Honestly, if you ask five different people how many Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) exist in the United States, you’ll probably get five different numbers. It’s one of those things that sounds like it should be a straightforward Google search, but the deeper you go, the more you realize it’s a moving target.
As of January 2026, the official count from the U.S. Department of Education generally hovers around 107.
Wait, or is it 101? Or 99?
It's confusing. Basically, the number fluctuates because of how we define "HBCU" versus a "Predominantly Black Institution" (PBI), and because—sadly—some schools have lost accreditation or merged in recent years. But when people talk about the "core" group of HBCUs that fall under the Higher Education Act of 1965, 107 is the magic number most experts land on.
These schools aren't just old buildings with history; they’re absolute powerhouses. They make up only about 3% of all colleges in the U.S., yet they produce 20% of all Black graduates. That’s a wild stat if you think about it.
The Official Count: How Many Black Colleges Are There Right Now?
To understand why the number sits at 107, you've gotta look at the federal definition. To be a "real" HBCU in the eyes of the law, the school had to be established before 1964 with the primary mission of educating Black Americans. Because of that hard 1964 cutoff, the list doesn't really "grow" in the traditional sense. You can’t just open a new HBCU tomorrow.
The current list includes a mix of everything. You have:
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- Public state universities (like North Carolina A&T, which is actually the largest HBCU in the country).
- Private elite institutions (think Howard or Morehouse).
- Community colleges and two-year schools.
- Medical schools and law centers.
North Carolina A&T currently leads the pack with over 13,000 students. On the flip side, you have tiny gems like Bennett College or Lane College that feel more like a tight-knit family than a massive institution.
Why the Number Changes
You might see 101 in some reports and 107 in others. Kinda weird, right? This usually happens because some lists only count Title IV accredited institutions—meaning schools where students can get federal financial aid.
If a school like Barber-Scotia College in North Carolina loses its accreditation, it still exists, and it’s still "historically Black," but it might drop off the "official" Department of Education list for funding purposes. It's a technicality that makes a big difference to a student’s wallet.
Where Are They Located?
You won’t find many HBCUs in the Pacific Northwest. Most of them are clustered in the Southeast, a direct reflection of the Jim Crow era and where Black populations were concentrated when these schools were founded.
Alabama is a heavy hitter with 15 institutions. North Carolina and Georgia aren't far behind. You’ve even got one in the U.S. Virgin Islands—the University of the Virgin Islands—which sounds like a pretty great place to spend four years.
There are only a few HBCUs located in "Northern" states, such as Cheyney University and Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. In fact, Cheyney holds the title of the oldest HBCU, founded way back in 1837.
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The Difference Between HBCUs and PBIs
This is where people get tripped up. There are hundreds of colleges that are "Black colleges" in terms of their student body, but they aren't HBCUs.
A Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) is a school where at least 40% of the students are Black, but the school was founded after 1964 or didn't have the specific mission of educating Black students at its inception. Schools like Georgia State University or various CUNY schools in New York often fall into this category. They do amazing work, but they don't get the same federal HBCU-specific funding.
Survival and the 2025-2026 Landscape
The last few years have been a bit of a rollercoaster. On one hand, you have massive "mega-donations" hitting the sector. MacKenzie Scott (the novelist and philanthropist) has been dropping hundreds of millions of dollars into schools like Prairie View A&M and Morgan State. It’s been transformative.
But on the other hand, the "enrollment cliff" is real. Small private colleges everywhere are struggling, and HBCUs aren't immune. In early 2026, we saw institutions like Martin University in Indiana having to pause operations or seek mergers to stay afloat.
It’s a lopsided reality. The "Top 10" HBCUs—the Howards and Spelmans of the world—have record-breaking application numbers and massive endowments. But the smaller, rural schools are fighting for every penny.
Does the Number Really Matter?
Sorta. But the impact is what really counts.
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Even though there are only 107 of them, these schools produce:
- 50% of all Black lawyers in the U.S.
- 80% of all Black judges.
- 40% of all Black engineers.
- 70% of all Black doctors and dentists.
If those 107 schools disappeared, the American professional workforce would basically collapse.
Choosing the Right One for You
If you're looking at the list of 107 and trying to pick one, don't just go by the name you see on a sweatshirt at Target.
- Check Accreditation: Make sure the school is currently accredited by a body like SACSCOC. This is non-negotiable for your future career.
- Public vs. Private: Public HBCUs (like Florida A&M) often have lower tuition for in-state residents. Private ones (like Xavier University of Louisiana) might be pricier but often have specific niche specialties—Xavier, for instance, is the #1 producer of Black graduates who go on to finish medical school.
- The Vibe: Each campus has a different culture. Some are very "suits and ties" and professional; others are more "artsy" or focused on grassroots activism.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are researching these schools for yourself or a family member, here is how you should move forward:
- Visit the NCES Website: Use the National Center for Education Statistics "College Navigator" tool. You can filter specifically for HBCUs to see the most current, government-verified list of 107 institutions.
- Verify Financial Aid Status: Before applying, confirm the school is "Title IV" eligible. This ensures you can use FAFSA.
- Look Beyond the "Big Three": Howard, Morehouse, and Spelman are great, but there are 104 other schools with incredible programs that might be a better financial or cultural fit. Look into "Land-Grant" HBCUs like Tennessee State or Southern University if you’re interested in agriculture or high-level tech.
- Follow the Money: Check which schools have recently received major grants. Schools like Morgan State and North Carolina A&T are currently in a "building boom" thanks to new funding, which means better labs, newer dorms, and more scholarships.
The number might be 107 today, but the legacy is much bigger than a headcount. Whether you're looking for the "Divine Nine" Greek life or a top-tier engineering degree, these schools remain the backbone of Black intellectual life in America.