Explore resources to guide your HBCU selection process. Learn about the Common Black College Application for HBCU students.
by
Writer & Editor
Vanesha McGee has 10 years of experience as an educator and five years of professional writing expertise. Her expertise includes DEI content relating to the needs and experiences of people of color and LGBTQ+ communities. She is also a photographer a...
Edited by
Editor & Writer
Cobretti D. Williams, Ph.D. (he/him), is a scholar, writer, and editor. Cobretti's research and writing focuses on the experiences of historically excluded students and faculty and staff in higher education. His work has been published in the Journal...
Reviewed by
Reviewer
For over 20 years, Pamela "Safisha Nzingha" Hill, Ph.D., has worked in higher education in both student development and academic affairs. Dr. Hill is a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant; Afrocentric scholar; activist; journalist; educator; ...
Updated August 5, 2022
Learn more about our editorial process
Image Credit: Hill Street Studios / DigitalVision / Getty Images
9 min read
Share this Article
Choosing a college can be a lengthy process for prospective students. Many options exist as you decide on a school that meets your needs, including historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
According to the Center for Minority Serving Institutions, there was a resurgence of interest in HBCUs in 2016. With a rise in racial tensions and a changing political climate, some students may have sought a more inclusive, safer environment.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
A similar increase occurred at the start of the 2020-2021 school year. A surge in HBCU applications followed months of protests against racial injustice. These incidents highlighted, for many, the value of an HBCU education and surrounding environment.
This guide provides resources to help you with the HBCU application process, including instructions for using the Common Black College Application.
What Is the Common Black College Application?
The Common Black College Application (CBCA), developed in 2000 by Robert Mason, links aspiring students to over 60 HBCUs. Mason created the application portal to help Black students connect to academic opportunities.
The application costs $20 and allows prospective students to select four preferred schools within a network of 61 HBCUs. Unlike the Common Application, the Common Black College App does not require students to pay additional application fees for individual institutions.
“My experience with the Black College Common Application was amazing. I was able to utilize their tools and get accepted into over 9 different universities. The application is very general. It asks for all the information that most basic college applications do, and you specify what schools you want your application sent to. Instead of paying multiple application fees, you pay one flat rate. Once you have been accepted, you can then send your test scores to your desired school. The Black College Common Application makes the college application process less stressful than what it has to be.”
— Amiya Nesbitt, graduate of Alabama A&M University
The CBCA does not include every HBCU. Students seeking admission to one of the 40 HBCUs not included in the CBCA database must apply to those schools separately.
Since the Common Black College App allows you to apply to many schools using a single application, it can save time and reduce the need to fill out multiple forms.
How to Complete the Common Black College Application
1 Register for a $20 student account in the Common Black College Application portal.
Note that you can complete a practice application for $3 to prepare you for the process.
2 Review the CBCA dashboard.
Watch the application demonstration videos and browse the HBCUs connected to the CBCA portal.
3 Fill out the "about you" section.
Once you click the application icon on the left side of the screen, you can access each application page. The first section requires you to input background information.
4 Fill out the "high school" section.
Type in your high school information, including extracurricular activities and awards for achievements.
5 Fill out the "college" section.
Select the top four institutions within the CBCA portal you most wish to attend. Then, select the appropriate markers to align with the type of college experience you want.
6 Fill out the "family" section.
This application page is not required, but you may choose to include information about your parents or guardians.
7 Fill out the "final details" section.
This page of the CBCA asks you to certify the accuracy of the provided information.
8 Review and submit your application.
Once you complete all required application pages, review each section and click submit to send the CBCA to your selected HBCUs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an HBCU
-
Academic and Career Interests
When planning for college, consider possible career paths you may want to pursue. The paths you are considering can help you select an HBCU with academic programs that fit your interests. -
Student Life Opportunities
Many of the top HBCUs should be able to offer campus experiences that match your passions and hobbies. Seek out an HBCU that also provides engaging extracurricular opportunities outside of the classroom. These activities can affect your overall college experience. Research hobbies, sports, and organizations on campus that you may want to join. -
Cost and Financial Aid
Consider overall tuition costs and school fees when selecting an HBCU. Your financial aid package offers a big-picture view of how much you will need to pay each semester. It also can show you how much you may still owe after graduation. Scholarships for Black students may cover part (or all) of your tuition, as well as additional costs like books and food. -
Location
The location of an HBCU campus can determine your travel costs on and around campus. Consider how transportation may play a role in your HBCU experience. A school's location can also influence the cost of living in the surrounding area.
Additional Resources for Students Applying to HBCUs
This online portal gives Black students access to mentors and resources to help with the HBCU application process. HBCU First continues to provide programs once students gain admission and for HBCU alumni.
This resource page offers planning tips for high school students applying to HBCUs. Tips include ways to access scholarships and advice on navigating the admissions process.
This HBCU tool allows you to search for schools based on your desired areas of study. Change your search by major, degree, and location to find HBCUs that match your interests.
This tool can provide students with statistics, tuition costs, and admission requirements for all HBCUs. Adding schools to your list of favorites allows you to compare institution characteristics side by side.
The newly established Empower Me Tour provides tools for high school students seeking admission into colleges and universities. Presentations, panels, and workshops offer college readiness sessions to help prepare students.
Frequently Asked Questions About Applying to HBCUs
What is the acceptance rate at HBCUs?
HBCU acceptance rates vary from school to school. Howard University and Spelman College — two of the most exclusive HBCUs — have both reported acceptance rates around 40%. These rates can shift from year to year, depending on the pool of applicants. HBCUs saw an increase in applicants for the 2020-2021 school year.
What GPA do you need to get into an HBCU?
The typical GPAs for students accepted into many HBCUs schools range from 2.5-3.0. Other HBCUs may require higher GPAs. For example, students accepted at Hampton University and Florida A&M had average GPAs above 3.25. Additionally, some HBCUs use an open-admission policy.
Remember that high school grades account for only part of the college admission requirements. Do not rely on a high GPA alone to get into an HBCU, but also don't count yourself out because of a low GPA either.
Which HBCU has the highest tuition?
Spelman College, a private liberal arts school, had the highest tuition and fees among HBCUs during the 2020-2021 academic year — around $29,900 annually. However, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, Spelman's relatively high tuition cost among HBCUs is still lower than the average private college and university tuition and fees across the nation — about $33,000.
Additionally, public HBCUs offer some of the most affordable tuition rates in the country. For example, Fayetteville State University and Albany State University have tuition and fees below $6,000 per year for in-state residents, as of the 2020-2021 school year. Keep in mind that out-of-state residents often pay higher tuition rates.
Is it better to apply to college through a common application?
A common app allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities with a single application. It reduces the need to fill out multiple applications with the same information.
The Common Black College Application allows students to apply to more than one HBCU for a reduced fee. However, some colleges and universities only accept their unique application.
Read all application requirements and instructions carefully. If a school you wish to apply to does not accept a common application, you must submit your application directly to the institution.
What percentage of HBCU students receive financial aid?
According to UNCF, over 70% of recent HBCU students were eligible to receive a federal Pell Grant. This income-based grant is awarded to students with an exceptional level of financial need. Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can determine a student's eligibility for various scholarships and financial aid options.
Financial aid opportunities can help students reduce out-of-pocket costs. Scholarships and grants provide funding that students do not need to repay. In contrast, loans require repayment upon graduation and often come with added interest fees.
Meet the Student
Amiya Nesbitt
Amiya Nesbitt is a recent graduate of Alabama A&M University where she majored in Food Science. During college, she was the Executive Preside of the University Echo Student Ambassadors and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is originally from Nashville, Tennessee.
FAQs
What are the requirements to apply to a HBCU? ›
The typical GPAs for students accepted into many HBCUs schools range from 2.5-3.0. Other HBCUs may require higher GPAs. For example, students accepted at Hampton University and Florida A&M had average GPAs above 3.25. Additionally, some HBCUs use an open-admission policy.
What's the easiest HBCU to get into? ›- Albany State University with 91% rate of acceptance.
- Clark Atlanta University with 71% rate of acceptance.
- Fort Valley State University with 61% rate of acceptance, and.
- Morehouse College with 58% rate of acceptance.
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.
Do HBCU require essays? ›There are no required essays as part of the CBCA, although students are encouraged to contact each school they're interested in to determine if essays or letters of recommendation are required separately.
Which HBCU colleges don t require SAT or ACT? ›Howard University, Hampton University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, Tuskegee University, and Morgan State University are among the HBCUs that opted for optional testing.
What is the most difficult HBCU to get into? ›Howard University is the hardest HBCU to get into, with an acceptance rate of just 39%. If you're looking for a challenge, Howard is the school for you. Other hard-to-get-into HBCUs include Spelman College (53%), Philander Smith College (21%), and Wiley College (15%).
What is the poorest HBCU? ›Spelman College is the least affordable HBCU.
The average annual net cost to attend the four-year private Atlanta school is $43,843.
Florida A&M University
#1 Best HBCU Schools in America.
Howard University is the most selective HBCU in the United States.
Can I apply to all the HBCUs at once? ›
The Common Black College Application is an affordable college application that can be used to apply to multiple HBCUs across the country - all at once. Using this application is a great option for students who want to apply to HBCUs while cutting down on traditionally high college application costs.
What colleges do not accept the Common App? ›- Berea College.
- Brigham Young University—Provo.
- Colorado School of Mines.
- Georgetown University.
- James Madison University.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Rutgers University.
- Texas A&M University–College Station.
Test-optional means they will not require students to submit SAT or ACT scores as a part of the admissions requirements. Though many HBCUs have been offering this option as well for students, there is a catch.
What HBCU accepts 2.5 GPA? ›Southern University at New Orleans is a historically black college or university (HBCU) that accepts students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Can I be white and go to a HBCU? ›HBCUs were created to support higher education for Black students nationwide. HBCUs account for 3% of colleges and universities across the country. Some HBCUs enroll up to 40% white students. Black culture and traditions continue to play an important role at HBCUs.
What is the lowest ACT score colleges will accept? ›In general, many US colleges and universities accept applicants with 16 or 17 ACT scores. In fact, an ACT score of 16 or lower is accepted by 33 schools.
How hard is the ACT test? ›The ACT challenges test-takers with a total of 215 questions across four sections. Complex reading passages and tricky math questions can make the ACT difficult for some. Taking ACT practice tests and learning key strategies can make the test easier for you.
What is SAT score for HBCU? ›Average admissions requirements across all 105 HBCUs—including public and private schools and two- year colleges—are a 2.5 GPA and an 18 on the ACT or a 905 on the SAT (Montgomery County Public Schools, 2014). Seventy-five percent of all HBCUs have a minimum standardized test score requirement.
Which HBCU is majority white? ›...
10 Most Diverse Historically Black Colleges.
School name (state) | West Virginia State University |
---|---|
Hispanic | 0.5% |
White | 60.8% |
American Indian | 0.5% |
International | 0.5% |
- Howard University: $806.4 million.
- Spelman College: $570.8 million.
- Hampton University: $379.9 million.
- Morehouse College: $278 million.
- Meharry Medical College: $199.4 million.
- Xavier University of Louisiana: $191 million.
- North Carolina A&T State University: $174.6 million.
What is the safest HBCU? ›
Alarms.org has named its safest college campuses in the nation and Fayetteville State University (FSU) is on the list. FSU is the safest historically black college and university (HBCU) in North Carolina, the fourth safest in the state, and ranks 119 out of 500 schools in the nation.
What HBCU is 90% white? ›It opened in the late 19th century as the Bluefield Colored Institute, created to educate the children of black coal miners in segregated West Virginia. Although it still receives the federal funding that comes with its designation as a historically black institution, today Bluefield State College is 90 percent white.
What is the blackest college? ›Below is a ranking of the 3620 colleges in the United States with the highest percent of black students. Apex School of Theology tops the list with African Americans comprising 100% of the student population.
What HBCU is an Ivy League? ›Washington, DC's Howard University is a private Black Ivy League institution that offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. With over 120 academic programs, Howard is one of the most academically diverse HBCUs.
What is the smallest HBCU in the United States? ›Institute, West Virginia. West Virginia State University was established in 1891. Established in 1891 as the West Virginia Colored Institute, West Virginia State University is an HBCU and the smallest land-grant institution in the country.
What are the top 5 largest HBCUs? ›- St Philip's College. State: TX. ...
- North Carolina A&T State University. State: NC. ...
- Howard University. ...
- Prairie View A & M University. ...
- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. ...
- North Carolina Central University. ...
- Southern University and A & M College. ...
- Fayetteville State University.
Howard University
https://home.howard.edu/ Established: 1867. Often called "The Harvard of HBCUs," Howard boasts the largest endowment of black colleges and continues to lead in research and innovation among historically black institutions.
The “youngest” four-year HBCU, a designation to mark schools founded before 1964 with the intention of serving the black community, is the University of Virgin Islands, which opened in 1962. Schools founded after 1964, like the Charles R.
What is the oldest HBCU? ›The history of African Americans and higher education is a long one, with roots reaching as far back as the Civil War. The oldest HBCU still in operation is Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1837.
Which HBCU has 100% acceptance rate? ›HBCUs with high acceptance rates include Miles College, Selma University, Langston University, and Morris University. All of these schools accept 100% of their applicants. Several additional HBCUs have acceptance rates of 90% or higher.
Which HBCU has the most beautiful campus? ›
Tuskegee University (Tuskegee, Alabama)
What are the top majors at a HBCU? ›...
Check out the Top 20 College Majors for HBCU Students
- Business Administration.
- Psychology.
- Biology.
- Nursing.
- Accounting.
- Criminal Justice.
- Political Science.
- Computer and Information Science.
- Xavier University of Louisiana.
- Jackson State University.
- READ: The 30 Best Computer Science Schools With High Acceptance Rate.
- Alcorn State University.
- Lincoln University – Missouri.
- Miles College.
- Bluefield State College.
- Langston University.
Prospective students can apply to dozens of HBCUs for a single $20 fee using the Common Black College Application.
Are HBCU colleges hard to get into? ›HBCUs are not especially difficult to get into, but they are not a shoe-in either. The average acceptance rate at an HBCU is 59%. In terms of test scores, the mid-50th percentile SAT math range is 420-520 and verbal range is 430-530.
What should you avoid on the Common App? ›- Never rehash your academic and extracurricular accomplishments.
- Never write about a "topic"
- Never start with a preamble.
- Never end with a “happily ever after” conclusion.
- Never pontificate.
- Never retreat into your thoughts.
- Never hold back.
Write only one essay (plus any supplements).
You'll submit one essay through the Common Application for all your schools. Some colleges may ask you to also answer a few supplemental questions. Check out the 2018-2019 Common App essay prompts now so you can start strategizing!
Some colleges may accept all of these forms of applications and some schools may only accept one form. However, the Common Application is generally the best choice, as this application is most widely used across the country.
What HBCU does not require SAT or class for 2023? ›Hartwick College: Test-Optional permanently. Harvard University: Test-Optional for 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026. Harvey Mudd College: Test-Optional for 2023. Haverford College: Test-Optional for 2023.
Can you get into Howard with a 2.5 GPA? ›A: The Exchange Program is open to all undergraduate students with a minimum 2.5 GPA (some schools require a 3.0 GPA). You must be a sophomore (at the time of application). One year in residence at Howard is required.
Can you get into college without taking the SAT or ACT? ›
Yes. Students can attend college without taking the SAT test. Some schools require the ACT test.
What is the easiest HBCU to get into? ›- Albany State University with 91% rate of acceptance.
- Clark Atlanta University with 71% rate of acceptance.
- Fort Valley State University with 61% rate of acceptance, and.
- Morehouse College with 58% rate of acceptance.
What GPA do you need to get into an HBCU? The typical GPAs for students accepted into many HBCUs schools range from 2.5-3.0. Other HBCUs may require higher GPAs. For example, students accepted at Hampton University and Florida A&M had average GPAs above 3.25.
What is the lowest GPA colleges accept? ›Unofficially, 2.0 is the lowest GPA accepted into a standard college, so while there's a chance that college admission is possible, it's not likely at more than a few institutions.
Why are HBCU better for Black students? ›BPS data also reveal that Black students at HBCUs are more likely to receive Pell grants, more likely to have a high school grade point average under 2.5, and less likely to have taken any advanced placement courses in high school.
Can non Black students apply to HBCUs? ›Students of any race and ethnicity can apply for an HBCU, provided that they meet the grade requirements. Usually when applying for university in the US, you're required to fill out one application per school.
Do white teachers teach at HBCU? ›Both Black and white teachers trained at an historically black college or university (HBCU) helped Black students do better in math. Almost one out of 10 teachers in North Carolina graduated from an HBCU. Though not a large number, a quarter of these HBCU-trained teachers were white.
How hard is it to get into a HBCU? ›HBCUs are not especially difficult to get into, but they are not a shoe-in either. The average acceptance rate at an HBCU is 59%. In terms of test scores, the mid-50th percentile SAT math range is 420-520 and verbal range is 430-530. Similarly, the mid-50th percentile ACT composite score range is 16-20.
Do HBCU accept non black students? ›HBCUs were created to support higher education for Black students nationwide. HBCUs account for 3% of colleges and universities across the country. Some HBCUs enroll up to 40% white students.
Are HBCU requiring SAT? ›Test-optional
HBCUs still use merit-based financial aid, so the aid students receive is still dependent on their test scores and GPA. If students want to get aid or scholarships, they should still take the SAT or ACT in order to qualify.
Can you get a full ride to an HBCU? ›
Many HBCUs offer partial and full scholarships to enrolled students. Learners should inquire about these institutional scholarships when applying to college. Additionally, local chapters of Black fraternities and sororities, alumni chapters, and other organizations offer scholarships, including those described below.
What is the #1 HBCU in the country? ›1. Howard University. Howard University is a private co-educational college in Washington DC.
Which HBCU has the most white students? ›...
10 Most Diverse Historically Black Colleges.
School name (state) | West Virginia State University |
---|---|
Hispanic | 0.5% |
White | 60.8% |
American Indian | 0.5% |
International | 0.5% |
Alabama leads the nation with the number of HBCUs, followed by North Carolina, then Georgia.
What is the cheapest HBCU to attend? ›Most and least affordable HBCUs
Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, Miss., is the most affordable HBCU in the U.S. This two-year public school has a net cost of $1,004, less than half that of the next college — Elizabeth City State University, a four-year public school in North Carolina — at $2,350.
School | Median Salary | Financial Payoff |
---|---|---|
Spelman College Georgia | $49,625 | $9,279 |
Hampton University Virginia | $47,197 | $4,016 |
Morehouse College Georgia | $44,135 | $3,789 |
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Florida | $39,700 | $3,626 |
consistently outperform non-HBCUs in student experience, affordability, and after college preparedness for Black students. HBCUs provide students something they can't get anywhere else — a diverse & inclusive community of scholarship that celebrates the richness of the entire American experience.