You’re scrolling through college lists, maybe looking for that specific culture, that legacy, that "Homecoming" energy you see on social media. You type in "HBCU in New York." You hit search.
And then? Nothing. Or at least, nothing that looks like Howard or Spelman.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a shock to most people. New York is arguably the cultural capital of Black America—think Harlem, Bed-Stuy, the Bronx. Yet, if you’re looking for a federally designated Historically Black College or University (HBCU) within the borders of the Empire State, you aren't going to find one. Not one.
Why? It isn't because Black excellence doesn't live here. It’s a quirk of history and federal law.
The Technicality That Changes Everything
To be an HBCU, a school had to be established before 1964 with the primary mission of educating Black Americans. Back then, the South had "Jim Crow" laws that legally barred Black students from white universities. This forced the creation of a parallel education system.
In New York, things were different. While racism was (and is) very real, the state didn't have the same legal mandates for segregation in higher education as Georgia or Alabama. Black New Yorkers often attended integrated (though often unwelcoming) institutions or city colleges. Because no school was founded specifically for Black students before that '64 cutoff, New York was left off the HBCU map entirely.
But wait. If you walk onto the campus of Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, you’re going to feel like you’re at an HBCU.
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The Rise of the PBI
This is where it gets interesting. Since there are no "official" HBCUs, New York relies on a different label: Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs).
A PBI is a school that serves a massive population of Black students but was usually founded after the 1964 deadline. They do a lot of the same heavy lifting as HBCUs, especially when it comes to social mobility and cultural heritage.
Medgar Evers College (CUNY) is the heavyweight champion here. Founded in 1970 and named after the legendary civil rights leader, it sits right in the heart of Crown Heights. Over 70% of its students identify as Black. It’s part of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which is a big deal because that’s an organization usually reserved for HBCUs.
It’s not just Medgar Evers, though. You’ve got other spots that basically function as the "New York HBCU experience" in spirit:
- York College (CUNY): Located in Jamaica, Queens. It’s another PBI that puts in massive work for the local community.
- Helene Fuld College of Nursing: Tucked away in Manhattan, this school has a student body that is roughly 68% Black. It’s a powerhouse for producing healthcare professionals in the city.
- Monroe College: With campuses in the Bronx and New Rochelle, it’s a private option where the vibes and the demographics often mirror the HBCU mission.
The 2024 Plot Twist: High Schools?
Here is something most people totally missed. In late 2024 and heading into 2025, New York City decided to bridge the HBCU gap in a weirdly creative way. They didn't build a college. They built a high school.
The HBCU Early College Prep High School opened in Jamaica, Queens. It’s a partnership with Delaware State University (a real-deal HBCU).
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Basically, kids in Queens can now go to a high school that feels like a mini-HBCU. They wear the gear, they learn the history, and they can actually earn an Associate Degree from Delaware State before they even graduate high school. It’s a genius workaround for a state that doesn't have its own legacy institutions.
Is the "HBCU Experience" Possible in NY?
If you’re looking for the classic "Divine Nine" Greek life, the world-class marching bands, and that specific ancestral prestige, New York might feel a little quiet. Most students here commute. You don't always get that 24/7 "on-campus" family feel you’d find at North Carolina A&T or Morehouse.
However, if you want the mission—the focus on Black excellence, the professors who look like you, and the networking in a Black professional hub—New York delivers.
Why the distinction matters
Some people get annoyed by the technicality. "Who cares if it was founded in 1963 or 1970?"
The federal government cares. HBCUs get access to specific pots of federal money (Title III funds) that PBIs sometimes have to fight harder for. It’s about the bag. If you’re a student, it also affects which scholarships you can apply for. Many "HBCU-only" scholarships literally won't let a Medgar Evers student apply, which is, frankly, a bit of a bummer.
What You Should Actually Do
If you’re a student in New York and your heart is set on the HBCU life, you have two real paths.
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Path A: Stay Local
Enroll at a PBI like Medgar Evers or York. You’ll save a ton of money on tuition (especially if you’re a NYC resident), you’ll stay close to the greatest city on earth, and you’ll still be in a pro-Black academic environment.
Path B: The "Near-NY" HBCUs
If you need the official label but don't want to move to Atlanta, look at the "Northeast Corridor" schools. They’re a bus ride away:
- Cheyney University (PA): The oldest HBCU in the country.
- Lincoln University (PA): Just outside Philly. Insane history.
- Delaware State University (DE): Super popular with New Yorkers right now.
- Howard University (DC): The "Bison" life is only 4 hours away on the Amtrak.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Designation: If you’re applying for scholarships, always check if they accept "PBIs" as well as "HBCUs." Many newer grants have updated their language to include both.
- Visit Medgar Evers: If you’re in the five boroughs, take a Saturday to walk around the Bedford Avenue campus. See if the energy fits what you’re looking for.
- Look into the NYC-DSU Partnership: If you're a parent of a middle-schooler, the HBCU Early College Prep High School is a legitimate game-changer for getting a head start on an HBCU degree for free.
New York might not have the "Historical" label, but it definitely has the heart. Choose the school that fits your career goals, not just the one with the most famous homecoming.