A Historically Black College or University (HBCU) is any accredited college or university established prior to 1964 with the principal mission of educating African Americans. The term is enshrined in the Higher Education Act of 1965, a pillar of President Johnson Great Society. He signed the law expanding federal funding for higher education in a ceremony at his alma mater, Texas State; a school that didn’t admit African Americans until 1963—a prime example of why HBCUs were so necessary.

Before the Civil War, when the majority of African Americans in the U.S. were enslaved, educational opportunities for African Americans in the South were virtually non-existent, particularly for higher education. Those like Frederick Douglass who pursued an education in spite of it being illegal, were forced to study informally and often on their own. By the time he purchased this home, Douglas had risen to international prominence as an abolitionist, publisher, orator, and government official.

There was a great push to open universities between the Civil War and WWI, mostly through government “land-grants”—but few accepted African Americans. They had to spearhead their own higher-education movement. Supported by the American Missionary Association and the Freedmen’s Bureau, seven black colleges were founded by 1870. Many of these—including Fisk University (1866), Howard University (1867), Claflin University (1869), and Dillard University (1869)—are still graduating students today.

As Black colleges moved into the 20th century, racial responsibility and the significance of service were dominant principles underpinning the HBCU experience. Black colleges provided an enclave that nurtured leaders. They served as laboratories of dissent, stimulating race consciousness and equipping Black youth with the intellectual skills to counter and deconstruct white supremacy. W.E.B. Du Bois advocated for Black nationalism and Pan-Africanism from his post at (Clark) Atlanta University.

The militancy of the post-World War I era resonated on Black college campuses in what became known as the New Negro Movement. It was not uncommon for prominent leaders such as Paul Robeson, Max Yergan, Carter G. Woodson, or Mary McLeod Bethune (seen here) to appear before crowds of eager students at HBCUs, and thus radically shape their worldview. Black colleges also played critical roles in reasserting and redefining the Black aesthetic in what became known as the Harlem Renaissance.

Established with different educational and training goals, in various regions of the country, most HBCUs are coeducational and public. The majority began with a few buildings, offering specialized training in religion, education, agriculture, and industrial arts, as seen here. Today, they boast a full range of academic programs, with varying campus sizes, student enrollment, and academic rigor. Click "Find out more" to visit the Department of Education’s list of accredited HBCUs.

HBCUs are educational pillars, beacons of opportunity, and institutional reminders of African American achievement. HBCUs offer a rich cultural experience, strong academic programs, and platforms for social activism. Students and educators have promoted change within their institutions and in broader society. Faculty like Jo Ann Robinson played significant roles in expanding political consciousness in their students. She and other ASU scholar-activists sparked the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott.

A vital and recurring role of HBCUs is nurturing social movements that reshape American democracy. HBCUs served as “shelters in a time of storm”—safe spaces to strategize as racial violence and domestic terrorism were normalized when Reconstruction faltered and Jim Crow flourished. In 1960, four students from North Carolina A&T sat down at the "whites only" Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, NC, demanded service, faced down violence, and sparked a movement that spread across the country.

Through the late 60s and 70s HBCUs cultivated and embraced the Black Power Movement. Student radicalism was increasingly suppressed as Black colleges fell victim to violence from Army National Guard Units and local law enforcement who killed activists on the campuses of South Carolina State, North Carolina A&T State, Jackson State and Southern University. As a new hip-hop generation emerged at the turn of the 20th c., students found their voices in voting rights and Black Lives Matter movements.

Although they stand as a rich source of social and cultural capital, these institutions are not without their challenges. Federal budget cuts and rising college costs, for example, have adversely affected programs and students, the majority of whom are first-generation college/university attendees in need of financial assistance. Finding ways to survive and thrive in the face of such adversities is a persistent challenge of HBCUs. Storer, once a center of anti-Jim Crow activism, closed in 1955.

Founded in Pennsylvania in 1837 as the African Institute, Cheyney University is the nation’s first HBCU. It was established through the bequest of Richard Humphreys, a Quaker philanthropist. In 1902, the Institute relocated to the farm of another Quaker—George Cheyney—and in 1913 adopted his name. Initially, Cheyney specialized in the trades and agriculture. Today, through its School of Arts and Sciences and its School of Education and Professional Studies, Cheyney is rooted in liberal arts.

Although they comprise roughly 3% of the nation’s four-year colleges, HBCUs produce the majority of African American professionals—including doctors, dentists, judges, journalists, and educators. HBCUs help to ensure educational equity and economic opportunity for African Americans. “I learned how to be a man at Morehouse…You get nurtured at Black institutions. And I would not be the person that I am today or the artist I am today if I had not become a Morehouse man.” - Spike Lee

Established in 1856 in Ohio, Wilberforce is the nation’s oldest private HBCU owned and operated by African Americans. Named to honor 18c British abolitionist William Wilberforce, the school was a collaborative effort of black and white Methodist churches. Temporarily closed during the outbreak of the Civil War, Wilberforce re-incorporated in 1863 and went on to provide classical education and teacher training. Today, Wilberforce is a liberal arts institution focused on entrepreneurship.

Fisk University held its first classes in 1866 in a former Union Army barracks in Nashville, TN. General Clinton B. Fisk provided the space. In 1871, to help raise funds, the school formed what would become the internationally renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers. In 1978, its campus was designated a National Historic District. Through its John Lewis Center for Social Justice, the school fosters an understanding of social activism and advances racial equity strategies and initiatives.

Coppin State University is an urban-oriented institution located in the heart of Baltimore, MD. Founded in 1900, the university began as the Colored Training School, specializing in training teachers. Today, it offers 53 majors and nine graduate degree programs. Noted for its community outreach services, Coppin is the first university to manage a neighborhood elementary school and operates a fully-equipped, campus-based medical clinic that offers affordable healthcare to adults and children.

From a single building in 1867, Howard University, in Washington, DC, has grown into a prestigious institution with 13 schools and colleges, including a school of divinity that trains students for the ministry and prepares them to make scholarly contributions to the field of theology; a school of law, which has served as a training ground for generations of civil rights attorneys; and a college of medicine, which is a leader in the study of health disparities and the training of women surgeons.

Since 1837, Black colleges have upheld W.E.B. DuBois’ assertion that carving out a welcoming environment to educate and celebrate Black youth was radical and dangerous to the status quo. Taught to study the human condition and interrogate the hypocrisies of American democracy, Black college students became vital to the struggle for liberation. HBCUs continue to produce industry leaders, serve as shelters in a time of storm, and endure as essential sources of contemporary activism and leadership.

The White House maintains the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities, “dedicated to a Government-wide policymaking effort to eliminate barriers HBCUs face in providing the highest-quality education to a growing number of students.” In the remainder of this Guide we visit the rest of these HBCUs, sharing their locations and very basic information from Wikipedia and the HBCUs' own websites.

Alabama A&M University is a public institution in Normal, AL, founded in 1875 as “Colored Normal School at Huntsville." The school’s motto is "Service is Sovereignty."

Albany State University is a public institution in Albany, GA, founded in 1903 as “Albany Bible and Manual Training Institute." The school’s motto is “A Past To Cherish, A Future To Fulfill.”

Alcorn State University is a public institution in Lorman, MI, founded in 1871 as “Alcorn University,” in honor of James L. Alcorn. The school’s motto is "Service, Scholarship, Dignity," and their tagline is "Where Knowledge and Character Matter."

Allen University is a private institution in Columbia, SC, founded in 1870 as “Payne Institute." The school’s motto is “We Teach The Mind To Think, The Hands To Work, The Heart To Love.”

American Baptist College is a private institution in Nashville, TN, founded in 1924. The school’s motto is “Light a Flame that lasts forever.”

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is a public institution in Pine Bluff, AR, founded in 1873 as “Branch Normal College.”

Arkansas Baptist College is a private institution in Little Rock, AR, founded in 1884 as “Minister’s Institute." The school’s tagline is “It’s a GOoD thing!”

Barber-Scotia College is a private institution in Concord, NC, founded in 1867 as two institutions; “Scotia Seminary” and “Barber Memorial College." The school’s motto, “Lumen Veritas et Utilitas,” translates to “Knowledge, Truth, and Service.”

Benedict College is a private institution in Columbia, SC, founded in 1870 as “Benedict Institute." The school’s motto is “A Power for Good in Society.”

Bennett College is a private institution in Greensboro, NC, founded in 1873 as “Bennett Seminary." The school’s motto is “Education for your Future. Sisterhood for Life.”

Bishop State Community College is a public institution in Mobile, AL, founded in 1927 as a branch of “Alabama State College." The school’s motto is “A Great Place to Start.”

Bluefield State University is a public institution in Bluefield, WV, founded in 1895 as “Bluefield Colored Institute." The school’s motto is "Accept The Challenge."

Bowie State University is a public institution in Bowie, MD, founded in 1865 as “Baltimore Normal School." The school’s tagline is “Taking Tomorrow. Boldly.”

Central State University is a public institution in Wilberforce, OH, founded in 1887. It was originally a department of Wilberforce University. The school’s motto is “Engaging Communities and Transforming Lives!”

Claflin University is a private institution in Orangeburg, SC, founded in 1869. The school’s motto is "The World Needs Visionaries."

Clinton College is a private institution in Rock Hill, SC, founded in 1894 as “Clinton Institute." The school’s motto is “Excellence without Excuse.”

Coahoma Community College is a public institution in Coahoma Co., MS, founded in 1924 as “Coahoma County Agricultural High School."

Delaware State University is a public institution in Dover, DE, founded in 1891 as “The Delaware College for Colored Students.” The school’s motto is "Enter to Learn, Go Forth and Serve."

Denmark Technical College is a public institution in Denmark, SC, established in 1947 as the “Denmark Area Trade School.”

The University of the District of Columbia is a public institution in Washington, DC, established in 1851 as “Miner Normal School.” The school’s motto is "Aspire, Accomplish, Take on the World."

J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College is a public institution in Huntsville, AL, founded in 1961 as "Huntsville State Vocational Technical School."

Edward Waters University is a private institution in Jacksonville, FL, established in 1866 as “Brown Theological Institute.” The school’s motto is “Preserving History, Promising Futures.”

Elizabeth City State University is a public institution in Elizabeth City, NC, founded in 1891 as the “State Colored Normal School at Elizabeth City.” The school’s motto, “Res Non Verba,” translates to “Things, not words.”

Fayetteville State University is a public institution in Fayetteville, NC, founded in 1867 as “Howard School.”

Florida A&M University is a public institution in Tallahassee, FL, established in 1887 as “State Normal College for Colored Students.” The school’s motto is “"Excellence With Caring.

Florida Memorial University is a private institution in Miami Gardens, FL, established in 1879 as “Florida Baptist Institute in Live Oak.” The school’s motto is “Leadership, Character, Service.

Fort Valley State University is a public institution in Fort Valley, GA, established in 1895 as "Fort Valley High and Industrial School." The school’s motto is “Be Bold. Be Amazing. Be Prepared.”

Gadsden State Community College is a public institution in Gadsden, AL, established in 1925 as the "Alabama School of Trades."

Grambling State University is a public institution in Grambling, LA, established in 1901 as the "Colored Industrial and Agricultural School." The school’s motto is “Where Everybody Is Somebody.”

Hampton University is a private institution in Hampton, VA, founded in 1868 as the "Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute." The school’s motto is "The Standard of Excellence, An Education for Life."

Harris–Stowe State University is a public institution in St. Louis, MO, founded in 1857 as the "St. Louis Normal School" for whites, with "Stowe Teachers College" begun in 1890 for blacks. They merged in 1954. The school’s motto is, “Inspiring change.”

Hinds Community College is a public institution in Utica, MI, founded in 1903 as "Utica Junior College." The school’s motto is “College of all people.”

Huston–Tillotson University is a private institution in Austin, TX, founded in 1875 as "Tillotson Collegiate and Normal Institute." The school’s motto is “In union, strength.”

Interdenominational Theological Center is a private institution in Atlanta, GA, founded in 1958.

Jackson State University is a public institution in Jackson, MS, founded in 1877 as "Natchez Seminary" by the American Baptist Home Mission Society. It became public in 1942. The school’s motto, “Excellentia academia investigatio et officium,” translates to "Challenging Minds, Changing Lives."

Jarvis Christian University is a private institution in Hawkins, TX, founded in 1912.

Johnson C. Smith University is a private institution in Charlotte, NC, founded in 1867 as "Biddle Memorial Institute." The school’s motto, “Sit Lux,” translates to “Let There Be Light.”

Kentucky State University is a public institution in Frankfort, KY, founded in 1886 as "State Normal School for Colored Persons."The school’s motto is "Onward, Upward."

Knoxville College is a private institution in Knoxville, TN founded in 1875. The school's motto is "Let there be light."

Lane College is a private institution in Jackson, TN founded in 1882 as "Colored Methodist Episcopal High School." The school’s motto, “Esse, Non Videri,” translates to “To be, rather than to seem.”

Langston University is a public institution in Langston, OK, founded in 1897 as "Oklahoma Colored Agricultural and Normal University." The school’s motto is “Education For Service.”

Lawson State Community College is a public institution in Bessemer, AL founded in 1949. The school's vision is “cultivating success through excellence and innovation.”

LeMoyne–Owen College is a private institution in Memphis, TN, founded in 1862 as "LeMoyne Normal and Commercial School." LeMoyne was an elementary school until 1870. The school motto "Gubernatio. Opportunitas. Inclino." translates to "Leadership. Opportunity. Change."

Lincoln University is a public institution in Chester County, PA, founded in 1854. It is the first degree-granting HBCU. Founded as "Ashmun Institute," the school’s motto is "If the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

Lincoln University is a public institution in Jefferson City, MO, founded in 1866 as the "Lincoln Institute." Its motto, “Laborare et studere,” translates to “To labor and study.”

Livingstone College is a private institution in Salisbury, NC, founded in 1879 as "Zion Wesley Institute." The school’s motto is “A Call To Commitment. Taking Livingstone College to the next level.”

University of Maryland Eastern Shore is an institution in Princess Anne, MD, founded in 1886 as the "Delaware Conference Academy." The school’s motto, “Facta, Non Verba,” translates to “Deeds, Not Words.”

Meharry Medical College is a private institution in Nashville, TN, founded in 1876 as the “Medical Department of Central Tennessee College.” The school’s motto is “Worship of God through Service to Mankind.”

Miles College is a private institution in Fairfield, AL, founded in 1898. It was known until 1941 as "Miles Memorial College;" named after Bishop William H. Miles. The school’s motto is "Wisdom and Peace and Love for all."

Mississippi Valley State University is a public institution in Itta Bena, MS, founded in 1950 as the "Mississippi Vocational College." The school’s motto is "Live for Service."

Morehouse School of Medicine is a private institution in Atlanta, GA, founded as part of Moorhouse College in 1975. It became independent in 1985.

Morgan State University is a public institution in Baltimore, MD, founded in 1867 as “Centenary Biblical Institute.” The school’s motto is “Growing the Future and Leading the World.”

Morris Brown College is a private institution in Atlanta, GA, founded in 1881 and named after the second Bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Its motto is “To God and Truth.”

Morris College is a private institution in Sumter, SC, founded in 1908. Its motto, "Intrare Libris, Dispartire Servire," translates to "Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve."

Norfolk State University is a public institution in Norfolk, VA, founded in 1935 as the "Norfolk Unit of Virginia State University." Its seal declares "Achievement. Citizenship."

North Carolina Central University is a public institution in Durham, NC, founded in 1910 as "National Religious Training School and Chautauqua." Its motto is “Truth and Service.”

Oakwood University is a private institution in Huntsville, AL, founded in 1896 as "Oakwood Industrial School." Its motto is, “Education, Excellence, Eternity.”

Paine College is a private institution in Augusta, GA founded in 1882 as "Paine Institute." Its motto is "Emerging Anew."

Paul Quinn College is a private institution in Dallas, TX, founded in 1872. The school’s ethos is expressed as “WE Over Me.”

Payne Theological Seminary is a private institution in Wilberforce, OH, founded in 1856 as a seminary with Wilberforce University. It became Payne Theological Seminary in 1894. It is the oldest free-standing African-American seminary in the United States.

Philander Smith University is a private institution in Little Rock, AK, founded in 1877 as "Walden Seminary."

Prairie View A&M University is a public institution in Prairie View, TX, founded in 1876 as "Alta Vista Agriculture & Mechanical College for Colored Youth." The school’s motto is “Prairie View Produces Productive People.”

Rust College is a private institution in Holly Springs, MS, founded in 1866, and named "Shaw University" from 1870 to 1892. Their motto is “By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them.”

Savannah State University is a public institution in Savannah, GA, founded in 1890 as "Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youth." Their motto translates to “Light and Truth.”

Selma University is a private institution in Selma, AL, founded in 1878 as "Alabama Baptist Normal and Theological School." Their motto, “Fiat Lux,” translates to “Let there by light.”

Shaw University is a private institution in Raleigh, NC, founded in 1865 as the "Raleigh Institute.” The school’s motto, “Pro Christo Et Humanitate,” translates to “For Christ and Humanity.

Shelton State Community College is a public institution in Tuscaloosa, AL, founded in 1952 as "J.P. Shelton Trade School."

Shorter College is a private institution in North Little Rock, AK, founded in 1886 as "Bethel University." The school’s motto, "Cogito Ergo Sum," translates to "I think, therefore I am."

Simmons College of Kentucky is a private institution in Louisville, KY, founded in 1869 as “Kentucky Normal Technological Institute.” The school’s motto, ​​"Non Palma Sine Pulvere," translates to “No Reward without Effort.”

Southern University at New Orleans is a public institution in New Orleans, LA, founded in 1956 as a branch unit of Southern University in Baton Rouge. The school’s motto is “We lead the way.”

Southern University at Shreveport is a public institution in Shreveport, LA, founded in 1967, and is part of the Southern University System. The school’s motto is “Opportunity Starts Here.”

Southern University and A&M College is a public institution in Baton Rouge, LA, founded in 1880.

Southwestern Christian College is a private institution in Terrell, TX, founded in 1948 as "Southern Bible Institute." The school’s motto is “Scholarship, Spirit and Service.”

Spelman College is a private institution in Atlanta, GA, founded in 1881 as "Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary." The school’s motto is “Our Whole School for Christ.”

St. Augustine's University is a private institution in Raleigh, NC, founded in 1867. The school’s motto, “Motto Veritas vos liberabit,” translates to “The truth will set you free.”

St. Philip's College is a public institution in San Antonio, TX, founded in 1898 as "St. Philip's Sewing Class for Girls."

Stillman College is a private institution in Tuscaloosa, AL, founded in 1876 as “Tuscaloosa Institute.” The school’s slogan is “Hail, O Hail.”

Talladega College is a private institution in Talladega, AL, founded in 1867 and known as "Swayne School" until 1869. The school’s motto is “An Education of Distinction.”

Tennessee State University is a public institution in Nashville, TN, founded in 1912 as "Agricultural and Industrial State Normal School." The school’s motto is “Think. Work. Serve.”

Texas College is a private institution in Tyler, TX, founded in 1894. The school’s motto, “Per lumen scientiae viam invenient populi.” translates to "Give The People Light, and They Will Find Their Way."

Texas Southern University is a public institution in Houston, TX, founded in 1927 as "Texas State University for Negroes." The school’s motto is “Excellence in Achievement.”

Tougaloo College is a private institution in Hinds County, MS founded in 1869 as "Tougaloo University." The school’s tagline is "Where History Meets the Future."

Trenholm State Community College is a public institution in Montgomery, AL, founded in 1947 as "John M. Patterson Technical School." The school’s motto is “Excellence in Achievement.”

University of the Virgin Islands is a public institution in St. Croix & St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, founded in 1962 as "College of the Virgin Islands." The school’s motto is “Historically American. Uniquely Caribbean. Globally Interactive.”

Virginia State University is a public institution in Petersburg, VA, founded in 1882 as "Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute at Petersburg." The school’s motto is "Greater Happens Here."

Virginia Union University is a private institution in Richmond, VA, founded in 1865 as "Wayland Seminary," and merged with Richmond Institute (1865) in 1889. The school’s motto is “The Lord Will Provide.”

Virginia University of Lynchburg is a private institution in Lynchburg, VA, founded in 1886 as "Lynchburg Baptist Seminary." The school’s motto, “Sibi Auxilium et Libertas,” translates to “Self Help and Freedom.”

Voorhees University is a private institution in Denmark, SC, founded in 1897 as "Denmark Industrial School." The school’s mantra is “Begin. Believe. Become.“

West Virginia State University is a public institution in Institute, WV, founded in 1891 as "West Virginia Colored Institute." The school’s motto, “Veritas Lux Mundi,” translates to "Truth is the Light of the World."

Wiley University is a private institution in Marshall, TX, founded in 1873. The school’s motto is “Go Forth Inspired.”

Winston-Salem State University is a public institution in Winston-Salem, NC, founded in 1892 as "Slater Industrial and State Normal School." The school’s motto is "Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve."

Xavier University of Louisiana is a private institution in New Orleans, LA, founded in 1915 as "Xavier Preparatory High School." The school’s motto, “Deo Adjuvante Non Timendum,” translates to “With God's help there is nothing to fear."