Many students interested in attending an HBCU college or university in New York have always asked – Are there HBCUs in New York?
HBCU stands for historically black colleges and universities. There are many of these schools across the country. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are higher education institutions in the United States established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to educate the African-American community primarily.
There are some HBCUs in other parts of the country, and it may surprise you that New York has no Historically Black Colleges or Universities.
Therefore, we want to answer all your questions on whether there are HBCUs in New York and give you some information about Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the United States.
A Brief History of Black Colleges and Universities
Black Colleges and Universities are higher educational institutions founded to provide an opportunity for African Americans to attend college. Historical black colleges and universities came into existence in response to the Jim Crow laws that prevented African-Americans from being able to attend traditionally white schools.
The laws stated that not only could African-Americans not attend these institutions but also that black students could not be taught by any professors who were not black themselves. HBCUs were created to nurture an education system that allowed African-American students to receive higher education.
While these institutions have significantly expanded over time, there are still limited opportunities for African American students in some regions of the country because there are no HBCUs nearby.
For example, blacks and people of minority living in areas like New York and States where HBCUs are not found get denied the right to education because they cannot afford the high-priced schools in their locations.
The answer to the question, “Are there HBCUs in New York,” becomes inevitable as more people want to feel accepted and recognized within a system they can trust.
Are there HBCUs in New York?
As surprising as it may sound, there are no HBCUs in New York State. New York is home to some of the best colleges and universities in America. These schools are highly respected institutions of higher learning and have a long history of academic excellence, offering students an education in various disciplines.
Some quality higher education schools in New York Include:
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Barnard College
- New York University
- Colgate University
- Hamilton College
- CUNY
- SUNY
Is New York University an HBCU?
There are no HBCUs in New York, but Lincoln University in Pennsylvania is the closest one. NYU is one of the world’s most influential universities, providing students with a rigorous education in more than 80-degree programs.
New York University may not be an HBCU. Still, the school has a large congregation of African Americans and other nationalities, making NYU one of the most racially diverse schools in America.
Is Cornell an HBCU?
Cornell University is not an HBCU. However, there is some debate over whether or not Cornell University is an HBCU. Some say that because abolitionists founded it, it qualifies. Others say that because it admitted students of all races from its inception, it doesn’t qualify. Ultimately, the choice is for Cornell University to decide.
The Closest HBCU To New York
Since there are no HBCUs in New York and the state of Pennsylvania is the only state close to New York with HBCU colleges. Ultimately, the Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and Lincoln University are the closest HBCUs to New York
What are the HBCUs in New Jersey
There are no HBCUs in New Jersey. However, there are top colleges and universities located in the State. These universities provide students with an education in a wide range of fields. These schools are well-respected institutions of higher learning with a long tradition of academic excellence.
Some top schools in New Jersey include:
- Princeton University
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- The College of New Jersey
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Monmouth University
Frequently Asked Question – Are there HBCUs in New York
What States are HBCUs in?
The U.S. Department of Education recognized only 101 colleges as HBCUs. These institutions involve research universities, community colleges, graduate schools, and liberal arts colleges spread across nineteen states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Of all these schools, 52 are public institutions, and 49 are private nonprofit institutions (source).
| S/N | States | Number of HBCUs |
| 1 | Alabama | 14 |
| 2 | North Carolina | 10 |
| 3 | Georgia | 9 |
| 4 | Texas | 9 |
| 5 | South Carolina | 8 |
| 6 | Louisiana | 7 |
| 7 | Mississippi | 6 |
| 8 | Tennessee | 6 |
| 9 | Virginia | 5 |
| 10 | Arkansas | 4 |
| 11 | Florida | 4 |
| 12 | Maryland | 4 |
| 13 | District of Columbia | 3 |
| 14 | Kentucky | 2 |
| 15 | Missouri | 2 |
| 16 | Ohio | 2 |
| 17 | Pennsylvania | 2 |
| 18 | West Virginia | 2 |
| 19 | Delaware | 1 |
| 20 | Oklahoma | 1 |
| 21 | Virgin Islands | 1 |
Are there any HBCUs in the Northeast?
Yes! There are two HBCUs in Pennsylvania state (Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and Lincoln University) which is also part of the Northeastern states of America. The Northeastern Region of the United States comprises the following states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Is Brooklyn College an HBCU?
No, Brooklyn College is not an HBCU. However, Brooklyn College is a highly respected institution of higher learning in Brooklyn, New York City. It has a long history of academic excellence; the college offers students a rigorous education in various disciplines. Whether you’re looking for a top-tier school for your undergraduate studies or graduate school, Brooklyn College got it all.
What are the 10 Oldest HBCUs in America?
The oldest HBCU in the US is the Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and the second oldest is the University of the District of Columbia. Below is a Table representation of the 10 oldest HBCUs in America.
| The school (HBCUs) | State/Territory | Year |
| Cheyney University of Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | 1837 |
| University of the District of Columbia | District of Columbia | 1851 |
| Lincoln University | Pennsylvania | 1854 |
| Payne Theological Seminary | Ohio | 1856 |
| Wilberforce University | Ohio | 1856 |
| Harris–Stowe State University | Missouri | 1857 |
| LeMoyne-Owen College | Tennessee | 1862 |
| Bowie State University | Maryland | 1865 |
| Clark Atlanta University | Georgia | 1865 |
| Shaw University | North Carolina | 1865 |
Which State has Most HBCUs?
The State with the most HBCUs in the U.S is Alabama with 14 schools, closely followed by North Carolina with 10, Georgia with 9, and Texas with 9.
Is There an HBCU in California?
There is no HBCU in California. However, California is home to one of the best universities in the world – Stanford University. Also, there are dozens of awarding-winning private and public colleges and universities in California.
Conclusion on Are There HBCUs in New York
New York has no HBCU colleges. However, it is among the top states in America with Top-quality higher education. Most colleges here prepare students for the challenges ahead, tutoring them to be their best version.
We know this article has answered your question – Are there HBCUs In New York? And also throw more light on other doubts you may have about HBCUs. Cheers!!
———————————————————-