Savanna Hoffman
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played a vital role in providing educational opportunities to students traditionally neglected due to systemic inequities in the American postsecondary education system. While they were originally founded to educate Black students, HBCUs enroll students of other races as well, including international students. In fact, HBCUs have been stepping up recruitment efforts in other countries and benefiting from the full-freight tuition that international students often pay.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International student enrollment trend in the U.S. | Between 2011-12 and 2015-16, new international student enrollment grew steadily, from 228,467 students to 300,743. Since fall 2016, it has been declining. |
| International enrollment at HBCUs | Close to 40% of all Black students apply to at least one HBCU, and 10% of all Black college students are enrolled at an HBCU. |
| International students' countries of origin | China, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. |
| Reasons for HBCUs' attractiveness to international students | Predominately Black student population, access to American culture, relatively inexpensive tuition cost, and word of mouth. |
| HBCUs' efforts to attract international students | Stepping up recruitment efforts in other countries, benefiting from full-freight tuition, and providing support services for international students. |
| Challenges | Changes in U.S. immigration policies, the global pandemic, and the end of scholarship programs. |
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What You'll Learn
International student enrolment trends at HBCUs
International student enrollment at HBCUs has been steadily increasing, with a large number of students coming from the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. This is due in part to government-funded scholarships and HBCUs' active recruitment in these regions. Between 2014 and 2017, international enrollment at Morgan State University tripled, from about 300 to 900 students, and this trend is also observed at other HBCUs. Howard University in Washington, DC, has one of the largest cohorts of international students, with 668 students from various countries.
HBCUs have traditionally played a vital role in providing educational opportunities to Black Americans, addressing systemic inequities in the American postsecondary education system. Close to 40 percent of all Black students apply to at least one HBCU, and HBCUs have a higher likelihood of graduation for Black students compared to other institutions. However, between 2010 and 2021, overall enrollment and Black student enrollment at HBCUs declined by 12 percent and 19 percent, respectively. This decline is attributed to various factors, including the global pandemic, changes in immigration policies, and the end of scholarship programs.
To foster inclusion and diversity, HBCUs are proactively examining and auditing their admissions policies. This includes ensuring that recruitment strategies include undocumented Black students, immigrant students, and first- and second-generation immigrants. HBCUs are also stepping up their recruitment efforts internationally, benefiting from the full-freight tuition that international students often pay.
While the number of HBCU students remained steady at around 289,000 between 2019 and 2022, the number of students across all degree-granting institutions decreased by 12 percent during the same period. In 2022, non-Black students made up 24 percent of enrollment at HBCUs, a significant increase from 15 percent in 1976. HBCUs are attracting international students due to their predominantly Black student population, relatively inexpensive tuition costs, and the comfort level they offer.
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HBCUs' efforts to attract international students
HBCUs have been making efforts to attract more international students to their campuses. This is partly due to the consensus that producing college graduates who are competitive in the global marketplace is critical. HBCUs want to ensure their students can compete with and work alongside their international counterparts.
Many HBCUs are scrambling to build relationships abroad to recruit more international students, strengthen foreign student and faculty exchange programs, and explore partnership opportunities abroad. HBCUs have also been stepping up their international recruitment efforts to benefit from the full-freight tuition that international students often pay. For example, between 2014 and 2017, international enrollment at Morgan State University tripled, from about 300 to 900 students. This demographic is also rapidly growing at other HBCUs. Tennessee State University also saw a significant increase in international students, going from 77 international undergraduate students in 2008-09 to 549 in 2016.
However, HBCUs face challenges in their efforts to attract international students. Many are hindered by weak finances and insufficient personnel, and some do not even have international student offices. The recent decline in international student enrollment in the US, due in part to the travel bans implemented by the Trump administration, has also impacted HBCUs. Despite these challenges, HBCUs are striving to make their campuses more welcoming to international students and are working to foster an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity.
To create a more inclusive educational environment, HBCUs are advised to examine and audit their admissions policies, recruitment strategies, scholarship packages, retention efforts, and campus climates. This proactive approach will ensure that HBCUs remain relevant and responsive to the changing demographics and actively recruit from Black immigrant communities. By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, HBCUs can enhance their academic communities and contribute to a more just and enriched educational system.
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International students' reasons for choosing HBCUs
International students are increasingly choosing HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) for a variety of reasons. Firstly, HBCUs have a unique mission of promoting academic excellence, cultural awareness, and community engagement. This focus on cultural diversity and inclusion attracts international students who want to experience and contribute to a diverse educational environment. HBCUs have a long history of enrolling and educating Black students during periods of racial segregation, and they continue to provide vital educational opportunities to students from marginalized communities. This reputation for inclusivity and empowerment is appealing to international students who may face challenges in accessing higher education in their home countries.
Another reason for the increasing enrollment of international students at HBCUs is the institutions' active recruitment efforts abroad. HBCUs benefit from the full-freight tuition that international students often pay, and they have been strategically attracting students from countries like China, India, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia, where government-funded scholarships are available. The presence of international students also brings valuable diversity to HBCU campuses, enriching the cultural exchange and broadening the perspectives of all students.
The welcoming and supportive environment that HBCUs foster is particularly attractive to international students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. HBCUs have a strong track record of providing mentorship and academic support, which enhances the overall college experience and prepares graduates for life after college. The sense of community and engagement found at HBCUs can be especially appealing to international students seeking a sense of belonging in a foreign country.
Additionally, HBCUs offer unique educational opportunities that may not be as readily available at other institutions. For example, HBCUs have a strong focus on social and economic advancement, which can be particularly beneficial for international students seeking to gain skills and knowledge that will enable them to contribute to their home countries' development. The combination of academic excellence and community engagement found at HBCUs provides international students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for a variety of career paths and life experiences.
Lastly, the increasing enrollment of international students at HBCUs can be attributed in part to the overall trend in international student enrollment in the United States. Between 2011-12 and 2015-16, new international student enrollment in the US grew steadily, and HBCUs have benefited from this broader trend. However, political factors, such as travel bans implemented by the Trump administration, have also played a role in influencing international student enrollment patterns in recent years.
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Support for international students at HBCUs
International students are an integral part of the student community in the United States, with their numbers growing steadily between 2011-12 and 2015-16. International students have been a boon for HBCUs, with many of these institutions stepping up their recruitment efforts in other countries and benefiting from the full-freight tuition that international students often pay. HBCUs have historically played a vital role in providing educational opportunities to students who have been neglected due to systemic inequities in the American postsecondary education system. They promote academic excellence, cultural awareness, and community engagement.
HBCUs have been working to make their campuses more inclusive for international students. For instance, Texas Southern University (TSU) has set up a central office focused on international affairs, including student enrollment and study-abroad opportunities. TSU's approach involves asking international students what would make them feel more included and encouraging them to recommend the university to their friends and family.
HBCUs are also well-positioned to welcome and retain Black immigrants, including undocumented Black students, by fostering a sense of belonging. Black immigrants have played a significant role in the nation's social and economic growth, and policymakers have a unique opportunity to invest in HBCUs to empower them to support their students, especially Black immigrant students.
However, it is important to note that HBCUs have received inequitable funding and investments from federal, state, and local governments. This has resulted in funding disparities between HBCUs and non-HBCUs. To ensure a more equitable landscape for all institutions of higher education, it is crucial to address these historical funding inequities and provide federal financial support for HBCUs. This support can contribute to the development of targeted programs and services that address the cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic factors affecting Black immigrant students.
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Inclusion of Black immigrant students at HBCUs
HBCUs have a rich history of fostering educational opportunities and empowerment within the Black community. However, to embody true inclusivity, HBCUs must proactively examine and audit their admissions policies. This includes interrogating current recruitment policies to ensure undocumented Black students and immigrant-origin students are included.
HBCUs have a unique opportunity to support Black immigrant students and Black undocumented students by addressing financial aid accessibility and improving recruitment efforts. By increasing support and recruitment efforts to include Black immigrant students, HBCUs can create a more sustainable enrollment. This also contributes to a more diverse learning environment, as these students bring unique perspectives to college campuses.
To foster an inclusive environment, HBCUs can partner with organizations that support Black undocumented students and offer resources such as financial aid, mentorship programs, language support services, counseling, advocacy, and cultural integration initiatives. Additionally, HBCUs can benefit from the full-freight tuition that international students often pay.
HBCUs can also take a grassroots approach to recruitment, as seen at Tennessee State University, where international students were encouraged to invite their friends and family members to the university. This strategy proved successful in increasing international student enrollment.
In conclusion, by understanding the unique experiences of Black immigrant students and creating a supportive and inclusive environment, HBCUs can empower these students to thrive academically, culturally, and emotionally, contributing to a more just and enriched educational system.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students go to HBCUs. In fact, HBCUs have been widening their doors to international students, with some schools reporting a tripling of international enrollment between 2014 and 2017.
International students are attracted to HBCUs for several reasons. One reason is the predominantly Black student population, which offers a unique cultural experience. HBCUs also tend to have relatively inexpensive tuition costs, and some international students are fully funded by their governments. Additionally, HBCUs are known for their supportive and welcoming community, which can be appealing to students studying abroad.
Howard University in Washington, D.C., and Morgan State University have some of the largest cohorts of international students. These schools attract international students due to their size, diverse student population, and affordable tuition.
HBCUs offer various support services for international students, including offices dedicated to international students and faculty services. These offices assist with the application process, immigration records, and other necessary services. Additionally, HBCUs often have cross-cultural programming to facilitate connections and learning between international and domestic students.
