The Lasting Impact of Choosing an HBCU

In the concluding part of our series on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, we turn to those who know them best—the students and alumni whose lives were shaped by these storied institutions. From classrooms that nurtured their confidence to campuses that affirmed their identity, their stories reveal why HBCUs remain more than just schools—they are incubators of culture, leadership, and resilience. For many African American students, attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) is more than just an educational choice — it’s a life-changing decision that shapes their identity, career, and purpose.

HBCUs have long been a cornerstone of Black excellence, producing nearly 25% of all Black STEM graduates and fostering leaders in every sector. According to the United Negro College Fund, HBCU graduates earn an average of $927,000 more in their lifetime than peers without a degree, and alumni consistently report higher satisfaction with career preparation and advising than those from predominantly white institutions.

But for graduates, the impact goes beyond statistics.

Professional and Career Advantages

HBCUs are known for their strong alumni networks, which create lifelong bonds and professional opportunities. Graduates credit these connections with helping them secure jobs, find mentors, and advance economically. Many top companies also recruit directly from HBCUs to access diverse and highly skilled talent.

Despite being historically underfunded compared to predominantly white institutions, HBCUs have higher graduation rates for Black students and play an outsized role in lifting communities through economic empowerment and upward mobility.

A Nurturing and Affirming Environment

Graduates describe the HBCU experience as a “Black utopia” — one of the few times in life when race is not a barrier. The environment provides students with a deep sense of cultural pride, belonging, and confidence.

“Your race is a non-factor for the first time and probably only time in your life,” said a Hampton University graduate. “And it makes a huge difference in how you learn and how you socialize. I highly recommend going — Spelman, for example, is like a Black utopia.”

HBCUs foster leadership through student government, Greek life, the arts, athletics, and advocacy, preparing students to become agents of change in their communities.

Voices From the Community

Columbus leaders and alumni shared their personal reflections on how choosing an HBCU shaped their lives.

“Attending an HBCU was more than an education, it was a transformational experience that affirmed my identity, elevated my confidence, and connected me to a legacy of excellence,” said Travis Chambers, PHR, Columbus City Council District 10, and proud graduate of Albany State University. “My HBCU didn’t just prepare me for a career, it gave me purpose, pride, and a lifelong family rooted in culture, history and empowerment.”

Kia Chambers, At-Large School Board Member, echoed that sentiment. “I entered as a shy and reserved Pre-Med major, but the supportive HBCU environment allowed me to grow, thrive, and find my voice,” she said of her Albany State experience. “From being elected Miss Freshman, to serving in student government, to pledging Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated — my experiences shaped me into the woman I am today.”

For Warren Williams, a Tuskegee University graduate, the decision came down to opportunity. “Back in 2015 I stepped foot on campus for an open house and instantly fell in love,” he said. “Through the band, I was part of amazing events like the All-Star Game in Oakland. There were things my HBCU prepared me for that I didn’t even realize were significant until I got into the real world. Now I see the difference.”

A Legacy That Endures

For generations, HBCUs have cultivated leaders, built cultural pride, and served as a foundation for Black excellence. From classrooms to career paths, their influence extends far beyond campus gates.

As more students weigh their higher education options, many say the decision to attend an HBCU is not just about where they study, but about who they become.