HBCUs VS PWIs

Deciding whether to attend an HBCU or a PWI can be both an easy or hard decision for some. Both have many different aspects which help define both. These aspects provide individuals with more information and can help with their decision on where to attend.  Let's dig deeper and take a look at both HBCUs and PWIs and their similarities and differences.

HBCU's vs PWI's

HBCUs:

HBCU stands for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. According to the  US Department of Education, "HBCUs are a source of accomplishment and great pride for the African American community as well as the entire nation. The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, defines an HBCU as: “…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation.” HBCUs offer all students, regardless of race, an opportunity to develop their skills and talents. These institutions train young people who go on to serve domestically and internationally in the professions as entrepreneurs and in the public and private sectors".
HBCU

HBCUs have many different contributing factors. HBCU's are known for having a strong history. Reading over The Network Journal- Black Professionals and Small Business News page and the information they include on HBCUs, they mainly discuss HBCUs and their strong history. They mention how "HBCUs are responsible for 22 percent of current bachelor’s degrees granted to Blacks. Among Blacks, 40 percent of all congressmen, 12.5 percent of CEOs, 40 percent of engineers, 50 percent of professors at non-HBCUs, 50 percent of lawyers and 80 percent of judges are HBCU graduates". They also mention the "top 21 undergraduate producers of Blacks with doctoral degrees are HBCUs. W.E.B. Dubois (Wilberforce), Ralph Ellison (Tuskegee), Martin Luther King, Jr. (Morehouse), Thurgood Marshall (Lincoln), Ruth Simmons (Dillard), and Oprah Winfrey (Tennessee State) headline a long list of famous HBCU alumni". 

An example of a HBCU with strong History is Hampton University. As stated by The Network Journal- Black Professionals and Small Business News, "Hampton University is one of oldest privately funded historical black colleges & universities on the east coast. This well-established HBCU offers undergrad, masters and doctoral courses in technical and liberal arts fields. Hampton University has been rated among the top African American universities in the world, with a community of students from 35 countries and territories and nearly every state in America, making it one of the most popular black colleges".
I love my HBCU

There are many other factors and aspects of HBCUs besides its strong history. They are also known to have good sports teams and a great band attracting more students. Videos of different HBCU bands can be found on Social media sites, like twitter.  HBCUs also have many scholarship opportunities and alumni organizations offered to help and encourage African American students, as well as other races, receive an education and get their degree. They tend to have smaller class sizes, depending on the university as well. Some HBCUs even offer programs to help find opportunities and jobs for African American students after college. HBCUs are said to be a big family across the country and support one another through their cultural and historical background.

Going to a HBCU can be a great experience for many individuals, but not everyone might be in favor for them. Sometimes many don't like the fact that they're not as diverse as PWIs. Also, some HBCUs may lack the necessary technology or simply may be out of date with certain resources leaving many individuals hesitant to attend.  Many individuals aren't fond of the appearance on certain campuses ranging from the dorms, to classrooms, to amenities, making this another negative factor. Another con is the fact that although many scholarships are given, this does not mean everyone is entitled to receive one or even receive a full scholarship.

Although, the list goes on for negatives aspects of HBCUs, there are still plenty of positive reasons and why one should attend and if you are interested, I encourage you to definitely look up and visit many HBCUs websites to receive more information.

                                                                   PWIs:                                                 Diversity

PWI stands for Predominately White Institutions. According to M. Christopher Brown II & T. Elon Dancy II, "Predominantly white institution (PWI) is the term used to describe institutions of higher learning in which Whites account for 50% or greater of the student enrollment. However, the majority of these institutions may also be understood as historically White institutions in recognition of the binarism and exclusion supported by the United States prior to 1964".

PWIs have many contributing factors and aspects as well. They are said to have better reputations than HBCUs. Some PWIs are said to have prettier campuses as well, attracting more individuals.  By this I mean, newer technology, updated amenities and facilities, nicer dorms, and ETC. PWIs are more prestige and excel in sports as well. They offer scholarships, both for academics and sports wise to help bring in more students. Many individuals say, PWIs have great professors who deliver great teaching allowing for the students to receive a good education. PWIs also offer a better variety of majors and programs to the students, allowing for many more students to be attracted to the school.

PWI's
Although PWIs, as well bring great contributing factors, they still have negative aspects as well. For one, many individuals say PWIs are diverse. I beg to differ. Not all universities are. With that being said racism has been said to be a common issue as well within PWIs pushing many individuals away. Because of this, you don't see many individuals who look like you striving to make a mark and difference at that school. Additionally, PWIs aren't as understanding for African American individuals as well as other minorities. Their expectations can sometimes be higher, leaving many individuals unable to attend. Class sizes again can be larger which can be a negative factor as well. The list goes on for negative factors, but remember there are good factors and aspects of PWIs as well. Again, I  encourage you to take a look at some more PWIs and gain more information to help in your decision, as well as allow you to get a better idea on Predominately White Institutions.

Here are some Additional PWIs: Radford University, Rutgers University, Stanford University, California State University, Virginia Common Wealth University, University of Virginia, Florida State University, George Mason, William and Mary, and Virginia Tech.