The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Initiative), reestablished by Executive Order in 2025 and housed within the Executive Office of the President, works with private sector employers, educational associations, philanthropic organizations, and other partners to increase the capacity of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to provide the highest-quality education to an increasing number of students.
What is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU)?
HBCUs are a source of accomplishment and great pride for the African American community, as well as the entire nation. The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, defines an HBCU as: “…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation.”
Initiative Leadership and Partners
President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs
Interagency Working Group
Initiative Leadership
The White House Summit on HBCUs provides a forum for HBCUs and public and private stakeholders to share innovations among institutions.
Use the NCES College Navigator tool to view a list of HBCUs, and search HBCUs by programs offered, admission rates, tuition, and other criteria.
Find current and historical data about HBCUs in this fact sheet from ED's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
For questions about the Initiative, please contact us via email.
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