Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Founded in 1881 as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary, Spelman College is the oldest historically Black college for women in America. Located just five minutes outside of downtown Atlanta, Spelman is part of the Atlanta University Center Consortium, the largest association of historically Black institutions of higher learning in the world. First- and second-year students are required to live on campus. There are more than 60 organizations for students to choose from, including Greek life, which constitutes the largest group of students on campus. Spelman College does not compete in intercollegiate athletics; instead, it offers a wellness program for all students.

Howard University is a historically black college located in Washington, D.C. Despite its urban setting, students are permitted to bring cars to campus – though freshmen may not apply for on-campus parking.

Located in Tallahassee, Florida A&M University is a historically black institution that offers a range of degrees to students of all races. The university, more commonly known as FAMU, offers more than 100 student organizations and several fraternities and sororities to join.

Tuskegee University is a historically black university located in the city of Tuskegee, Alabama. Students admitted to the university have the opportunity to join more than 100 groups and organizations as well as a very popular Greek life on campus. The university was the first to create a nursing baccalaureate program in the state of Alabama. Freshmen and sophomores at Tuskegee University are required to live on campus and can then elect to live off campus during their junior and senior years. The Tuskegee University Golden Tigers compete in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in the NCAA Division II.

Morehouse College is the only four-year liberal arts institution that’s historically Black and all male. It has a reputation for providing an academic foundation for Black men. The university attracts well-known achievers in politics and the arts to speak at college events. Former President Barack Obama, Rep. John Lewis and political commentator Marc Lamont Hill have all addressed the campus community or led a class. The school is located three miles from downtown Atlanta and is a member of the Atlanta University Center Consortium, an academic partnership between Morehouse, Clark Atlanta University and Spelman College. Morehouse has a National Fellowships and Awards Committee to help students apply for scholarships and fellowships, and the college houses a research institute, entrepreneurship center and the Morehouse School of Medicine.

Founded in 1925, Xavier University of Louisiana is a private institution. Xavier University of Louisiana offers a Greek system, where 1 percent of the student body is involved in a sorority and 5% is involved in a fraternity.

Graduates of Hampton University, a private, historically Black institution in Virginia, include Alberta Williams King, mother of Martin Luther King Jr., and Booker T. Washington, influential African American educator.

North Carolina A&T State University is a historically black school in Greensboro. The Aggies sports teams compete in the NCAA Division I Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. 

Founded in 1869, Claflin University is a private institution.

Founded in 1891, Delaware State University is a public institution.