What Is the Common Black College Application?

Since its founding in 1998, over 250,000 students have completed the Common Black College Application. And about 97% of those applicants received an acceptance letter from at least one college.

But what is the Common Black College Application? And how does it work?

In a few simple steps, you can apply to more than 65 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The Common Black College App is an easy and affordable way to apply to HBCUs.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

The Common Black College Application dates back to September 1998. Founder Robert Mason graduated from two HBCUs: Virginia State University and Clark Atlanta University. Mason wanted to make it easier for students to apply to HBCUs, so he founded the Common Black College App.

You can fill out a single application online to apply to over 65 HBCUs.

Unlike other systems that use a single application, the Common Black College App does not require you to upload transcripts, test scores, or personal essays. Instead, the system streamlines the process by contacting school counselors for information.

Applicants register on the site, provide some required information, and pay a single fee to submit their application. HBCUs then receive your application and make decisions about admission and scholarships.

Currently, 67 HBCUs accept the Common Black College Application. These schools include public and private HBCUs.

But not every HBCU uses the application. Before filling out the Common Black College App, make sure to check which schools accept these applications.

The following list includes some of the HBCUs that use the app:

The Common App inspired the Common Black College App. Currently, over a million prospective students apply to college with the Common App every year. The Common Black College App sees fewer applications. However, that is only one of the differences between the two applications.

The Common App names over 1,000 colleges and universities as members, while over 65 schools use the Common Black College App. But why do more schools accept the Common App?

In part, the answer comes down to the purpose of each application. The Common Black College Application is specifically for HBCUs. Currently, there are over 100 HBCUs across the country. A majority of these schools accept the Common Black College Application.

The application process differs between the Common App and the Common Black College App. For the Common App, students submit transcripts, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and a personal essay.

In contrast, the Common Black College App only requires some educational information — school counselors can upload official transcripts and test scores. As a result, the Common Black College App can take as little as 10 minutes. You can even complete the application on your phone!

The Common App and the Common Black College App use a different fee structure. While the Common App does not charge a fee, students often need to pay an application fee directly to each college that receives their application. Fortunately, many colleges do not charge a fee.

In contrast, the Common Black College App charges a flat fee of $20.

If you’re applying to multiple colleges, you may be able to save money by using the Common Black College Application.

The Common Black College App currently costs $20. That fee covers the application to 67 HBCUs. You do not need to pay an additional fee to colleges when submitting the application.

The process differs from the Common App, which does not charge a direct fee. Instead, individual schools charge application fees for students who use the Common App.

Prospective college students interested in HBCUs can save time and money by using the Common Black College Application.

The Common Black College Application is open to people interested in attending a member HBCU. The organization does not set income or race requirements. Transfer students, international students, and undocumented students can all use the Common Black College App.

Keep in mind, though, that some HBCUs do not use the Common Black College Application. Check the list of HBCU member institutions before filling out the application.

Some HBCUs accept both the Common Black College Application and the Common Application. If you’re interested in primarily HBCUs, you can save money by using the Common Black College App, which charges a flat $20 application fee.

If you’re applying to multiple colleges, including HBCUs that do not participate in the Common Black College App, consider the Common App. Currently, 25 HBCUs accept the Common App.