History of HBCUs
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were established in the South and on the East Coast of the United States in the 19th century, to provide both undergraduate and graduate level educational opportunities to people of African descent. Black students were unwelcome at universities in the US, resulting in a lack of higher education opportunities.
What is an HBCU?
There are over 100 HBCUs recognized by the US Department of Education. Most HBCUs award bachelor’s degree, graduate level/Masters/Professional degrees and doctoral degrees at competitive tuition rates. The majority of classes at HBCUs are smaller and are taught by professors in a nurturing and supportive environment.
HBCU Successes
Of Black professionals, percentage of each group that graduated from an HBCU:
- 40% of members of Congress
- 5% of CEOs
- 40% of Engineers
- 50% of Professors at Universities
- 50% of lawyers
- 80% of Judges