The Role of Historically Black Colleges or Universities in Today's Higher Education Landscape

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are effective in graduating African American students who are poised to be competitive in the corporate, research, academic, governmental and military arenas. Specifically, over half of all African American professionals are graduates of HBCUs. Nine of the top ten colleges that graduate the most African Americans who go on to earn PhDs are from HBCUs. More than 50% of the nation’s African American public school teachers and 70% of African American dentists earned degrees at HBCUs. Finally, both Spelman and Bennett Colleges produce over half of the nation’s African American female doctorates in all science fields. This article discusses the importance of HBCUs in today’s higher education landscape.