Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) represent institutions of higher education established before 1964 with the primary mission of educating African Americans. The Common Application is a standardized undergraduate college admission application used by over 900 member colleges and universities across the United States and internationally. The integration of these institutions within the application system streamlines the application process for prospective students. For example, a student can apply to multiple HBCUs utilizing a single Common Application account.
The inclusion of HBCUs in the Common Application holds significant benefits. It increases accessibility for students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to consider and apply to these institutions. This streamlined process may encourage a wider pool of applicants, potentially increasing enrollment and diversity within these colleges. Furthermore, it provides HBCUs with greater visibility and exposure to prospective students who might not have considered them otherwise. Historically, these institutions have played a vital role in educating and empowering African American communities, and their presence on a widely used application platform reinforces their continued importance in higher education.