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Top 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) [NEEDS EDIT]
June 6, 2025 at 4:37:14 AM
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Here are 10 of the top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) based on academic reputation, cultural significance, alumni achievements, and overall impact. Although not an exhaustive list, these schools do stand out.
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Howard University
Motto: “Veritas et Utilitas” (Truth and Service)
Founded in 1867, initially as a theological seminary for Black clergymen, Howard University (named after its founder, General Oliver O. Howard) quickly expanded into a university offering education in liberal arts and medicine. Located in Washington, D.C., it is known for its impact in many arenas and notable alumni such as Justice Thurgood Marshall and Zora Neale Hurston.
Spelman College
Motto: “Our Whole School for Christ”
Founded in 1811, initially as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary (by two teachers named Harriet Giles and Sophia Packard), it became the Spelman Seminary in 1884 (named after Mrs. Laura Spelman Rockefeller and her parents) then finally Spelman College in 1924. Located in Atlanta, GA, it is the oldest private historically black liberal arts institution for women with notable alumni such as Esther Rolle, Alice Walker and Bernice King.
Morehouse College
Motto: "Et Facta Est Lux" (And there was light)
Founded in 1867, initially as the Augusta Institute (by Rev. Williams J. White with, Rev. Richard C. Coulter and Rev. Edmund Turney), it moved to Atlanta, Georgia and became known as the Atlanta Baptist Seminary in 1879. In 1897, its name was changed to Atlanta Baptist College and then finally to Morehouse College in 1913, in honor of Henry Lyman Morehouse. Located in Atlanta, GA, it is a private, historically black men’s liberal arts college with notable alumni such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Spike Lee and Nima Warfield.
Florida A&M University (FAMU)
Motto: “Excellence with Caring”
Founded by state legislature in 1887, it was spearheaded by Thomas DeSaille Tucker and Thomas Van Renssaler Gibbs. It had undergone name changes from the State Normal College for Colored Students to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes (1909) then finally to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (1953). Located in Tallahassee, FL, it is the only public HBCU in FL, with some of its notable alumni are Althea Gibson, Al Green and Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Hampton University
Motto: “The Standard of Excellence, An Education for Life”
Tracing its roots to Mary Smith Peake, who in 1861 taught freed slaves, she received funding from General Benjamin Butler to start the Butler School for Negro Children (1863). Brigadier General Samuel Armstrong started the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute (1866) which used the Butler School as a practice ground to teach students. In 1930, it became Hampton Institute and in 1984 the name was changed to Hampton University. Located in Hampton, VA, having top majors in business, liberal arts and science, some of its notable alumni are Booker T. Washington, Douglas Palmer and Wanda Sykes.
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North Carolina A&T State University
Motto: “Mens and Manus” (Minds and Hands)
Founded in 1891 by the North Carolina General Assembly, as the Agricultural and Mechanical College for the Colored Race, classes officially started in 1893. In 195, the name was changed to Agricultural and Technical College of North Carolina and became North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 1967. Known for graduating more black engineers than any other campus in the United States, some of its notable alumni are Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., Dr. Ronald E. McNair and Taraji P. Henson.
Tuskegee University
Motto: “Scientia Principatus Opera” (Knowledge, Leadership, Service)
Founded in 1881, by Dr. Booker T. Washington, along with the help of Lewis Adam, legislation was passed to start the Negro Normal School in Tuskegee. It went from being the Tuskegee Institute to Tuskegee University in 1985. History was made with its aviation program that gave rise to the highly decorated Tuskegee Airmen. Located in Tuskegee, AL, having top majors in architecture and veterinary medicine, some of its notable alumni are Ralph Ellison, Alice Marie Coachman and Lionel Richie.
Xavier University of Louisiana
Motto: “Deo Adjuvante Non Timendum” (With God’s help, there is nothing to fear)
Founded in 1915 by Saint Katherine, it was initially a high school. It was then renamed in honor of her father, Francis Xavier Drexel and in 1925 became Xavier University. It is the only private, historically black Catholic university in the US. Located in New Orleans, LA, having top majors in natural or health sciences, some of its notable alumni are Jimmie McDaniel, Ernest Nathan Morial and Regina Benjamin.
Claflin University
Motto: “The World Needs Visionaries”
Founded in 1869 by Dr. Alonzo Webster and named in honor of Methodist philanthropist Lee Claflin and his son MA Governor William Claflin, it is the oldest HBCU in South Carolina. Located in Orangeburg, SC, offering degrees in fields such as business, education and mathematics, some of its notable alumni are Cecil Williams, Ernest Finney Jr and Dr. Gloria Blackwell.
Dillard University
Motto: “Strong Through Faith”
Created as a union between Straight College and New Orleans University, it was founded in 1930 and named after James H. Dillard. Located in New Orleans, LA offering degrees in fields such as nursing and film, some of its notable alumni are Ellis Marsalis, P.B.S. Pinchback and Garrett.
HBCUs have strong roots in the education and advancement of Black people. They were developed at a time where education was no longer being withheld and became a safe place to learn. Are there any on this list that you are familiar or not familiar with or even attended?
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