As JBHE research has shown, the graduation rate of African American students at many of the nation’s historically Black colleges and university is very low. But a new study by Gallup Education shows that Black students who do graduate from HBCUs may go on to a more satisfying life than Black graduates of predominately White colleges and universities.
More than 55,000 graduates of U.S. colleges and universities between the years 1940 and 2015 were surveyed. The results showed that 55 percent of African Americans who graduated from a HBCU said that their college experience prepared them well for their life ahead. Only 29 percent of African Americans who graduated from predominantly White colleges and universities thought they had been well prepared for life after college.
About 40 percent of all Black graduates of HBCUs reported that they were doing well financially. But only 29 percent of Black graduates of predominately White educational institutions said they were doing well financially. Black graduates of HBCUs even reported that they were in better health than Black graduates of other colleges and universities.
Nearly half of all Black graduates of HBCUs agreed with the statement, “My university was the perfect school for people like me.” Only 34 percent of Black graduates of predominantly White colleges and universities agreed.
This is not surprising. I went to a high school that was predominantly African American. I left with a strong sense of identity and confidence that I could do anything I set my mine to. I went to majority white institutions for undergraduate, graduate and law school education. Each experience chipped away at my confidence and self-esteem. It was like living with domestic violence. I survived and did well; however, it took a toll on my health and ultimate network and support system.