Why HBCUs Are Endangered

October 3rd, 2011 - By TheEditor

by Wayne Hodges

Can you imagine an historic black college with as many non-black students as African-Americans? Thanks to a barrage of recent financial problems, that perplexing thought is not out the realm of possibility. Southern University, a prominent black university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, saw its fall enrollment drop below 7,000 students this season, a decrease of roughly 5 percent from last year.

Conversely, area public colleges Louisiana State (LSU), UL-Lafayette and Southeastern enjoyed modest enrollment gains. Unfortunately, Southern isn’t alone.
Other Historically Black Colleges and Universities are suffering a similar decline. Now the million dollar question: Why the rapid decline in enrollment?

Are blacks turned off by HBCUs?

Are admission standards too strict?

Does the economy play a factor?

Are junior colleges viewed as being a more viable financial option?

Chancellor James Llorens points the finger of blame at a new registration process and financial aid policy that delays cash disbursements; preventing students from satisfying their debts.
“We lost some students just out of frustration,” said Llorens, who vowed the school will make every attempt to bring the students back to the university.
Keep in mind; tuition at HBCUs cost an average of $10,000 less per year than their predominant white counterparts.

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  • HBCU ALUM

    And not to mention….when that black child is focused on the NFL or NBA more than an education, where do u think HE or SHE (WNBA) is going? What HBCU's have seen on ESPN for national signing day? Even with the regional or local signing days, it's those black kids (mainly boys) CHEEZING with their black parents (mainly moms) stating "I'm taking my talents to…" u got…a white university (while hoisting that university's sport cap)!! Look at these "power" conferences getting multi-BILLION dollar televison and adversting deals with MAJOR networks!

    It's MORE than how a school like Southern treats their students or potential enrollees, it's ABOUT money and most of the white schools money makers are SPORTS (with research a DISTANT second!)

    I know HBCU get a lot of flack but no shcool is perfect (even with soo called "better" ammenities and lower tuition schools) HBCU's were targets of negavitiy even during their HEYDAY (the 1990's) so there is nothing new here!!

  • Anonymous

    Southern lost enrollment due to how they treat their students and how it hasn't adjusted to times as far as technology and other aspects. The dorms are falling apart, classes can't be scheduled online, and trying to get the financial add that is rightfully due takes forever for them to get or they claim to never get it. Why waste the time time when you can go to a community college that has great amenities and is less than $1000 a semester ? Southern dug it's own grave

  • nett

    seems as if community college is more affordable

  • CeCe

    "In other words, as a black man, I’d feel inclined to enroll at any institution with a moniker of ‘Historic White Colleges & Universities.’ I would imagine non-black students probably feel the same way. "

    I get your point I had to re-read it to get past the typo. I think you meant you wouldn't feel inclined to enroll at an institution with a moniker such as that.