What Are HBCUs and Why Do They Matter?

The Higher Education Act of 1965 officially defines an HBCU as any historically Black college or university established prior to 1964 whose principal mission was, and is, the education of Black Americans. These institutions must be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or making reasonable progress toward accreditation. As of 2022, there are 99 HBCUs located across 19 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Of these, 50 are public institutions, and 49 are private nonprofit institutions. You’ll find most HBCUs concentrated in the Southern United States, though institutions exist as far north as Pennsylvania and as far west as Texas. While HBCUs were originally founded to serve Black students, today they enroll students of all races—in 2022, non-Black students made up 24 percent of HBCU enrollment. Whether you’re looking at two-year community colleges, four-year undergraduate programs, or graduate and professional schools, HBCUs offer a complete range of educational options.

Your understanding of HBCUs begins with understanding why they were created. Before the Civil War, there was no structured higher education system for Black students in America, and public policy often prohibited educating Black people altogether. The first institution for Black students, the Institute for Colored Youth (now Cheyney University of Pennsylvania), opened in 1837. Lincoln University followed in 1854, becoming the first HBCU to actually grant degrees. Wilberforce University opened in Ohio in 1856 as the first HBCU owned and operated by Black people through the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Reconstruction era, following the Civil War, saw tremendous growth in HBCUs, with institutions founded through the efforts of the Freedmen’s Bureau, Protestant religious organizations, and Black communities themselves. The Second Morrill Act of 1890 proved particularly significant—it required segregated Southern states to provide Black Americans with public higher education institutions to receive federal land-grant benefits. This legislation led to the creation of many HBCUs still operating today. For nearly a century after slavery’s abolition, Jim Crow laws prohibited Black students from attending most white institutions, making HBCUs the primary pathway to higher education and professional careers for generations of Black Americans.

If you’re weighing where to invest your time and tuition dollars, consider the outsized impact HBCUs achieve with limited resources. America’s HBCUs represent only 3 percent of all four-year nonprofit colleges and universities, yet they enroll 10 percent of all African American students and award 15 percent of all bachelor’s degrees earned by African Americans. The STEM pipeline statistics are even more striking—nearly 20 percent of STEM bachelor’s degrees awarded to Black graduates come from HBCUs. Between 2015 and 2019, six of the top 10 institutions where African American science and engineering PhD recipients earned their bachelor’s degrees were HBCUs. Research from the National Science Foundation confirms that HBCUs account for a disproportionate share of Black students who go on to earn doctorates in STEM fields. Beyond statistics, HBCUs continue to produce leaders who shape American society. According to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, HBCUs have produced approximately 80 percent of Black judges, 50 percent of Black lawyers, and 70 percent of Black doctors in the United States.

If you’re concerned about feeling isolated or unsupported in college, HBCUs offer a distinctive environment worth considering. Research from the Healthy Minds Network analyzed responses from over 2,500 students across 16 HBCUs and found remarkable differences in well-being: 83 percent of HBCU students reported a sense of belonging in their campus community compared to 73 percent nationally and 72 percent for Black students at predominantly white institutions. Additionally, 45 percent of HBCU students reported flourishing mentally compared to 36 percent nationally. HBCUs achieve these outcomes through intentional community-building, cultural affirmation, and what researchers call “high-touch” student support services. You’ll find faculty members who are personally invested in your success, peer mentoring programs, and culturally relevant curricula that connect your learning to your identity and heritage. The Strada Education Foundation’s research confirms that Black HBCU alumni report receiving more support and experiencing higher levels of engagement than their peers at non-HBCUs across multiple dimensions, from career advising to applied learning experiences. Eighty percent of Black HBCU alumni say their education helped them make more money, compared to 68 percent of Black graduates from non-HBCUs.

If cost is a major factor in your college decision—and for most families it is—HBCUs deserve serious consideration. According to UNCF, the cost of attendance at HBCUs is 27 percent less than attending a comparable non-HBCU institution, averaging $26,791 versus $35,049, respectively. Average in-state tuition at public HBCUs ranges from approximately $7,000 to $9,000 annually, while out-of-state tuition typically falls between $14,000 and $17,000—often thousands less than comparable public institutions. Financial aid at HBCUs is robust. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that 90 percent of undergraduate students at HBCUs receive some type of financial aid, with 83 percent receiving grants. Among undergraduates who received financial aid, the average total amount was $17,300. Seventy-three percent of UNCF HBCU undergraduate students receive Pell Grants, compared to 36 percent at non-HBCUs. The return on investment is substantial. HBCU graduates can expect to earn approximately $927,000 more in lifetime earnings than they would have without their degrees—a 56 percent increase. When you factor in the lower upfront costs, HBCUs often provide exceptional value for your educational investment.

When you attend an HBCU, you join a legacy of excellence that spans nearly two centuries. Vice President Kamala Harris graduated from Howard University in 1986 with degrees in political science and economics, becoming the first woman, the first Black person, and the first South Asian Vice President of the United States. Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice, attended Lincoln University for his undergraduate degree and Howard University Law School, and he went on to win 29 of 32 cases argued before the Supreme Court, including the landmark Brown v. Board of Education. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. graduated from Morehouse College, where he developed the leadership skills and moral philosophy that would guide the civil rights movement. In entertainment, Oprah Winfrey graduated from Tennessee State University, while acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee and actor Samuel L. Jackson are Morehouse alumni. The late Chadwick Boseman, known for portraying Black Panther and Jackie Robinson, earned his degree in directing from Howard University. NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, whose calculations enabled the first American spaceflights, attended historically Black West Virginia State College. These alumni demonstrate that HBCUs don’t just educate students—they develop leaders who transform society.

With nearly 100 HBCUs to choose from, finding your best match requires thoughtful research. Start by identifying institutions that offer strong programs in your intended major—some HBCUs are known for engineering, others for health sciences, business, or liberal arts. North Carolina A&T is the nation’s top producer of Black engineers, while Xavier University of Louisiana leads in placing students into medical school. Consider whether you want a public or private institution, a large university or small college environment, and urban or rural setting. HBCUs are located from Pennsylvania to Texas, with most concentrated in the Southeast—think about what region feels right for you. Visit campuses whenever possible to experience the culture firsthand. Talk to current students about Greek life, homecoming traditions, marching bands, and student organizations. These cultural elements vary significantly between institutions and contribute to the sense of belonging that makes HBCUs special. Finally, compare financial aid packages carefully. While HBCUs are generally more affordable, your net price will depend on the scholarships and grants each institution offers you specifically.