Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Texas: A Legacy of Education and Empowerment
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of countless Black individuals, providing access to higher education during times of segregation and beyond. While most HBCUs are located in the Southern United States, Texas boasts a significant number of these institutions, each with its own unique history, mission, and contributions to the educational landscape. This article explores the rich heritage and contemporary significance of HBCUs in Texas.
The Historical Context of HBCUs
Most HBCUs are located in the Southern United States, where state laws generally required educational segregation until the 1950s and 1960s. The history and roots of all HBCUs are unique but are strongly intertwined with Black churches. Black churches have historically been pillars within the Black community. HBCUs remain pivotal for low-income Black and ethnic minorities to receive higher education. According to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), HBCUs have reduced race and income inequality and created equality in educational opportunities.
HBCUs in Texas: A Closer Look
Texas is home to nine HBCUs, representing just under 10% of all the nation’s HBCUs. Texas trails behind just Alabama (16), Georgia (12), and North Carolina (12), the states with the most HBCUs. Each of these institutions offers a unique educational experience, contributing to the diverse landscape of higher education in the state.
1. Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View)
Established in 1876, Prairie View A&M University holds the distinction of being the second-oldest public institution of higher education in Texas and the first state-supported college in the State for African Americans. Part of the highly esteemed A&M University system, Prairie View A&M University is located in Prairie View, Texas. Today, PVAMU is known for its top-notch education, low student-to-faculty ratio (16:1), Division I athletics, gorgeous campus, and Panther Lanes (a community bowling center). According to the institution, in its nearly 150-year history more than 46,000 degrees have been awarded. Faculty and students endearingly refer to the campus as “The Hill” because it’s said to be on the highest elevation point of Waller County. Today, the college is internationally recognized for its agricultural research, architecture, biology, business, education, engineering, juvenile justice and nursing programs. According to PVAMU, its nursing graduates average a 100% passing rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). It offers 50 academic majors, 37 different master’s degrees, and it offers four doctoral degrees.
2. Texas Southern University (Houston)
Located in the heart of Houston’s Third Ward, a predominantly Black community, is Texas Southern University. Built upon 150 acres, Texas Southern University (TSU) is one of the largest HBCU campuses and is a centralized hub in Third Ward, a predominantly Black area in Houston. Home to just under 7,000 undergraduates, more than 8,600 total students, and over 1,400 staff and faculty members, the University serves as a cultural and community center in Houston. The university is instrumental to the culture and community of Houston. TSU upholds a rigorous academic curriculum offering over 120 baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degree programs, notably the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, which was created following the Sweatt v. Painter lawsuit. According to the institution, its College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences produces one-third of the Black pharmacists practicing across the nation. Texas Southern University also has a division 1 athletics program, but the school band, “Ocean of the Soul,” always steals the show.
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3. Huston-Tillotson University (Austin)
Huston-Tillotson University (HT) is the oldest institution of higher learning in Austin. Huston-Tillotson University located in Austin, Texas was established in 1875. As one of the oldest schools on our list of HBCUs in Texas, it also happens to be a great school for students who would like to study business or liberal arts while living in the capital of Texas. The private HBCU was originally two separate colleges, Samuel Huston College and Tillotson College, located less than one mile apart. The institutions enjoyed a healthy competition and relationship, but due to lack of resources, they agreed to a merger. HT’s curriculum is known for its required diversity-focus class, and three of the classes must have a focus within the African diaspora. HT’s core curriculum is known for its diversity component-students are required to take six hours of diversity-focused courses, three of which must have an African/African Diaspora focus. Aside from academics, HT was the home of the legendary Jackie Robinson, who was head of the athletics department before his rise to fame. Notable alumni include Lucille Elizabeth Bishop Smith, Fredrick D. Patterson, Volma Overton and Dr. Hutson-Tillotson is associated with the United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ.
4. Jarvis Christian College (Hawkins)
Located approximately 100 miles southeast of Dallas, Jarvis Christian College’s rural campus provides a peaceful place to study, while offering easy access to more metropolitan areas. Jarvis Christian University (JCU) enjoys a tranquil rural community about 100 miles south of Dallas. Jarvis Christian College is located in Hawkins, right outside of Tyler in the Piney Woods of East Texas. Established in 1913, Jarvis Christian College began as Jarvis Christian Institute and was modeled after the Southern Christian Institute of Edwards, Mississippi. The private university is heavily affiliated with the Christian Church and was modeled after the Southern Christian Institute of Edwards, Mississippi. It is the only HBCU that remains of the 12 schools founded by the Disciples of Christ Church. It offers evening courses and is known for its small student-to-teacher ratio. The school is well-regarded for its teacher certification programs. The institution is recognized for its wide range of teacher certification programs.
5. Wiley College (Marshall)
Wiley College is a private liberal arts college established in 1873 by the Freedman’s Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Located in Marshall, Texas, the college has upheld a faith-based, liberal arts education system for almost 150 years. One of the oldest HBCUs west of the Mississippi River, Wiley College was founded in Marshall, Texas in 1873 by the Methodist Episcopal Church. Wiley College is a four-year private HBCU. Wiley College has been a part of pivotal points in Black history. The college is known for its debate team, which earned national attention when it debated-and defeated-the University of Southern California (the defending national champion) in 1935. This victory inspired the movie The Great Debaters. Wiley College has been a part of pivotal points in Black history. The college’s debate team gained national attention when it beat the University of Southern California in 1935. This inspired the film “The Great Victory” starring Denzel Washington. This also includes creating foundation of the first sorority and fraternity organizations in the Southwest, including The Beta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc established on Wiley’s campus. This was the second chapter to be established in the nation.
6. Southwestern Christian College (Terrell)
Located in Terrell, Texas, Southwestern Christian College was founded in 1948 with a starting class of just under 50 students. Southwestern Christian Community College (SWCC) is a private university established by the Churches of Christ to implement a holistic educational program that incorporates spiritual values. This private HBCU is affiliated with Churches of Christ. According to the university, in its foundation there was a desire to prepare students for effective “Christian Living.” This principle encourages sincere spiritual development, and daily reading of God’s revelation in the bible is fundamental for students. This school has a smaller, more familial atmosphere that is appreciated by many. The HBCU is most recognized for its degree programs in pastoral and youth ministry, music, business, behavioral sciences and English. SWCC’s campus is home to a historical landmark, the Robert A. The school offers one bachelor’s degree program in Religious Education. It also provides two associate degree programs-an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science. On SwCC’s campus, you’ll find the Robert A.
7. Texas College (Tyler)
Texas College is located 100 miles east of Dallas in the city of Tyler. Texas College is an HBCU located in Tyler, Texas. Texas College is a Christian Methodist Episcopal college founded in 1894. It’s nestled in the downtown area with much to do, see and enjoy. Founded in 1894 by a group of ministers from the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME Church), the school remains affiliated with the CME Church today. This school is known for its wide variety of programs and offerings for students with diverse interests. The college was founded in 1894 by Christian Methodist Episcopal Church ministers and upholds their values and affiliation with the church. The college offers 12 bachelor’s degrees, most notable are their business and liberal arts programs.
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8. Paul Quinn College (Dallas)
Originally established in 1872 by a group of African Methodist Episcopal Church preachers to educate freed slaves and their children, Paul Quinn College continues to deliver a faith-based education today. Paul Quinn College is an HBCU that is located in Dallas. Paul Quinn was established in 1872. Paul Quinn College was initially founded in Austin by the African Methodist Episcopal Church. It has now relocated to Dallas and is the only HBCU in the metropolitan area. It is affiliated with the Methodist church. Among the oldest on this list of HBCUs in Texas, this college boasts the title of the oldest Historically Black College west of the Mississippi River. It also happens to have the title of the first urban work college in the United States. Paul Quinn faced a long period of ruin with plunging enrollment, vacant buildings and a battle for accreditation. However, in 2007 the newly appointed president, Michael J. Sorrell, began to change the narrative. Since 2015, Paul Quinn College has operated under a financial structure called the “New Urban College Model,” designed to ensure that students graduate with the skills, habits, and experience to compete in the job market while reducing student debt. The We Over Me farm was established to grow agriculture for the school and community, and in 2011 the college was recognized as HBCU of the Year.
9. St. Philip's College (San Antonio)
St. Philip’s College is the only college in the nation to be recognized as both a Historically Black College and a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). St. Philip’s College is an HBCU located in San Antonio, Texas. St. Philip’s was founded in 1898 by the Protestant Episcopal Church. St. Philip’s College is known for being both a Hispanic Serving Institution and a Historically Black College. St. St. Phillips College (SPC) was founded in 1898 in San Antonio. Its establishment was prompted by a need to educate emancipated slaves to sew and cook. The westernmost HBCU in Texas (and in the country), St. Philip’s has a student-to-faculty ratio of 30:1 and an average class size of 23.6 students. Today, it has grown to become the only college in the nation recognized as both an HBCU and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). According to SPC, it has gained distinction for its academic success within the arts and science fields. It has a fairly large student population with over 11,000 students enrolled, studying over 70 different subject areas. Civic engagement is important at St. Jessica’s Project is a service-learning initiative to engage the community in STEM topics that affect them.
Choosing the Right HBCU in Texas
As you can tell, there is a wide variety of HBCUs located across the great state of Texas. Anyone considering attending an HBCU should consider these highly esteemed colleges in the Lone Star State.
When selecting an HBCU in Texas, prospective students should consider several factors:
Size and Location: Interested students should consider the size of the student population they would like to become a part of. There are HBCUs located across the state, some of which are located in more urban areas than others.
Public vs. Private: As is typically the case with private and public colleges, private schools tend to be more expensive than public schools, and public schools tend to be more heavily populated than private schools.
Academic Programs: Research the specific programs and departments offered at each institution to ensure they align with your academic and career goals.
Campus Culture: Visit the campuses, attend events, and connect with current students to get a feel for the campus culture and community.
Ultimately, the best HBCU is the one that best fits your individual needs and aspirations.
The Application Process
The application process for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is largely similar to that of other colleges, although there are some key differences. Notably, some HBCUs do not utilize the Common Application, which means you may need to complete individual applications for these schools. When applying to a Historically Black College or University, your application should clearly convey your interest in attending an HBCU. As with any college application process, creating a thoughtful school list and conducting in-depth research on each prospective institution is paramount.
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