Is Harvard an HBCU?

Harvard is not an HBCU. HBCU stands for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, which are schools established before 1964 primarily to serve the African-American community during a time when segregation excluded Black students from most other higher education institutions. Examples of HBCUs include Howard University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College. These universities have rich traditions tied to Black culture and empowerment, and many students choose them for their sense of community and emphasis on African-American history.

Harvard is a private Ivy League institution located in Massachusetts. It was founded in 1636 and does not qualify as an HBCU because its origins and mission were not centered on serving Black students exclusively or primarily. Instead, it's known as a Predominantly White Institution (PWI) because for most of its history, it primarily served white students, although it now makes significant efforts to increase diversity and inclusion.

If you're searching for colleges with strong commitments to diversity, it's important to recognize that many schools (including Harvard) have offices and programs focused on supporting students of color, but the culture and mission differ from those at HBCUs. For instance, HBCUs often incorporate Black history and culture into their daily life and curriculum in ways PWIs may not.