Over the years, Historically black colleges and universities have played a major role in the liberation of Black Americans by giving them the platform to get higher education and agitate for their freedom.
These Historically Black Colleges and Universities have produced notable African Leaders we have today, persons like W.E.B Du Bois, Martin Luther King Jr., Langston Hughes, Toni Morrison, and Oprah Winfrey.
So, I tell you having an opportunity to study or take a degree program from any of the Historically Black Colleges in the World is something that you shouldn’t think of missing.
Interestingly, reading this post will give you an insight into the top 20 Historically Black Colleges in the World that offers varieties of degree programs. Note, these universities are for all races.
About Historically Black Colleges
In 1965 a law was passed by the Higher Education Act. This law was to create special American schools known as “Historically Black Colleges and Universities” for the Blacks.
The core aim of these colleges is to provide opportunities for Black Americans to be educated and allowing emancipated slaves an opportunity to pursue higher education.
Although that was its major aim then, but it is still relevant and important today.
What are Historically Black Colleges?
Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are institutions of higher education that were established with the core aim of providing African Americans education.
Let’s look at some definitions given by some educational bodied;
According to the U.S. Department of Education, Historically Black College or University or HBCU as it is also called refers to any accredited institution established prior to 1965 “whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans.”
However, these colleges are committed to educating all students regardless of their race.
National Center for Education Statistics shows that there were 102 HBCUs in the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2016. And also that the number of HBCUs has decreased since the 1930s, but has remained fairly steady since the 1980s.
What are the Impacts of Historically Black Colleges?
Before slavery was abolished, racism was the order of the day, The Blacks were denied their rights and sense of belonging. It was so bad that they were not given to opportunity to be eucated just like the Whites.
With the aim of providing black youths who were largely prevented, due to racial discrimination, from attending established colleges and universities with basic education and training to become teachers or tradesmen HBCUs were established.
Since then, these colleges and universities have accomplished that and more. It also helped in preparing the Blacks to contribute to their communities, builds confidence and gave them the essential skills they need to cultivate a career.
Aside from that, other impacts and benefits of Historically Black Colleges in the World include;
- Provided Low-Cost Universities
- Helped in Bringing Freedom
- These Colleges helped in Birthing Leaders
- Closing the racial wealth gap
- Open Job Opportunities
- Provide a growing and Conducive Learning Environment
Provided Low-Cost Universities
Many HBCUs have lower tuition and fees compared to traditionally white institutions. This provides blacks with low income the opportunity to be educated.
Some of these HBCUs offer a broad spectrum of financial assistance to qualified students and have extensive experience in identifying sources of financial support for deserving students.
This financial assistance can come in the form of scholarships, loans, and grants to cover the cost of tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, personal expenses, and transportation.
Moreso, HBCU’s tuition fees are on average nearly 30% less than comparable institutions, which is why they are often referred to as the best buy in education.
At a time when parents and students are more concerned than ever about the cost of attending college, HBCUs offer higher returns at a lower cost.
Helped in Bringing Freedom
Then when blacks were fighting for their freedom, Historically Black Colleges and universities saved as vehicles of freedom and black liberation. The blacks were educated on their rights and culture.
These Colleges helped in Birthing Leaders
This one of the major things Historically Black Colleges achieved and is still achieving. Notable African American leaders such as W.E.B Du Bois, Martin Luther King Jr., Langston Hughes, Toni Morrison, and Oprah Winfrey, attended a Historically Black university.
And these HBCUs helped to influence their black liberation struggle. They trained them and served as key sites of exchange where ideals about the best paths toward freedom took shape.
Open Job Opportunities
HBCUs have opened up many doors of opportunities for African Americans who at one time were denied an education.
With skills such as agriculture, these institutions taught African Americans, they were equipped with the basic skills in the work field, such as agriculture.
Closing the racial wealth gap
HBCUs provide quality education at a reasonable price, which helps to lower the number of money students need to take out in loans.
Since 54 percent of African American graduates have student loan debt compared to 39 percent of white graduates, getting a degree from an HBCU can go a long way toward closing the wealth gap.
Provide a growing and Conducive Learning Environment
HBCU provided a more conducive educational environment for students who find it difficult to reach their full academic potential. And also offered a wide range of effective remedial programs for students.
Many HBCUs have established development centers, reading labs, and expanded training and counseling services to meet the special needs of disadvantaged students.
In addition, HBCU’s strong commitment to serving all students has resulted in a high number of graduates.
What to Considering before choosing a historically black college?
As a student, before you can think of applying to any Historically Black school, it is expedient you make an extensive research to be sure you have the requirements and criteria.
Aside from that, if you don’t make a detailed research, you can get confused when trying to choose the best because there are over 100s of Historically Black colleges and universities in the world.
In your research, there are some basic or better still you can call them important factors you must consider or look at before you can think of making that school you study destination.
- The Tuition
- Structure of the College or University
- Where the school is situated
- Number of Programs
In addition, it is advisable you look at the school’s graduation rates, retention rate, and even student Faculty Ratio.
Furthermore, it is necessary you consider the Academic reputation of the Historically Black Colleges before making your choice.
Now, lest look at the basic factors we listed above
Where the school is situated
The location of a school can affect the cost of education. For instance, as an international student, you will pay more for tuition than citizens of the state where the school is situated.
So, it is important that when considering the Historically Black College you attend, you should look at the distance. To become a public student, you usually need at least one year of permanent residence in the state where the college or university is located.
There are also online courses and study programs that students can access anywhere in the country.
The Tuition
The cost of a visit to HBCU will depend on several factors, such as the student’s state of residence and whether he or she lives in the city or outside.
All students are encouraged to complete and submit a free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) prior to enrollment. The FAFSA uses factors (such as student family income) to determine their eligibility for federal loans, scholarships, and other financial assistance.
The Structure of the College
The largest HBCU admits between 12,000 and 7,500 new students each year, but more than half of all HBCUs admit 2,500 or fewer students.
Public universities tend to have higher enrollment at universities and larger campuses, and their ratio between students and faculty is less favorable.
Private universities, by contrast, have lower enrollment rates, smaller campuses, and so on
Favorable proportions of students by faculties.
Number and Types of Programs
It is necessary that when considering colleges and universities to attend, you should be able to identify multiple institutions with degree programs that reflect their career aspirations.
Some HBCUs offer specialization or concentration programs that allow students to focus their studies on a specific area of their professional field.
Note, HBCU is considered particularly suitable for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) degrees.
Listing of historically black colleges and universities
Let’s take a look at the Best historically black colleges and universities in the world.
Let’s take a look at some of the UF colleges
1. North Carolina Central University
Location: Durham, NC
The University of North Carolina, founded in 1910, is the first state institution for black students. Today, the NCCU enrolls more than 8,200 students on the Durham campus each year and offers a number of flexible online and hybrid graduate programs.
At ninety-nine colleges, NCCU offers more than 20 bachelor’s and 45 bachelor’s degrees in computer technology, film, business administration, and math. Students can also attend science and social studies courses offered by the research institute and university.
Basically, this university offers 29 on-campus bachelor’s degrees; 6 online bachelor’s degrees; 3 hybrid bachelor’s degrees; 45 master’s degrees.
To apply, undergraduate students must bring a high school diploma to an ACT or SAT degree. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA 2.0 and all previous college education.
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#2. North Carolina A & T State University
Location: reensboro, NC
North Carolina A & T State University is among the Historically Black university and the largest black university in the nation, North Carolina A&T State.
Basically, this university offers 54 on-campus bachelor’s degrees; 9 online bachelor’s degrees; 29 master’s degrees; 9 doctoral degrees.
Students can graduate in education, technology, economics, humanities, arts, and sciences, including the only bachelor’s degrees in laboratory animal sciences available in North Carolina.
The average freshman profile arriving at N.C. A&T includes a GPA of 3.6, a SAT 1040, and an ACT of 20. The University offers a series of merit-based scholarships.
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#3. Winston-Salem State University
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Winston Salem State University ranks first in the UNC system. This Historically Black University enrols up to 5,000 students every year.
Basically, this university offers 34 on-campus bachelor’s degrees; 4 online bachelor’s degrees; 7 master’s degrees; and 3 Ph.D. degrees.
Subsequent entrants must have a PPA of at least 2.5 and an ACT or SAT score (17 or 880, respectively). College compensation with a PPA of at least 2.0 should be available on transfer applications.
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#4. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Location: Tallahasse
This university is among the historically black colleges in Florida. It enrolls every year more than 10,000 students from different ethnic, social, and religious backgrounds.
Basically, this university offers over 90 undergraduate and doctoral programs and participate in over 100 student clubs.
To apply as a new student, you must have an average high school grade of at least 3.0 (2.5 for transfer students).
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See Also: University of Florida Acceptance Rate
#5. Fayetteville State University
Location: Fayetteville, NC
One of the top 20 black colleges in North Carolina is Fayetteville State University. This university enrolls more than 6,500 students each year.
Basically, this university offers 40 on-campus bachelor’s degrees; 10 online bachelor’s degrees; 12 master’s degrees; 1 doctoral degree.
The University Honors Program and the Graduate Research Program encourage students to grow and develop leadership, analysis, and collaboration.
To apply, you must have a minimum of 2.5 GPA for new students and a minimum of 2.0 GPA for transferring students. Transfers and new transfers with less than 24 credits must be issued with a credit or SAT. (sportslogohistory.com)
Click the button below to get more information about this UF graduate school application.
#6. Elizabeth City State University
Location: Elizabeth City, NC
Elizabeth City State University is one of the smallest institutions in the UN system, enrolling approximately 1,800 students each year.
Like other historic colleges and universities in North Carolina, the ECHR is committed to providing high-quality education with the core values of accountability, diversity and excellence.
Basically, this university offers 26 on-campus bachelor’s degrees; 4 online bachelor’s degrees, and 4 master’s degrees.
As a new applicant, you must have at least a 2.5 GPA and submit ACT or SAT scores (at least 17 or 880, respectively). And as a transfer applicant, you must have a 2.0 university GPA.
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#7. Delaware State University
Location: Dover, DE
Delaware State University enrolls about 4,800 students a year. However, the university has four academic colleges specializing in agriculture, science and technology; humanities, education and social science; business; health, and behavioral science.
Basically, this university offers a total of 42 degrees, 16 masters and 5 doctorates. Note, the four undergraduate programs offer flexible options for completing an online license.
As a new applicant, you must have a minimum academic experience of 2.0 GPA. The minimum scores for the ACT and SAT qualifications are 17 and 800, respectively.
#8. Howard University –
Location: Washington, DC
This is one of the best historically black and universities in the world. This university enrolls more than 130,000 in youth, science, and culture.
Basically, Howard offers various academic catalogs with 47, bachelor’s, 41 masters and 30 programs.
The University also has 11 research institutions and institutions with more than 200 students, including Greek life.
As an applicant, you must submit an ACT or SAT, transcript, and two credentials. Transfers must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
#9. Bowie State University
Location: Bowie, MD
Bowie State University is also in our listing of historically black colleges and universities in the World.
This University was founded in 1865. Currently, more than 6,000 students are enrolled each year. Basically, this prestigious university offers 23 undergraduate degree programs,19 master’s degrees, and 2 Ph.D. degrees in the most popular areas such as nursing care, cybersecurity, and education.
To apply, you must have a minimum GPA requirement for both freshmen and transition candidates is 2.0. Certified ACT or SAT scores are required for all first-year students and pass for students with fewer than 24 colleges.
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#10. Southern University at New Orleans
Location: New Orleans, LA
Next in our listing of the best Historically Black College is the Southern University of New Orleans. This university was founded in 1956 as a branch of Southern University of Baton Rouge and the A & M College.
Basically, this university offers four master’s degrees and twenty-five bachelor’s degrees, including criminal law and comprehensive education programs that students can study online.
And also, evening and weekdays elections offer students endless day and night activities.
As an undergraduate student, before you can apply for admission, you must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and an ACT or SAT score.
Furthermore, you must be able to successfully complete elementary school education, including both a foreign language degree and an art institution.
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#11. Xavier University of Louisiana
Location: Orleans,LA
Louisiana Xavier University is the only black historical college in the United States with Roman Catholic relations.
Basically, this university provides more than 75 high school and graduate programs, including biochemistry, foreign language counseling, and music.
When applying, you must provide transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a teacher’s recommendation.
#12. Jackson State University
Location: Jackson,MS
Jackson State University serves over 8,000 students each year and is one of the largest black universities in the enrolled states.
Students can choose from a wide range of academic catalogs, such as 40 degree programs, 35 degrees, four academic programs, and 13 doctoral programs.
Moreso, this historically Black university offers fully online courses for five certification programs, including Health Care, Justice, and Professional Training courses.
To be fully accepted, a minimum GPA of 2.0 and IM scores must be 18 or higher (or SAT score) for first-time applicants. Transfer students can apply up to 62 credits for a JSU degree.
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#13. Southern University and A&M College
Location: Baton Rouge,LA
South University and A&M College includes Louisiana’s largest black historical college.
Interestingly, this college is the only school in the state that offers candidates a nursing degree and a law school.
Basically, the college has 34 undergraduate degrees, 14 master’s degrees and five doctoral degrees.
It also offers undergraduate and graduate degree online courses, including adaptive undergraduate studies in interdisciplinary studies.
To apply, you must maintain a minimum of 2.0 GPA for full admission. Note, new students and applicants with less than 18 college credits must receive an IM or SAT score (20 or 1030 respectively).
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#14. Norfolk State University
Location: Norfolk,VA
Founded in 1935, Norfolk State University is a member and five universities of the historic Thurgood Marshall College of Virginia Foundation.
NSU offers 31 high school degrees, including seven full-time online programs and only visual and state programs. Students can opt for specialties in areas such as social work, business, art, and science.
The University will consider the candidate’s academic performance, ACT / SAT score, special talents, leadership, motivation and behavior, and recommendations. Transfer students must be at least 2.0 GPA.
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#15. Blue Field State College
While African American students make up only 10% of all students, Bluefield State College retains its historically black college status.
Students can choose from six undergraduate and 16 graduate sciences, arts, sciences, nursing, education, business, engineering technology, and computer science.
Note, BSC Business School is the only nationally accredited institution of its kind in the region.
To apply, you must have a minimum of 2.0 high school achievement, and submit SUMAT or SAT qualifications (respectively or 1870).
If you are applying for Nurses and allied health programs, you need special requirements.
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#16. Coppin State University
Location: Baltimore,MD
Coppin State University was founded in 1900 as a mainstream school for primary school teacher preparation in Africa.
Basically, CSU offers 36 bachelor’s, 10 masters, and 1 doctorate. Students can choose from concerts in areas such as accounting, dance, non-profit leadership, and urban recreation.
CSU requires a freshman to submit high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores and requires transfer students with less than 30 credits. Mandatory applicants must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
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#17. Lincoln University
The former Ashmun Institute was founded in 1854 and was the first historically black college in the country to award degrees. The school was renamed in 1866 in honor of President Abraham Lincoln.
Today, Lincoln University welcomes more than 2,000 students each year on the Chester County, Pennsylvania campus.
Students can access most of the Bachelor’s programs in Lincoln through the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science options, which total 57 courses.
The most popular courses include Human Services, Digital Communication, and Media / Multimedia, Health Sciences, Criminal Justice, and Administration. Lincoln also has four master’s degrees.
The university accepts applications from potential freshmen who have completed their first year of school or who have received GED certification. Transfer applicants must have at least 12 college credits and a GPA of 2.0.
#18. Albany State University
This historically black public university enrolls more than 6,000 students each year.
Basically, this university offers more than 60 online and undergraduate options for undergraduate and graduate students.
The school also provides opportunities for participation in the campus include Greek life, clubs and organizations, and community service.
To apply, you must have at least 2.0 high school GPA and have valid ACT or SAT scores.
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#19. Hampton University
Hampton University is a private university founded in 1868 to train special students. More than 4,000 students enroll in Hampton University each year.
Basically, the University offers 40 on-campus bachelor’s degrees; 8 online bachelor’s degrees; 22 master’s degrees; 1 education specialist degree; 8 doctoral degrees.
It also offers online client programs, including a one-year and two-year course that can supplement RN-to-BSN.
Hampton U is currently developing an undergraduate program with a 3.3 GPA, or 10%.
Applicants must have a minimum of 2.5 GPA in each postgraduate program.
#20. Spelman College
Spelman College is one of the top historically black colleges in Atlanta.
This College is a private women’s school with 2,100 students founded in 1881 as a Baptist seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. Basically, Spelman offers over 70 undergraduate students and minorities ranging from filmmaking education, education, religious studies, and economics.
Note, Spelman has no special grades or results for applicants, but as a new student, you must have the following profiles: 3.8 GPA, 1209 ACT, and 25 SAT.
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FAQs
In your research, there are some basic factors you must consider or look at before you can think of making that school you study destination.
The Tuition
Structure of the College or University
Where the school is situated
Number of Programs
Let’s take a look at some of the List of historically black colleges and universities in the world.
North Carolina Central University – Durham, NC
North Carolina A & T State University – Greensboro, NC
Winston-Salem State University – Winston-Salem, NC
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University – Tallahassee, FL
Fayetteville State University – Fayetteville, NC
Elizabeth City State University – Elizabeth City, NC
Delaware State University – Dover, DE
Howard University – Washington, DC
Bowie State University – Bowie, MD
Southern University at New Orleans – New Orleans, LA
Xavier University of Louisiana – Orleans,LA…..
The impacts and benefits of Historically Black Colleges in the World include;
Provided Low-Cost Universities
Helped in Bringing Freedom
These Colleges helped in Birthing Leaders
Closing the racial wealth gap
Open Job Opportunities
Provide a growing and Conducive Learning Environment
Sources
- https://uncf.org/the-latest/6-reasons-hbcus-are-more-important-than-everv
- https://hbculifestyle.com/list-of-hbcu-schools/
- https://www.bestcolleges.com/features/top-historically-black-colleges/
- https://www.bestcolleges.com/features/top-historically-black-colleges/
- https://uncf.org/pages/applying-to-hbcus
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