HBCU

1 of 2

noun

ˌāch-ˌbē-ˌsē-ˈyü 

plural HBCUs

: a college or university in the U.S. established before 1964 for African American students : a historically Black college or university

the state's largest HBCU

Note: The term HBCU was created as a federal designation during the 1986 reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which expanded federal funding for colleges and universities.

HBCU

2 of 2

abbreviation

historically Black colleges and universities

Examples of HBCU in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The trailer welcomes a new generation to Hillman College, a fictional HBCU, and introduces the people that will become Deborah’s people. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026

Spelman College, the first HBCU for women in America, was ranked second overall, behind Howard University, according to Forbes. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

Bowie State Forbes says Bowie State University, Maryland's oldest HBCU, has built several strong programs over the past decade. — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

Tuskegee is the only HBCU with a veterinary school and is known for training engineers and pilots. — Asia Alexander, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1980, in the meaning defined above