Essay Example on HBCU

Since African Americans have started to be involved in the upbringing  of  the world and holding high positions in society (eg; Vice President Kamala Harris etc.)  African American students now want to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities. HBCUs are underrated and do not get enough recognition via social media, television, or news reports. HBCUs have been around for as long as African Americans were able to educate themselves. Historically Black Colleges and Universities were established to try and provide freed slaves education they were not able to obtain. According to UNCF (1), “The oldest HBCU still in operation is Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1837,” . The largest HBCU is North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina. Many people do not realize the significance of HBCUs. Students have a great experience attending a Historically Black College and University. HBCUs all have a rich history behind them. HBCUs prepare students for leadership and successful futures. The topic of the positive impacts of HBCUs should be talked about, not always the negative. Some people may say that they do not prepare their students for success and leadership. Their principal is to educate African Americans, and that is what they have done. In this paper titled: “Historically Black Colleges and Universities Positivity” the audience/ reader  will understand the significance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities along with the positive impacts that they have on African American Students. This paper will explore low tuition rates that HBCUs offer, benefits of an education/post- graduation from a HBCU, and the community/social life of HBCUs. While many African Americans do not attend college at all, the percentage of them that do mostly attend a HBCU. Attending a Historically Black College and University you could meet other students that are like-minded, which could be encouraging for some. Some people may say that HBCUs are a waste of time. HBCUs are beneficial and African American students should attend because HBCUs are more affordable than other colleges and universities, the social life of a HBCU is very enjoyable, and HBCU graduates are very educated and well rounded individuals. 

HBCUs have proven to benefit its students financially by being more affordable in their tuition cost. The lower the cost means less debt post- graduation. According to the North Carolina A&T State University (NCAT Cost to Attend 1) website the average tuition for all four years not including room & board and other college expenses is approximately $18,000 as compared to other colleges in North Carolina. Compared to other non HBCU colleges like North Carolina State University, tuition is roughly around $36,000 a year also not including other college expenses as well. More often than not most students will receive financial aid but depending on the financial state of the student and their families that factor is not always guaranteed. HBCUs were created to be more economically affordable for African American students as African Americans have been historically subjected to financial struggles. HBCUs have been tailored to allow African American students to still be able to receive quality education with it also being affordable as well. By offering a quality college education at affordable tuition rates, Historically Black Colleges and Universities are paving the way for black students economically.    

The social life of Historically Black Colleges and Universities is a big factor of attending HBCUs. Everyone wants to attend a HBCU to have a good college experience as well as a good education at the same time. HBCUs provide students something that they cannot get anywhere else. At a HBCU there is an overload of black excellence. There is a community of like-minded students who are all striving to grow. While attending a HBCU, networking will become second nature. The HBCU network is like having an extended family. Most HBCUs make homecoming a big deal around campus and in the community as well. At an HBCU, the homecoming week will be full of activities. There will be concerts, fashion shows, step shows, the football game, and of course tailgating. There is no other experience like a HBCU homecoming.  Seeing all the alumni old and new coming together to celebrate the school and its achievements is a humbling experience. Being able to see the alumni from previous years knowing that there is a common interest is rewarding. A lot of alumni have gone on to be successful business men and women as well as in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) profession. The social life is what makes or breaks the college experience!  

HBCUs have molded and shaped very successful men and women. A relatively large percentage of HBCU graduates receive degrees in medicine and dentistry while others take different routes. Although students choose different career paths than others, they all get the same quality education and career preparedness out of going to an HBCU. Some notable HBCU graduates include but are not limited to: Tom Joyner (Tuskegee University), Terrence J (NC A&T State University), and Keshia Knight Pulliam (Spelman College). All the above graduates have taken different paths (actor, radio host, tv show host) but were all prepared in the educational system of an HBCU. Historically Black Colleges and Universities pride themselves on preparing their students to be active citizens of their community, well prepared for their career paths and overall, well rounded people. Attending a HBCU prepares individuals for a better and brighter future. 

So many African American students are drawn to Historically Black Colleges and Universities for an array of reasons. One of the top reasons black students choose to attend a HBCU is for the supportive community and atmosphere. With a special focus on African American students, the experience of being around like minded people and those coming from similar cultures allows for a unique experience of community support and understanding (UNCF, 1). Besides the phenomenal experience, many African Americans choose HBCUs because of the networking opportunities. HBCUs have a very active and strong alumni association. Through these associations, current students can network and build valuable relationships that help to prepare them for their future career. Lastly, HBCUs deliver some of the most top notch degrees possible. In 2013, HBCUs awarded 14 percent of all African American engineering degrees and 25 percent of all STEM related bachelor's degrees  (UNCF, 2020). With a positive experience awaiting all students, it is with confidence that many recommend attending a HBCU to students desiring a unique and culturally inclusive learning experience. 

As a result of HBCUs being predominantly black, many people refer to HBCUs as a waste of time. Many people say that they do not prepare you for the real world. They argue that HBCUs are not preparing you to face what life obstacles you may have to overcome later in life. The students and professors at an HBCU are very welcoming of minority students as well. Every student that attends a HBCU leaves with confidence, knowledge, and power to overcome obstacles. 

HBCUs have many positive impacts that usually go unnoticed. Historically Black Colleges and Universities principal mission is to educate African Americans, and they have. HBCUs have a line of history behind them, not just ordinary history but rich history. HBCUs shows the African American community that people of color can go out and do great things, listed above are some that stood out. The same reasons that Historically Black Colleges and Universities were founded should be the same reason why black students attend them. When African Americans return to their communities, they bring their college experience with them from the HBCU that they attended. Celebrating the legacy of black excellence will forever live on.