I have written here before about the academic powerhouses that exist in the form of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. I believe these schools need to place increased emphasis on inclusion of all students, regardless of race, in order to stay relevant in the increasingly broad educational spectrum. That being said, the facts remain that HBCUs are an integral part of the nation’s higher education system, particularly when it comes to bright futures for African-American students.
There are several “top” lists that use complicated algorithms and formulas to determine which of the 105 HBCUs are the best from year to year. My list is less scientific; I based my picks on a combination of graduation statistics, available financial aid, world-renowned academic programs, strides in diversity, and a variety of other factors.
Which HBCUs are at the top of your list? Weigh in as the form of a comment below. In the meantime, here are mine:
1. Morehouse College, Atlanta: This liberal arts college for men is considered a member of the “Black Ivy League” with academic rigor similar to Johns Hopkins and MIT. Many Black leaders in business and civil rights have roots at Morehouse, including Martin Luther King Jr. The freshman retention rate is just over 83 percent and indicates the level of student pride. New this spring, Morehouse is offering a LGBT course. The course is specific to LGBT history in the Black community and is the only one of its kind.
2. Spelman College, Atlanta: With just over 2,100 students, Spelman holds the distinction as the oldest HBCU specifically for women. The liberal arts college boasts above an 80 percent graduation rate and is the second largest producer of all Black college graduates that go on to medical school. As a result, the admissions process is considered very selective, and a degree from Spelman carries a lot of weight in the business and academic world. Though it is a private institution, 92 percent of Spelman students in 2012 were eligible for some form of needs-based financial assistance, and 13 percent had the financial need completely met.
3. Howard University, District of Columbia: Many students are drawn to Howard because of its urban setting. More than 7,000 students are enrolled in the school that offers more than 80 majors. The university houses the most concentrated group of Black scholars in the world—benefitting students and the D.C. community. Though tuition runs a steep $32,155 for undergraduate students to $55,874 for medical school students, just over 52 percent of students had their financial needs fully met at Howard in 2012.
4. Hampton University, Hampton, Va.: This school is rich in alumni history, having graduated such notable names as Booker T. Washington and Alberta Williams King, the mother of Martin Luther King Jr. Tradition trumps trends and education takes center stage, and a dress code is in effect to reduce distractions. Hampton recently created a nanoscience academic concentration with nearly $3 million from the National Science Foundation.
