Key takeaways
- HBCUs are historically Black colleges and universities that were founded prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and focused on educating African Americans.
- There are nine Black colleges and universities in Texas including Prairie View A&M University, Texas Southern University, Texas College, Huston-Tillotson University, Jarvis Christian University, Paul Quinn College, Southwestern Christian College, St. Philip’s College, and Wiley University.
- HBCUs accept students from all ethnicities and backgrounds.
Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are schools that are historically dedicated to the education of the African American community. As of 2026, there are 107 HBCUs throughout the United States, with nine Black colleges and universities in Texas. In this guide, we walk you through a quick history of HBCUs and shine a spotlight on all nine institutions.
What is an HBCU?
Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are colleges, universities, and other similar institutions that were founded prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which deregulated segregation, and were dedicated to serving Black students. Many opened to provide African Americans with higher education, as most institutions did not accept them. Today, they accept students from any background and ethnicity.
The official definition, according to The Higher Education Act of 1965, an HBCU is “…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation.”
Black Colleges and Universities in Texas
Here’s a look at the 9 HBCUs in Texas, which includes public and private institutions from San Antonio to the Louisiana border.
1. Huston-Tillotson University
Huston-Tillotson University opened in 1875 as the Tillotson Collegiate and Normal Institute, and was the first higher learning institution in Austin. According to HT’s website, many of the first students had no formal education prior to attending. The school merged with Samuel Huston College in 1952 and became a university in 2005. Popular majors include Business Administration and Management, Psychology, and Kinesiology and Exercise Science.
2. Jarvis Christian University
Found in Hawkins, outside Dallas, Jarvis Christian University began offering graduate programs in 2023. Opened as an elementary school in 1913, the institution became a college in 1929. JCU has around 800 students and accepts 93.4% of applicants. It was founded by, and remains affiliated with, the Disciples of Christ Church.
3. Paul Quinn College
Paul Quinn College in Dallas was known as the Connectional High School and Institute when it opened in 1872. The school changed its name in 1881 to honor the contributions of Bishop William Paul Quinn, who helped raise funds, add curriculum, and purchase land to advance the school. PQC has a “business casual” dress code between 7 am and 5:30 pm on weekdays.
4. Prairie View A&M University
You can find Prairie View A&M University just outside of Houston. With over 9,000 students, it’s the largest historically Black university in the state. A public school and a member of the Texas A&M University System, more than 400 athletes compete in the Division I Southwestern Athletic Conference. Established in 1876 as the Alta Vista Agriculture & Mechanical College of Texas for Colored Youth, PV underwent several name changes before receiving its current moniker in 1973.
5. Southwestern Christian College
Southwestern Christian College is a very small HBCU, with just over 100 students, located in Terrell, east of Dallas. It was founded in 1948, and it’s affiliated with the Churches of Christ. Accepting just 55.5% of applicants, it offers associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in Bible/Biblical Studies. SWCC is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) with a ram mascot.
6. St. Philip’s College
A member of the Alamo Colleges District, St. Philip’s College in San Antonio awards mostly Associate degrees, though a Bachelor of Applied Technology Degree in Cybersecurity (BAT) is available. Students can also study Automobile Mechanics, Instrumentation Technology, and Business Administration and Management. St. Philip’s opened in 1898, offering sewing classes over the weekend to six girls. By 1942, it was a public college.
7. Texas College
East of Dallas, in Tyler, Texas College was founded in 1894 by the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church. With a 42.6% acceptance rate, many undergraduates go onto study Business Administration and Management, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Criminal Justice. The school’s motto is Per lumen scientiae viam invenient populi, which is Latin for “Give The People Light, and They Will Find Their Way.”
8. Texas Southern University
Texas Southern University is a public institution, classified as a “Doctoral Universities – High research activity” school. Located in Houston, it opened as the Houston Colored Junior College in 1927. The Tigers compete in the Division I Southwestern Athletic Conference. Alumni of TSU include Michael Strahan, Yolanda Adams, and Mickey Leland. With over 100 degree programs, students can earn up to their doctorates.
9. Wiley University
Wiley University opened in 1873, became a college in 1929, and became a university again in 2023 when it began offering graduate programs to students. It’s located in Marshall, close to the Texas-Louisiana border. Wiley is well known for its debate team, and its 1935 debate win was the focus of the 2007 film, The Great Debaters. Many undergraduates study dual majors, Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management, and Business Administration and Management.
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