Hbcu or Pwi, Which one Do You Choose?

Shatyra Allen

Professor Darramola

ENGL 0133

6 October 2017

                                  HBCU or PWI, Which One Do You Choose?

Over the past few years there have been a great discussion about which schools are better a Historical Black College and University (HBCU) or a Predominantly White Institution (PWI). While it is normally believe that attending a PWI will prepare students for the real world rather than a HBCU, but in actually both school will provide identical educational paths. It is believe by going to a HBCU you are just there to party and not take education seriously .Even though a PWI is very well known and have a high standard, an HBCU is identical in education but you will have a greater social experience.

Historical Black College and University (HBCU)

Before the Civil War, higher education for African Americans was almost nonexistence. A college education was limited but some African Americans did have the great opportunity to attend college. The first HBCU was “invented” in 1837, 26 years before the abolishment of slavery. Black ministers and white philanthropists established schools all across the South to educate freed slaves. More than 100 of the school opened in the 1800s, are still open today. Now there are over 106 HBCU in the US, some are Langston University, Prairie View A&M University, Morehouse College, Southern College and A&M and many more across the country.

        Currently many people will automatically think negative things when they think of an HBCU. Many may think of an HBCU as a party school, run down, and will also believe you will not have many job opportunities after college. Nakia Williams, a senior at Indiana University-Bloomington, says “I think people only discredit HBCUs because of how people view blackness. So, when you speak of black institutions, people kind of turn their nose up. People automatically elevate PWIs because they’re white colleges and there’s this idea that a majority-white school is quality”. (Jones) An HBCU is just as prestigious as a PWI.

Attending an HBCU is an experience you cannot find at a PWI. At an HBCU the history and traditions is something very valuable to everyone that attend or is an alumni. From Homecoming events to smaller get together; the HBCU social experience is one you will always remember. When you attend a HBCU you are linked into an endless diverse family. From staff to students you are welcomed by a friendly smile and will be accepted with open arms. Unlike a PWI you are not just a number you are a student driving to become as best as you can with the help of your teachers and HBCU family.

 Some may assume that getting an education from a HBCU is nothing compared to a PWI. At an HBCU class sizes are smaller than a PWI, meaning teachers can personally get to know you and have more one on one time. The way you receive your education at an HBCU is fairly different. Most HBCU school have African American theme courses like African American history, art and literature. Just because you attend an HBCU does not mean you will get the shorter end of the stick on your education. Receiving an education at a HBCU is just as receiving an education at a PWI.

Predominantly White Institutions (PWI)

When some people think of a Predominantly White Institution they think of prestigious people and a higher learning .Even though some HBCU are well known, people will always recognize a PWI. It is believed you will have a greater chance of receiving a job after college if you attend a PWI. In some cases your employer will pick someone who graduated with a Masters from Georgia Tech (PWI) than someone with a Masters from Texas Southern University (HBCU). It is not always that case with some companies but you will never know the mindset of your future employer.