Does Massachusetts Have an HBCU? Non-HBCU Alternatives

Most Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are in the southeastern United States. However, there are still many top HBUCs across the U.S.

Keep reading to learn if Massachusetts has Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and to discover alternatives to HBCUs in Massachusetts.

Alternatives to HBCUs in Massachusetts

There are no HBCUs in Massachusetts, but there are several colleges and universities with diverse student bodies.

We've listed alternatives to HBCUs in Massachusetts below in alphabetical order. All colleges and universities listed are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

1. American International College

American International College is a private university in Springfield, Massachusetts. It offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs on campus and online.

Programs are available in areas of study like:

• business
• education
• health sciences
• social sciences

American International College enrolls about 2,000 students. Of those, 26% are Black or African American, 24% are Hispanic or Latino, and 34% are white.

2. Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology

Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology is a private college of technology in Boston. It offers associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and certificate programs.

Students can study fields such as:

• construction trades
• cybersecurity
• engineering
• mechanic and repair technologies

Franklin Cummings Tech enrolls just over 500 students. 26% of students are Black or African American, 27% are Hispanic or Latino, and 22% of students are white.

3. Bunker Hill Community College

Bunker Hill Community College is a public community college with multiple campuses in the Boston area. It offers associate degrees and certificates in person and online.

Programs are available in areas of study like:

• business
• computer and information sciences
• health sciences
• liberal arts

Bunker Hill Community College enrolls nearly 8,500 students. Of those, 22% are Black or African American, 30% are Hispanic or Latino, and 16% are white.

4. Cambridge College

Cambridge College is a private college based in Boston. It offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs on campus and online.

Students can study fields such as:

• business
• education
• health sciences
• human services

Cambridge College enrolls over 2,000 students. 26% are Black or African American, 28% are Hispanic or Latino, and 32% are white.

5. Labour?College of Healthcare

Labour?College of Healthcare is a private healthcare-focused college in Milton. It offers associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and certificate programs in person and online.

Programs are available in areas of study like:

• healthcare administration
• health sciences
• nursing
• radiation therapy

Labour?College of Healthcare enrolls just under 1,000 students. Of those, 42% are Black or African American, 13% are Hispanic or Latino, and 34% are white.

Benefits of Attending a Predominantly Black Institution

For students of color, attending a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) allows them to be more immersed in Black culture and can help them feel more comfortable.

Additionally, PBIs may have a higher number of staff members of color, may provide financial aid opportunities for students of color, and may offer cultural clubs and programs.

Tips on Choosing the Right College Program

There are hundreds of colleges and universities in the United States, and it can be hard to figure out which is best for you. There are a few different things you can consider to help with the decision.

First, and perhaps most importantly, you'll need to choose a college that has a solid program for whatever field of study you plan to pursue. If you're hoping to study online, be sure to look for colleges that offer your program online.

For students studying on campus, there are a number of things to think about, such as where the college is located, what types of student housing options are available, and on-campus activities.

Students of color may prefer to attend a school with a higher number of minority students. Some colleges and universities list demographics on their website, but you can also find demographics through the National Center for Education Statistics.

The price of tuition and fees can also vary wildly between colleges and universities. When choosing a program, look at prices and search out financial aid opportunities you may qualify for.

What Is the Difference Between an HBCU and a PBI?

HBCUs are colleges and universities that were established before desegregation. These institutions were designed only for Black students, as Black students in many states could not attend white schools.

Today, many HBCUs still have a majority-black student body. These schools are primarily clustered in the southeastern United States.

PBIs are schools that don't qualify as HBCUs but have a large percentage of students of color. Among other requirements, the school must have at least 1,000 students with at least 40% being Black Americans.

The PBI designation is one that colleges and universities need to apply for, meaning that there are some institutions that fit the requirements to be a PBI but have not taken the steps to become designated as a PBI.

Like HBCUs, most PBIs are in the southeastern U.S., but there are also many scattered throughout the rest of the country. However, there are no PBIs in Massachusetts.

Find a Historically Black College or University Near You

There are no HBCUs or PBIs in Massachusetts, but there are several diverse colleges and universities. Check out the featured programs above to find alternatives to HBCUs in Massachusetts.