HBCUs are dedicated programs for African-American students to enrich their education and work opportunities.
After the American Civil War, several slaves were freed. Under the Freedman administration, they were given better access to education. That was when HBCUs came into play.
Previously, education programs also provided elementary and high school pathways, but by the 1920s, they became more focused on higher education, which is why HBCUs remained.
Attending HBCUs in Texas offers multiple benefits, from cheaper in-state tuition to higher quality life trajectories into internships and employment—no matter your race. Stick around to learn more about the top HBCUs in Texas.
Defining HBCUs
HBCU is an abbreviation for historically black college or university programs. These education facilities were established to benefit African-American students. It primarily encourages them to enroll in an excelling secondary education.
Nevertheless, HBCUs are open to accepting all races and providing opportunities to follow passions and career pathways. While they’re available nationwide, over 10% of them are situated in Texas.
The Best HBCUs In Texas
With over nine HBCUs available in Texas, you can make your choice based on the university’s undergraduate and postgraduate programs, sports teams, facilities, or overall ranking and quality.
1. Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View A&M University (PVAM) is one of the highest-ranking HBCUs in the country. The institution was also the first state-funded black college for African-American students.
If that wasn’t enough, as far as historic credibility goes, PVAM holds the title of second oldest higher education institution in Texas.
The university offers an extensive range of baccalaureate degrees, with over 50 programs to choose from. Its most prominent degree is its Architecture program.
A PVAM team earned first place in the American Institute of Architects’s Sandcastle Competition in Houston. The competition was against students from world-renowned institutions like Rice University and the University of Houston.
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Students Enrolled: 8,444
- Location: Prairie View
2. Texas Southern University
Texas Southern University (TSU) is a widely recognized HBCU. While it may be on the pricier end, even after financial aid, it holds multiple attractive qualities.
The institution is prized for its sports team and athletic facilities. The Houston Texans partnered with the university to support its student-athletes, coaches, and other sports staff.
Besides that, TSU is home to the NASA Johnson Space Center and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Another exceptional plus of enrolling in TSU is its wide array of student organizations, including 130 and more.
Regarding undergraduate programs, TSU excels in its psychology, law, biology, and business departments.
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Students Enrolled: 6,830
- Location: Houston
3. Wiley College
Wiley College is a private HBCU that specializes in the liberal arts. Founded in 1873, this college is one of the oldest on this list. Wiley’s programs are divided into four main branches, including Education, Sciences, Business and Technology, and Social Studies and Humanities.
Common majors within these branches include Criminal Justice, Business Administration, and Mass Communications. Wiley College has a unique attraction, particularly in one of its student organizations.
It’s the debate club. In 2021, Denzel Washington’s Family Foundation donated a whopping $1 million to the student organization. Before that, in 2007, the actor starred in a film called “The Great Debaters,” as Professor Melvin Tolson from Wiley College.
After that donation, the debate team renamed itself “Melvin B. Tolson/Denzel Washington Forensics Society.” To this day, Washington has maintained his philanthropic efforts with Willey College.
- Acceptance Rate: 40%
- Students Enrolled: 698
- Location: Marshall
4. Texas College
Texas College was established in 1894 by a group of ministers. The college is associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
You can benefit from the university’s range of undergraduate degree options in branches like Natural and Computational Science as well as Business and Social Sciences.
We highly recommend considering its Education program. The college offers an Educator Preparation Program that prepares future educators for the state’s teaching certification exam by the end of the program.
Aside from that, Texas College is also known for its extracurricular activities, such as choir, band, and concert.
- Acceptance Rate: Not Provided
- Students Enrolled: 972
- Location: Tyler
5. Jarvis Christian College
Located in the small town of Hawkins, Jarvis Christian College (JCC) is a budget-friendly option for most students. The institution’s tuition fee hovers around $11,000 per year. Nonetheless, over 99% of students get accepted for financial aid.
Fees aside, JCC has an excellent Bachelor of Business Administration program. Within the program, you can specialize in cybersecurity and accounting, which are high-demand fields in today’s marketplace. You can also look into JCC’s teacher certifications in the Education department.
- Acceptance Rate: Not Provided
- Students Enrolled: 721
- Location: Hawkins
6.Huston-Tillotson University
Huston-Tillotson University (HTU) is a private institution. The university particularly shines in majors like Leadership Education, African-American Studies, and Religious Studies.
One of the exceptional benefits offered by HTU is a pre-college summer program named “I.D.E.A.L. Summer Academy.”
The six-week program allows you to get ahead in college classes and meet other students in your department. While the summer program can be costly, reaching about $3,000, it’s typically paid by grants.
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Students Enrolled: 1,160
- Location: Austin
7. Southwestern Christian College
Southwestern Christian College (SCC) is relatively newly established compared to other HBCUs in this list. The college’s prime focus is its Religious Studies program, which most students attend.
SCC is your best bet if you want your career pathway to land in church. It usually prepares students for minister positions, among other religious jobs.
- Acceptance Rate: Not Provided
- Students Enrolled: 458
- Location: Terell
8. Paul Quinn College
Paul Quinn College is one of the smallest HBCUs on this list. The private college specializes in faith-based and liberal arts majors.
It has an alliance with the African Methodist Church, giving you a closer sense of community.
Besides that, it resides near Dallas, giving you ample opportunity to explore multiple Fortune 500 companies nearby from industries like Tourism, Finance, Education, and Business.
- Acceptance Rate: 87.4%
- Students Enrolled: 450
- Location: Dallas
9. St. Philip’s College
St. Philip’s College is a member of the Alamo Colleges District. Subsequently, this affiliation will expand your networking possibilities to other communities.
This institution is also ranked as one of the top 20 community colleges in the Lone Star State.
Aside from that, St. Philip’s offers multiple degree options, like specializations in Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Health IT, Baking and Pastry Arts, and Hotel Management.
Fortunately, attending this college won’t be too challenging, since it accepts students with 2.0 GPAs and above.
- Acceptance Rate: Not Provided
- Students Enrolled: 24,910
- Location: San Antonio
Final Thoughts
HBCUs in Texas offer a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate options for upcoming students, regardless of their race. You can enroll in universities like Texas Southern College to enhance your professional sports career.
Alternatively, if you’re more interested in a Criminal Justice major, we suggest checking out Wiley College. Either way, you’ll likely find a program from the nine HBCUs in Texas that’ll fit your passions and career wishes.
