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Fun Facts
Endowments

HBCUs

Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are U.S. based institutions of higher learning after the American Civil War and before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with the primary goal of serving African-Americans.  During the period of segregation prior to the Civil Rights Act, majority of American institutions of higher education served predominantly white students, and disqualified or limited black American enrollment. For a century after the end of slavery in the United States in 1865, most colleges and universities in the Southern United States prohibited all African Americans from attending, while institutions in other parts of the country regularly employed quotas to limit admissions of Black people. HBCUs were established to provide more opportunities to African Americans and are largely responsible for establishing and expanding the African-American middle class.

FUN FACT

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania

The Nation's first Historically Black College and University (HBCU)

On February 25, 1837, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania became the nation’s first Historically Black College and University (HBCU). The University was established through the bequest of Richard Humphreys, a Quaker philanthropist who bequeathed $10,000 — one-tenth of his estate — to design and establish a school to educate people of African descent and prepare them as teachers. 

 

First known as the African Institute, the school was soon renamed the Institute for Colored Youth. In its early years, it provided training in trades and agriculture, which were the predominant skills needed in the general economy. 

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HBCU Endowments

While five HBCU endowments report $100 million or greater, no HBCU has reached a billion-dollar endowment.

Computer Learning

Stay up to date about the issues impacting HBCUs and its graduates.

ENDOWMENTS

The Top HBCU Endowments

 Ranked

HBCUs are on average 70 percent smaller than those of other schools.  Out of 101 HBCUs listed in the U.S. Department of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 48 schools shared their endowment, totaling $2.7 billion for funds collected by the end of fiscal year 2020.

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To secure a $40 billion dollar endowment, every black person living in America would have to give a little over $900 dollars each year to one HBCU.

HBCUs

1. Howard University

$692.8 million

2. Spelman College

$390.4 million

3. Hampton University

$282.5 million

4. Meharry Medical College

$159.1 million

5.  Morehouse College

$145 million

6. Florida A&M University

$98.2 million

7.  University of the Virgin Islands

$71.6 million

8.  North Carolina A&T State University

$68.4 million

9.  Tennessee State University

$61.1 million

10.  Virginia State University

$57.3 million

11.  Winston-Salem State University

$49.7 million

12.  Alabama A&M University

$48 million

13.  Rust College

$43.4 million

14.  Norfolk State University

$24.4 million

15.  Fayetteville State University

$24.3 million

Other Schools - comparison

1. Harvard University

$40,929,700,000

2.  Yale University

$30,295,003,000

3.  Standford University

$27,699,834,000

4.  Princeton University

$25,623,628,250

5.  Massachusetts Institute of Technology

$17,443,750,000

6.  University of Pennsylvania

$14,649,761,000

7.  University of Notre Dame

$11,565,964,000

8.  Columbia University

$10,950,738,000

9.  Emory University

$8,626,248,037

10.  Duke University  

8,609,004,000

11.  Northwestern University

$8,244,818,000

12.  Washington University in St. Louis

$8,130,483,000

13.  University of Chicago

$7,244, 602,984

14.  Cornell University 

$6,974,636,536

15.  Rice University

$6,506,177,000

White House Initiative on HBCUs

Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity

October 9, 2021 - Despite this record of success, disparities in resources and opportunities for HBCUs and their students persist, and the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted continuing and new challenges for HBCUs. In order to promote our shared prosperity and advance equity for all Americans, the Biden-Harris Administration has prioritized and delivered historic levels of investment in and support for HCBUs. 

Read more

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OTHER RESOURCES

White House Initiative on HBCUs

Policymaking effort to eliminate barriers HBCUs face

HBCU Endowment Fund logo

Provides the financial support to help HBCUs achieve their financial and educational goals.

HBCU Money Guide

Access HBCU Merit Scholarships.

HBCU Lifestyle

The best of the black college experience in one spot

HBCU Times

hbcutimes.com

HBCU Matters Magazine

hbcumattersmagazine.com

HBCU Connect

hbcuconnect.com

HBCU Pride Nation

HBCU Pride Nation Unifying HBCUs in an effort to enhance the perception of our institutions.

NACUBO
Initiatives
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