Sophia AlexanderWhat You’ll Discover in This Guide
What type of degree offerings are there?
Where precisely is the school located?
How large (or tiny) is the university?
Is the cost reasonable, and what kind of financial assistance can I receive?
Ready to begin learning about HBCUs? Let’s get started!
Deciding where you’ll spend the next four years of your life is a big choice. Whether you’re graduating high school or returning to school to change careers, you require a college that reflects what you’d like to study and where you want to be in life.
Perhaps you’ve already dug in and found that a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) is just the ticket. These institutions are not merely classes—these are communities, support systems, and opportunities that prepare you to be successful in the real world.
If you know you want to attend an HBCU but need help figuring out which one to choose, no worries—we’ve got your back. Below, we’ll take you through the most important factors to consider when selecting an HBCU. Or, if you’re still unsure, you can click to learn why we believe HBCUs are a fantastic option.
1. What types of degree programs are offered?
One of the first things you should consider is what degrees and majors the institution has. HBCUs have all sorts of programs—from engineering and business to arts and healthcare. If you already know what you would like to major in (such as nursing, for instance), you can immediately cut your list down to institutions that have a solid program in that area.
And on the flip side, if you don’t know yet what you want to major in, that’s fine too! Just ensure the schools you’re considering have sufficient options so you can try before you buy.
Pro Tip: Make sure the program you’re interested in is accredited (i.e., that it has high education standards). You don’t want to waste time and money on a degree that won’t be valid down the road. Most universities will include this information on their website—just search for an “Accreditation” page.
2. Where Exactly Is the School Located?
Where you are actually located is more important than you would believe. HBCUs exist all across the nation—some in large cities, some in small towns, and a few even in the U.S. Virgin Islands! But the majority exist in the Southern states, such as Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina.
Before you even apply, consider asking yourself:
Do I want to remain close to home, or am I fine with moving far away?
Would I prefer living in a large city or a smaller town?
How much does it cost to live there? (Rent, food, transportation—it all adds up!)
Is there decent public transportation, or will I need a car?
What’s the housing like? (Are there nice off-campus living arrangements if I don’t want to be in a dorm?)
Are there decent job or internship opportunities in the area? (This is really important after graduation!)
3. How Big (or Small) Is the University?
The size of the school can completely alter your college experience. Some like the vibe of a huge campus with thousands of students, and others like smaller schools where it’s simple to get to know folks.
Here’s the thing:
Bigger schools usually have better resources (such as research labs, gigantic libraries, and a plethora of clubs).
Smaller schools tend to have smaller classes, so you spend more individual time with professors.
If you truly want to get a sense of the campus, make an effort to see it in person. Walk about, chat with students, and determine if it’s the right place for you or not.
4. Is the Tuition Affordable? What About Financial Aid?
Let’s face it—college is pricey. But the silver lining? HBCUs tend to be a heck of a lot cheaper than other schools.
For instance:
In 2017-2018, the average cost at a private college was $34,740 annually.
But for out-of-staters at public HBCUs, it cost about $18,386 (such as at Cheney University of Pennsylvania).
And there’s more—most HBCU students receive financial assistance. In fact, in 2019-2020:
90% of HBCU undergraduates received some form of financial assistance.
83% received grants (free money you don’t repay!).
65% borrowed student loans.
4% received work-study jobs.
2% received veterans’ benefits.
18% had parents borrow federal Parent PLUS Loans.
Don’t let cost intimidate you—there are many ways to make attending college affordable.
5. Ready to begin researching HBCUs?
Now that you know what to search for, it’s time to dig deeper! A good starting point is Appily’s college search tool, where you can:
Filter schools by what you care about most (such as HBCUs, test-optional colleges, or need-blind universities).
Compare schools side by side.
Discover the perfect fit for your goals and budget.
Simply click the button below to start—your future awaits!
Final Thoughts
Choosing the appropriate HBCU is a large undertaking, but it does not have to be daunting. Refer to this list while doing your research, and ensure the institutions on your list of schools meet all your requirements. Your ideal college exists—you just need to find it!
