Historically Black Colleges and Universities: A Guide for New Jersey Students
For African-American students in New Jersey seeking a college experience rooted in the African-American experience, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) offer supportive environments. While New Jersey itself does not have any HBCUs, several options in nearby states and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) within New Jersey offer similar benefits.
Understanding HBCUs and PBIs
HBCUs are institutions founded before 1964 with the primary mission of educating Black Americans. Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) are colleges with a student body that is more than 50 percent Black. While most HBCUs are PBIs, not all PBIs are HBCUs.
HBCU Alternatives in New Jersey
Although New Jersey lacks HBCUs, several schools in the state have an increased percentage of African American and minority students. Among these schools, one is a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI), and all have relatively high percentages of African American students.
Bloomfield College
Bloomfield College is a public school located in Bloomfield. In 2023, it merged with Montclair State University, but it maintains operations as a separate college under its parent institution.
Read also: Funding for Black Students
The school was initially established in 1868 and was affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. It currently sits on a 12-acre campus and enrolls around 1,600 students.
Bloomfield College is the only school on this list officially identified as a Predominantly Black Institution.
The school offers dozens of degree programs in various fields including:
- Business
- Humanities
- Natural Science and Mathematics
- Creative Arts and Technology
- Nursing
Both graduate and undergraduate degrees are available, as well as short-term certificates and minors.
Essex County College
Read also: The Black List Internship
Essex County College is a community college with locations in Newark and Caldwell. It is a public school that was founded in 1966.
This school provides a racially diverse culture, with a student body representing more than 50 countries and backgrounds.
Associate degrees and certificate programs are available in over 70 areas of study. Some of the degree programs include:
- Architectural Technology
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Health Science
- Liberal Arts
- Paralegal Studies
Many courses are available online, allowing students to complete their program in a flexible hybrid format if desired.
Pillar College
Read also: The Storied Past of Black Hills State Football
Pillar College is a private school headquartered in Newark. It has additional locations in Patterson, Jersey City, Plainfield, and Somerset.
Formerly known as Somerset Christian College, this school traces its roots to 1908 and was founded by Pillar of Fire International, an evangelical Christian organization.
This school offers various degree programs in a range of fields. Some programs are designed for those interested in pursuing careers in ministry, but traditional career fields are also available.
Some of the degree programs include:
- Psychology and Counseling
- Intercultural Communication
- Elementary Education
- Biblical Studies
- Occupational Leadership
Associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs are all available. One master's degree program can be completed online, and several of the programs offer accelerated options to help you get your degree quickly.
Saint Elizabeth University
Saint Elizabeth University, formerly known as the College of Saint Elizabeth, is located in Morris Township. The school was founded in 1899 and is named for Elizabeth Ann Seton.
The Catholic school is affiliated with the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth. It sits on a 200-acre suburban campus and enrolls fewer than 1,200 students.
Many degree programs are available at this school, including:
- Food and Nutrition
- Computer Software Engineering
- English
- Mathematics
- Social Work
Graduate and undergraduate degrees are both available, along with a variety of minors. Many degree programs offer concentrations, allowing students to further personalize their studies to their professional goals and interests.
Union College
Union College is one of the oldest public community colleges in New Jersey, having been founded in 1933. It consists of four campuses throughout Union County.
The school offers lots of associate degree and certificate programs. Some of the many options include:
- Sport Management
- Cyber Forensics
- Medicinal Plant Chemistry
- Journalism and Public Relations
- Education
Many of the programs can be completed entirely online or in a flexible hybrid format.
HBCUs Near New Jersey
For New Jersey students interested in attending an HBCU, several options are within driving distance in neighboring states. Here's a look at some of the closest HBCUs:
Delaware State University - Dover, Delaware
- Enrollment: 3,766
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
- Delaware State University offers undergraduate and graduate programs across its various colleges including Agriculture, Science & Technology; Humanities, Education & Social Sciences; Business; Health & Behavioral Sciences; and Graduate, Adult and Extended Studies.
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania - Cheyney, PA
- Enrollment: 593
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Established in 1837, Cheyney is the nation's first HBCU. Cheyney offers 24 distinct undergraduate degree programs in the following departments: The Department of Business, Education and Professional Studies; The Department of Humanities; The Department of Natural and Applied Sciences; and The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Lincoln University of PA - Lincoln University, PA
- Enrollment: 1,593
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- While Lincoln was founded as the second HBCU after Cheyney, it prides itself as the nation's first degree-granting HBCU. Lincoln has more than 35 undergraduate and 4 graduate programs. Popular majors include: Health Professions and Related Programs; Business, Management; Marketing; Public Administration; Homeland Security; Law Enforcement; Firefighting and Related Protective Services.
Bowie State University - Bowie, MD
- Enrollment: 5,279
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Bowie State is Maryland's first HBCU and offers undergraduate and graduate programs across its various colleges of Arts & Sciences; Business; Education and Professional Studies.
Coppin State University - Baltimore, MD
- Enrollment: 1,353
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Coppin offers 57 areas of study across its various colleges which include Behavioral and Social Sciences; Business; Civics; Political Sciences, and Criminal Justice; Education; Humanities and Performing Arts; Math and Computer Science; Natural and Physical Sciences; and Nursing, Health Information Management, and Health Sciences.
Morgan State University - Baltimore, MD
- Enrollment: 6,258
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- This HBCU near New Jersey offers a comprehensive range of academic programs in business, engineering, education, architecture, social work, hospitality management, the arts and sciences. Morgan State plans to welcome its first cohort of students to its new Maryland College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2024.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore - Salisbury, MD
- Enrollment: 1,619
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- UMES, a public HBCU near New Jersey, offers undergraduate degrees in 38 disciplines and has 12 graduate programs. Popular majors include Pharmacy, Criminal Justice, Police Science, Biology, Physical Therapy and Exercise Science.
Howard University - Washington, D.C.
- Enrollment: 8,419
- Acceptance Rate: 35%
- This HBCU offers over 90 programs across 14 schools and colleges. Colleges and Schools include Communications, Dentistry, Engineering & Architecture, Law, Social Work and more. Howard University's College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences is set to launch two new programs in 2024 to support greater healthcare initiatives.
University of the District of Columbia - Washington, D.C.
- Enrollment: 1,332
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- This HBCU offers over 81 degree programs from Associate's Degrees to graduate and professional degrees. UDC's programs are housed in the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability & Environmental Sciences; College of Arts & Sciences; School of Business & Public Administration; School of Engineering & Applied Sciences and the David A. Clarke School of Law.
Benefits of Attending a PBI or HBCU
Predominantly Black Institutions and Historically Black Colleges and Universities offer a nurturing, supportive environment for students. Students of color often find that attending PBIs and HBCUs have a more welcoming, comfortable environment that makes it easier for them to focus on their studies.
PBIs and HBCUs are known for providing more affordable tuition rates and fees, making college more affordable and accessible for a larger number of students.
Choosing the Right College
When it comes to finding your best-fit college, a school's atmosphere is very important. It determines whether you'll feel comfortable and whether you'll find your niche.
Many African-American students consider attending an Historically Black College or University (a school originally founded to serve black students) or one that is more racially mixed.
If your goal is to be around other AfricanâAmerican students, you are not obliged to attend an HBCU. You should consider the campus culture at any college before you apply. Don't rely solely on the materials sent to you by the admissions officeâ ask questions of current students, faculty and alumni.
Finally, visit your prospective colleges and talk to plenty of students.
tags: #list #of #historically #black #colleges #and
