2019 List Of The Top North Carolina HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges/Universities)
The state of North Carolina has 12 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). It is also home to the oldest HBCU in the United States, Shaw University, found in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1865. It’s also home to the most recent HBCU, North Carolina Central University, which was originally founded in 1940 in Durham, North Carolina.
Keep reading to find the top rated HBCUs in North Carolina based on enrollment, acceptance rate, and graduation rate. Each of these colleges has earned a reputation as one of the top HBCUs in the state of North Carolina.
Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina
Originally founded in 1873, Bennett College is a four-year, private HBCU institution for women. When it was originally established, the college was co-ed; however, it became women-only in 1926. It has ties to the United Methodist Church, as the first classes given by the college were held in the basement of the Wernersville Methodist Episcopal Church.
Enrollment: 493
Acceptance rate: 95 percent
Graduation rate: 45 percent
Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina
This is the first institution of higher learning founded in the South, as well as in the entire United States. It opened its doors in 1865 when professor, Henry Martin, started a class to teach former slaves how to read and how to interpret the Bible. It was incorporated in 1875 and named for the benefactor, Elijah Shaw.
Enrollment: 1,546
Acceptance rate: 60 percent
Graduation rate: 48 percent
Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, North Carolina
This is a constituent institution of the larger University of North Carolina. Today, it offers students professional, graduate, and baccalaureate programs, which has created a diverse student body. It is a public institution and an NCAA Division II school.
Enrollment: 1,357
Acceptance Rate: 59 percent
Enrollment Rate: 40 percent
Winston-Salem State University
A public, HBCU that was originally established in 1891. The college has earned a reputation of being one of the premier HBCUs in the state of North Carolina by offering students a liberal education. Today, the college offers students access to a diverse curriculum, designed to help them build a foundation that will ensure they achieve success later in life.
Enrollment: 4,117
Acceptance Rate: 58 percent
Graduation Rate: 56 percent
North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina
Often referred to as just “Central,” this is a public institution. It was originally founded in 1909 by James E Shepard. The goal was to provide educational opportunities for the Colored Race who was located in the Hayti District. Today, it offers programs at all levels of secondary education.
Enrollment: 7,218
Acceptance Rate: 82 percent
Graduation Rate: 47 percent
Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina
Founded in 1879 as the Zion Wesley Institute, this college was created to educate ministers in Concord, North Carolina. Joseph Charles Price was the first president and founder of this college, who worked to make it a staple in the community.
Enrollment: 1,262
Acceptance Rate: 37 percent
Graduation Rate: 24 percent
Finding the right HBCU (Historically Black College or University) can be challenging, especially with the vast array of options available today. Those looking into higher education in North Carolina, can rely on each of these institutions to deliver a solid education that will help them achieve their future goals.
http://www2.bennett.edu/about/history.html
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/winstonsalem-state-2986
https://www.ncpedia.org/shaw-university
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/elizabeth-city-state-2926
https://www.ncpedia.org/kittrell-college
Image is of Janae Peats, Bennett College- c/o 2016, English- https://www.myhbcuinterview.com/interviews/janae-peats-bennett-college-2016-english-0VUbJ4vFXb