Embrace Legacy and Opportunity: Explore Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
HBCUs offer a unique value proposition, fostering a nurturing environment that celebrates Black culture, empowers future leaders, and provides a springboard for success. We’ve compiled a list of historically Black colleges and universities steeped in rich history, vibrant culture, and a deep commitment to academic excellence and social justice.
The HBCU Experience
HBCUs are widely recognized as providing a high-quality, affordable education. Their tuition rates are, on average, 30% lower than comparable institutions, making HBCUs an attractive and accessible option for many families. Serving as a socioeconomic equalizer is particularly important for low-income and first-generation college students. By providing a best-value education, HBCUs can help eliminate or reduce student debt and potentially narrow the racial wealth gap between Black and white households.
You’ll gain a strong sense of community, where you’re surrounded by a diverse, supportive group of peers, faculty, and mentors who share your heritage and understand your aspirations. You’ll build lasting friendships and feel a sense of belonging. You’ll be encouraged to find your voice, engage in critical thinking, and advocate for positive change.
These colleges and universities are best known academically for several key program areas:
- STEM disciplines, including fields like engineering, computer science, and the physical sciences
- Business and entrepreneurship to prepare graduates for careers in management, finance, marketing, and other business-related fields.
- Education, with HBCUs having a long tradition of training and producing high-quality teachers, administrators, and other education professionals, particularly for serving Black and other minority communities.
- Social sciences and humanities, including Black/African American studies, sociology, psychology, political science, and other social science and humanities disciplines, often with a focus on issues relevant to Black communities.
- Health professions, with several HBCUs having renowned programs in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and other healthcare-related fields.
- The arts, with strong programs in the visual and performing arts including fine arts, music, theater, and dance, often with a focus on African American artistic traditions and expression.
Investing in Your Future at an HBCU
Top employers and graduate schools with a history of promoting inclusion and diversity recruit HBCU graduates. A degree from an HBCU prepares you to pursue your dreams and make a positive impact on the world.
We also invite you to check out our latest Your Future in Healthcare, Your Future in STEM and Your Future in the Arts publications for inspiration.
