The Top 5 Historically Black Colleges and Universities
College can be fun and it can also be culturally stimulating. Attending a black college is one of the best experiences that an African-American or a non-African-American can have. The struggles, the history, and the successes of most Historically Black Colleges/Universities are astounding. It is truly a privilege to follow the legacies of some of America’s most profound black leaders by attending and graduating from a Historically Black College/University.
I have had the opportunity to attend two of the countries top HBCUs. I would have to say that this was definitely one of the best experiences in my life. I was able to grow and understand who I was and the struggles that African-Americans have gone through in order to get me there. Besides all of the parties, different cultures, and excitement, I did end up learning more than I thought that I would. My experience at an HBCU has helped shape the person that I am today.
So why are HBCUs so important for African-Americans? In American History after the civil war, African-American’s could only attend these types of colleges in order to become college educated. HBCUs have continued to be a sure way for African-Americans or students from any race to get the best possible education available.
Over half of the African-American professionals are graduates of a HBCU. 90% of the top ten colleges that graduate the most African-American students with PhDs are HBCUs.
So maybe you have decided or just thought about going to an HBCU. The thought is beginning to excite you, however, you just don’t know where to start. What college will you attend? Which ones are the best? How much will it cost and how will you pay to go? What college will be the right place for you? Well for your convenience, I have put together a guide to help make your college searching experience less painful and more enjoyable.
I have included some of the top 5 HBCUs according to Black Enterprise’s list. I hope that this will be a helpful guide to help you determine your future success.
According to Black Enterprise’s top HBCUs list Morehouse College has ranked twice as the #1 HBCU in the nation. Morehouse College has been the Alma Mater from national and historical leader Dr. Martian Luther King Jr. to nationally recognized film director Spike Lee. Morehouse College is the nations largest, private liberal arts college for African-American men.
This all male college is located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia and was founded in 1867 approximately two years after the end of the civil war. The name of the college at the time was Augusta Institute and its purpose was to prepare Black men for preaching and teaching. Morehouse or Augusta Institute started out in the basement of a Baptist church and ended up a 66-acre campus on the west-end of Atlanta.
Today Morehouse College enrolls more than 3,000 male students annually and hands out bachelor’s degrees to more black men than any other institution in the world. For over 139 years Morehouse College has truly proven to be as profound and successful as everyone says that it is. Morehouse continues to meet the challenges of educating, moralizing, and individualizing its students. Morehouse is also one of the only two HBCUs to produce two Rhodes Scholars. As a Morehouse student, you may choose from 35 areas of study and be on your way to earning your Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. If you are an African-American male, then Morehouse is absolutely the best place for you!!!
Tuition On-campus: $22,938-24,898
Off-Campus: $16,936
Contact Info:
Morehouse College
830 Westview Dr.
S.W Atlanta, GA 30314
Phone: 404-681-2800
Web: www.Morehouse.edu
The all male college may have the #1 ranking in the United States, but the “sistas” have it going on too. Spelman College is ranked #2 HBCU in the nation according to Black Enterprise’s Top HBCUs list. Spelman College has been educating thousands of African-American women alongside its brother school Morehouse since 1881.
Spelman College is an independent, liberal arts college for women. This college promotes academic excellence, leadership development, and visibility of their student’s achievements and exemplary customer service. Spelman is also a part of the largest syndicate of HBCUs in the entire world. Its four partner institutions include Clark Atlanta University, the Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College and Morehouse School of Medicine.
Spelman College has a campus size of 33 acres just 5 minutes west of downtown Atlanta. This college rests right next to its brother school Morehouse and has 25 buildings, including Sisters Chapel, Giles Hall, Packard Hall, Rockefeller Hall and Reynolds Cottage. The Camille O. Hanks Cosby Academic Center was dedicated in 1996, and a new state-of-the-art Science Center houses classrooms and labs.
Over 2,100 female students attend Spelman College annually from more than 41 states and 15 foreign countries. Spelman is also ranked as one of the nation’s top Liberal Arts colleges according to U.S. News & World Report, 2005 edition. Over 84% of Spelman’s full-time faculty have PhD’s or other terminal degrees and offers a student teacher ratio of 11:1.
Even though Spelman College is a HBCU, this college admits qualified students regardless of race, nationality, color, national or ethnic origin or physical challenges. Financial Aid is available and approximately 85% of the students receive financial aid help.
Bachelor of Arts: Art, Child Development, Comparative Women’s Studies, Drama, Economics, English, French, History, Human Services, Independent Major, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, Spanish, Sociology, Sociology and Anthropology
Bachelor of Science: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer and Information Sciences, Engineering/Dual Degree, Mathematics, Environmental Science or Physics.
I would have to say that if you are a female and you want to have a very successful future, then you should really consider attending this highly accredited institution, you will not regret it.
Tuition:
On-Campus: $24,650
Off-Campus: $16,195
Contact Info:
Spelman College
350 Spelman Lane
S.W. Atlanta, GA 30314
Phone: 404-681-3643
Web: www.Spelman.edu
Florida A&M University (Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University) is definitely a great college that ranks #3 according to Black Enterprises Top HBCUs list. This school is located in Tallahassee, FL and is a four-year, state-supported, coed, liberal arts institution.
Founded in 1887 as the State Normal College for Colored Students, FAMU has a rich and successful history. FAMU opened with only 2 instructors and 15 students; presently this institution enrolls over 9,000 students annually. FAMU places great emphasis on instruction, research, and service to promote academic excellence among its students.
FAMU is over 419 acres, and has over 109 buildings throughout the campus. Not only is this school recognized for its astounding wins in the Florida Classic football games but it is also recognized for its great athletics department.
FAMU has made a home for 20 displaced Hurricane Katrina evacuees. This university has established a toll-free hotline that provides up-to-date information on the range of services available for displaced students and families. They have also formed a Hurricane Relief Effort through the FAMU Foundation Inc. to provide immediate financial assistance. FAMU students launched “Operation: Southern Hospitality,” a student-sponsored series of events and efforts designed to raise additional funds for FAMU victims.
If you want to attend a large, beautiful, educational campus in tropical Florida, than FAMU is the place for you.
Contact Info:
Florida A&M University
1500 Wahnish Way
Tallahassee, FL 32307
Web: www.famu.edu
Hampton University is ranked #4 on Black Enterprise’s top HBCUs list. Hampton University was founded in 1868 during the period of reconstruction in Hampton, VA. The original purpose of this campus was to educate and prepare young African-American men and women to teach newly freed slaves. In 1878 Hampton University opened its doors to Native Americans, upholding its commitment to serve a multicultural people.
Hampton is currently a 4-year, coed, liberal arts institution that has a deep history of seeking to motivate its students to be responsive to the problems that are affecting our society. Hampton’s campus is located on 204 acres and still upholds the “Emancipated Tree” which is the where the Emancipation Proclamation was read to residents in 1883. This tree continues to be a symbol of freedom.
Hampton University offers its students awards in Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master’s degrees. Hampton University has shown a great support for the displaced families of the Hurricane Katrina tragedy by starting a Katrina Fund.
In the aftermath of the devastation created by Hurricane Katrina, the Hampton University community extends its sympathy to the families who have lost loved ones and prayers for those who are still unaccounted for.”
– HU President Dr. William R. Harvey. This shows the great dedication and inspiration that the school upholds for its fellow American citizens.
Hampton University is located in southeastern Virginia and is one of the nation’s most scenic campuses with picturesque views of the waterfront, historic buildings and landmarks. Hampton has had the opportunity to become a comprehensive university offering a large range of technical, liberal arts, pre-professional, and graduate degree programs.
Hampton Harbor, a housing and shopping center that is owned by the University, surrounds the campus. A convenient alternative to on-campus housing, the Harbor offers eye-catching and affordable apartment living, a Laundromat, and a selection of food restaurants and specialty shops.
Hampton accommodates 5,400 students from over 49 different states and 35 nations.
If you are looking to become a learner and a teacher and you are committed to excellence and success than Hampton University just might be the place for you.
Contact Info:
Hampton University
Hampton, VA 23668
Phone: 757-727-5000
Web: www.hamptonu.edu
Howard University is a 4-year co-ed, comprehensive, research oriented university located in our nation’s capital Washington, D.C. Howard is ranked #5 by Black Enterprise’s top HBCUs list.
This institution was founded in 1867 in order to train African-Americans to be teachers and ministers and to help guide the four million newly freed slaves and 25,000 born free blacks. Howard was originally known as Howard Normal and Theological Institute for the Education of Teachers and Preachers. The institution was named after General Oliver Otis Howard who was one of the founding members and commissioner of the Freedmen’s Bureau.
Howard University holds a high accreditation and provides an education to a diverse array of students. Over 4,000 students currently attend Howard University. Howard University offers students degrees in Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master’s and Doctorate.
Several African-American celebrites and leaders have graduated from Howard University including: Ananda Lewis- talk show host, Andrew Young- U.N. ambassador, Atlanta mayor, David Dinkins- New York mayor, Debbie Allen- choreographer, director, Ossie Davis- actor, Lynn Whitfield- actress, Phylicia Rashad- actress, Sharon Pratt Kelly- DC mayor, Shirley Franklin- Atlanta mayor, Toni Morrison- Nobel Prize winning author, Vernon Jordan- former head of UNCF and Urban League
If you are looking for an inner-urban experience and you would love to start a new educational career in the Nation’s Capital, than Howard University just might be the place you need to be.
Tuition:
Undergraduate: $6,147.50 semester
Graduate: $ 7,435 semester
School of Law: $8,475 semester
College of Medicine: $26,566 annually
College of Dentistry:$ 20,623 annually
Contact Info:
Howard University
2400 Sixth Street
NW, Washington, D.C.
Phone: 202-806-6100
Web: www.Howard.edu
If you are an African-American or even if you are not but you want to try something new and exciting than attending a HBCU could be the best decision that you could make.
