Nonprofit, public-interest journalism, 2000–2010

Historically Black Schools: Change They can Believe in?

Historically black colleges and universities face declining enrollment, with expenses rising and the historic culture changing.

Only 13 percent of African Americans pursuing higher education are enrolled at a historically black college, reports The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Mark Gamble, an African American who attends Georgia State University, where the population is 60 percent Caucasian, told the newspaper: “I like being around whites, blacks, Asians and all other minorities.”

Indeed, students from some higher-income families are opting for a more diverse environment at schools such as Harvard, Vanderbilt and elsewhere.

Those who choose historically black institutions find that they are getting a good education, but also a debt burden.

While more and more prospective students are looking for financial aid, historically black colleges do not always have the economic resources to serve them all.

–Brittany Owens/Newsdesk.org

Source:

“Black colleges fight erosion of their niche”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, February 15, 2009