Supporting Our HBCUs
Recently, I presented a report to my employers about the differences in enrollment of our African-American students in traditional 4-yr Universities and that of our Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Where the statistics in the enrollment is impressive, the statistics of those who actually stay and graduate are very dismal! Any feedback on whay this is? With all the pride and history that our colleges offer, why aren't you all graduating at a greater rate in comparison to your white counter-parts? Please refer to the article published on November 28th, 2007 in the "jbhe", Journal of Blacks in Higher Education for the information I am referring to.
Some HBCUs have very good retention rates (equal or higher to the 70% average of a typical PWC), while others struggle to retain students. Why?
a. Some HBCUs are less selective in their admissions process, which allows disadvantaged but motivated students a chance to enroll and turn things around. The unfortunate side effect of this is that some undisciplined students enter also. In addition, even some of the best students run into life problems and drop.
b. There is a higher proportion of students from economically depressed areas, who are more likely to need remedial study.
c. Smaller HBCUs are still developing their endowments, which limits scholarships and other financial aid.