Why do students choose to attend historical black colleges and universities (HBCUs)?

HBCUs are colleges founded before 1964 as academic institutions whose educational mission has historically been to educate black Americans. There are about 120 HBCUs, many of them located in the southern United States.

Why do students choose to attend an HBCU? Some students feel that HBCUs are family oriented and that professors are concerned about their well-being in both school and personally, almost like a family.

Kewanna Frazier, a transfer student at Delaware State University, says, “Here I feel my fellow peers are like my family, my teachers look out for my best interest. I actually went to a junior college that wasn’t an HBCU, and I can tell the difference. It’s just more of a warm, friendly feeling here.”

Other students feel HBCUs are a place to learn more about their African-American history. “I have a new understanding of my existence and culture in only my first month here,” says Sharon Stanley, a freshman at Delaware State University. “The many events held really teach me more about my people.”

Other students at HBCUs say that going to an HBCU is beneficial when it’s time to look for job opportunities after college. “I am from New York, where there is a hard time finding a job,” says Uniqua Coleman, a junior at Norfolk State University. “I think attending Norfolk State University really opens my eyes to the many more opportunities here in the South.”

You may have heard some myths about HBCUs: That they are big party schools, that the classes are easy and the schools unorganized. “I think that people have it really confused,” says Jacia Smith, a junior at Hampton University. “HBCUs aren’t party schools, but they know how to party. Here at Hampton University, we have rules and regulations that are to be followed, but when its homecoming time, we know how to celebrate our school with pride. HBCUs are often under-funded and still manage to stay alive. Now that’s what you call an organization.”

I myself attend an HBCU. I know first-hand that HBCUs have plenty of organizations, clubs and opportunities after college. Attending Delaware State University, I’ve learned so much about life beyond college. My experience here at DSU has been informative and fruitful. I truly feel like DSU is a home away from home. I say this because from the first day on campus, I’ve felt embraced with a warm feeling sort of like being at home. The historical significance of an HBCU makes me proud.

Despite the myths of historically black colleges and universities, more and more students are choosing to attend and be among the many successful African-Americans who have graduated from HBCUs.