Introduction
Can white people go to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)? The simple answer is yes, and many already do. While HBCUs were founded to provide educational opportunities for Black Americans who were excluded from other institutions, they have always been open to students of all races by both law and mission. Today, white students make up about 10% of the total HBCU student population, which is roughly 28,000 students nationwide.
This might be surprising to some, as a common misconception is that these schools are exclusively for Black students. Others might wonder what the campus experience is like for a white student attending an HBCU. These questions have become more frequent, especially since the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision on race-conscious admissions. Since that ruling, applications to HBCUs have surged, with some schools like Howard University reporting an increase of more than 50%.
In this article, we’ll explore what it’s like for a white student to attend an HBCU. We’ll cover everything from the application process and enrollment trends to the unique campus culture and even highlight which HBCUs have the largest white student populations. We’ll also address common questions and explain why these institutions are so valuable for all students.
HBCUs 101: Accessibility & Admissions
When people ask if white students can attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), they’re often surprised to learn the answer is a definitive yes. These schools were founded before 1964 to provide educational opportunities for Black Americans during a time of segregation. However, by law and by mission, they’ve always welcomed students of all races.
A Merit-Based Admissions Process
The admissions process at HBCUs is the same as at any other university. Applicants—regardless of whether they’re Black, white, Hispanic, Asian, or international—are evaluated based on their academic achievements, essays, test scores, and extracurricular activities.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act prohibits any form of racial discrimination in federally funded institutions, which means admissions decisions at HBCUs are based on merit, not on a student’s race. This commitment to inclusivity is a core part of their institutional philosophy. Leaders at these schools often emphasize that a diverse student body enhances the educational experience and aligns with their primary goal of expanding access to higher education for everyone.
Embracing a Diverse Community
Consider Howard University in Washington, D.C., which is often referred to as the “Black Harvard.” While it maintains its historic role as a premier HBCU, it actively welcomes students from many different backgrounds. The truth is, applying to an HBCU as a white student isn’t an unusual or restricted path. It’s simply another way to get a rigorous education within a community rich with history, culture, and opportunity.
Enrollment & Demographics
It might surprise you to learn just how many white students attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The numbers show that between 9.8% and 11% of all HBCU students are white, which comes out to roughly 28,000 students across the country. This means that nearly one out of every ten students at these institutions is not Black, a number that has more than doubled since the 1970s.
HBCUs with High White Student Enrollment
While white students are a minority at most HBCUs, some schools have a significantly larger percentage. West Virginia State University is a notable example, where white students make up the majority of the student body, at about 61%. Similarly, Lincoln University of Missouri has a student population that’s approximately 40% white. At Bluefield State College, also in West Virginia, non-Black enrollment is as high as 90%. These figures often reflect the racial makeup of the local areas surrounding the schools.
Location and Recent Trends
There are 101 HBCUs in the United States, concentrated in 19 states and Washington, D.C. The states with the most HBCUs are Alabama (16), North Carolina (12), and Georgia (12), while Texas has nine. Interestingly, 31 states—including Vermont, Wyoming, and Alaska—have no HBCUs. Recent trends show that these schools are becoming more popular with all students, especially following the 2023 Supreme Court decision that ended race-conscious admissions. Many schools, including Howard University and North Carolina A&T, have seen a surge in applications, indicating that HBCUs are increasingly seen as academically strong and inclusive options for students of every background.
Why Some White Students Choose HBCUs
What drives some white students to choose an HBCU? The reasons are often more practical—and more meaningful—than you might expect.
Key Factors for White Students
Affordability is a major factor. Many HBCUs offer lower tuition rates compared to predominantly white institutions (PWIs), and they often have robust financial aid programs. For families focused on balancing a quality education with manageable costs, an HBCU can be a great value.
Location is also important. For students who live in areas where an HBCU is the most convenient or affordable option, choosing one is a straightforward choice. For example, many white students who attend HBCUs in places like West Virginia or Missouri do so because the school is both close to home and accessible.
Academic quality is another significant draw. HBCUs are home to nationally recognized and respected programs in fields like nursing, STEM, business, and the arts. Some white students enroll because of a specific program or faculty expertise they can’t easily find at other schools.
The Cultural Experience
Perhaps the most unique reason is the desire for cultural exposure. Some white students are drawn to HBCUs to experience what it’s like to be a minority on campus and to immerse themselves in Black culture and history. For those who are passionate about diversity, social justice, or simply want to broaden their perspectives, this can be a truly life-changing decision.
In the end, white students choose HBCUs for many of the same reasons as everyone else: affordability, strong academic programs, and a sense of community that is rich in history and inclusion.
Campus Life & Integration
For many white students, attending an HBCU can feel like stepping into a new world—one full of rich history, deep-seated traditions, and a powerful sense of community. At first, there can be an adjustment period. For those who are used to being in the majority, becoming part of a racial minority for the first time can feel new and unfamiliar. Some students even report feeling “hypervisible,” especially during class discussions about race and social justice.
Adjusting to Campus Life
Despite these initial feelings, research shows that these challenges are temporary. Students who approach the experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn tend to adapt quickly. In fact, many describe the campus environment as far more welcoming than they had anticipated. A big reason for this is the strong emphasis on mentorship. HBCUs are well-known for the close relationships that form between professors and students. White students often report forming powerful bonds with faculty members who guide them academically and personally, frequently calling these connections “life-changing.”
To help new students adjust, HBCUs offer a variety of support programs. These include orientation sessions and first-year experiences that introduce students to the school’s unique history and traditions. Additionally, multicultural workshops, mentorship initiatives, and student organizations create inclusive spaces where students from all backgrounds can build friendships and participate in campus life.
The Social Experience
Socially, white students might stand out, but many describe this as a positive challenge. By immersing themselves in vibrant HBCU traditions—like lively homecoming celebrations, step shows, and gospel concerts—they not only broaden their cultural awareness but also build cultural competence. Many students find opportunities to take on leadership roles in student government or clubs, proving that opportunities aren’t limited by race.
Importantly, studies show there is no systematic discrimination against white students at HBCUs. Instead, these campuses are dedicated to fostering community and inclusion while preserving their historic mission of uplifting Black culture. For a white student who is ready to engage, life at an HBCU offers more than just a great education—it provides personal growth, lifelong friendships, and a unique perspective that few other college settings can offer.
FAQs & Quick Facts
Q: Which HBCU has the most white students?
The HBCU with the highest percentage of white students is West Virginia State University, where about 61% of students are white. Other schools with significant white student populations include Lincoln University of Missouri, where white students make up around 40% of the student body. Additionally, Bluefield State College in West Virginia reports that up to 90% of its students are not Black.
Q: What is the poorest HBCU?
While there is no single “poorest” HBCU, many have historically faced significant underfunding. A study by the Century Foundation revealed that land-grant HBCUs have been underfunded by billions of dollars over several decades. Despite these financial challenges, HBCUs consistently manage to produce strong educational results.
Q: What HBCU is often called the “Black Harvard”?
That title is most commonly given to Howard University in Washington, D.C. This is due to its high academic prestige, selective programs, and a long list of nationally recognized alumni. Some people also refer to Spelman College or Morehouse College as “Black Ivy League” schools.
Q: What states have no HBCUs?
HBCUs are located in only 19 states plus Washington, D.C. This means that 31 states—including Alaska, Vermont, Wyoming, and Hawaii—have no HBCUs.
Q: Which states have nine or more HBCUs?
Currently, Texas has nine HBCUs. Other states with even more include Alabama (16), North Carolina (12), and Georgia (12).
Q: Are there any Black-owned HBCUs?
Most HBCUs are public or nonprofit institutions, not privately “owned.” However, Wilberforce University in Ohio stands out as the oldest private HBCU that is owned and operated by African Americans.
Q: Are there any all-white colleges?
No. U.S. civil rights law prohibits schools from excluding students based on race. While some colleges may have student bodies that are predominantly white due to their location, there are no legally all-white colleges today.
Conclusion
So, can white people go to HBCUs? The answer is a confident yes. These institutions were built to serve Black students during segregation, but from the start they have been legally and practically open to all. Today, nearly one in ten HBCU students is white, and their experiences show that these campuses are not only welcoming but also deeply enriching.
While some white students face an initial adjustment to being in the minority, most report positive outcomes—strong mentorship, leadership opportunities, cultural awareness, and friendships that last a lifetime. Far from being exclusive, HBCUs embrace diversity as part of their mission, balancing historic identity with inclusivity.As applications rise nationwide, HBCUs continue to prove their relevance and strength. For students of any race looking for affordable tuition, academic rigor, and cultural growth, an HBCU can be a transformative choice. The evidence is clear: HBCUs educate and empower everyone who chooses to join their community.
