HBCU As A College Choice Is On The Rise

The decision to go to college can be a tough one. Picking the right college can be just as tough. Students making the choice of an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) is on the rise. While many people think this generation of students do not want to go to college, the ones that are going are choosing HBCUs at an all-time high. HBCU which is short for historically black college or university has been in the spotlight over the last few years.

The spotlight on HBCUs began in 2020. The year 2020 was marked by the start of COVID-19 and the death of George Floyd. George Floyd's death shocked the entire world and started a political whirlwind. It caused a huge spotlight to be placed on the racial divide in this country. The spotlight trickled down to the education divide and was the start of a lot of initiatives toward the black community. One of the biggest initiatives was to provide funding for HBCUs.

The funding of HBCUs and the new push to get students to attend has seemingly worked. Enrollment has excelled at a lot of HBCUs with not only top students wanting to attend but also top athletes. Many people believe that NFL legend Deion Sanders' choice to coach at an HBCU in 2020 is the reason that top athletes began to turn to HBCUs for college. Deion's time at an HBCU was short lived however in true Prime fashion it was done really big. Deion brought a lot of notoriety to HBCUs while he was there.

No matter what college you choose to attend make sure the choice is right for you. I am so elated that so many are choosing to attend an HBCU being an HBCU alum myself. Big up HBCUs everywhere.

Fall is around the corner, and that means time for back to school. High school graduates around the country are packing up for college. And many planning to attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) won't have to go too far out of North Carolina to do so.  North Carolina has plenty of HBCUs to choose from.

According to the National Center For Education Statistics,  in 2021, 9% of Black students in the country went to an HBCU straight out of high school. As of 2020,  76% of Black students attended public HBCUs while 24% attended private nonprofit institutions. If you aren't familiar with an HBCU, it is a staple in the black community.

HBCUs have a significant positive impact on the communities around their campuses and beyond. They generate skilled workers, jobs, and economic hubs. Between homecoming, Greek culture, and sports rivalry, an HBCU is one of the most positive outlets for education in the Black community. North Carolina ranks #3 for the most HBCUs in the country! The Tar Heel State is home to some of the most well-known schools, football teams, marching bands, and STEM programs.

Alabama has 14 Historically Black Colleges and Universities that range in private and public across the state. Those schools include Alabama State University, Talladega College, Miles college, Bishop State Community College, Trenholm State Community College, Alabama A&M University, Stillman College., Gadsen State Community College, Selma University, J.F. Drake State Community College, Tuskegee University, Oakwood University, Shelton State Community College and Concordia College Alabama.

Black education in Alabama saw a surge when the federal government backed public black universities under the second Morrill Act in 1890. The 1890 act mandated that states that practiced segregation in their public colleges and universities would lose  federal funding unless they established agricultural and mechanical institutions for the black population. Meanwhile, the Morrill Act of 1862 provided federal land to fund and locate schools.

The peachy state of Georgia is home to 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These schools include Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, Fort Valley State University, Interdenominational theological center, Morehouse College, Morehouse school of medicine, Morris Brown college, Pain College, Savannah State University and Spelman College.

The largest HBCU in Georgia is Albany State University. The oldest is Savannah State University which hosts the National Association of Student Professionals – Student Leadership Institution.  

North Carolina is home to 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These schools include Shaw University (1865), Fayetteville State University (1867), Johnson C. Smith University (1867), St. Augustine's University (1867), Bennet College (1873), Livingstone College (1879), Elizabeth City State University (1891), North Carolina Agricultural and state University (1891), Winston- Salem State University (1892) and North Carolina Central University (1910). 

North Carolina is monumental when it comes to homecoming AND football. The first ever HBCU football game was played against Johnson C. Smith University and Livingstone College. There are 130 years of proud heritage that makes this game the most anticipated game of the year.  

Mississippi is home to 7 Historically Black colleges and Universities. Those of which include Alcorn State University, Coahoma Community College, Hinds County Community College, Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Rust College and Tugaloo Collage.

Mississippi’s 7 historically black colleges and universities produce over $1 billion dollars in economic impact for the state! This state is bringing in out-of-state students like no other. This state also produces some of the best bands EVER!

The boot state has six HBCU's that call it home. The culture is undeniable, and the bands are incredible. If you a wondering where to visit to experience an HBCU homecoming,  visit Louisiana.

This is also where the HBCU Kings and Queens hold their annual conference. The HBCUs located in Louisiana include: Dillard university, Grambling State University, Southern University and A&M College, Southern University New Orleans, Southern University and Xavier University.