Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are institutions of higher education in the United States that were established prior to 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. The integration of these institutions into a common application platform streamlines the application process for prospective students.
The inclusion of HBCUs on a widely-used application platform enhances accessibility for a diverse range of students. This expanded access can lead to increased enrollment and visibility for these institutions, contributing to their long-term sustainability. Furthermore, it simplifies the application procedure for students interested in attending multiple HBCUs, allowing them to manage their applications more efficiently. The Common Application provides a centralized location for transcripts, recommendations, and essays, reducing administrative burdens for both applicants and institutions. Historically, HBCUs have played a critical role in providing educational opportunities to underserved populations, and their presence on the Common App further supports this mission.