What Is an HBCU? A Complete List of Schools
In the wake of the Civil War, African American students had few opportunities when it came to pursuing an education. With many colleges and universities denying admission to persons of color, the government passed the second Morrill Act of 1890, which mandated that states offer land grants to academic institutions serving African Americans. The result was the creation of HBCUs, or historically black colleges and universities. According to President George Bush, these institutions “offered the best, and often the only, opportunity for a higher education” to persons of color.
Which Schools Are Considered HBCUs?
Once the primary educational facilities of African Americans, including newly freed slaves after the Civil War, HBCUs now refer to any historically black colleges established prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, when school segregation became illegal. According to the Higher Education Act of 1965, an HBCU must be accredited by a nationally recognized agency and dedicated to the education of black Americans. However, today’s HBCUs accept students of all races and ethnicities; in fact, 24% of students who attend HBCUs are non-black.
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While HBCUs offer exceptional academic opportunities for students of all races, research shows that they provide particular benefits for students of color. According to a recent Gallup poll, African American students who attended HBCUs enjoyed a better support system than those at traditional institutions. Additionally, they reported experiencing a higher level of financial well-being after graduation and benefited from the school’s rich alumni network.
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Another reason that students may opt to attend an HBCU over another educational institution is that the cost of attendance is significantly lower. According to the United Negro College Fund, in 2014 tuition at HBCUs was 26% percent lower than at other four-year colleges.
Complete List of HBCUs
Thinking of attending an historically black college or university? Below is a complete list of HBCUs:
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Bishop State Community College
C.A. Fredd Campus of Shelton State Community College
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
Elizabeth City State University
Gadsden State Community College
Interdenominational Theological Center
Lawson State Community College
Lincoln University of Missouri
Mississippi Valley State University
North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina Central University
South Carolina State University
Southern University and A&M College
Southern University at New Orleans
Southern University at Shreveport
Southwestern Christian College
Trenholm State Technical College
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
University of Maryland, Eastern Shore
University of the District of Columbia
University of the Virgin Islands
Virginia University of Lynchburg
West Virginia State University
Winston Salem State University
Xavier University of Louisiana
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