Importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are institutions of Higher Education which were made for the purpose of enriching the education among the African American Community. Cheney University, established in 1837, is the oldest HBCU founded by Richard Humphreys. Today more than 70% of African Americans dentists have obtained their degree from a Historically Black College or University.

According to a data of NCES, only 15-17% of black students are enrolled in colleges among which 14% have obtained their degree from HBCU College. These colleges are especially for those who are at high risk of not entering or completing college, students at low income group and first generation college students. (HBCU Buzz, NCES)

HBCU’s were created after Civil War to meet educational needs of the students of US. There has been no looking back and many renowned colleges are a part of HBCU.  However there have been many myths about the Historically Black Colleges and University. First of all it is being said that enrollments in HBCU are declining, however in past few years many African American students choose to go to a HBCU college as they find it a safer environment and rather there has been an increase of about 30% in admissions in these colleges.

Then other myths are that these colleges are more expensive and do not have quality of education which is quite wrong. Tuition fees of HBCU’s are 6000$ less than other colleges. Other than that it is said that they lack diversity and do not have adequate resources which is also not true.