HBCU

American  

abbreviation

1. historically Black college or university: any institution of higher education that was established prior to 1964 and whose principal mission was and still is the education of Black Americans.

---

Usage

What is HBCU? HBCU stands for historically black colleges and universities, which were established before the landmark Civil Rights Act in 1964 and with the ongoing mission of educating Black Americans. How is term pronounced?[ eych-bee-see-yoo ]

Etymology

Origin of HBCU

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Doc attended Delaware State University, an HBCU, where he majored in mass communications.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 2, 2026

Jennings recounted parts of Harris’ biography — how she was born and raised in California, attended an HBCU, and served as both a senator and vice president.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2024

“For an HBCU, the bands are part of the culture, they’re part of the lifestyle,” Webber said.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 12, 2023

Four submitted proposals, and in January the Air Force chose Howard, arguably the best known HBCU, as the lead institute in a consortium of eight HBCUs that will operate RITA.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 22, 2023

“And I’m not saying this because I’m at a Black HBCU, I say it wherever I go.”

From Washington Times • May 13, 2023