Black Collegian News & Views

College-bound students from around the U.S. and the world have realized that Historically Black Colleges and Universities offer a nurturing environment, personal attention and have a strong history of producing future leaders. These are just a few factors that attract students of all races to this type of institution.

"They feel at home while getting an education at these colleges," said Trevor Turner, dean of Clark Atlanta University's (CAU) School of Education.  "Black schools provide an outstanding education, while ensuring that students also enjoy a high level of cultural comfort.”

Many African-American students who come from predominantly white communities or high schools are making the decision to attend these schools because they provide the comfort, security and assurance that they did not receive at predominantly white schools.

"All the schools I went to were [predominantly] white, and I felt my needs were not being met," said Simone Robinson, a senior at CAU.  "I didn't feel like I fit in.  There was no one to relate to on the faculty and staff."

While many institutions have seen enrollment slip by two percent over the past three years, according to the American Council of Education, HBCU enrollment has risen by more than 14 percent over the same period.  These institutions graduate a third of the baccalaureate recipients each year, according to the United Negro College Fund.  

Approximately 50 percent of today's African-American professionals, 15 percent of the nation's African-American teachers and 70 percent of the African-American dentists and physicians earn degrees at HBCUs.  Although three percent of the nation's colleges and universities are historically Black, 40 percent of African-American students receive bachelor degrees from these institutions, according to the UNCF statistics.

Over the past three years, whites and Latino students have been pouring into Black colleges and universities in record numbers.  There has been a 26 percent jump in enrollment among white students and a 179 percent jump among Latino students, according to Linda Habrey, a researcher at the American Council of Education.

A number of premier Black institutions of higher education have made it onto the U.S. News & World Report's, "America's Best Colleges" such as CAU.  Money Magazine has showcased such Black colleges as CAU and Spelman College.

The accomplishments of Black colleges have given African-American students a chance to be heard and recognized.

"I wanted the experience of coming to a Black school because you can develop a personal relationship with your professor and you’re not just another social security number," said Rosie D. Lewis, a recent graduate of CAU. 

CAU Junior Kimberly Nicholson sums it up best.  "We should support Black schools because we, as Blacks, make them successful."