Does Nevada Have an HBCU? Predominantly Black Institution Alternatives

There aren't many colleges or universities in Nevada, but of the schools in the state, many have diverse student bodies. Discover if Nevada has Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and find alternatives to HBCUs in Nevada.

Most of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States are based in the southeastern United States. Nevada, meanwhile, is in the western U.S. There are no HBCUs in Nevada.

Please keep reading to learn if Nevada has any HBCUs and to find alternatives to HBCUs in Nevada.

Alternatives to HBCUs in Nevada

While there may not be any HBCUs in Nevada, it is still possible to find diversity on college campuses. Many of the colleges and universities in the state are diverse, mainly due to the state's Hispanic and Latino population.

Below, we've listed two schools with a high percentage of students of color in Nevada.

1. Nevada Career Institute

Nevada Career Institute is a for-profit technical and career college in Las Vegas. It offers associate degrees and certificate programs.

Programs are available in areas of study like:

  • business administration
  • medical and dental assisting
  • nursing
  • surgical technology

Nevada Career Institute enrolls 300 students. Of those, 30% are Black or African American, 32% are Hispanic or Latino, and 17% are white.

2. Northwest Career College

Northwest Career College is a for-profit trade school in Las Vegas. It offers associate degrees and certificates. It's accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

Students can study programs in fields such as:

  • business
  • health professions
  • criminal justice
  • legal studies

Northwest Career College enrolls nearly 2,000 students. 32% of students are Black or African American, 35% are Hispanic or Latino, and 14% are white.

Online HBCUs

While there are no HBCUs in Nevada, students in Nevada can still study at HBCUs through online programs. Below, we've listed three online HBCUs across the U.S.

1. Central State University

Central State University is a historically Black public university in Wilberforce, Ohio. It offers online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificates.

Online programs are available in areas of study like:

  • business
  • criminal justice
  • education
  • humanities

Central State University is one of the best HBCUs in Ohio, and enrolls nearly 5,500 students. 33% of students are Black or African American and 95% of undergraduate students are enrolled in at least some online courses.

2. Howard University

Howard University is a private, historically Black research university in Washington, D.C. Probably the most famous of the HBCUs, Howard offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificate programs online.

Students can study online programs in fields such as:

  • business
  • communications
  • health care
  • social sciences

Howard University enrolls just under 13,000 students, 65% of whom identify as Black or African American and 83% of whom are enrolled in at least a portion of their courses online.

3. Jackson State University

Jackson State University is a public, historically Black research university in Jackson, Mississippi. It offers online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificate programs.

Online programs are available in areas of study like:

  • business
  • education
  • history
  • human services

Jackson State University enrolls nearly 7,000 students. Of those, 95% identify as Black or African American and 94% take some or all of their courses online.

Benefits of Attending a Predominantly Black Institution

For BIPOC students, there are many benefits to attending a predominantly Black institution. To start, students of color may feel more comfortable in these schools.

Additionally, these schools may offer benefits like more staff members of color, cultural clubs and programs, and financial aid for BIPOC students.

Tips on Choosing the Right College Program

There are several things to think about when you're trying to choose the right college program.

To start, consider your intended field of study and what colleges and universities offer the best programs for that field. If you want to earn your degree online, you'll also want to find a school that offers that program online.

If you're planning to live on campus, you'll want to consider things such as the location of the college, student housing opportunities, and extracurricular activities offered at the school.

Finally, you'll want to look at the cost of tuition, fees, supplies, and room and board. Check that the college is in your budget and look for financial aid programs offered by the school.

What Is the Difference Between an HBCU and a PBI?

HBCUs were originally founded as schools specifically for Black students. They were established prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, when colleges and universities were still segregated in many places.

Most HBCUs are in the southeastern United States, but some are as far north as Pennsylvania and as far west as central Texas and Oklahoma.

Predominantly Black Institutions, or PBIs, are colleges or universities that, among other requirements, have at least 100 students with at least 40% of those students being Black Americans.

Like HBCUs, these tend to be clustered in the southeastern U.S. Schools must apply to be considered a PBI, so there are some schools who qualify but have not attempted to receive that recognition.

Nevada does not have HBCUs, nor does it have any PBIs.

Find a Historically Black College or University Near You

While there are no HBCUs or PBIs in Nevada, there are a few diverse colleges and universities. Check out the programs above to find the right fit for you today!