Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Return on Investment

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were founded before slavery was abolished. Abolitionists in Pennsylvania and Ohio founded HBCUs to train students to become educators or work in the trades. After the Civil War, the Freedmen's Bureau opened HBCUs throughout the former Confederacy. Some schools catered to women only. Others taught students how to become independent farmers.

More than 100 HBCU colleges exist today. Most of these schools exist in the South. Many schools continue to enroll mostly African Americans. Learners can enroll in two- and four-year institutions. Some HBCUs offer large research programs in different academic areas.

The following article describes HBCUs' relevance, reasons for attending, and ROI. The final section provides links to outside resources. Prospective enrollees can contact an HBCU's admissions department for more information.

Are Historically Black Colleges and Universities Still Relevant Today?

Historically Black colleges and universities offer many benefits. Students can network with a community of peers from similar backgrounds. They can also learn from professors and advisors with shared life experiences.

HBCUs Contribute to STEM Fields

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), professionals working in a STEM occupation earn more than double the national median salary. The BLS projects the need for STEM workers to grow 8% from 2019-2029. This projection suggests that STEM graduates should enter a strong job market.

HBCUs graduate 25% of African Americans majoring in STEM, making these schools essential to providing the nation with trained professionals. Top HBCU colleges for prospective STEM majors include North Carolina A&T State University and Florida A&M University.

HBCUs Make College More Affordable

Rising tuition affects all degree-seekers. But it hurts those from a low socioeconomic background the most. Many HBCUs address this challenge by offering affordable tuition. Like other colleges and universities, HBCUs offer scholarships and grants. Schools advertise these and other forms of financial aid on their website.

HBCUs Contribute to the Upward Mobility of Black Students

HBCUs offer majors that prepare students for in-demand careers. Historically Black colleges and universities also promote upward mobility for African American students. The Rutgers Graduate School of Education reported this finding after completing research into graduates' outcomes.

The report highlights that about 70% of African American graduates attain a middle-class lifestyle. Prospective students from affluent backgrounds may also benefit from attending.

Why Attend an HBCU?

HBCUs feature many benefits for African American students, including a positive, nurturing community. Many schools offer a low student-to-teacher ratio. Small class sizes allow enrollees to get to know their professors. These personal connections create academic and professional networks that may help graduates find a career or enroll in graduate school.

HBCUs also help learners connect to their African American roots. For example, students may major in Black history. These academic opportunities help degree-seekers find their place in the world. Learners can also discover how a college education leads to better personal and community outcomes.

Alumni support and financial aid draw many learners to historically Black colleges and universities. Many schools offer alumni associations and mentorship programs. HBCUs encourage enrollees to apply for scholarships through the United Fund.

Determining an HBCU's ROI

ROI means much more than the salary graduates make right out of school. It also includes learners' overall college experience and student debt. Applicants may need to review other factors depending on their background and long-term goals.

• Overall College Experience

  Schools with a supportive environment and a strong sense of community promote positive academic and professional outcomes. They do so by providing learners with extracurricular activities and campus events.

  These benefits help students adjust to life on campus and perform to their full potential. Prospective degree-seekers can learn about the college experience by touring campuses and talking to current learners.

• Opportunities for Disadvantaged Students

  Some students come from disadvantaged backgrounds. These students may include first-generation degree-seekers or low-income learners. Others may need help with a physical or mental disability. These learners can research their school's support services and how to access them.

  HBCUs promote ROI for disadvantaged students by offering free tutoring sessions and academic accommodations. They may also offer help from financial aid advisors. Enrollment advisors help students access the resources they need.

• Post-Grad Success

  Many colleges and universities track alumni outcomes through surveys and publish results online. Prospective HBCU students should pay close attention to graduates' median incomes and what percentage of alumni go to graduate school.

  Schools with impressive post-grad success offer their students more than rigorous academic programs. These institutions help learners find a job with a dedicated team of career services professionals. These advisors help students with resume and interview preparation.

• Affordable, High-Quality Education

  In 2016, the average white family possessed ten times more wealth than the average African American family. HBCU colleges aim to close this wealth gap by providing a high-quality education at an affordable price. They also promote ROI by sponsoring institutional aid programs. HBCUs also connect students with scholarships exclusive to African Americans.

• Student Loan Debt

  About 80% of HBCU students take out loans to finance their education, much higher than learners at other institutions. One reason is that HBCUs enroll a higher percentage of low-income students.

  Higher debt may lead to a lower ROI. This means learners with financial need should also explore other schools. Students may find a more affordable education at a local community college or public four-year school.

Challenges Faced by Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Many students who attend HBCUs go into debt to pay for a degree. Another challenge for HBCUs involves getting African Americans to apply. Schools that meet enrollment goals may have low graduation rates. This is because some students lack the academic preparation to succeed at the college level.

These schools facelow investment rates from the federal government, state governments, and private institutions. Lack of investment leads to unmaintained infrastructure and facilities, impacting the student experience and ROI. Together, these factors lead many to believe that HBCUs offer a lower-quality education than other institutions.

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Thomas Broderick

Thomas Broderick is a freelance writer and the owner of Broderick Writer LLC. He creates study guides, informational websites, and blog posts for clients in the education field. Thomas is also a published author of over 20 short stories and a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America.

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