All About HBCUs
As you embark on your college search, you might find yourself browsing through a wide assortment of different architecture programs. Campus life, study abroad programs, and post-graduate opportunities are just a few of the many factors that will help you decide which school to attend. If you’re looking for a college experience that’s rooted in African-American tradition, community, and history, consider applying to an HBCU!
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are defined by the Higher Education Act of 1965 as, “…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education]…” (The National Museum of African American History & Culture). While HBCUs were created as a safe haven for Black students, they accept a diverse range of students from all ethnicities and backgrounds.
Notable HBCU alumni include architect Roberta Washington (Howard University), civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr (Morehouse College), mathematician Katherine Johnson (West Virginia State University), and many more.
Iconic elements of HBCU life include joyous homecoming celebrations (as seen in Beyoncé’s famous Coachella homage), the strong presence of “Divine Nine” sororities and fraternities, and vibrant campus life. More importantly, HBCUs are known for creating a sense of belonging for Black students. In a 2021 article for Architect Magazine, architect and HBCU alumna Katherine Williams wrote: “Students also choose to attend HBCUs to reduce their likelihood of experiencing on-campus animosity and racism and of being labeled as ‘other.’ As a Howard University alum, I can attest that having professors who looked like me was important and helped me better understand the history of which I was a part.”
By providing a campus where students feel seen and supported, HBCUs prepare architecture students for their future in the field. While Black Americans make up almost 14% of the U.S. population, only two percent of architects are Black (NCARB). Attending HBCUs makes a difference, as seen in the ACSA “Where Are My People? Black in Architecture” report, which states that one in every three Black architecture students attends an HBCU.
While HBCUs are known for their strong sense of community and educational offerings, each school offers a wide range of academic opportunities for students. According to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, 59 percent of HBCUs solely offer undergraduate degrees, 41 percent offer graduate degrees, and 28 percent offer doctoral degrees. Among the 99 active HBCUs (Pew Research Center), seven are home to NAAB-accredited architecture programs. Scroll down to learn more!
