As we ready for this year’s national convention, take time to tour the ground-breaking HBCUs across the Southwestern Diocese– which is comprised of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. In the Southwestern diocese alone, there are 18 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Each college or university is known for either the sheer number of successful professionals they graduate, the number of championships they have won, or being universally regarded as the best in their field.
HBCUs were created to combat the narrative that Black students were incapable of learning and therefore didn’t need to attend college. However, throughout the years, HBCUs have come to symbolize the complete opposite: Black Intelligence, community, power, and unity. HBCUs represents Black Excellence at its finest, and with the surplus of Black professionals dominating in their respective fields, most scouters are hiring more students and alumni from HBCUs.
HBCUs are known for more than the graduates they mold. As an HBCU graduate points out, “going to college was a privilege. Going to a Black college was paradise.” HBCUs are more than a college or university; HBCUs are the family students never knew they needed. HBCUs are proof that Black people can come from anything and go anywhere. Whether your HBCU is a community college or an university, you already made the best choice.
Arkansas Baptist College
- Founded in 1864 as a Minister’s Institute
- Private 4-year liberal
- Located downtown Arkansas Little Rock
- In-state tuition: $15,171
- Out-state: $5,074
- $25 application fee
- All Clubs, Greek Orgs, and majors offered.
Arkansas Baptist College or ABC is a private 4- year college located in downtown Little Rock. ABC is the only Baptist-affiliated HBCU West of the Mississippi River. With a student population of more than 1,000 students, ABC has an acceptance rate of 100%. The student to teacher ratio is 23:1. ABC offers scholarships in men and women basketball, track and field; football, baseball, and softball. Athletically, Arkansas Baptist College is in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics(NAIA) division.
Shorter College
- Founded in 1886 by African Methodist Episcopal Church
- Private College (2 year)
- In-state: $2,238
- Out-state: $2,328
- $10 app fee
- Open-enrollment policy
Shorter College is a private 2- year college located in downtown Little Rock. Shorter is the only private HBCU community college in the nation. With a student population of over 400 students, Shorter’s annual tuition is $2,328 for both students who live in and out of Arkansas. Shorter has an acceptance rate of 100%. The student to teacher ratio is 7:1.
Grambling University
- Founded in 1901 as a Colored Industrial and Agricultural School.
- Renowned Marching Band
- $20 App Fee
- In-state: $4846
- Out-state: $12099
- Online class offered.
Grambling University is a public 4-year college located in Grambling, LA. Grambling was founded by African American farmers, and is renowned for its marching band. Grambling also has the only cloud computing degree course in Louisiana. With a student population of over 5,000 students, Grambling has an acceptance rate of 72%. The student to teacher ratio is 24:1. Grambling offers scholarships in men and women basketball, track and field; and football.
Southern at New Orleans
- Founded in 1956
- Located in Pontchartrain Park
- Only public university in New Orleans
- In-state: $ 3,738
- Out- state: $1,869
- Offers online classes.
Southern University at New Orleans or SUNO is a public 4-year college located in New Orleans. Over 96% of SUNO’s programs are nationally accredited by specialty area organizations. SUNO was built in Pontchartrain Park, a subdivision that attracted middle- and upper-class African American residents and became a symbol that the American Dream could be a reality for all Americans. With a student population of over 900 students, SUNO has an acceptance rate of 79%. The student to teacher ratio is 13:1. SUNO offers scholarships in men and women basketball, track and field, baseball, bowling, and softball. Athletically, Southern New Orleans is in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) division.
Xavier University
- Founded in 1831
- In-state: $17980
- Out-state: $17900
- $25 app fee
- Online classes offered.
- College of Arts, Science, and Pharmacy
Xavier University or XULA is a private 4- year college located in downtown New Orleans. XULA is number 1 in producing African- American doctors, and top producer of African-American doctors. XULA is also the first HBCU to also be catholic. With a student population of over 3300 students, XULA has an acceptance rate of 95%. The student to teacher ratio is 14:1. Xula offers scholarships in men’s and women’s basketball, track and field; football, baseball, and softball. Xavier University is in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) division.
Jarvis Christian University
- Founded in 1912
- Located in Hawkins, Texas
- In-state: $13374
- Out-state: $13374
- $50 app fee
Jarvis College is a private 4- year college located in Hawkins, Texas. In the aftermath of Covid, Jarvis partnered with other colleges to give students the option to continue their education online. With a student population of over 600 students, Jarvis has an acceptance rate of 100%. The student to teacher ratio is 12:1. Jarvis offers scholarships in men and women basketball, track and field, wrestling, golf, bowling, and baseball. Jarvis is in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) division.
Prairie View A&M University
- Founded In 1876
- In-state: $6856
- Out-state: $16156
- 25 app fee
- Online classes offered
- 2nd oldest public institution in Texas
Prairie View A&M University, formally known as the Alta Vista Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas for Colored Youth, is a public 4- year college located in Prairie View, Texas. Pvamu produces the most African American architects and engineers. It was also voted best value HBCU last year. With a student population of over 7500 students, PVAMU has an acceptance rate of 77%. The student to teacher ratio is 18:1. PVAMU offers scholarships in men and women basketball, track and field, tennis, golf, baseball, and softball. Athletically, Prairie View A&M University is in the NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION. division.
Texas Southern University
- Founded in 1927
- Located in Houston, Tx
- One of the largest HBCUs in the South
- In-state: $7,462
- Out-state: $16,762
- $42 app fee
Texas Southern or TSU is a private 4- year college located in Houston, Texas. TSU is one of the largest HBCUs in the nation; TSU sits on over 150 acres of land and has over 100 degree programs. TSU produces the most African-American and hispanic degrees in the nation. With a student population of over 4800 students, TSU has an acceptance rate of 63%. The student to teacher ratio is 11:1. TSU offers scholarships in men and women basketball, track and field; football, baseball, soccer, and golf. Athletically, Texas Southern University is in the NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION. division.
Texas College
- Founded in 1894
- In-state: $22,208
- Out-state:$22,208
- App fee- $0
Texas College is a private 4-year college located in Tyler, Texas. Texas College was founded by the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Ministers. With a student population of over 600 students, Texas College has an acceptance rate of 100%. The student to teacher ratio is 22:1. Texas College offers scholarships in men and women basketball, track and field, cross country, football, and baseball.
Philander Smith
- Founded In 1877 by J.M. Walden, one of the originators and the first corresponding secretary of the Freeman’s Aid Society
- Private 4-year liberal college
- Founding UNCF member
- In-state tuition: $11,760
- Out-State: $11,760
- $25 app fee
- Dual degrees in engineering & public health
Philander Smith is a private 4- year college located in Little Rock. With a student population of over 700 students, Philander Smith has an acceptance rate of 69%. The student to teacher ratio is 13:1, Philander Smith offers scholarships in men and women basketball, baseball, and softball. Athletically, Philander Smith College is in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics -NAIA division.
Arkansas Pine Bluff
- Founded in 1873
- One of the only 1890 land-grant institutions in the country
- Oldest HBCU in Arkansas
- 2nd oldest Institution in Arkansas
- In-state: $5,330
- Out-state: $10,595
- No App Fee
- Member of Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff or UAPB is a private 4- year college located in downtown Little Rock. UAPB offers bachelor’s degrees, masters, and PHDs. With a student population of over 2300 students, UAPB’s has an acceptance rate of 68%, and a graduation rate of 41%. The student to teacher ratio is 13:1. UAPB does still offer either online classes or hybrid courses. UAPB offers scholarships in men and women basketball, track and field; football, baseball, golf, tennis, and volleyball. Athletically, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is in the NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION. division.
Southern A&M
- Founded in 1880
- In-state: $5074
- Out-state: $11612
Southern A&M at Baton Rouge is a private 4-year college located in Baton Rouge. Southern is most known for producing the most Black Engineers of any university. Southern is also the largest HBCU in Louisiana. With a student population of over 5000 students, Southern’s annual tuition is $5,074 for students who live in Louisiana and $11,612 for students who do not. Southern has an acceptance rate of 59%. The student to teacher ratio is 15:1. Southern offers scholarships in men and women basketball, track and field; football, baseball, and softball.
Southern at Shreveport
- Founded in 1967
- The only HBCU comprehensive community college in Louisiana
- In-state: $3,987
- Out-state: $3,987
- $20 App Fee
Southern at Shreveport or SUSLA is a public 2-year college located in Shreveport, LA. SUSLA was voted the best two year university according to the Washington Monthly. With a student population of over 1200 students, SUSLA has an acceptance rate of 100%. The student to teacher ratio is 16:1. SUSLA offers scholarships in men and women basketball and golf. Athletically, Southern at Shreveport is in the NATIONAL JUNIOR COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION division.
Texas Huston-Tillotson University
- Founded in 1875
- In-state: $12430
- Out-state: $12430
- $25 app fee
- Online classes offered.
- 2 colleges in one
Huston-Tillotson University is a private 4- year college located in Austin, Texas. H&T is the oldest University in Texas and has an affiliation with the United methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and the United Negro College Fund. With a student population of over 900 students, H&T has an acceptance rate of 50%, and a graduation rate of 33%. The student to teacher ratio is 16:1. H&T offers scholarships in men and women basketball, track and field, cross country, volleyball, baseball, and soccer. Athletically, Huston-Tillotson University is in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) division.
Paul Quinn
- Founded in 1872
- Only HBCU in the Fort Worth Metroplex
- Oldest HBCU west of MS River
- In-state: $9300
- Out-state: $9300
Paul Quinn is a private 4- year honors college located in Dallas, Texas. Paul Quinn is known for being the first urban work college with the motto of “for African-Americans by African-Americans.” Paul Quinn was established by a small group from the African Methodist Episcopal Chruch preachers. With a student population of over 300 students, Paul Quinn has an acceptance rate of 87%. The student to teacher ratio is 16:1. Paul Quinn offers scholarships in men and women basketball, track and field, soccer, and volleyball.
Southwestern Christian College
- Founded In 1946
- 2-year program in liberal arts
- In-state: $6,910
- Out-state: $6,910
- $20 app fee
Southwestern Christian College is a private 4- year college located in Terrell, Texas. SW was built around the first dwelling in Terrell, Texas. SW was originally founded as a southwestern bible college to train men and women for leadership in the professional ministry. With a student population of over 80 students, SW has an acceptance rate of 100%. The student to teacher ratio is 7:1. SW offers scholarships in men and women basketball, track and field, and volleyball. SW also has an Acapella group. Athletically, Southwestern Christian College is in the NATIONAL JUNIOR COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION. division.
St. Philips Christian College
- Founded in 1898
- In-state: $2280
- Out-state: $4560
- One of four churches founded by the Protestant Episcopal Church.
St. Phillips College is a private 4- year college located in San Antonio, Texas. St. Philips is also a Hispanic serving Institution with a workforce training network. With a student population of over 1600 students, ST. Philips has an acceptance rate of 100%. The student to teacher ratio is 17:1. St. Philips offers scholarships in men and women basketball and volleyball.
Wiley College
- Founded in 1873
- $25 app fee
- In-state: $16652
- Out-state: $16652
- Affiliated with the United Methodist Church
Wiley College is a private 4- year college located in Marshall, Texas. Wiley is one of the oldest HBCUs west of the Mississippi River. Also, the movie The Great Debaters was based off of this college. With a student population of over 580 students, Wiley has an acceptance rate of 100%. The student to teacher ratio is 16:1. Wiley offers scholarships in men and women basketball, track and field, cross country, football, and baseball. Athletically, Wiley is in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) division.
