Pride or Prejudice? Motivations for Choosing Black Colleges

• In Event: 70.065 - Roundtable Session 27
  In Roundtable Session: 70.065-14 - Pride or Prejudice? Motivation for Choosing Black Colleges

Abstract

This mixed methods qualitative study seeks to understand the factors that contribute to the decision to attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the 21st century. Through individual interviews with 54 recent alumni across 21 institutions, this study outlines the motivations for choosing to attend an HBCU. The largest qualitative examination of HBCU college choice, the findings from this study suggest that students’ precollege experiences negotiating their racial identities shapes decisions to attend HBCUs, bolstered by positive interactions with HBCU students and alumni. Finances plays a small, yet significant role as well. Implications for the recruitment of students from diverse backgrounds are discussed.

Author

• Jennifer Michelle Johnson, Temple University