The HBCU 104 List: Best Schools in the South
Choosing an HBCU to attend is a big deal. Huge, actually. But before you start the process of filling out applications and writing essays, you've got to get down to the nitty-gritty, like picking a major and what school colors you'll look great in.
So, what can help you narrow down your selections?
Location.
Do you want to spend semesters near a beach or close to a bustling city? Would you rather stay in-state or get your education much farther from home?
From St. Louis to ATL to Philly, The HBCU 104 List highlights the best Historically Black Colleges and Universities to attend in the North, East, Southeast, Midwest, and Southwest. This list will help you identify HBCUs near and far.
Let's dive into where you might want to enroll in the Southwest.
Langston University
Location (City, State): Langston, Oklahoma
Website: https://www.langston.edu/
Student Enrollment: 3,920
In 1941, the University underwent a significant name change, becoming Langston University in tribute to the esteemed African-American political leader, diplomat, and abolitionist, John Mercer Langston. Langston University continues to promote diversity and inclusivity through a myriad of year-round events and activities. On the athletic front, the Langston Lions have a proud history of success, particularly in football and basketball. Additionally, the university's commitment to accessible education is evident through its provision of a wide array of scholarships and financial aid options, facilitating students' pursuit of higher education.
Huston-Tillotson University
Location (City, State): Austin, Texas
Website: https://htu.edu/
Student Enrollment: 2,002
Huston-Tillotson University, with the motto "In Union We Thrive," seamlessly combines the legacies of Samuel Huston College and Tillotson College. Nestled in East Austin, TX renowned for its culture, the campus's proximity to downtown enables students to immerse themselves in the city's diverse experiences. The university's vibrant arts tradition shines through the annual Harambee Festival, celebrating African and African-American culture via music, dance, and art.
Jarvis Christian College
Location (City, State): Hawkins, Texas
Website: https://www.jarvis.edu/
Student Enrollment: 1,442 (Fall 2020)
Named after the influential Disciples of Christ minister Jarvis Rosborough, a dedicated advocate for African-American education in Texas, Jarvis Christian College holds a meaningful historical connection. Guided by its Christian origins, the college places a strong emphasis on spiritual growth, fostering an environment where students are encouraged to partake in religious pursuits and contribute to community service. Beyond academics, the institution boasts a thriving athletic program, proudly competing as the Bulldogs in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) within the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
Paul Quinn College
Location (City, State): Dallas, Texas
Website: https://paulquinn.edu/
Student Enrollment: 768 (Fall 2020)
Located in Dallas, Texas, Paul Quinn College is distinguished as the first historically Black college to embrace the "urban work college" model. This innovative concept mandates students to contribute a minimum of 160 work hours per semester, either within the college or the local community. Through this approach, students gain practical work experience, ease the burden of tuition expenses, and cultivate a profound sense of duty and service. Under the guidance of President Michael Sorrell, the college ingeniously transformed an abandoned football field into the "We Over Me Farm," a pivotal component of the "Food for Good" program. This pioneering endeavor addresses food insecurity in the vicinity, spotlighting Paul Quinn College's commitment to both education and community welfare.
Prairie View A&M University
Location (City, State): Prairie View, Texas
Website: https://www.pvamu.edu/
Student Enrollment: 9,415 (Fall 2023)
Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) is the second-oldest public institution in the State of Texas and the nation's third-largest HBCU. The university has an impressive list of distinguished alumni, including comedian and actress Loni Love, Grammy Award-winning record producer DJ Premier, and U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver. A highlight on the campus calendar is PVAMU's homecoming celebration. This cherished tradition unites alumni, students, and the local community for a vibrant week filled with festivities encompassing a spirited parade, captivating concerts, the coronation of Miss and Mr. PVAMU, and the big football game and battle of the bands.
Saint Philip's College
Location (City, State): San Antonio, Texas
Website: https://www.alamo.edu/spc/
Student Enrollment: 24,910 (Fall 2022)
Situated within Saint Philip's College campus is the cherished Artemisia Bowden Hall, a historical treasure that encompasses Artemisia's Tea Room. This remarkable establishment not only echoes with heritage but also stands as a dynamic training ground, nurturing students pursuing culinary arts and hospitality. Meanwhile, the Naylor Learning Center stands as a beacon of academic empowerment, providing a haven for tutoring, invaluable academic support services, and an array of resources aimed at propelling students toward triumph. Furthermore, the college's visionary collaboration with the San Antonio Independent School District illuminates' pathways for high school students through the STEM Early College High School program to amass college credit during their high school years.
Southwestern Christian College
Location (City, State): Terrell, Texas
Website: https://www.swcc.edu/
Student Enrollment: 184 (Fall 2020)
Southwestern Christian College (SWCC) stands faithfully affiliated with the Churches of Christ, upholding the tradition of a cappella worship and instilling a profound commitment to Christian values and beliefs within its educational system. The college not only imparts academic knowledge, but also fosters holistic growth. Through an array of events, lectures, and seminars, SWCC actively nurtures cultural awareness, cultivates spiritual maturity, and nurtures the seeds of leadership potential in its students. Nestled in the heart of Terrell, Texas, a part of the dynamic Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, the college benefits from a location that extends opportunities beyond the campus. This advantageous setting provides students with a gateway to explore diverse cultural experiences and engage in a spectrum of recreational activities, enriching their educational journey.
Texas College
Location (City, State): Tyler, Texas
Website: https://www.texascollege.edu/
Student Enrollment: 1,462 (Fall 2020)
Founded in 1894 by a dedicated group of ministers from the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME Church), Texas College stands as a testament to their vision of educational empowerment. This institution goes beyond its academic attribute with dedication to empowering underserved communities through various means such as mentoring programs and communities' resources while maintaining a strong cultural and educational heritage. At Texas College, the pursuit of excellence extends to the realm of sports, with a robust intercollegiate athletic program encompassing baseball, basketball, football, soccer softball, and track & field, as well as volleyball. Notably, the college takes pride in its affiliation with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) within Division I, participating in the competitive Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) and the Central State Football League (CSFL).
Texas Southern University
Location (City, State): Houston, Texas
Website: https://www.tsu.edu/
Student Enrollment: 15,048 (Fall 2021)
Texas Southern University (TSU) is renowned for its Thurgood Marshall School of Law, named after the pioneering African-American Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. This prestigious law school has a strong track record of producing successful legal professionals, including notable figures like Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, a prominent civil rights leader and the first African-American woman from the South to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Situated near downtown Houston, TSU's campus is an integral part of the city's urban landscape, offering students valuable opportunities to immerse themselves in Houston's diverse culture and industries.
Wiley College
Location (City, State): Marshall, Texas
Website: https://www.wileyc.edu/
Student Enrollment: 1,330 (Fall 2021)
Wiley College's illustrious history is marked by its renowned debate team, which achieved national acclaim in the 1930s, thanks to the leadership of Professor Melvin B. Tolson. Their remarkable journey was immortalized in the 2007 film "The Great Debaters," featuring Denzel Washington. The college campus itself holds a special place in history, as it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its significant historical importance and captivating architecture.
