Best HBCU Colleges – Introduction
The best HBCU colleges have rich histories of academic excellence and social activism. In fact, most historically Black colleges and universities have been around since the 1800s. Given the historical importance and strong reputations of many HBCU schools, these colleges might be a great fit for your school list.
While HBCU schools have always been important, they’ve recently seen a rise in popularity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HBCU colleges saw significant increases in applications. Much of this increased interest in HBCU colleges likely resulted from nationwide conversations about racial equity. In fact, while undergraduate enrollment across higher education dropped about 10% during the pandemic, applications to HBCU colleges increased by nearly 30%.
Growing popularity of HBCU schools
In 2021, many HBCU colleges welcomed their largest incoming class in history as record funding poured into HBCU colleges. HBCU sports also made headlines when top recruits and celebrity coaches chose to commit to historically Black colleges and universities.
So, why are historically Black colleges and universities so popular?
HBCU schools are a unique and meaningful college choice for Black students and non-Black students alike. Moreover, HBCU colleges have rich histories, strong outcomes, engaged alumni networks, and one-of-a-kind student life experiences.
However, while HBCU colleges have a shared history and culture, they are also incredibly diverse. You will find varied academic programs and campus environments across the many HBCU schools in the United States.
Our guide to the best historically Black colleges and universities will cover:
- What does HBCU stand for?
- A brief history of HBCUs
- The Black Ivy League
- Top Twenty Best HBCU Colleges in the U.S.
- What is the best HBCU?
- Where are HBCU colleges located?
- Why choose an HBCU?
Are you considering an HBCU? Or maybe you’re still wondering, what does HBCU stand for?
If so, keep reading for your comprehensive guide on historically Black colleges and universities. We’ve included a full HBCU colleges list and a map of historically Black colleges and universities. By looking at an HBCU colleges list, you can learn what makes each of the best HBCU schools unique.
What does HBCU Stand for?
HBCU stands for “historically Black colleges and universities.” This acronym includes all historically Black colleges and universities offering two-year, four-year, and graduate degree programs.
A school is considered a historically Black college and university based on a definition presented in the Higher Education Act of 1965. This legislation defines HBCU schools as “any historically Black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of Black Americans.”
All HBCU colleges receive national accreditation, and their programs are often strong across various disciplines. However, each of the best HBCU colleges is unique. On our HBCU list, you’ll find a breadth of HBCU colleges, from small liberal arts colleges to research universities.
A Brief History of HBCU
Now that we’ve covered what HBCU stands for, let’s discuss how historically Black colleges and universities came to be.
HBCU colleges were established at a time when there were limited higher education opportunities for African Americans. In fact, laws prevented enslaved and free Black people from getting an education, often forbidding literacy altogether.
The first historically Black college and university, Cheyney University, was founded in 1837 as the Institute for Colored Youth. Shortly after Cheney University’s founding, Lincoln University and Wilberforce joined the list of early HBCU colleges. After slavery was abolished in 1865, many private HBCU colleges were founded in the Southern states.
HBCU colleges first started in home basements, churches, and old schoolhouses before blossoming into the HBCU schools we know today. So, the best Black colleges and universities in the nation have a rich history and legacy.
Second Morrill Act
In 1890, the Second Morrill Act was passed. It declared that any school using federal education funds must integrate or establish schools specifically for their African American residents.
In response, many Southern states chose to create separate institutions instead of integrating their existing colleges. This led to the creation of land grant Black colleges like Alabama A&M University and Tennessee State University. HBCUs continued to sprout up across the country up until the mid-1900s.
Because of the contentious history that led to the creation of HBCUs, many states have historically underfunded HBCU colleges. Compared to their non-HBCU counterparts, HBCU schools have been underfunded by an aggregate of $12.8 billion over the past three decades. And yet still, HBCU colleges have made amazing strides.
Even though HBCU schools represent just 3% of colleges in the nation, they produce 24% of Black STEM graduates. In fact, nearly a third of Black students studying astronomy, biology, chemistry, math, and physics earn their BA from an HBCU. More than half of the nation’s African American public school teachers, dentists, and physicians earned degrees at HBCU schools. So, for Black students, HBCUs have historically been considered some of the best colleges in the nation.
To learn more about HBCU colleges, check out the film “Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.”
Cultivating a unique opportunity
While African American students have far more choices for college today, HBCU schools still provide a unique opportunity. Additionally, they provide a supportive environment for students to flourish that celebrates who they are and what they aspire to be.
Today, historically Black colleges and universities serve a much more diverse student population. Enrollment includes white, Asian, Indigenous, Latinx, and international students.
HBCU colleges have also been featured in popular culture. In the 1980s, HBCU culture went primetime on the classic television show, A Different World. The show centered around the fictional Hillman College, with many scenes shot at popular HBCU colleges like Spelman College. During the show’s airing, enrollment at historically Black colleges and universities grew by 24.3%. This growth far outpaced that of other higher education institutions during this time period.
HBCUs also have more support from national organizations. These include partnerships at the White House, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the National Science Foundation. These partnerships continue to help strengthen the pipeline between HBCUs and valuable career opportunities.
Corporate interest in recruiting HBCU graduates also continues to increase with scholarship programs. Some examples include the Morgan Stanley HBCU Scholars, Codehouse Scholars, and the Google HBCU Scholarship.
Why Choose an HBCU?
As we’ve discussed, HBCU colleges offer a variety of benefits, from their strong alumni networks to their rich histories. In fact, there are many reasons to choose historically Black colleges and universities.
Here is a list of 8 reasons to attend HBCU colleges:
Eight Reasons to Choose an HBCU
#1- Unique educational experience
As we mentioned, HBCU schools offer unique educational experiences. HBCU schools have varied academic programs in STEM, the humanities, and pre-professional studies. Also, HBCUs are home to some of the oldest Black/African American studies departments. HBCU rankings by academic major are a great resource to find the best colleges for your future major.
#2- Affordability
HBCU colleges are affordable. In fact, on average, Black colleges cost 28% less than comparable non-HBCUs. Even the top universities on the HBCU list are more affordable than their non-HBCU counterparts.
#3- Leading institutions for social mobility
HBCU schools are leaders among the top universities in social mobility. Additionally, HBCU colleges typically serve a higher number of Pell-eligible and first-generation college students. Graduates of HBCU schools often go on to change the financial trajectory of their lineage. HBCUs outperform non-HBCUs by 14% when it comes to graduation rates for low-income, first-generation African American families.
#4- Inclusive community
HBCU schools provide an inclusive and affirming community, making them some of the best colleges for belonging. Black students often find themselves in the minority on non-HBCU campuses, which can be very isolating and sometimes unwelcoming. At an HBCU, not only are Black identities affirmed and celebrated, but all racial backgrounds are welcome.
#5- Student diversity
HBCUs have a diverse student body. While HBCUs were founded to serve Black Americans, many HBCUs today serve a wide variety of students. HBCUs like Kentucky State University and Fayetteville State University have a significant portion of white, Asian, and Latinx students.
#6- Traditions
HBCU colleges provide some of the best traditions and student life experiences. In fact, HBCU homecomings are often a week-long celebration. They feature generations of alumni returning to campus, A-list celebrity sightings, and immense pride in their institutions. These annual homecomings are a moment of celebration for the school, alumni, and the larger campus community.
#7- Top notch extracurriculars
HBCU sporting events are just as much about the game as the total experience. Also, HBCU marching bands are known to be among the most talented college music ensembles. Each year, the Honda Battle of the Bands showcases the best HBCU marching bands to an arena full of supporters.
#8- Alumni networks
HBCUs have robust alumni networks. So, the supportive environment found at HBCU colleges extends well beyond graduation. HBCU alumni are passionate about their institutions and providing networking opportunities for young alumni.
The Black Ivy League
While researching top universities, you may have stumbled upon the Ivy League universities. These institutions are some of the most prestigious colleges in the country. There are eight Ivy League institutions: Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University.
As historically Black colleges and universities began to thrive, a select number of HBCU colleges earned an equally prestigious status. These schools were deemed the “Black Ivy League” in publications and considered Black Ivy League colleges in social circles. The following are the HBCU colleges considered to be part of the Black Ivy League.
8 Black Ivy League Colleges
Today, the list of black colleges considered black Ivy League colleges is smaller and tied to national rankings. Generally, that list narrows down to Spelman College, Howard University, and Morehouse college. Later on, we’ll cover the top HBCU rankings including the Spelman College ranking, Howard University ranking, and Morehouse College ranking.
Keep reading for a full list of black colleges and top ranked historically Black colleges and universities. We’ll cover all 20 of the top ranked HBCUs and touch on their rankings. Keep an eye out for the Claflin University ranking, the Fisk University ranking, and the Delaware State University ranking. They might be great additions to your college list!
How many historically Black colleges and universities are there?
There are a total of 107 historically Black colleges and universities in the United States. So, there are many HBCU schools to consider with varying levels of prestige.
HBCU college rankings are helpful when building your list of top universities. While HBCU colleges share many of the same characteristics, they are each unique in their campus culture and offerings.
When building your list of historically Black colleges and universities, there are several factors you should consider. So, do you prefer a smaller campus environment or a large campus environment? Is there a specific region that you are most interested in? Or, maybe you are only interested in an HBCU in California? Or HBCU colleges in Georgia? Maybe if you’re interested in the east coast, you’re considering an HBCU in New York or HBCU in Virginia. Are you looking for HBCU sports? There are many questions to ask yourself beyond the basics, like “what does HBCU stand for.”
Some HBCUs have enrollments of less than 2000 students, while others have more than 10,000 students on campus. If you’re looking for smaller HBCU schools, check out HBCU colleges like Claflin University, Bennett College, or Vorhees College. Or maybe you are looking for HBCU schools with a larger campus? In that case, check out Florida A&M, North Carolina A&T, or University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Academic focuses at HBCU colleges
Academic programs also differentiate HBCU colleges. Different HBCU schools will specialize in different academic fields, such as STEM, liberal arts, or business.
For example, students interested in veterinary medicine should research Tuskegee University. Additionally, prospective journalism majors and communications majors might investigate HBCU colleges like Clark Atlanta University and Howard University.
If you’re interested in the best HBCUs for research, look for HBCU schools that provide research experience to undergraduate students. HBCU colleges known for their extensive research environment include Florida A&M University and Jackson State University.
Overall, you’ll find many HBCU schools to choose from. So, take some time to research the size, location, and majors offered at each school. This will help you narrow down your HBCU list.
Next, let’s check out our HBCU list of the 20 best historically Black colleges and universities across the nation. Later on, we’ll discuss the top HBCU colleges and provide a map of historically Black colleges and universities.
HBCU Colleges List
Here’s our list of all HBCU colleges in the United States, divided by state. While most HBCU colleges are in the South, you’ll also find several HBCU schools in the Northeast and Midwest.
Top Twenty Best HBCU Colleges in the U.S.
Now that we’ve discussed how to build your HBCU list, let’s take a look at HBCU rankings.
The HBCU rankings are published each year. Measures for U.S. News’ HBCU list include graduation rates, social mobility, retention, and graduate indebtedness. While there’s always movement on the HBCU rankings list, the top colleges tend to be consistent from year to year.
Overall, the HBCU college rankings showcase the best historically Black colleges and universities in the nation.
Top HBCU Colleges
Here are the top 20 ranked HBCUs, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Spelman College
An all-women’s institution located in Atlanta, Georgia, Spelman College is one of the best HBCU colleges around. Spelman is a private liberal arts institution with a total enrollment of 2,300 students and an acceptance rate of 51%. Spelman College is ranked #51 on the list of National Liberal Arts Colleges and #19 in Best Undergraduate Teaching by U.S. News. Spelman College has notable alumnae such as Stacey Abrams, Alice Walker, Bernice King, and Marian Wright Edelman.
Howard University
Located in the nation’s capital, Washington D.C., Howard University is a prestigious private research university. Howard University has an acceptance rate of 35% and a total enrollment of 12,065 students. Howard is ranked #89 on U.S. News’ list of National Universities and #30 on their list of Most Innovative Schools. Howard boasts notable alumni such as Thurgood Marshall, Toni Morrison, Sean Diddy Combs, and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Xavier University – New Orleans
In the heart of New Orleans, LA, Xavier University of New Orleans (XULA) is one of the city’s two private liberal arts HBCUs. Xavier University has an acceptance rate of 95% and an undergraduate student population of 3,419. Additionally, XULA is ranked #14 for Regional Universities in the South and #12 for Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Hampton University
Home to a total of 3,516 undergraduate students, Hampton University is a private university located in Hampton, Virginia. The Hampton University acceptance rate sits at 80% and is highly regarded for its undergraduate engineering programs as well as its support of veterans.
Morehouse College
A private all-men’s liberal arts institution located in Atlanta, Georgia, Morehouse College is the only all men’s college on the top HBCU list. According to U.S. News, the Morehouse College ranking is #23 for both Best Undergraduate Teaching and Most Innovative Schools. The school is known for its famous alumni such as Martin Luther King Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, and Spike Lee. With an acceptance rate of 65%, Morehouse College has remained in the top 5 HBCU list for many years.
Tuskegee University
With a total enrollment of 3,000 students, Tuskegee University is a private liberal arts institution located in Tuskegee, Alabama. The Tuskegee University ranking is #6 in the Regional Universities South list and claims notable alumni such as Al Green, Lionel Richie, Ralph Ellison, and Keenen Ivory Wayans. The Tuskegee University ranking has remained in the top 10 HBCU list for many years.
Florida A&M University
Located in Tallahassee, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) is a public land grant research institution. The school is ranked #202 among National Universities by U.S. News. FAMU prides itself on providing students with an accessible education that will help them achieve their goals. Additionally, FAMU has a student population of 9,179 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, providing students with a strong campus community even within an urban setting.
North Carolina A&T University
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University is a public land-grant research university located in Greensboro, North Carolina. Ranked #299 in National Universities by U.S. News, NCA&T has a strong reputation across STEM fields. This school prides itself on the upward mobility of its alumni—whose early career earnings are among the highest within the UNC system.
Fisk University
The next school on our top twenty best HBCU list is Fisk University, a private liberal arts university in Nashville, Tennessee. Fisk has a student population of 1,050, which makes it a great choice for students looking for a small college community in a big city. The Fisk University ranking is #151 among National Liberal Arts Colleges, according to U.S. News. Alongside its own graduate and professional schools, Fisk also offers graduate programs in partnership with Vanderbilt University.
Claflin University
Located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Claflin University is a private university with a student population of 2,200 students. Claflin University was the first university in South Carolina to welcome Black students. Today, this top HBCU aims to educate future leaders, empowering them to break barriers and make the world a better place. The Claflin University ranking is #156-201 among liberal arts colleges nationwide.
Delaware State University
Founded in 1891, Delaware State University is a public land grant research university located in Dover, Delaware. With an enrollment of 5,649 students, students at Delaware State will join a tight-knit campus community with plenty to offer. As one of the top 10 HBCUs, Delaware State offers 46 majors in a variety of fields. According to U.S. News, the Delaware State University ranking is #85 among regional universities in the north.
Morgan State University
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Morgan State University is the next school on our top twenty best HBCU list. Morgan State is the only university to have its entire campus designated as a national treasure. Additionally, its Baltimore location offers students plenty of opportunities to engage with arts, culture, and more. The school has a student population of 9,100 and offers over 180 different degree programs.
North Carolina Central University
North Carolina Central University is a public university in Durham, North Carolina. As part of the UNC system, this school offers strong academic programs in a variety of disciplines. NCCU has an undergraduate student population of 5,017 and offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The school also has a robust online program and partnerships with a variety of community colleges.
Dillard University
Founded in 1930, Dillard University is a private university located in New Orleans, Louisiana. This school’s history dates back to 1869 when it was initially founded by the American Missionary Association under the name Straight University. Today, Dillard University is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ. Additionally, as a small university, Dillard has an enrollment of just 1,224 students.
Tougaloo College
Founded in 1869, Tougaloo College is a private liberal arts college located in Jackson, Mississippi. Tougaloo College has a student population of just 668, offering a tight-knit campus feel. The school has been called the “cradle of the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi” because of the role it played in advancing equality and justice throughout the state. Tougaloo is also partnered with the Fielding School of Public Health at UCLA, where students can pursue a variety of graduate degrees.
Winston-Salem State University
Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Winston-Salem State University is a public research university with an enrollment of 4,689 students. According to U.S. News, WSSU ranks #285 among National Universities. U.S. News also ranks this school #18 among Top Performers in Social Mobility. WSSU has an acceptance rate of 73% and offers a variety of academic programs.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Located in Princess Anne, Maryland, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore is a public land-grant research university that offers a variety of academic and pre-professional programs. As another small university, UMES has an undergraduate student population of 1,933 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. It also features a variety of doctoral programs.
Clark Atlanta University
Founded in 1988 through the combination of Clark College and Atlanta University, Clark Atlanta is located in Atlanta, GA. With an enrollment of roughly 3000 undergrads, Clark Atlanta is often recognized as one of the best HBCU colleges around. Moreover, it is ranked by U.S. News at #69 on their list of Top Performers on Social Mobility.
Jackson State University
Next on our list is Jackson State University, a public research university located in Jackson, Mississippi. Jackson State is one of the largest HBCUs in the country, with an undergraduate student population of 7,080. It offers 29 undergraduate degree programs and prides itself on its strong academic reputation.
Norfolk State University
Located in Norfolk, Virginia, Norfolk State University is a public university with a student population of 5,016. As another large HBCU, Norfolk State has a strong reputation for research. The school also offers a wide variety of graduate programs in business, education, social work, and more. Additionally, according to U.S. News, Norfolk State ranks #63 among Regional Universities in the South.
What is the best HBCU?
The top six HBCU colleges according to U.S. News’ college rankings are listed below. Even though HBCU rankings are updated yearly, these top HBCU colleges are high on the HBCU rankings list year after year.
Top HBCU List
#1 – Spelman College
#2 – Howard University
#3 – Xavier University New Orleans
#4 (tie) – Hampton University
– Morehouse College
– Tuskegee University
Understanding the top HBCU colleges
First on our top HBCU list is Spelman. Spelman College has been ranked the number one HBCU for the past 16 consecutive years.
The Spelman College ranking has remained consistent due to many factors. This includes their small class sizes, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation and retention rates. Spelman has an impressive 75% graduation rate compared to a national average of 63%. The college also holds several impressive rankings in other areas. For example, Spelman is ranked #51 in Best National Liberal Arts Colleges, #9 in Most Innovative Schools, and #5 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
Another one of the top HBCU colleges is Howard. What makes Howard University particularly impressive is its stellar offerings at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Howard offers a well-regarded law school, medical school, and dental school. Additionally, the Howard University ranking has remained consistent due to their esteemed alumni, accomplished faculty, and career outcomes. Howard is ranked #89 in National Universities, #21 in Best undergraduate teaching, and #64 in Best value schools.
However, don’t base your colleges list on the HBCU rankings alone. Overall, the top HBCU colleges can be subjective. Neither the Tuskegee University ranking, the Fisk University ranking, nor the Howard University ranking should make the decision for you.
So, use the HBCU rankings alongside other information to inform which HBCU colleges to add to your college list. Don’t fixate on prestige—instead, look for the best HBCU colleges for your needs.
What is the largest Black college?
The largest HBCU is North Carolina A&T State University.
North Carolina A&T is in Greensboro, North Carolina and had a total enrollment of 13, 322 students during the 2021-2022 academic year. NC A&T also consistently features in the top 20 HBCU rankings. With its ideal location in Greensboro, affordable tuition, and lively campus, its population has continued to grow over the years.
What is the most expensive HBCU?
According to U.S. News’ college rankings, Howard University is the most expensive historically Black college and university. Tuition at Howard University for the 2022-2023 academic year was $30,584. When accounting for additional fees and expenses, the total cost of attendance at Howard University is $52,524.
While Howard University is the most expensive historically Black college and university, it is still considered more affordable than comparable private non-HBCU colleges. Additionally, Howard offers financial aid to students with demonstrated need.
Where are HBCU Colleges located?
Most HBCUs are located in the South and Southeast region. Shortly after the Civil War, these regions were home to a large population of newly free Black Americans. This caused a critical demand for more Black colleges. So, it makes sense why you see so many of the HBCU schools in the Southern states today. You will find many HBCU colleges in Georgia, HBCU colleges in Alabama, and HBCU colleges in Texas.
In Atlanta, Georgia there is a cluster of HBCU schools known as the Atlanta University Center Consortium. The AUCC is the oldest and largest consortium of historically Black colleges and universities in the country. These HBCU colleges have shared academic communities and also provide the opportunity to cross-register for classes.
Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University are members of the AUCC. Other HBCU colleges in Georgia include Fort Valley State University, Savannah State University, and Albany State University.
Best HBCU Colleges Map
While most HBCU colleges are concentrated in the South and Southeast, HBCU colleges are spread out across the country. Many of the oldest HBCUs in the nation are in the Northeast and Midwest. The west coast has very few HBCU colleges. However, HBCU colleges in Texas add quite a few HBCU schools to the Southwestern side of the map.
Check out the map below to see where historically Black colleges and universities in the nation are located.
What state has the most HBCUs?
The state of Alabama has the most historically Black colleges and universities.
Top HBCU colleges in Alabama include:
Top HBCU colleges in North Carolina include:
Are there HBCU schools in California?
Whether there is an HBCU in California is a matter of some debate. The definition of a historically Black college and university is explicitly tied to the year of its founding. Additionally, the term is usually reserved for undergraduate institutions.
Although there are no HBCUs in California that fit the true definition of an HBCU, there is one that many think ought to be included. Moreover, for years, many Californians have flocked to the South and east coast to attend the best Black colleges.
The one debatable HBCU in California is Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, located in Los Angeles. It was originally founded to address health inequity in Watts—an L.A. neighborhood. Charles R. Drew University then went on to become the only graduate HBCU in California.
Charles R. Drew University, a graduate HBCU in California, joins an esteemed group of other Black medical colleges such as:
- Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia
- Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee
- Howard University College of Medicine in Washington D.C.
- XULA College of Pharmacy in New Orleans, Louisiana
Are there HBCU schools in New York?
New York is home to many world-class institutions of higher education. However, there is not an HBCU in New York. While there is not a single HBCU in New York, students can find several HBCU colleges in neighboring states.
The closest HBCU colleges to New York are Cheyney University, considered the nation’s first HBCU, and Lincoln University, both located in Pennsylvania. Delaware State University is also nearby in Dover, Delaware.
HBCU in Virginia
Unlike New York and California, Virginia has several HBCU colleges to choose from. The top ranking HBCU in Virginia is Hampton University, which also appeared on our top twenty list of HBCU colleges. Looking for an HBCU in Virginia? Well, in total, there are six to choose from:
- Hampton University in Hampton, VA
- Norfolk State University in Norfolk, V
- Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA
- Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA
- Virginia University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, VA
If you are looking for a larger campus, the biggest HBCU in Virginia is Virginia State University. Check out the full list of Black colleges to find the perfect HBCU in Virginia for you.
HBCU in Texas
HBCU colleges in Texas are near almost every major city. In fact, if you’re looking for an HBCU in Texas, there are nine in total.
In the Houston area, you have Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University. Outside of Austin and San Antonio, you’ll find St. Phillips College and Hutson-Tillotson University. HBCU colleges in Texas also include Paul Quinn College in Dallas and Wiley College in Marshall.
Refer to the complete HBCU list for all the HBCU colleges in Texas.
HBCU Colleges – Final Thoughts
So, what does HBCU stand for? Historically Black colleges and universities.
HBCU colleges were founded to support African Americans during a time with limited educational opportunities. Black colleges and universities have produced some of the most successful Black scholars and professionals across academic fields. To this day, joining the HBCU legacy is a decision that fills students and their families with immense pride.
What does HBCU stand for today?
While HBCU colleges have changed rapidly in recent decades, their spirit has remained the same. In fact, HBCUs now have larger and more diverse student bodies and academic programs that compete with other top universities.
Remember, choosing the perfect HBCU for you is about more than HBCU rankings. So, take time to do your own research.
Still need more help building your HBCU colleges list? Check out these CollegeAdvisor resources to learn more about historically Black colleges and universities.
The application process for HBCU colleges may differ from school to school. So, research the application requirements and deadlines for each school. If you need help, remember that we’re here to help you find the best colleges for you.
This article was written by AO, Chelsea Holley. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.
