Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been providing quality education to Black students for more than a century. However, in recent years, HBCUs have become more diverse, welcoming not just domestic Black students but also international students from all over the world. Choosing the right HBCU can be a daunting task, especially for international students who may not be familiar with the American higher education system. In this article, we will explore the best HBCUs for international students.
Founded in 1867, Howard University is one of the most prestigious HBCUs in the country. It is located in Washington, D.C., and has a diverse student body of over 10,000 students from all 50 states and 70 countries. Howard boasts of 13 schools and colleges, including the School of Business, School of Law, College of Engineering and Architecture, School of Social Work, and the College of Medicine. It also has a highly acclaimed School of Communications, which counts a number of prominent journalists and media personalities among its alumni, including Oprah Winfrey, Kamala Harris, and Ta-Nehisi Coates.
2. Spelman College
Spelman College is a women’s college located in Atlanta, Georgia. It was founded in 1881 and has a long-standing reputation for producing strong and influential Black women leaders. Spelman is consistently ranked as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country and has a rigorous academic curriculum that prepares students for graduate and professional school programs. The college also has a strong focus on community service, leadership development, and global engagement, making it an ideal choice for international students who want to make an impact in their communities.
3. Morehouse College
Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Morehouse College is a men’s college that has been educating Black men since 1867. It is known for its strong academic programs, including STEM fields, social sciences, and humanities. Morehouse’s alumni include a number of prominent Black leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., Spike Lee, and Samuel L. Jackson. The college has a diverse student body, with students from more than 40 states and 21 countries. Morehouse also has strong study abroad programs, which provide students with the opportunity to study and work abroad in more than 30 countries around the world.
Hampton University is a private university located in Hampton, Virginia. It was founded in 1868 and has a strong focus on STEM fields, including aviation, engineering, and computer science. Hampton also has a highly regarded business school and pre-med program, making it an ideal choice for international students who want to pursue a career in these fields. The university has a diverse student body, with students from more than 40 states and 25 countries. Hampton also has strong athletics programs, including basketball, football, and track and field.
5. North Carolina A&T
North Carolina A&T is a public university located in Greensboro, North Carolina. It was founded in 1891 and has a long-standing reputation for producing successful Black leaders in STEM fields, including engineering, agriculture, and technology. North Carolina A&T is also home to the College of Business and Economics and the College of Education, both of which have strong academic programs. The university has a diverse student body, with students from more than 40 states and 16 countries.
In summary, choosing the right HBCU can be challenging, but international students should consider Howard University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, Hampton University, and North Carolina A&T. These HBCUs have a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, diversity, and producing successful Black leaders. They also provide numerous opportunities for international students to engage in research, leadership development, community service, and study abroad programs.
