HBCU List by State: A Comprehensive Guide to Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played a pivotal role in American education, providing opportunities for African American students and other minorities since the 19th century. These institutions are renowned for their rich history, cultural significance, and commitment to academic excellence. If you’re considering attending an HBCU or simply want to learn more about them, this guide provides a detailed HBCU list by state, highlighting their locations, unique offerings and contributions to higher education.

What Are HBCUs?

HBCUs are institutions of higher education established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964, primarily to serve the African American community. Today, they welcome students of all races and backgrounds while continuing to celebrate and preserve African American culture and heritage. There are currently 107 HBCUs in the United States, spread across 19 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

HBCU List by State

Below is a breakdown of HBCUs by state, organized alphabetically. Each state’s list includes the names of the institutions and a brief description of their unique characteristics.

Alabama

Alabama is home to the largest number of HBCUs in the country, with 14 institutions. These include:

Alabama A&M University: Located in Normal, this university is known for its strong engineering and agricultural programs.
Alabama State University: Based in Montgomery, it offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Tuskegee University: Famous for its aviation and engineering programs, Tuskegee is a national historic site.

Other notable HBCUs in Alabama include Miles College, Oakwood University, and Stillman College.

Arkansas

Arkansas has four HBCUs:

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff: Known for its agriculture and business programs.
Philander Smith College: A private liberal arts college in Little Rock.
Shorter College: A two-year college in North Little Rock.
Arkansas Baptist College: Focused on community engagement and leadership development.

Delaware

Delaware is home to one HBCU:

Delaware State University: Located in Dover, it offers a diverse range of programs and is known for its aviation and agriculture studies.

Florida

Florida boasts four HBCUs:

Bethune-Cookman University: Located in Daytona Beach, it’s known for its nursing and education programs.
Florida A&M University (FAMU): Based in Tallahassee, FAMU is one of the top public HBCUs in the nation.
Edward Waters University: A private institution in Jacksonville.
Florida Memorial University: Located in Miami Gardens, it offers a variety of liberal arts and professional programs.

Georgia

Georgia has ten HBCUs, including:

Clark Atlanta University: A leading research institution in Atlanta.
Morehouse College: An all-male college renowned for producing influential leaders.
Spelman College: A prestigious all-female college known for its STEM programs.
Savannah State University: The oldest public HBCU in Georgia.

Kentucky

Kentucky has one HBCU:

Kentucky State University: Located in Frankfort, it offers programs in agriculture, business, and liberal arts.

Louisiana

Louisiana is home to seven HBCUs, including:

Southern University and A&M College: The flagship institution of the Southern University System.
Xavier University of Louisiana: Known for its pharmacy and health sciences programs.
Dillard University: A private liberal arts college in New Orleans.

Maryland

Maryland has four HBCUs:

Morgan State University: A public research university in Baltimore.
Bowie State University: The oldest HBCU in Maryland.
Coppin State University: Known for its education and nursing programs.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore: Offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Mississippi

Mississippi has seven HBCUs, including:

Jackson State University: Known for its business and engineering programs.
Alcorn State University: The oldest public HBCU in Mississippi.
Tougaloo College: A private liberal arts college with a strong emphasis on social justice.

North Carolina

North Carolina is home to ten HBCUs, including:

North Carolina A&T State University: The largest HBCU in the country, known for its engineering and agriculture programs.
Shaw University: The oldest HBCU in the South.
Fayetteville State University: Offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Ohio

Ohio has one HBCU:

Central State University: Located in Wilberforce, it’s known for its business and education programs.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has two HBCUs:

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania: The oldest HBCU in the country.
Lincoln University: Known for its strong liberal arts programs.

South Carolina

South Carolina has eight HBCUs, including:

Claflin University: Known for its STEM programs.
South Carolina State University: The only public HBCU in the state.
Allen University: A private institution in Columbia.

Tennessee

Tennessee has seven HBCUs, including:

Fisk University: Known for its music and arts programs.
Tennessee State University: Offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
LeMoyne-Owen College: A private liberal arts college in Memphis.

Texas

Texas has nine HBCUs, including:

Prairie View A&M University: Known for its engineering and nursing programs.
Texas Southern University: Located in Houston, it offers a variety of professional programs.
Huston-Tillotson University: A private institution in Austin.

Virginia

Virginia has five HBCUs, including:

Hampton University: Known for its business and nursing programs.
Virginia State University: Offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Norfolk State University: Known for its engineering and computer science programs.

West Virginia

West Virginia has two HBCUs:

Bluefield State University: Known for its STEM programs.
West Virginia State University: Offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.

U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands has one HBCU:

University of the Virgin Islands: Offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Why Choose an HBCU?

HBCUs offer a unique educational experience that combines academic rigor with cultural enrichment. They provide a supportive environment for students to thrive, often with smaller class sizes and strong community ties. Additionally, HBCUs have a long history of producing influential leaders in various fields, including politics, business, science and the arts.

Conclusion

HBCUs continue to be a cornerstone of higher education in the United States, offering students a chance to excel academically while embracing a rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re looking for a large public university or a small private college, this HBCU list by state can help you find the perfect institution to meet your educational goals.

By attending an HBCU, you’ll be part of a legacy that has shaped the lives of countless individuals and contributed to the advancement of society.

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