Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are institutions that were established before 1964 with the intention of primarily serving the African American community. However, students of all races attend HBCUs. Most HBCUs were created in the aftermath of the American Civil War and are in the former slave states, although a few notable exceptions exist. From class offerings and student organizations to career services and alumni networks, HBCUs offer supportive environments that are rooted in the African American experience.
There are 107 HBCUs in the United States, including public and private institutions, community and four-year institutions, medical and law schools.