4 Best HBCUs in Atlanta

The value of receiving an education from a historically Black college and university (HBCU) in Atlanta has a unique advantage. Not only does the city’s vibrant Black community provide a rich cultural environment, giving students a sense of belonging and empowerment, but Atlanta also serves as a hub for HBCU employers, offering ample internship, job, and networking opportunities.

Atlanta is home to four of the nation’s top HBCUs, all less than a mile apart from each other. The Morehouse School of Medicine excels in healthcare education. Spelman College and Morehouse College both offer comprehensive liberal arts programs, while Clark Atlanta University is a renowned research institution that provides many disciplines to choose from.

One interesting HBCU fact is that all are members of The Atlanta University Center Consortium, the world’s oldest and largest association of HBCUs. Among the member benefits is cross registration, meaning students can enroll in courses at any of these institutions. There are also shared community partnerships, resources, and engagement.

This organization brings together alumni from different HBCUs to promote networking, professional development, and community engagement. It offers mentorship programs and job opportunities and hosts social events that connect students with successful alumni.

The NSBE provides support for Black professionals or graduate students pursuing careers in STEM. The Atlanta chapter hosts service-minded networking events, career fairs, and leadership workshops that HBCU students can participate in to develop professionally.

The ULGA-YP supports young professionals, including HBCU students, in Atlanta. It offers leadership development, community service opportunities, and networking events that guide college students and grads to enhance their personal and professional growth.

The Big Homecoming is an annual festival in Atlanta celebrating the music and culture of HBCUs. It provides a platform for students to showcase talent, connect with industry professionals, and participate in helpful workshops that sharpen various life skills.

This incubator at Spelman College facilitates the creative and curatorial development of HBCU art and museum students. The art collective hosts events, allowing students to develop professionally and connect with the larger arts community.

Yes, there are 10 HBCUs in Georgia: Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, Fort Valley State University, Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Paine College, Savannah State University, Spelman College, and Morris Brown College.

Clark Atlanta University is the largest HBCU in Atlanta, with over 4,000 enrolled students. It is also the biggest of the 37 colleges and universities in the United Negro College Fund consortium.

Of the 10 total HBCUs in the state of Georgia, six of them are located in Atlanta: Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Spelman College, Interdenominational Theological Center, and Morris Brown College.

The other four are spread throughout other cities and towns in the state.