FAQs and FACTS about HBCUs
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Posted By: S. Moore on February 06, 2023 As you develop your college list, you might come across the term “HBCU.” These letters stand for “Historically Black Colleges and Universities”. But what exactly does that mean for you? Can you apply to them even if you’re not a minority? Keep reading to find out what HBCU means and some of the best ones in the United States! HBCUs are a source of accomplishment and great pride for the African American community as well as the entire nation. The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, defines an HBCU as: “…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation.” HBCUs offer all students, regardless of race, an opportunity to develop their skills and talents. These institutions train young people who go on to serve domestically and internationally in the professions as entrepreneurs and in the public and private sectors. What are HBCUs? HBCU stands for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The term really refers to schools that primarily served African Americans prior to the Civil Rights Movement of 1964. Most HBCUs—over 100 schools in total—were founded after the American Civil War. After Congress passed the Second Morrill Act of 1890, states who did not have integrated land grant colleges and universities had to establish land grant schools for black students. Generally, these schools are located in the southern states. Formed in 2015, the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus advocates their interests in Congress. It has 30 Representatives as members of the caucus. HBCUs also receive funding from the federal government due to their historical status. Why Are Historically Black Colleges Important? Originally, HBCUs were created to give freed slaves and their ancestors an opportunity to work towards higher education and career opportunities. Today, they supply experience for African Americans, help them to be a part of their community and culture, and assist them with academic achievement gaps that still exist. Who Can Apply to an HBCU? Anyone can apply to an HBCU! They have actually always accepted students of other racial identities, and several of them now have larger percentages of non-African American students. Though the black student population has decreased at HBCUs, the schools maintain that they are continuing their original missions of providing academic opportunities for those who might not have many options (this Time article has some interesting points on this). Studies have shown that African American students tend to have better support systems at HBCUs. They also tend to be more comfortable in their sense of well-being after graduation according to this Gallup poll. How Many HBCUs Are There? As of January 2020, there are 107 HBCUs–56 being private and 51 being public. Together, these schools have 228,000 students enrolled. It is important to note, though, that 3 of the 107 are currently closed. Do you Have to Be African American to Attend an HBCU? No, you do not have to be African American to attend an HBCU. Morgan State University in Baltimore has actually seen a rising number of non-African American students apply and attend in recent years. African Americans still make up the majority of students at Morgan, however, representing about 79% of the student population. However, many HBCUs across the country are actually working to become more diverse. The state with the most HBCUs is Alabama, a few examples being Alabama A&M University – Huntsville, Miles College, Talladega College, and Tuskegee University. List of acredited HBCUs: Click Here! SOURCE College Raptor If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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