating in internship programs at tech companies, HBCU students gain valuable skills, expand their professional networks, and increase their chances of securing full-time employment in the tech sector after graduation.

Black Representation in Medicine and Law

HBCUs have a long history of producing a substantial number of African American medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. HBCU medical schools also contribute to research and healthcare disparities research, addressing the unique healthcare needs of underserved communities and advocating for health equity.

Advancement in the Arts

HBCUs have made significant contributions to the advancement of African Americans in the arts across various disciplines, including music, literature, theater, visual arts, and dance. In fact, some of the world’s most famous Black artists graduated from HBCUs.

• HBCUs have long been known for their vibrant music programs, nurturing talent in genres such as jazz, gospel, R&B, and classical music. Many renowned African American musicians and composers, including Duke Ellington, Nina Simone, and W.E.B. Du Bois, have either attended or been associated with HBCUs.
• Many prominent African American authors, poets, and playwrights, such as Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, and Alice Walker, have attended or been affiliated with HBCUs.
• HBCUs have nurtured talent in the visual arts, including painting, sculpture, photography, and graphic design. Many African American artists, such as Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, and Alma Thomas, have been associated with HBCUs either as students or faculty members.
• Many HBCUs have renowned theater programs that offer rigorous training in acting, directing, playwriting, and stage production. Institutions like Howard University, Hampton University, and Spelman College have well-respected theater departments producing talented actors and directors, like Phylicia Rashad, Chadwick Boseman, Taraji P. Henson, and Samuel L. Jackson.
• HBCUs have also made significant contributions to the field of dance, particularly in traditional African dance forms, modern dance, and choreography. Some of the most notable HBCU dance alumni include Debbie Allen, Alvin Ailey, and Jawole Willa Jo Zollar.

HBCUs provide access to higher education for many African American students who might not have the opportunity to attend predominantly white institutions (PWIs) due to various barriers, including financial constraints, systemic inequalities, and historical discrimination. By offering affordable tuition, scholarships, and financial aid packages tailored to the needs of minority students, HBCUs make higher education more accessible, thereby empowering individuals to pursue lucrative career paths and increase their earning potential. They play a crucial role in addressing educational inequities, promoting diversity in higher education, and nurturing the next generation of African American leaders and professionals.

Notable Alumni 

One of the best measures of HBCUs’ success is the achievements of their alumni. Over 150 years, HBCUs have produced generations of leaders, innovators, and trailblazers in virtually every field. Here are
just a few notable HBCU alumni and the impact they’ve made in various industries:

• Kamala Harris, Howard University alumna, made history as the first Black (and first female) Vice President of the United States.
• Toni Morrison, Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, attended Howard University, where she honed her literary voice.
• Oprah Winfrey, media mogul, philanthropist, and one of the world’s most influential women, is a proud alumna of Tennessee State University.
• Dr. Charles Drew, pioneer of blood plasma storage, attended Amherst but later chaired surgery at Howard University, contributing greatly to medicine through Howard’s medical school.
• Kenneth Frazier, alumnus of Penn State (not an HBCU), credits influence from HBCU mentors and became CEO of Merck; meanwhile, Dave Steward (Central Missouri State, not an HBCU)
  became a Black billionaire entrepreneur who generously supports HBCUs.
• Katherine Johnson, the NASA mathematician whose calculations were critical to the Apollo missions, was a graduate of West Virginia State University (an HBCU).

Full List of Historically Black Colleges in the United States

Today, there are 101 active HBCUs in the United States, including public and private institutions offering diverse academic programs across various fields, and continuing to serve as important centers of academic excellence, cultural preservation, and community engagement.

Alabama

• Alabama A&M University
• Alabama State University
• Bishop State Community College
• Gadsden State Community College
• J.F. Drake State Technical College
• Lawson State Community College
• Miles College
• Oakwood University
• Selma University
• Shelton State Community College
• Stillman College
• Talladega College
• Tuskegee University

Arkansas

• Arkansas Baptist College
• Philander Smith College
• University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

California

• Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science

Delaware

• Delaware State University
• District of Columbia
• Howard University
• University of the District of Columbia

Florida

• Bethune-Cookman University
• Edward Waters University
• Florida A&M University
• Florida Memorial University

Georgia

• Albany State University
• Clark Atlanta University
• Fort Valley State University
• Interdenominational Theological Center
• Morehouse College
• Morehouse School of Medicine
• Morris Brown College
• Paine College
• Savannah State University
• Spelman College

Kentucky

• Kentucky State University

Louisiana

• Dillard University
• Grambling State University
• Southern University and A&M College
• Southern University at New Orleans
• Southern University at Shreveport
• Xavier University of Louisiana

Maryland

• Bowie State University
• Coppin State University
• Morgan State University
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Michigan

• Lewis College of Business (reopened in 2022)

Mississippi

• Alcorn State University
• Coahoma Community College
• Hinds Community College at Utica
• Jackson State University
• Mississippi Valley State University
• Rust College
• Tougaloo College

Missouri

• Harris-Stowe State University
• Lincoln University

North Carolina

• Bennett College
• Elizabeth City State University
• Fayetteville State University
• Johnson C. Smith University
• Livingstone College
• North Carolina A&T State University
• North Carolina Central University
• St. Augustine’s University
• Shaw University
• Winston-Salem State University

Ohio

• Central State University
• Wilberforce University

Oklahoma

• Langston University

Pennsylvania

• Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
• Lincoln University
• South Carolina
• Allen University
• Benedict College
• Claflin University
• Clinton College
• Denmark Technical College
• Morris College
• South Carolina State University
• Voorhees University

Tennessee

• American Baptist College
• Fisk University
• Knoxville College
• Lane College
• LeMoyne-Owen College
• Meharry Medical College
• Tennessee State University

Texas

• Huston-Tillotson University
• Jarvis Christian University
• Paul Quinn College
• Prairie View A&M University
• Southwestern Christian College
• Texas College
• Texas Southern University
• Wiley College

Virginia

• Hampton University
• Norfolk State University
• Virginia State University
• Virginia Union University
• Virginia University of Lynchburg

West Virginia

• Bluefield State University
• West Virginia State University

The Changing Landscape of Historically Black Colleges

A resurgence in interest in HBCUs is a direct result of recent political and social shifts in the United States. Although HBCUs were initially founded to uplift Black communities, today, HBCUs enroll students of all races and backgrounds. In this next section, we'll highlight some trends we're seeing and how they impact future applicants.

Enrollment Trends and Student Diversity

Enrollment trends reveal both challenges and recent momentum. HBCU enrollment has grown in absolute numbers since the 1970s, increasing by over 54% between 1976 and 2022. Despite the enrollment increase, only 9% of Black college students attended HBCUs in a 2022 report. In other words, more students from races and backgrounds outside the Black community are attending these colleges and universities. 

What does that mean? On the one hand, part of this decline is due to greater access of Black students at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) since the 1970s. On the other hand, many colleges have had to adjust admissions policies to keep the lights on. 

Even more recently, the 2023 Supreme Court case banning affirmative action caused another surge of interest among applicants. Some colleges, such as Morehouse College, saw a 34% increase in applications in 2024. 

Overall, HBCU enrollments were up about 4% in spring 2024, even as many colleges elsewhere saw declines. Leaders attribute this “boom” to Black students seeking supportive campus environments amid changing national policies.

Political and Policy Shifts Affecting HBCUs

Recent political and policy shifts have directly affected HBCUs, bringing both new support and new challenges. While HBCUs make up only 3% of colleges in the United States, they produce about 13% of all Black college graduates. In 2020, federal initiatives responded to the importance of HBCUs by announcing additional funding in support of these colleges. However, more recent policy shifts have posed a larger problem for HBCUs with new changes happening to the Department of Education as well as the new administration issuing cautionary notices to colleges to reevaluate their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and policies, otherwise, they may lose out on funding. Many students and staff have grown worrisome about these recent shifts, given how much HBCUs rely on targeted scholarships or culturally-specific programs. 

Researching HBCUs: Finding the Right College Fit

Asking Thoughtful Questions 

Strong college research starts with understanding your priorities, distinguishing the nice-to-haves and non-negotiables. Begin by asking the following questions:

• What environments have allowed me to be at my best?
• What qualities do my friends have in common?
• What inspires me to be my best self?

Connecting with HBCU Students 

Connecting with current and former students can offer a valuable perspective. Many HBCUs offer virtual student panels, social media Q&As, college visits, and more. These are great avenues to ask questions, such as:

• What most surprised you about attending an HBCU?
• What were the biggest factors in your decision to attend your college?
• What qualities do students who thrive here seem to have in common?
• What have been the most popular campus events recently?
• What’s one thing you’ve learned to live with because you love everything else about this college?

Admissions Policies

Not every HBCU is the same. While many HBCUs maintain similar admissions policies to other colleges, there are some key considerations to take note of during your college research:

• What are the standardized testing policies of that college? Test required, test-optional, or test-blind? 
• Is this college part of the list of schools with a Common Black College Application (CBCA)? A streamlined, cost-effective way to apply to multiple HBCUs simultaneously. 
• Is this college on the Common App? 
• Do these colleges practice a holistic review process?

Academic Programs & Networking Opportunities

HBCUs offer the standard range of courses across liberal arts and STEM majors, but some have unique academic offerings that may sway your college decisions. For example, Tuskegee University,
Delaware State University and Hampton University have some of the only aviation HBCU programs. To learn more about each school's academic programs and course offerings, be sure to review the college's official website. 

HBCUs are more than just institutions for learning, they are engines of Black excellence. HBCUs are well-known for their strong networking opportunities, commitment to community, strong alumni networks, and wide range of leadership and growth initiatives. If you're a student who demonstrates curiosity, ambition, and a desire to make a meaningful contribution to society, you may want to consider an HBCU.

How to Apply to HBCUs: Common App vs. Common Black College Application

Two primary avenues facilitate applications to multiple HBCUs: the Common Application (Common App) and the Common Black College Application (CBCA). Each offers unique benefits tailored to prospective students.

HBCUs Participating in the Common App

• Howard University
• Spelman College
• Morehouse College
• Tuskegee University
• Florida A&M University
• North Carolina A&T State University
• Xavier University of Louisiana

An Overview of the Common Black College Application

The CBCA offers a streamlined and cost-effective method to apply to numerous HBCUs simultaneously.

Key Aspects of the Common Black College Application

• Participating Institutions: The CBCA collaborates with over 50 HBCUs across the United States, providing a broad spectrum of options for applicants.
• Application Fee: A one-time, non-refundable fee of $20 allows students to apply to all member institutions, significantly reducing the financial burden associated with multiple applications.
  

Common Black College Application Process

1. Registration: Create an account on the CBCA website.
2. Application Completion: Fill out the application form with the required educational information.
3. Fee Payment: Submit the $20 application fee via PayPal or by mailing a money order.
4. Transcript Submission: Request that your school counselor upload your official transcript through the CBCA platform.
5. Test Scores: Upload standardized test scores (if available) through your student dashboard. Note that some member institutions may be test-optional; it's recommended to verify specific requirements with each institution.
6. Top Four Choices: While the application is made available to all member institutions, applicants are prompted to select their top four choices. Some institutions may prioritize processing applications where they are listed among these top choices.
   

Key Deadlines and Benefits

• Deadlines: Application deadlines vary by institution. It's crucial to check each HBCU's admissions page for specific dates to ensure timely submission.
• Cost-Effectiveness: The CBCA's flat fee structure offers a financially accessible option for applying to multiple HBCUs.
• Efficiency: Both the Common App and CBCA simplify the application process, allowing students to apply to multiple institutions without repetitive data entry.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for HBCU Students

 A large proportion of HBCU students come from low- and middle-income families, so financial aid utilization is high. One cornerstone of aid is the Federal Pell Grant. States also often provide
 need-based grants that can be used at their public HBCUs (and sometimes private ones). For example, Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship can significantly reduce costs for students attending public HBCUs like Albany State or Fort Valley State.

HBCUs themselves offer institutional scholarships, both merit-based and need-based. Some of the more prestigious HBCUs (Howard, Spelman, Morehouse, etc.) have competitive merit scholarships that
cover large portions of tuition for high-achieving students (such as Howard’s Capstone Scholars or Spelman’s Dean’s Scholarships).

 Additionally, there are scholarship programs specifically for HBCU students provided by external organizations. The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is a major scholarship source, especially for students at private HBCUs.

Beyond grants and scholarships, HBCU students can and do use federal student loans to cover remaining costs. Students considering HBCUs should absolutely file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to maximize their aid eligibility and look into the many scholarships designated for HBCU attendees. With Pell Grants, state aid, institutional aid, UNCF/TMCF scholarships, and manageable loans, an HBCU education can often be obtained with minimal out-of-pocket cost, especially relative to the lifelong benefits it provides.

Myths and Misconceptions about HBCU Schools

Myth #1: HBCUs are no longer necessary. The “but Black students are no longer barred from admission at other institutions” argument.

Myth #2: HBCUs aren’t as “good” and HBCU graduates have fewer opportunities.

HBCUs graduate some of the greatest minds in the country each and every year. Many HBCUs have highly ranked academic programs (Howard is a national leader in civil rights law, for example), and graduate schools and corporations recruit heavily from HBCUs. Some PWIs benefit from iniquitous endowments that have grown during decades of inequality, but HBCUs are neither starved for resources nor short on opportunities. HBCU alumni networks are also some of the most active in the nation, and there is a heavy emphasis on networking for undergraduates at most of these campuses.

Myth #3: HBCUs are Party Schools.

Every school has parties. Some schools are a bit better known than others for the shenanigans students engage in, but HBCUs run the gamut when it comes to how much or how little partying there is on campus.

Myth #4: HBCUs are only for Black students.

This one is patently false! About 20% of students enrolled at HBCUs do not identify as Black. Black students are the majority on HBCU campuses, but diversity is still important for these students and these institutions.

Conclusion 

Whether you're seeking a close-knit community, a legacy of leadership, or an environment that affirms identity and ambition, HBCUs offer students a place to grow, lead, and thrive. As you explore your college options, take the time to learn more about what makes HBCUs unique and if they're the right fit for you. 

In the meantime, take a look at some of these additional resources.

• Check out our previous webinars for all kinds of advice on college admissions.
• Still have questions? Grab a spot at one of our upcoming events and ask our experts directly! We host weekly webinars on a variety of topics.
• Connect with one of our experts for a free 45-min consultation to learn more about how our college counselors can support you in your college admissions journey.

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