Martin Luther King, Jr. Oprah Winfrey. Thurgood Marshall. Vice President Kamala Harris. Recognize these names? They’re just a few distinguished graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
So, if you're considering applying to HBCU schools, you're not only considering where to go to college. You're also exploring academic institutions with a rich heritage of cultivating excellence, leadership, and cultural diversity.
Unfortunately, few students tend to know as much about HBCUs as they do about other popular colleges and universities, such as those in the Ivy League (or the Public Ivies) or the University of California. We hope to change that with this blog post!
Below, we'll share the essential information about what can make HBCUs an attractive choice for your undergraduate or graduate studies. We’ll also break down the steps to apply and answer some frequently asked questions.
Let's start with an overview of what qualifies a school to be an HBCU and the significance of HBCUs in the history of higher education in the United States.
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(click to skip ahead)What are HBCU schools?
Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a history dating back to the mid-19th century. During a time when racial segregation and discrimination were pervasive in the United States, HBCUs provided educational opportunities for Black students who were often denied access to higher education anywhere else.
According to Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965, an HBCU is a historically Black college that:
was established prior to 1964,
whose principal mission was, and is, the education of Black Americans, and
is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
HBCUs consist of both public and private institutions. However, all strive to make higher education accessible for low-income, first-generation, and African-American students who still may face barriers when pursuing higher education elsewhere.
In 2021, enrollment at HBCUs was at 287,001 students. While the majority of those students identify as Black Americans, HBCUs welcome students of all races and ethnicities. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, a quarter of students attending HBCUs during that year were non-Black.
10 of the most renowned HBCUs
Whether you're interested in STEM fields, the arts, or social sciences, you're sure to find an HBCU that aligns with your passions and ambitions. Here are ten renowned HBCUs known for their academic excellence, historical significance, and notable alumni.
Howard University (Washington, D.C.)
Founded in 1867, Howard University boasts a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. It's known for producing more on-campus African American Ph.D. recipients than any other institution in the US. Howard is also the alma mater of numerous influential figures, including Kamala Harris and Chadwick Boseman.
Spelman College (Atlanta, Georgia)
Established in 1881, Spelman College is a prestigious women's college dedicated to empowering African-American women. It's renowned for its rigorous academic programs, particularly in the liberal arts and sciences, emphasizing leadership development and community engagement. Notable Spelman alumni include Stacey Abrams and Bernice King.
Morehouse College (Atlanta, Georgia)
Morehouse College, an all-male institution founded in 1867, has a strong focus on character development, academic excellence, and social responsibility. Academic Influence ranks Morehouse as the best liberal arts college or university in Georgia. Notable alumni of Morehouse College include Martin Luther King Jr. and filmmaker Spike Lee.
Hampton University (Hampton, Virginia)
Hampton University, founded in 1868, is known for its commitment to STEM disciplines. Hampton students can also take advantage of the university's proximity to notable attractions, such as the NASA Langley Research Center and the Virginia Air and Space Center. Notable alumni of Hampton include Booker T. Washington and Wanda Sykes.
North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro, North Carolina)
North Carolina A&T, one of the largest HBCUs, is a hub for STEM education and research. The university is a top flight-research university and the leading producer of African-American undergraduates in Engineering and Agriculture. Notable North Carolina A&T alumni include civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.
Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, Florida)
Florida A&M University, founded in 1887, is known for its academic programs in agriculture and engineering. While we’re generally wary of rankings, US News World Report has ranked Florida A&M as the top public HBCU for five consecutive years. Notable alumni from Florida A&M include Tyrese Gibson and Common.
Tuskegee University (Tuskegee, Alabama)
Tuskegee University has a long history of advancing African Americans in science, aviation, and agriculture. Founded by Booker T. Washington in 1881, Tuskegee was the first Black college to become a Registered National Historic Landmark and the only historically Black college designated as a National Historic Site. Notable alumni from Tuskegee include Lionel Richie and Ralph Ellison.
Fisk University (Nashville, Tennessee)
Fisk University is the oldest institution of higher learning in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 1866, Fisk strives to instill in all its students the values of diversity, excellence, teamwork, accountability, integrity, leadership, and service. Notable Fisk alumni include W. E. B. Du Bois and Ida B. Wells.
Xavier University of Louisiana (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Founded in 1915, Xavier University of Louisiana is the only historically Black, Catholic University in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Education, Xavier is the top university for African-American undergraduate students in biological/life sciences and physical sciences. Notable alumni from Xavier include Annie Easley.
Alabama State University (Montgomery, Alabama)
Alabama State University is one of Alabama's largest HBCUs, offering a wide range of academic programs. Founded in 1867, it has a strong commitment to cultivating academic achievement and community engagement. Notable alumni from Alabama State include Rosa Parks.
Complete List of HBCUs
Currently, 104 historically Black colleges and universities are open across 19 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For a complete list and links to each school's website, refer to this HBCU listing.
How to Apply to HBCUs
While the application process for HBCUs shares similarities with other American colleges and universities, there are some unique aspects to consider. Here's a breakdown of the steps to guide you through the application process.
Step 1: Research and Identify HBCUs
Start by researching HBCUs to identify the ones that align with your academic and personal goals. If you need help with how to go about that, check out our step-by-step guide on how to choose a college.
Since not all HBCUs use the same application platform, it's also crucial to explore their individual requirements and programs. Some HBCUs accept the Common Black College Application (CBCA), while others may use the Common Application or have their own application processes.
Step 2: Select Your Top Choices
Once you've identified the HBCUs that interest you, the next step is to create a balanced college list, including reach, target, and safety schools. This means considering colleges and universities where your academic profile aligns well with their admission standards—the easiest way to do this is to check how things like your grades and possibly test scores compare to those of other applicants by using the school’s Common Data Set.
We recommend creating a balanced college list for all students, regardless of where they apply. However, one unique aspect of the CBCA is the opportunity to select your top four institutions among the member HBCUs.
While you can apply to more than four institutions using the CBCA, some HBCUs may prioritize applications from students who have listed them as top choices.
Step 3: Complete the Application
If you decide to use the CBCA, you can apply to multiple member HBCUs for a one-time fee of $20.
Register on the Common Black College Application website, complete the application, and submit the fee. The application typically requests your biographical information, academic history, extracurricular activities, and awards or achievements.
Learn more:
Step 4: Notify Your School Counselor
After completing the CBCA application, provide your school counselor's name and contact information. They will be contacted to create an account through which they can upload your academic records.
If you're worried your school counselor may be unfamiliar with the HBCU application process, speak to them directly. Show them the specific requirements for the HBCUs you're hoping to attend. Ensure they have all the information needed to submit your academic documents on time.
Learn more:
Step 5: Submit Essays and Recommendations
Some HBCUs may require specific essays or letters of recommendation. Visit each school's website to find the essay topics and guidelines. Regardless of the essay topic, compelling application essays will reflect your character and personal strengths. Using your essays to demonstrate your interest in attending an HBCU can also strengthen your application.
Here are some essay guides we've created for a few HBCUs:
Step 6: Check for Additional Requirements
The CBCA shares your application information with all HBCUs. If you'd like to be considered for admission at HBCUs beyond your top four choices, contact those institutions directly to express your interest.
Also, be aware that each HBCU may have additional requirements or application deadlines beyond what the CBCA covers. Visit each school's website or contact their admissions office for detailed information on any supplementary materials, interviews, or campus visits they may require.
For further guidance and tips on applying to HBCUs, check out this guide.
HBCU Law Schools
If you're interested in pursuing a law degree after obtaining your bachelor's degree, there are also HBCUs with reputable law schools.
One prominent example is Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C. Howard Law has a rich history of producing influential legal scholars and civil rights leaders. Notable alumni include Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and the first Black American female lawyer in the United States, Charlotte E. Ray.
Other HBCU law schools include the Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the North Carolina Central University School of Law in Durham, North Carolina. Both institutions have a strong track record of preparing students for successful legal careers and promoting diversity within the legal profession.
Learn more about applying for law school:
HBCU Medical Schools
Several HBCUs also offer comprehensive medical school programs that can prepare you to become a healthcare professional.
For example, the Meharry Medical College School of Medicine, founded in 1876 in Nashville, Tennessee, is known for its unwavering commitment to healthcare equity. The Meharry med school curriculum stands out by adopting a diagnosis-oriented approach that organizes lessons around the 120 most frequently encountered clinical issues in medical practice.
Other notable HBCU medical schools include the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. Both of these medical schools share a commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and promoting diversity within the medical field.
Learn more about applying for med school:
Frequently Asked Questions About HBCUs
Still have questions about HBCUs? Here are answers to a few of the most common questions and links to direct you toward more helpful information.
How many historically black colleges and universities are there?
Currently, 104 historically Black colleges and universities are open across 19 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For a complete list, refer to this HBCU listing.
Are HBCUs only for Black students?
No, HBCUs welcome applicants from all races and ethnicities. Although the majority of HBCU students identify as Black or African-American, a quarter of students across all HBCUs are non-Black.
Are HBCU colleges expensive?
Typically, tuition costs at HBCUs are less expensive than costs at other public and private colleges in the United States. However, the cost of attending an HBCU varies across institutions.
For example, the current annual cost of attendance for Spelman College (one of the most expensive HBCUs) is $46,351 for on-campus students and $30,058 for off-campus students. On the other hand, the annual cost of attendance for Coahoma Community College is around $7,000 for in-state students and around $10,000 for out-of-state students.
It's also important to note that you may be able to cover some or all of those costs with financial aid and scholarships.
Are there scholarships available for HBCU students?
Yes, there are scholarship programs for HBCU students. Many HBCUs offer full or partial scholarships to admitted students. For example, Morris Brown College has several scholarship opportunities for new and returning students.
You can also apply for scholarships offered by private institutions to help cover the cost of attendance at HBCUs. For an in-depth look at how to find scholarship opportunities, check out this section of our guide on how to pay for college.
You can also find scholarships exclusively for Black and African-American students. For example, the Ron Brown Scholarship is a $40,000 scholarship for low-income African-American high school seniors. Recipients of this scholarship can use the money to pay tuition and fees at an HBCU or any accredited four-year college or university in the US.
Final Thoughts
Attending an HBCU can be an excellent choice for students seeking a supportive academic environment committed to nurturing talent, cultivating leadership, and promoting diversity and inclusion. We hope this blog post has helped answer your questions about HBCUs.
If you need help applying to an HBCU or other colleges and universities, check out our comprehensive College Application Hub!
Ameer is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about college admissions and career development. Prior to freelancing, Ameer worked for three years as a college admissions consultant at a Hong Kong-based education center, helping local high school students prepare and apply for top colleges and universities in the US. He has a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago and an M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from UCLA. When he’s not working, Ameer loves traveling, weight lifting, writing, reading, and learning foreign languages. He currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand.
Top values: Growth / Diversity / Empathy
