10 Top HBCUs You Should Know About

Historically Black Colleges and Universities turn out some of the most talented scientists, creatives, politicians and future leaders in the nation. Find out more about the best HBCUs in America and some of their famous alums.

By: Mariette Williams

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Photo By: Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post via Getty Images

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Photo By: William Lovelace, Getty Images

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The History of HBCUs

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played an important role in American history. These schools were created at a time when racism and segregation legally prohibited Black students from getting an education, and an HBCU was often the only way for Black students to learn skills and trades and improve the quality of their lives. Some of the oldest HBCUs were founded in the late 1800s as religious seminary schools, while others started as agricultural and teacher training centers before expanding to colleges and universities.

Today, there are more than 100 HBCUs around the country, and these institutions are still important because they provide an inclusive environment and access to higher education for many first-generation college students. HBCUs have also been responsible for graduating some of the most influential Black Americans like Martin Luther King Jr., Vice President Kamala Harris and Oprah Winfrey. In celebration of HBCUs, we rounded up 10 HBCUs around the country that you should know about.

Howard University - Washington, DC

Howard University was founded in 1867, and the Washington, DC, school is one of the most notable HBCUs in the nation. Originally a seminary for Black men, Howard has expanded to offer graduate, undergraduate and professional degrees across 140 areas. Howard University has a long list of alumni from Vice President Kamala Harris to Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman and Nobel prize-winning author Toni Morrison. Located only two miles from the United States Capitol, the 256-acre campus has one of the world’s most comprehensive research libraries on African American history and a diverse student body that represents 104 countries.

Spelman College - Atlanta

Spelman College started as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary in 1881, and in 1924, the school adopted the name Spelman College. Today, it is consistently ranked among the best all-girls schools in the country. Spelman’s tagline is “A Choice to Change the World,” and they’ve certainly sent out change-makers from their campus. Distinguished Spelman alumni include former Georgia House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, Pulitzer prize-winning author Alice Walker and The Cosby Show actress Keshia Knight Pulliam. Spelman also has a notable art gallery on campus. The Spelman College Museum of Fine Arts is the only museum in the country dedicated to art for and by women of the African Diaspora.

Morehouse College - Atlanta

Considered the “brother” school to Spelman College, Morehouse College is the only all-male African American college in the United States. The school was founded in 1867 as the Augusta Institute and later the school relocated to Atlanta, changing its name to Morehouse College in 1913. Morehouse College has also graduated its share of influential figures including civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., director Spike Lee and actor Samuel L. Jackson. Morehouse College is also the home of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, which houses an extensive collection of Dr. King’s essays and papers from his time as a civil rights leader.

Xavier University of Louisiana - New Orleans

The only Catholic HBCU in the country, Xavier University of Louisiana was founded by Katharine Drexel, a Philadelphia heiress who shocked her family when she took religious vows. Drexel used her fortune to found Xavier University of Louisiana in 1925. Also known as XULA, the school has survived major events over the years. In 2005, most of the school was submerged underwater because of Hurricane Katrina, but the campus underwent a multi-million dollar restoration to include a new pharmacy building, convocation center and the St. Katharine Drexel Chapel. The relatively small school (enrollment is around 3,000 students) has graduated students that have gone on to serve in local governments like Latoya Cantrell, who was the first Black woman to serve as the mayor of New Orleans.

Hampton University - Hampton, Virginia

Hampton University began in 1861 under the shade of an oak tree when Mary Peake, a freed Black woman, was asked to teach formerly enslaved African Americans. In 1863, Peake’s work was continued with the creation of the Butler School for Negro Children, which would later become the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institution, teaching trades like farming, carpentry and blacksmithing. After decades of growth and expanding degree offerings, the school changed its name to Hampton University in 1984. One of the most famous Hampton alumni is Booker T. Washington, the prolific educator and author who went on to found another HBCU, Tuskegee University. The University also graduated well-known actress and comedian Wanda Sykes.

Florida A&M - Tallahassee, Florida

In October 1887, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) started as the State Normal College for Colored Students with only 15 students. The school became the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes in 1909, awarding the first bachelor’s degree the following year. Florida A&M was granted university status in 1953, and with an average annual enrollment of just under 10,000 students, it’s one of the biggest HBCUs in the country. The school is also known for its marching band, the FAMU 100, which has been featured in documentaries, commercials and news broadcasts. The FAMU marching band has performed in five NFL Superbowls and three inaugural presidential parades. Notable alumni include former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, sports commentator Pam Oliver, Grammy award-winning rapper Common and film and television producer Will Packer (Girls Trip) who has the school's Will Packer Performing Arts Amphitheater named in his honor.

North Carolina A&T - Greensboro, North Carolina

The largest HBCU in the country, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University has an average enrollment of more than 10,000 students. The school was founded in 1891, and the students of North Carolina A&T made a significant impact during the civil rights movement. Four freshman students who would later become known as the “AT&T Four” protested segregation in North Carolina by staging lunch sit-ins. Their non-violent tactics set off other protests and helped end segregation in North Carolina. Over the years the school has produced famous alumni like civil rights activist Jesse Jackson and Oscar-winning director and actor Terrence J.

Tuskegee University - Tuskegee, Alabama

Tuskegee University was founded in 1881 by educator Booker T. Washington, who was also the school’s first teacher. The school is a designated National Historic Site and sits on 5,000 acres with more than 100 major buildings and structures. One of the school’s most notable accomplishments was the creation of the Tuskegee Airmen flight training program, which sent an all-Black squadron to fight in World War II. The school is also the home of the George Washington Carver Museum, honoring the scientist who worked at the University. Carver is credited with developing products from peanuts that helped Southern farmers turn a profit. Some well-known Tuskegee University alumni include singer Lionel Richie, actor Keenen Ivory Wayans and radio hosts Rickey Smiley and Tom Joyner.

Jackson State University - Jackson, Mississippi

Like many HBCUs, Jackson State University started as a seminary school. The school was founded in 1877 as Natchez Seminary in Natchez, Mississippi, but relocated to Jackson in 1882 and changed its name to Jackson College in 1899. The school’s celebrated marching band is nicknamed the "Sonic Boom of the South.” It has a signature high-stepping style that has garnered them awards at the annual HBCU Battle of the Bands competition and invitations to perform around the country at NBA and NFL halftime shows. Throughout its history, Jackson State University has graduated many athletes who have gone on to play in the NFL, including the Chicago Bears' hall of fame running back Walter Payton.

Tennessee State University - Nashville

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University started as a teaching institute for Black students. In 1979, the school merged with the former University of Tennessee at Nashville and today the school sits on 500 acres near Nashville's Cumberland River. While many HBCUs have outstanding marching bands, Tennessee State University’s marching band achieved many firsts. The “Aristocrat of Bands” was the first HBCU marching band to be featured on a nationally televised NFL football halftime show, and the band also performed at President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural parade in 1961. The school has graduated many athletes and Olympians, but the title for the most well-known alumni belongs to Oprah Winfrey. The media mogul graduated in 1986 with a degree in Speech Communications and Performing Arts.