North Carolina stands tall as home to 11 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), more than nearly any other state in the nation. These institutions, spread from the mountains to the coast, represent more than just classrooms and campuses — they are cultural anchors, economic engines, and incubators of Black excellence that have shaped generations of leaders.
The Full List of North Carolina HBCUs
Winston-Salem State University North Carolina A&T State University (the nation’s largest HBCU) North Carolina Central University (Durham’s own, and the first state-supported liberal arts college for Black students in the country) Elizabeth City State University Fayetteville State University Shaw University (the oldest HBCU in the South, founded in 1865) St. Augustine’s University Livingstone College Johnson C. Smith University Barber-Scotia College Bennett College (one of only two all-women’s HBCUs in the nation)
A Statewide Footprint
Collectively, North Carolina’s HBCUs enroll more than 50,000 students annually and contribute over $1.7 billion to the state’s economy, according to the United Negro College Fund. Beyond economics, these schools have produced governors, judges, entrepreneurs, artists, and countless teachers, pastors, and community leaders.
Durham’s North Carolina Central University (NCCU), for example, has long been a training ground for lawyers, public servants, and business professionals who remain in the Triangle area to strengthen local communities. Meanwhile, Greensboro’s N.C. A&T has become a national powerhouse in engineering and STEM fields, producing more Black engineers than any other university in America.
The Culture of Homecoming
As fall approaches, HBCU homecoming season draws near — events that are as much about fellowship and culture as they are about football. These weekends often attract tens of thousands of alumni, families, and fans, bringing with them major tourism dollars for local economies.
Durham and the Bull City community, through NCCU’s storied homecoming, celebrate not just school spirit but also the deep cultural pride that HBCUs embody. The music, the step shows, the parades, the tailgates — it’s a reminder of how these institutions serve as living, breathing celebrations of resilience and tradition.
Why It Matters Now
As HBCUs nationally continue to face financial headwinds, their role in North Carolina is more critical than ever. Rising tuition costs and uneven state support remain challenges, but the commitment of alumni and communities ensures that these institutions endure.
At Bull City Citizen, we believe in uplifting the legacies of Durham and the broader state. North Carolina’s HBCUs are not just schools — they are proof that history, culture, and education can come together to create a lasting future.
