White Enrollment Is Increasing at HBCUs. How Will It Impact the Culture?

Rising interest in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) produces discussion about the increase of non-Black students attending these schools. Founded to educate Black students, HBCUs brought higher education to a population often excluded from college opportunities.

Legal segregation required many Black people to seek higher education through institutions like the African Institute, now known as Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, and private institutions dedicated to improving the education and status of Black Americans.

We learn from two HBCU alums about the impact of changing demographics on student experiences and the outlook for these sacred institutions.

Nicole Davis, Ph.D., is an African American alum of Morgan State University. Of HBCUs, Davis says, “What makes this group of schools extraordinary is that they were founded by Black people, not that they are attended only by Black people.”

Dr. Benita Reed, an African American woman who attended Grambling State University and Texas Southern University, says, “Students who attend HBCUs have an opportunity to experience the uniqueness that exists only at HBCUs.”

Her experiences at two HBCUs offer unique insights into understanding the impact of demographic changes at her schools and others across the country.

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HBCUs are known for uplifting and teaching Black and African American culture and history.

“I believe HBCUs have an obligation to uphold the values, vision, and mission of the institution,” Davis says.

“White students’ decision to attend HBCUs communicates their desire to embrace the full HBCU experience, not alter it,” Reed said. “I don’t believe HBCUs should change their traditions or values with the increased acceptance rate of white students. Increased populations of white students will be privileged to engage in the HBCU experience, in my opinion.”

Despite an increase in the white student population at HBCUs, many believe the traditions remain intact. The opportunity to engage with Black culture is still prevalent in the minds of students and alumni. “I believe the impact of increasing white student enrollment is minimal,” Davis offers.

“HBCUs,” she continues, “have an obligation to maintain the traditions that give each school its status. Just like religious institutions require their students to take religious courses, no matter their religious affiliations, HBCUs should be beholden to their traditions as well, no matter who enrolls.”

Although steeped in Black culture and traditions, Davis reminds us that white people supported HBCUs along the way.

“While Morgan State University was founded by Black ministers,” she notes, “there were also white ministers who helped it rise in prominence.”

As HBCUs’ enrollment continues to increase, addressing the experiences of Black and non-Black students will also remain steady.

“The key is to ensure that the Black culture is maintained by keeping our Black professionals in decision-making and teaching positions at our HBCUs,” Davis states.

Maintaining HBCU traditions in our ever-shifting cultural landscape can help ensure that these historic institutions remain places that honor Black culture and histories.

“The changing demographics of HBCU populations reflect a mirror image of two realities — our culture and our political climate,” Reed states. “We have a segment of our culture that embraces a ‘true’ integration of all ethnicities engaging in academia together.”

Davis shares about the importance of seeing Black teachers while attending Morgan State. “That aspect of attending Morgan made it quite special, being able to work with and learn from so many Black professors who were experts in their respective fields. I relished being in an environment surrounded by Black intellectuals.”

In addition to the importance of Black professors, Davis speaks about white professors who shaped her learning and development while attending her HBCU. “There was also a white professor in the social work program who mentored me as well. He had such a profound impact on my life and work that I still quote one of his sayings to this day.”

“College students are expected to learn from their professors. However, what is often overlooked is that we can also learn from our peers,” shares Davis.

In 2020, 24% of HBCU students identified as non-Black — highlighting an increase from 15% in 1976, according to NCES. Black student enrollment at HBCUs has increased between 1976 and 2020. However, a dip in Black enrollment occurred in 2014 but later increased.

At their peak, 107 HBCUs existed. Today, just over 100 HBCUs offer college experiences to a growing demographic of students. The rise of white students attending HBCUs can feel, to some, like an erasure of tradition.

Lincoln University of Missouri, an HBCU, hosts a 40% population of students who identify as white only. Many HBCUs have enrolled rising percentages of non-Black students. Lincoln’s president, John Moseley, recently addressed the HBCU’s history as a former white majority institution, calling the school’s current diversity both a strength and a challenge.

Davis notes, “We should embrace this as another opportunity to teach the world about Black history. … I think it’s all about perspective.”

Learning with a diverse group of students can positively impact students’ ability to build relationships and expand networks, Davis believes.

“In essence,” Reed states, “this segment of our culture does not fear Black and white students learning together. Quite the opposite is true — it is believed that since our world is multicultural/multiracial, we should interrelate in all areas.”

HBCUs were created in the 19th century to offer Black and African American students higher education opportunities. Many colleges and universities did not accept Black students before the 1960s. Black and African American students seeking a college education could attend HBCUs without fear of discrimination or rejection.

HBCUs offer Black and African American students spaces that uplift and highlight Black and African American culture. Learning the histories and culture of Black Americans is an important part of HBCU traditions. The importance of HBCUs is steeped in culture and the history of discrimination and segregation in the United States.

Yes, white students can attend an HBCU. In 2016, white students made up 11.4% of the undergraduate population across HBCUs. Although historically Black colleges and universities were created to meet the needs of Black students, diversity provides an opportunity for cross-cultural learning.

Private and public HBCUs exist across the country. According to NCES, 52 public HBCUs and 49 private HBCUs are open and educating students, as of 2020. Public institutions mostly rely on state government funding to support their programs and campus offerings. Private institutions use independent contributions as a main source of funding.