HBCUs: High-Quality, Affordable Education

If you’re looking at where to get your degree and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) aren’t on your list of possibilities, you may want to reconsider. HBCUs offer high-quality education in a supportive environment. If you’re interested in a top-notch education that’s affordable and offers diversity and community, look no further. 

What sets HBCUs apart?

HBCUs, founded after the Civil War, have a long history that’s rich in advancement, excellence, and culture. Although initially founded to offer Black students better access to education, they welcome students of all races. Whether you’re looking for a degree in business, education, healthcare, medicine, or technology, with more than 100 HBCUs to choose from, you’ll find programs that can help you reach your goals. 

Khary Hodge, vice president, Total Rewards at Strategic Education, Inc. offers his perspective on the value of a degree from an HBCU. 

“In my community, there’s a certain pride associated with getting a degree from an HBCU. Often those who come from communities like mine want a degree from an HBCU—want that pride in the degree from the school,” he says. 

“My sisters (Florida A&M University and Spellman grads), my brother (Tuskegee Vet school alumnus), my mother (Howard ‘66), and aunts (Tuskegee grads), continue to rep their schools and draw from those amazing HBCU experiences as they  navigate life and leverage the community and relationships, built while attending an HBCU. By offering HBCUs as part of our platform, we’re offering a community of support, focused on keeping students in school, finishing that degree.” 

Affordable and supportive

HBCUs try to keep tuition costs under control, often going the extra mile to help students succeed and graduate. The schools understand that some students may face economic hardship and will work with them to offer financial assistance that can break down the barriers to earning a degree. 

Workforce Edge includes and maintains partnerships that share our mission of providing access to education. We believe that with education comes more opportunities for economic mobility. Our HBCU partners include Alabama State University and Howard University. 

HBCUs often offer strong programs with the resources and support students need throughout their education. These schools focus on helping students succeed wherever their path takes them. Plus, HBCU alumni groups often maintain close ties and stay involved after graduation; graduates get a solid base of support and enrichment that prepares them for post-college life. 

Choice can unlock your potential

To stay competitive in an evolving workforce, earning your degree can potentially give you the skills and knowledge employers seek. No matter which university you attend, an education can help open up possibilities. Looking beyond traditional colleges to HBCUs, for instance, can help open your mind and your ability to collaborate and interrelate with a unique, disparate community. 

Workforce Edge is a platform that can help you find a degree program that not only fits your lifestyle or budget but also helps you unlock your individual potential. We connect adult learners to a varied suite of schools that can expand your choices. It’s important to review a variety of institutions, as each school can offer different degree programs, training opportunities, etc. This diversity can give adult learners more avenues to education that are in line with their personal and professional interests. Choices allow you, the learner, to match your goals and aspirations to the right program. 

Students looking to advance a current degree or earn a new one could explore HBCUs to find an affordable, high-quality education through our network. Learning in a diverse and inclusive atmosphere can provide support and guidance to help you achieve your goals. 

According to Hodge, expanding your career opportunities can start with focusing on your goals. 

“[Taking the education leap] starts with a dream—forget everything else. Someone wants to be something, so now what do I need to put in place? I want to have a successful career. I want to be an impact on my community.” 

Given all your options, an HBCU could be the one that takes you where you want to go.