College Guide for HBCU Students

Our list of resources can help aspiring and current HBCU students. Learn insider tips for applying to an HBCU and how to prepare for campus life.

Updated on September 22, 2023

Edited by and

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Edited by and

Updated on September 22, 2023

Learn more about our editorial process

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were established to educate Black students in the United States. HBCUs offer education and mentorship opportunities with a goal to uplift Black communities. Over 100 HBCUs can be found across the country and are accessible to all students.

HBCUs contribute significantly to the graduation rates of Black students. The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) reports that — despite making up just 3% of the accredited colleges and universities in the U.S. — HBCUs educated about 10% of Black students nationwide and awarded about 17% of the bachelor's degrees earned by African American students in 2014.

This guide provides helpful information and resources for aspiring HBCU students.

Key Trends for HBCU Students

According to Dr. Kimberly Brown Pellum, people are realizing the value of HBCUs. She says, "corporate entities and private donors are increasing support, while alumni giving is also on the rise. For so long, HBCUs have done much more with much less". HBCU graduates include hollywood blockbuster producers, history-making producers, global moguls, art connoisseurs and philanthropists. She continues "If the current trends continue, the possibilities are endless." Here are a few notable trends.

Black Student Enrollment

Black enrollment at HBCUs increased by 15% from 1976 to 2019, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). HBCUs enroll roughly 300,000 students each year. Seventy-six percent of students at these schools identify as Black or African American.

HBCU Degrees Earned

In 2018-19, NCES reported over 48,000 students earned degrees from HBCUs. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the overall percentage of African Americans, ages 25 and over, with a bachelor's degree or higher increased from 19.8% to 26.1% from 2010 to 2019.

Black STEM Graduates

According to UNCF, about 25% of African Americans with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) degrees graduated from HBCUs. Additionally, in 2020, the National Science Foundation established a center to learn from the successes that top HBCUs have achieved in terms of undergraduate STEM education.

Top professions represented by HBCU graduates: According to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, 80% of Black judges, 50% of Black lawyers, 40% of Black members of Congress, and 40% of Black engineers graduated from HBCUs.

Challenges and Barriers to Success

Dr. Brown Pellum says, "students, regardless of where they attend, HBCU or otherwise, are facing incredible amounts of debt post-graduation." But financial barriers are just one of the many obstacles students face today.

School Funding

HBCUs increasingly experience hardships when it comes to obtaining financial funding. As a result, some HBCUs find it challenging to remain open. They may be forced to close their doors or find alternative ways to fund their institutions. Despite these difficulties, many students and alumni talk about how they value their HBCU education.

Financial Burden for Black Students

Gaps in federal and private funding can have an impact on HBCUs and their students. Black students rely more heavily on loans to pay tuition costs. According to NCES, Black students take out student loans at higher rates than students of other races. Black students may also take more time to pay off student loan debts than non-Black students. Pay disadvantages after graduation can be one contributing factor to this. Taking longer to pay off loan debts also can limit wealth gain.

Black Representation Matters

It is common for Black students and faculty members to be underrepresented at U.S. colleges and universities. Black representation at HBCUs can help create inclusive college campuses for students.

At HBCUs, on average, Black students make up about 80% of the enrollment, according to UNCF. The percentage of Black faculty members is also much higher on an HBCU campus compared to primarily white institutions. Black students may find it easier to seek out role models and mentors among HBCU faculty members. These connections can help with a student's college success.

Low graduation rates

Black students at public colleges and universities have lower six-year completion rates than other students across the country. Some HBCUs, such as Spelman College and Howard University, boast graduation rates above 50%. However, HBCUs have an average graduation rate of about 35%. Despite these lower rates, HBCUs still graduate more lower-income Black students than other U.S. colleges and universities.

Important Factors to Consider When Preparing for College

Choosing a College

Many factors must be considered when choosing a college. Geographic location, tuition cost, and degree options are just a few crucial variables. The importance of Black representation through cultural connection, student experience, and faculty mentorship are also top factors for many considering an HBCU.

Applying to College

Begin your college application process before your senior year of high school. Gathering letters of recommendation, writing personal statements, and taking required tests involve careful planning. The Common Black College Application allows students to submit one application to over 60 HBCUs for a small, one-time fee.

Paying for College

College tuition costs can be a heavy burden. Financial aid can alleviate the need to pay high out-of-pocket costs. Scholarships for Black students can help offset some tuition fees. Other financial aid options for students of color include grants, work-study programs, fellowships, and loans.

College Groups for HBCU Students

Asha Boyce, an undergraduate student at Howard University, says there are many ways to get involved on campus. "I love how the classes are like a family. Your professors care and take a vested interest in you. You are a person and not a number. Howard University also has the best homecoming in the nation so I am looking forward to taking part in that experience," says Boyce.

HBCU Greek life: Sororities and fraternities hold historical and modern prominence at HBCUs. Nine Greek organizations operate under the National Pan-Hellenic Council. These groups can build connections through service and leadership. Dubbed the "Divine Nine," each chapter offers unique opportunities for HBCU students to grow together as a family unit.

STEM societies: Organizations such as the National Society of Black Engineers support the development of Black STEM students at HBCUs. These societies focus on growing and uplifting Black STEM graduates and professionals.

Black campus ministries: Serving thousands of students across the country, these campus groups provide fellowship and academic support. Ministry chapters can expand beyond HBCU campuses to develop faith-based connections among Black students.

Organizations and Resources That Support HBCU Students

By visiting this site,students can find resources that support their transition from high school to an HBCU. Resources include information about college fairs and scholarship programs.

HBCU First works to increase college and career success for Black youths. Through leadership programs, internship offerings, and mentorship connections, HBCU First provides a resource hub for Black students.

This foundation provides scholarships of up to $10,000. HBCU students also can receive awards for leadership and volunteer service.

Created by the National Science Foundation in 2000, HBCU-UP supports STEM education across HBCUs. The program provides funding to students and graduates across STEM disciplines.

This program works to empower LGBTQ+ students at HBCUs, preparing them to serve as leaders and changemakers. The program's leadership summit includes national and regional experiences.

This organization advocates on behalf of HBCUs to develop programs, policies, and practices that support Black students. NAFEO offers volunteer opportunities, internship connections, and policy advocacy across the country.

This foundationgets funding and resources from corporations and government entities to support HBCU development. Membership for HBCU students and alumni grants access to a variety of resources and services.

Founded in 1987, TMCF exclusively represents the Black college community. TMCF provides college scholarship funding, supports research initiatives, and partners with K-12 schools to uplift the Black academic community.

UNCF works to increase the number of African American college graduates. The organization offers scholarships for students and professional development opportunities. It also advocates for federal policy changes.

This initiative provides leadership development to support HBCUs entering global markets. For students, the White House program selects HBCU scholars to represent their schools on a national stage.

Frequently Asked Questions About HBCUs

HBCUs vary in their acceptance rates. Many require a GPA of 2.0 or higher for acceptance. Acceptance rates for some HBCUs can drop below 40%. These schools require an admissions package that typically includes high school transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and a personal statement.

Scholarships of all types can be found for HBCU students. HBCUs offer many scholarships to enrolling students. Organizations supporting HBCUs also offer scholarships to African American students. Some awards are based on merit, while others go to students demonstrating a financial need. Financial aid can provide assistance to cover all or part of HBCU tuition fees. With the high cost of college tuition, scholarships can offer much-needed financial assistance.

According to UNCF, HBCUs enroll 10% of all Black college students in the United States. Although HBCUs make up just 3% of accredited colleges and universities in the country, they account for almost 20% of Black graduates.

Students attend HBCUs for a variety of reasons. For many, the history of HBCUs has demonstrated the critical need for HBCUs among Black communities. Some students find support and mentorship at HBCUs, which have a higher percentage of Black professors than primarily white institutions. The community support among Black students also draws many to the HBCU experience. Additionally, HBCUs may offer lower tuition rates, especially to in-state students attending a public school. This can give students more financial flexibility when pursuing a college education.

Meet the Student

Asha Boyce

Asha Boyce, 19, is from Houston, Texas. Being the daughter of an artist and movie producer, TJ Boyce, she has a natural talent for acting and singing, but her career goal is to help those affected by mental illness. Asha is currently a first-year student at Howard University studying psychology.

Meet the Faculty

Dr. Kimberly Brown Pellum

With a terminal degree in United States history from Howard University, Kimberly Brown Pellum specializes in the history of women's images, Southern culture, and the Black Freedom Struggle. Her contributions to publicly accessible history include work at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History, The National Park Service, The Rosa Parks Museum, and Google's Arts & Culture series. Kimberly is currently a member of the faculty in the Department of History at Florida A&M University.

Feature Image: Peter Cade / Stone / Getty Images