1 (888) 768 6861

Request Info
Apply Now
A historic image of a graduating class of African Americans at Lane College in 1913

Historically Black Colleges and Universities: History, Impact, and Why They Matter Today

Bryan University

Published: | Last Updated:

# , ,

Black History Month is celebrated every February in the U.S. and Canada, offering a time to recognize and honor the achievements, contributions, and experiences of African Americans throughout history. For institutions like Bryan University, itā€™s also an opportunity to highlight the ongoing importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the profound impact they have had ā€” and continue to have ā€” on higher education.  

More than 250,000 students are currently enrolled in HBCUs across the United States, underscoring their continued relevance and influence in higher education.Ā 1Ā 

HBCU
A group of male students work in an architecture class. Tuskegee University Archives.

The Origins of Historically Black Colleges and Universities

It would be generous to say that educational opportunities for African Americans were extremely limited before HBCUs were established. Only a handful of African Americans were allowed to attend any kind of higher education institution, and those who did often faced significant societal barriers. 

John Chavis was the first recorded Black student to attend college, enrolling at Washington and Lee University in 1799. 

Over two decades later, Alexander Lucius Twilight became the first African American to earn a bachelorā€™s degree in the United States when he graduated from Middlebury College in 1823. 

On February 25, 1837, Quaker philanthropist Richard Humphreys founded the first HBCU, the African Institute, now known as Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. Humphreys donated $10,000 to create the school with a clear mission: to educate African Americans and prepare them to serve as teachers.2Ā The establishment of the first HBCU marked a pivotal moment in the history of higher education.Ā Ā 

Nearly 15Ā years later, the Normal School for Colored Girls opened in Washington, D.C. At the time, it was the only school in the city providing education beyond the elementary level for African Americans.3 Later known as Miner Normal School, it trained Black teachers for 70 years, eventually becoming Miner Teachers College and later the University of the District of Columbia. This institution played a critical role in shaping the education system for African Americans in Washington, D.C.4Ā Ā 

Most HBCUs were founded between 1865 andĀ 1900;Ā with the largest numberĀ establishedĀ in a yearĀ inĀ 1867Ā ā€”Ā just two years after the EmancipationĀ Proclamation.5Ā Ā 

HBCU Timeline

How the Department of Education Defines HBCUs

The Higher Education Act of 1965, specifically Title III, formally recognized HBCUs and set forth the criteria for this designation.  

A college or university qualifies as an HBCU if it: 

  • Was established before 1964 
  • Is accredited 
  • Has the principal mission of educating African Americans 

There are currently 107 officially recognized HBCUs in the United States, according to the Department of Labor. These include a mix of public and private, four-year institutions, each with a unique history and mission.  

The Historical and Cultural Impact of HBCUs

HBCUs were instrumental in expanding access to higher education for African Americans at a time when most institutions were inaccessible. They provided pathways to professional careers and cultivated leaders who would go on to shape American society. 

Ā According to The Week, HBCUsĀ are responsible for:Ā 6

  • 40% of Black engineers 
  • 50% of Black teachers 
  • 70% of Black doctors and dentists 
  • 80% of Black judges 
HBCU2
Tuskegee Senior Class in Psychology

Notable Graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities

HBCUs have produced numerous influential figures whose contributions have transformed the nation and the world.  

Some notable graduates include: 

  • Kamala Harris, the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President of the United States 
  • Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice 
  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 
  • Rosa Parks 
  • Oprah Winfrey 
  • Toni Morrison, Nobel Prize-winning author 
  • Langston Hughes, celebrated poet and writer 
  • Jerry Rice, legendary NFL athlete 

 These alumni reflect the long-standing impact of HBCUs on leadership, culture, education, and social progress. 

HBCUs in the 21st Century

HBCUs remain vital institutions in the higher education landscape. Today they enroll students of all races, though Black students still make up the majority.  

Although theyĀ representĀ only 3% of U.S. colleges and universities, HBCUs enroll 10% of all African American students and produceĀ nearly 20%Ā of all African American graduates, according to UNCF.Ā 7

Many HBCUs also emphasize career readiness and leadership development, preparing students for success in fields ranging from healthcare to technology to law. 

Modern HBCUs continue to balance the preservation of African American cultural history with preparing students for a global workforce. 

Why HBCUs Matter Today

HBCUs arenā€™t just historical institutions, they’re evolving centers of representation and excellence. They provide equitable access to higher education for underserved communities, develop leaders across diverse professional sectors, preserve and celebrate African American history and culture, and foster environments where students of all backgrounds can thrive.  

HBCUs remain an essential part of the American higher education system, contributing to social mobility, economic empowerment, and cultural enrichment.  

Frequently Asked Questions About HBCUs

What is an HBCU?

A Historically Black College or University (HBCU) is a college established before 1964 with the primary mission of educating African Americans. 

Why are HBCUs important?

HBCUs provide access to higher education for Black students and have historically produced a significant portion of African American professionals in medicine, education, law, and other fields. 

How many students attend HBCUs today?

Over 250,000 students are currently enrolled in HBCUs across the U.S., with a growing number of students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.Ā 

Are HBCUs only for Black students?

No. While they were originally established to serve African Americans, HBCUs today welcome students of all races.  

  1. “Postsecondary National Policy Institute.” pnpi.org, https://pnpi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/HBCU_FactSheet_Feb25.pdf. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026. ā†©ļøŽ
  2. ā€œThe First of Its Kind.ā€ cheyney.edu, https://cheyney.edu/who-we-are/the-first-hbcu/. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
    ā€œHBCU Timeline.ā€ thoughtco.com, https://www.thoughtco.com/hbcu-timeline-1837-to-1870-45451. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026. ā†©ļøŽ
  3. ā€œHistory and Mission.ā€ udc.edu, https://www.udc.edu/about/history-mission/. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026. ā†©ļøŽ
  4. ā€œHistory of HBCUs.ā€ tmcf.org, https://www.tmcf.org/history-of-hbcus/. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026. ā†©ļøŽ
  5. ā€œThe history and impact of HBCUs.ā€ theweek.com, https://theweek.com/education/hbcus-history-enrollment-increase. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026. ā†©ļøŽ
  6. ā€œEmpowering Leaders: Famous HBCU Graduates Who Revolutionized Our World.ā€ hbculifestyle.com, https://hbculifestyle.com/famous-hbcu-graduates/. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026. ā†©ļøŽ
  7. ā€œThe Numbers Donā€™t Lie: HBCUs Are Changing the College Landscape.ā€ unfc.org, https://uncf.org/the-latest/the-numbers-dont-lie-hbcus-are-changing-the-college-landscape. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026. ā†©ļøŽ

Share this content

Request Information

And Get a FREE Career Brochure

Terms of submitting this form: I agree that Bryan University may contact me regarding educational services via email, telephone, SMS text message, or automated technology at the email address and phone numbers provided. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Text STOP to cancel anytime. This consent is not required to enroll. For questions, call 1 (888) 768 6861. Visit our Privacy Policy.

ā† Return to Bryan Newsroom