Does New York Have an HBCU? Predominantly Black Institution Alternatives
New York is a somewhat racially diverse state, especially in areas like New York City. Discover whether there are any Historically Black Colleges and Universities in New York.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities are universities formed just for Black students. They are mainly located in the southeastern U.S., but not completely. However, New York does not have any HBCUs.
Despite that, New York still has a handful of colleges and universities with a high percentage of students of color. Keep reading to discover alternatives to HBCUs in New York.
Alternatives to HBCUs in New York
There are no HBCUs in New York, and only one Predominantly Black Institution (PBI). However, there are several schools with a large population of students of color.
We've listed some alternatives to HBCUs in New York below in alphabetical order. All colleges and universities listed are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Discover Accredited Online Programs
Find the program that works best for you and apply today.
Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you reach them. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you.
University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus provides affordable, achievable, and flexible pathways to a college degree for adult learners. With over 90 degrees and certificates, UMGC is built to fit your schedule and goals.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers a wide range of online programs designed for working adults. Earn your degree from a nationally recognized institution with flexible scheduling and strong academic support.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers more than 300 online degree programs, certificates and courses. ASU Online delivers the same rigorous academic programs as on campus, with the flexibility you need to succeed.
1. Bryant & Stratton College
Bryant & Stratton College is a private college based in Buffalo, with several campuses across the country. It offers associate and bachelor's degrees on campus and online.
Programs are available in areas of study like:
- business
- health sciences
- human services
- legal studies
The Buffalo campus enrolls nearly 800 students. Of those students, 43% identify as Black or African American.
2. Helene Fuld College of Nursing
Helene Fuld College of Nursing is a private nursing school in New York City. It offers associate and bachelor's degrees.
All programs offered by the college are nursing programs. This includes a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN) program and a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program.
The Helene Fuld College of Nursing enrolls almost 550 students. 68% of students at the college identify as Black or African American.
3. Medgar Evers College
Medgar Evers College is a public college in New York City. It offers associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and certificate programs.
Programs are available in areas of study like:
- business
- education
- liberal arts
- social sciences
Medgar Evers College enrolls over 3,500 students of whom 73% identify as Black or African American. It is the only PBI in the state and is a member of the CUNY system.
4. Mercy University
Mercy University is a private university in Dobbs Ferry. It offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs on campus and online.
Students can study fields such as:
- business
- education
- health sciences
- social sciences
Mercy University enrolls more than 8,500 students. 24% of students at the university identify as Black or African American; the largest student population is Hispanic or Latino students, who make up 46% of the student body.
5. Metropolitan College of New York
Metropolitan College of New York is a private college in New York City. It offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees, as well as certificate programs.
Programs are available in areas of study like:
- business
- education
- emergency management
- public administration
Metropolitan College of New York enrolls just under 650 students. Of those, 54% identify as Black or African American, and 32% identify as Hispanic or Latino.
6. Monroe College
Monroe College is a private for-profit college in New York City. It offers associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificate programs in person and online.
Students can study fields such as:
- business
- criminal justice
- health sciences
- human services
Monroe College enrolls over 7,000 students, with 42% identifying as Black or African American and 37% identifying as Hispanic or Latino.
7. York College
York College is a public college in Queens, New York City. It offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificate programs.
Programs are available in areas of study like:
- biological sciences
- business
- health sciences
- social sciences
York College enrolls nearly 6,500 students of which 36% identify as Black or African American. It's part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system.
Benefits of Attending a Predominantly Black Institution
One of the largest benefits of attending a PBI is that students of color may feel more comfortable than they would at a school with a smaller minority population.
Other benefits may include cultural clubs and programs as well as financial aid options for students of color.
Tips on Choosing the Right College Program
There are a few things to consider when trying to choose the right college program. These include:
- your planned program of study
- format of classes (online or on campus)
- campus location
- extracurricular activities
- tuition and fees
- housing
- financial aid options
What Is the Difference Between an HBCU and a PBI?
An HBCU is an institution that was established specifically for Black students before segregation was outlawed by the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
These colleges and universities are primarily clustered in the southeastern United States, and there are no HBCUs in New York.
A PBI is an institution that, among other requirements, has a student population of over 1,000 with at least 40% of those students being Black Americans.
Institutions must apply to be considered a PBI?his is not an automatic classification. As a result, some schools fit this description but are not federally designated as PBIs.
Find a Historically Black College or University Near You
While New York doesn't have any HBCUs, it does have one PBI and several colleges and universities that primarily serve minority students. Check out the schools above to find the perfect fit for you today.
