Centuries of oppression, marginalization, and colonization could not curb the quest for knowledge centuries ago, even as the modern world poses new challenges Historically Black Colleges and Universities are upholding the education standards. Here, All You Got To Know About HBCUs
What is an HBCU?
Historically Black Colleges and Universities were established around the 19th century to impart education to Black Americans. After being denied education along with basic human rights for centuries, people took matters into their hands today we know them as HBCUs. The amendment of the “The Higher Education Act” of 1965 accredits all private and public HBCUs established before 1964 as higher education institutions.
The “principal mission was and, is, the education of Black Americans”.
Today there are more than 100 Universities in the US that impart a wide scope of education to all students indiscriminate of race.
Top 5 HBCUs in the USA:
It is interesting to note that nearly a quarter of the students enrolled in these Universities are students from different races. If you are on the lookout for colleges these are some of the very best in the lot;
#1 Spelman College, Atlanta: The College offers 30 different majors to choose from in environmental studies, STEM, photography, and art history. Popular majors include biology, political science, and psychology. It is one of the highly regarded and oldest colleges for women in the state. Getting in might be fairly competitive but this institution makes it worthwhile.
#2 Howard University, Washington, DC: Founded in 1867, this is one of the premier universities known for its STEM programs. The institution utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Our dear Vice president Kamala Harris is one of the notable alumni of Howard. Along with Noble and Pulitzer prize winner, Toni Morrison has written many notable books such as tar baby, bluest eyes, and more. The University has a rich and diverse culture and promotes indiscriminate acceptance into its programs since the olden days.
#3 Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans: Xavier University is known for a lot of things, one of them is for being a historically black and Catholic University in the US. The University also has a tie-up with other schools which automatically qualifies the students to get a bachelor’s degree from either one of the institutions. If you believe liberal Arts is your calling, Xavier’s is one of the best.
#4 Hampton University, Hampton: One of the most committed institutions in the USA, heard of the Hampton University Museum, the oldest African American Museum in the country on campus. If you are interested in archaeology and history this place haven. It is a great school for academic achievements. Getting into the University might be a great challenge, but the institute promises quality education and all-around development.
#5 Cheyney University, Pennsylvania: The oldest and one of the most committed public institutions in the field of academics. With a strong acceptance rate, this place does not disappoint be it in academics, athletics, diversity, or the party scene. If you are looking to pursue business, psychology, or sociology majors this might be one of the best places.
The alumni at Cheyney more often than not have been seen pursuing a career in teaching but, they are also thriving in journalism, law, medicine, business, and government professions.
**The acceptance to each program is different and requires SAT scores; please check out the college website for more information regarding the admissions process.
Why choose an HBCU?
Every other day student seems to question their necessity for joining a college or the use of spending strenuous hours on a degree/diploma. Undoubtedly, a person with an education will be considered more valuable compared to others without the required education. HBCUs offer something unique- a diverse, affordable, and rich celebration of the American culture.
Performance: Apart from academics it is the values imbibed during our college days that help us navigate the real world. Students who are brought up in a safe, value-adding environment are generally better prepared for life and more engaged.
Affordable: Ultimately attaining education in an established and reputed University is a costly affair. HBCUs make it more affordable, which simply means less/no debt. The average cost of attending an HBCU is significantly lesser than a predominantly white institute.
Foster Success: It is proven that after centuries of oppression students of color still face certain repercussions, their performance in HBCUs is better because of the safe and supportive environment. This indiscriminately applies to students of all races. A diverse environment to hone knowledge in can be called HBCU.
Choosing a major and a college is quite the challenge, what matters the most is doing what you love! Be it Science, arts Business, communication, or something else as long as your heart is in the subject, the rest comes next.
FAQ’s
- Can people of different races apply to HBCUs?
Yes, the Universities and colleges are open to one and all.
2. Is it easy to get into HBCUs?
Acceptance rates are highly dependent on the person’s performance in academics and extracurricular activities.
Suggested reading: To understand the intensity of discrimination the colored people faced in the USA read “One Friday Morning” by Langston Hughes.