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A Parent's Guide to HBCUs
Families play a powerful role in the college journey. According to UNCF's survey of Black parents, 84% say it is important for their child to attend and graduate from college.
How families can help
Talk early about interests and goals, visit campuses or attend HBCU fairs together, keep a shared calendar of deadlines, and complete the FAFSA as a team. Encourage students to meet admissions representatives in person; at events like HBCU Week in Boston, many seniors receive acceptances on the spot.
Questions to ask each HBCU
Ask about majors and outcomes, total cost and net price, scholarships and their deadlines, housing, campus safety, and support for first-generation students. More than half of U.S. undergraduates are first-generation, rising to 70% at HBCUs (UNCF).
Frequently asked questions
How can parents help with HBCU applications?
Help build a college list, track deadlines, gather documents for the FAFSA, and attend HBCU fairs and campus visits together.
Are HBCUs safe?
Ask each school about campus safety resources and statistics, which colleges publish each year. UNCF's survey found 80% of Black parents rank safety as the top factor in choosing a school.
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ASK DR. HBCULast updated October 2026. Information can change; always confirm details with each institution.