Knowledge U

HBCUs + PWIs: Imbalance?

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) serve as two distinct pillars in the American education system, yet they operate within vastly different realities when it comes to funding, exposure, and perceived prestige. HBCUs were established to provide education to African Americans when segregation and racism kept them out of PWIs. Today, these institutions continue to provide a nurturing environment for Black students, but they face significant challenges in terms of funding, public perception, and access to media exposure—challenges that have long kept them from being viewed as prestigious as the Ivy League schools or other elite PWIs.

Let’s explore the imbalance in donations between HBCUs and PWIs, the lack of promotion and media coverage HBCUs receive, and what steps can be taken to ensure that all institutions are viewed and valued equally.

The Donation Disparity Between HBCUs and PWIs

One of the biggest challenges HBCUs face is the stark difference in financial support compared to PWIs. Donations and endowments at HBCUs are significantly lower than those of their PWI counterparts, which directly impacts their ability to offer scholarships, improve infrastructure, and maintain competitive programs.

According to a report by the Center for American Progress, the average endowment for an HBCU is $12,000 per student, compared to $36,000 per student at PWIs. The disparity becomes even more evident when we look at individual schools:

• Harvard University, for example, has an endowment of over $53 billion, while Howard University, one of the most prestigious HBCUs, has an endowment of just $795 million.

• The University of Virginia, a well-known PWI, has an endowment of $14.5 billion, compared to Spelman College, one of the top HBCUs, which has an endowment of around $500 million.

This significant gap in financial resources limits the ability of HBCUs to expand programs, hire top-tier faculty, and provide scholarships to deserving students. With less funding, HBCUs struggle to maintain the same level of competitiveness and infrastructure as PWIs, which inevitably impacts public perception.

Media and Government’s Role in the Perception of HBCUs

Beyond financial support, the portrayal of HBCUs in the media and the attention they receive from government bodies also contribute to their underappreciation. PWIs, especially those with powerhouse athletic programs like Alabama, Ohio State, and Notre Dame, receive far more attention from broadcasting companies, which showcase their games during prime-time slots. In contrast, HBCU athletic programs, even in popular sports like football and basketball, are rarely given such exposure.

Take the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) and MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference), two of the leading HBCU sports conferences. Their games rarely receive the prime-time TV coverage that SEC or Big Ten schools do, even though HBCU sporting events like the Bayou Classic and Magic City Classic have passionate fan bases and rich traditions. The lack of broadcasting support not only limits visibility but also hinders revenue generation for these institutions.

In addition, government funding for HBCUs has lagged behind that of PWIs. Although the Higher Education Act of 1965 included provisions to support HBCUs, the level of funding has been inconsistent over the decades. In 2019, HBCUs received $324 million in federal funding—significantly less than many elite PWIs receive in state and federal support alone. This disparity has long-term effects on the quality of education and infrastructure at these institutions.

The Influence of Hollywood and Public Perception

Hollywood, too, plays a role in shaping public perception of higher education. Movies, TV shows, and media coverage tend to glorify Ivy League schools and prestigious PWIs, while HBCUs rarely get the same spotlight. Although films like “Drumline” and TV shows like “A Different World” have provided a glimpse into the culture and significance of HBCUs, these representations are rare.

This lack of representation reinforces the idea that HBCUs are secondary choices, especially compared to Ivy League institutions. Without consistent promotion in mainstream media, many prospective students—especially those from outside the Black community—remain unaware of the rich history, academic achievements, and cultural importance of HBCUs.

What Can Be Done to Change the Perception?

To elevate HBCUs and create a level playing field, several steps must be taken:

1.Increased Donations and Endowments: Corporate America and high-net-worth individuals need to step up and invest in HBCUs. Major companies can pledge to fund scholarships, infrastructure improvements, and faculty research at these institutions. Additionally, wealthy HBCU alumni can play a more active role in giving back to their alma maters.

2.Prime-Time Exposure for HBCU Athletics: Broadcasting companies like ESPN and ABC need to air more HBCU sporting events during prime-time slots. This would increase visibility, attract more corporate sponsorships, and generate revenue for these institutions. Sports provide a gateway to building public awareness and attracting future students.
   

3.Government Support: The federal government must prioritize sustained, long-term funding for HBCUs, including infrastructure grants and scholarships. Recently, some initiatives, such as the HBCU Capital Financing Program, have provided crucial support, but more consistent funding is needed to bring HBCUs on par with PWIs.
       

4.Hollywood and Media Representation: The media and entertainment industry should work to showcase more positive stories about HBCUs, focusing on their academic achievements, contributions to society, and vibrant campus cultures. More films, documentaries, and TV shows centered on HBCUs could help shift public perception.

Envisioning a Future Where All Institutions Are Equal

Imagine a future where all universities—whether HBCUs, PWIs, or Ivy League schools—are viewed equally. In this scenario, students choose their institutions based on academic programs, campus culture, and personal fit, rather than societal perception of prestige. Picture a world where a student from New York feels just as proud to attend Morehouse College as they would attending Columbia University.

In this ideal future, a student deciding between an HBCU and an Ivy League institution would weigh factors like:

• Merit: Which school offers the best programs and opportunities for my field of study?

 • Cultural Fit: Where do I feel most supported and understood as a person?
 

• Resources: Which institution provides the best facilities and scholarships for my academic and personal growth?

In this world, HBCUs would receive equitable funding, prime-time media exposure, and public recognition, just like the Ivy League or top PWIs. Students would no longer feel pressured to choose schools based on outdated perceptions of prestige but could make choices rooted in their values, goals, and academic pursuits.

Statistics to Ponder

• HBCUs make up only 3% of the nation’s colleges and universities, yet they enroll 10% of all African American students and produce nearly 20% of all African American graduates.
 

• While the average endowment per student at HBCUs is $12,000, it’s $36,000 at PWIs.

•  According to a 2021 Gallup poll, 72% of HBCU graduates reported a sense of well-being after graduation, higher than the national average of 66% for all colleges.

Conclusion: Creating a Level Playing Field

HBCUs play a crucial role in the educational landscape of America, yet they continue to face funding disparities, media invisibility, and societal misconceptions. Through increased donations, equitable media representation, and government support, HBCUs can be elevated to the same level of prestige as Ivy League institutions.

It’s time to imagine a future where the decision to attend an HBCU or a PWI is based solely on merit, cultural fit, and the desire to learn—not on outdated perceptions of status. With the right support, we can create a world where Morehouse, Howard, Spelman, and other HBCUs are just as revered as Harvard, Princeton, and Yale.