Is There an HBCU in New York?

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) stand at the vanguard of providing Black and African American students with a rigorous education among a community of their peers. HBCUs were created to provide an education for Black people who were legally denied admission to white institutions after the end of slavery and during Reconstruction. HBCUs continue to produce many educated members of the Black middle class and a large percentage of professionals in various career fields.

HBCUs are primarily concentrated in the South, and there are no HBCUs in New York. It is a common misconception that CUNY Medgar Evers, located in Brooklyn, is an HBCU. However, CUNY Medgar Evers is classified as a predominantly Black institution (PBI). While not HBCUs, PBIs offer an experience similar to HBCUs in terms of a school’s student population, educational opportunities, and cultural environment. Explore more about HBCUs and PBIs in this resource.

PBIs were incorporated into the Higher Education Act in 2008. To qualify as a PBI, at least 40% of a postsecondary institution’s student body must consist of African American students. It must also educate a large percentage of low-income or first-generation degree-seekers.

Learn about the educational opportunities offered by predominantly Black institutions in New York.

Attending a PBI or HBCU provides rigorous educational opportunities in a setting that supports the needs of African Americans and other historically marginalized students. Research from the National Science Foundation shows how HBCUs have proven extremely effective in graduating Black students, particularly in STEM.

But it is also possible to find these kinds of support systems at schools that aren’t designated as PBIs or HBCUs. Explore a few options below.

Every year, the New York Urban League makes it easier for NYC students to gain access to HBCUs. The Annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities Fair features over 50 admissions representatives from HBCUs. These reps provide scholarship information and other college resources you may find useful.

If you’re looking for HBCUs near New York, look no further than Pennsylvania. The state is home to Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and Lincoln University, where Black students represent 79% and 85% of the student body, respectively. Additionally, 72-73% of the student body at these schools receive Federal Pell Grant funding.

The NAACP offers many resources, including youth and college programs for students. Degree-seekers can also apply for scholarships and awards administered by the NAACP. Internships and fellowships provide hands-on experience in the workplace, helping promote career readiness.

UNCF has a long history of helping African Americans access higher education. The organization awards about $100 million in scholarships to about 10,000 students each year. UNCF also provides financial support to 37 HBCUs.

NAHSA provides HBCU students with a one-stop hub for community-building and professional development. Members can connect with HBCU peers and alums, receive professional training, gain access to scholarships, access mentorship, and explore employment opportunities.

Named after the baseball legend, the foundation administers a scholarship and leadership development program for talented college students. The JRF Scholars program provides scholarship funding and comprehensive support through career guidance and internship opportunities.

Undergraduates attending minority-serving institutions and majoring in STEM fields can apply for scholarships administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In addition to funding, students can conduct NOAA research during paid summer internships.