For many people, the start of the fall symbolizes the return to school. On the social side, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) often possess an undeniable reputation for having the most exciting, impressive campus life one may ever experience.
Every September, thousands of African-American college freshman across the country descend upon historically Black colleges and universities to begin their college education and journey into adulthood. The plethora of student clubs and Greek organizations offered, there are plenty of opportunities to be active and have fun on campus. Most of all, HBCU parties and Homecomings are legendary–for more than a century HBCUs have existed as distinguished reminders of the excellence achieved by African-Americans in education, medicine, law, social justice and the arts, despite racial barriers–once you attend, your enjoyment will be unforgettable!
Here are the top ten historically Black colleges and universities to get a great education and get your party on at. Don’t attend one of these school? Road trip!
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Photo: Getty Images
Howard University
Immortalized in popular culture and noted for producing more on-campus African-American Ph.D.s than any other university worldwide, Howard University is where students from other nearby HBCUs come to party! In addition, Howard University’s Homecoming is the regarded by many as the “holy grail” of all HBCU homecomings on the East Coast. The wildly-popular week-long celebration attracts some of the biggest names in entertainment, including the school’s most famous (ahem!) graduate, Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was honored this past May with a doctoral degree. Most alumni and guests flock to traditional events like the Yardfest and Greek step show battle, but with the non-stop variety of parties, cultural events and concerts to choose from, you are guaranteed to have fun.
Spelman College
Regarded as one of the top-tier HBCUs, Spelman boasts an 80 percent graduation rate and is America’s oldest historically Black college for women. But don’t let the high-achieving stats fool you: Spelman is known for its vibrant Greek life and depending on whom you ask, a hub for meeting your (potential) Mr. Right, as it is directly located near Morehouse College, the prestigious all-male HBCU. Every fall both colleges partner to host their annual “SpelHouse” Homecoming, home of the “ultimate HBCU tailgating experience.”
Clark Atlanta University As part of the Atlanta University Center (AUC Consortium) alongside Spelman and Morehouse, Clark-Atlanta University’s vibrant campus life, notable alumni and achievements can get overlooked at times. Despite often hosting their homecoming the same weekend as “SpelHouse,” Clark-Atlanta University boasts an equally impressive celebration of their own, with plenty of concerts, step shows and parties to choose from. With easy access to the city of Atlanta’s college-friendly nightlife scene, Clark-Atlanta University remains a popular choice among students and visitors for a true HBCU experience.
South Carolina State University
Orangeburg, South Carolina might seem like an unlikely place for a party school, but it is home of South Carolina State University, the state’s only HBCU. Socially, the university hosts one of the most turnt-up yet overlooked homecomings and shares events with neighboring HBCUs Claflin University and Voorhees College. In addition, South Carolina State is the only HBCU to be recognized as an over-performing college in the United States.
North Carolina A&T University
Along with being ranked first for best online undergraduate programs and 8th overall among the nation’s HBCUs by U.S. World News and Report’s 2014 U.S. News Best Colleges, North Carolina A&T prides itself on being home to “The Greatest Homecoming on Earth.” While that title is debatable among HBCU enthusiasts, A&T’s strong party scene earns an “A” for its popular on-campus “Gym Jams” and student-friendly nightlife scene in the nearby downtown Greensboro area.
Grambling State University
Located on a picturesque, rustic campus in Louisiana, Grambling State University is the top producer of Computer Information Science graduates in Louisiana and many NFL greats including Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams and Hall of Famer Charlie Joiner. The Grambling State Tigers and The Tiger Marching Band both play major roles in the most popular campus activities, such as the annual Bayou Classic and Battle of the Bands. Rounding out the on-campus social scene, the active coalition of the “Divine Nine” Greek organizations and student-run clubs regularly host parties, events and shows for students to enjoy.
Florida A&M University
Founded in 1887 and nicknamed FAMU, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is the largest historically black university in the United States. Most FAMU social events revolve around football season, as the university is well-known for its renowned Division I football team, the Rattlers and their history-making marching band, The Marching 100. This fall, you can find FAMU tailgating at the annual Florida Blue Classic while in the spring season FAMU students represent at Black College Reunion weekend in Daytona Beach.
Tennessee State University
If you’re looking for an HBCU with both down-home appeal and a big-city feel, look no further than Tennessee State University. Located in the middle of Nashville, TSU students are welcome to partake in the city’s downtown nightlife scene, with local bars and clubs catering to college students and tourists. On-campus, the wide range of parties, sporting events, concerts and activities attract students from neighboring universities Fisk and Vanderbilt.
Alabama State University
Founded in 1867 and established in 1874 as America’s first state-supported educational institution for African-Americans, today Alabama University has eight-degree granting divisions on its 172-acre campus. While the university’s most popular celebration is the annual Turkey Day Classic football game, parade and concert, ASU Greek organizations account for much of the school’s lively party scene, such as the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity-hosted “Jungle Jam” and various events held at the on-campus club The Rose.
Tuskegee University
From Booker T. Washington, George Washington-Carver to the Tuskegee Airmen experience, Tuskegee University needs no introduction. One of the South’s most distinguished HBCUs and home to the most successful football team in HBCU history,Tuskegee is also the largest producer of African-Americans with baccalaureate degrees in Math, Science and Engineering in the state of Alabama. When students are not studying, they party hard at popular off-campus spots like The Soul Inn and Club Extreme and at on-campus events such as concerts, pageants and parties.
