Options, options, options!
When surveying the landscape of college options many athletes tend to forget the amazing opportunity that HBCU’s (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) present.
Why?
With Before You Go Pro, we figure it must be due to a lack of education…
The opportunity to play college football is limited, and many times talented athletes go overlooked by some of the premier conferences. So here’s a quick education in HBCU football to encourage college-bound athletes across the country to not overlook the opportunity!
What are HBCU’s?
Any historically black college or university that was established prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans. Also, the school must be accredited by a nationally agency or association determined by the Secretary of Education. There is no race requirement to attend an HBCU member school. HBCU’s were founded on the premise of higher education being accessible for all, and do not promote segregation.
How Many HBCU’s are There?
There are 102 HBCU’s in (19 ) states.
Do HBCU’s Play at the NCAA D1 Level?
Yes. There are currently 21 D-1 (FCS) HBCU football programs. See below.
Tuition Expense
College will never be cheap.
However, HBCU’s have consciously kept the cost low and provide amazing assistance for students from lower economic family backgrounds and communities. The most expensive HBCU is Spelman College, with a tuition figure a little over $28,000 which is tremendously less expensive than the national average for a private college education. Click here for HBCU scholarship notifications and opportunities and don’t forget to apply for FASFA assistance here (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
HBCU Athletic Facilities
You won’t find facilities like you’ll see in the SEC or Big 10 at an HBCU member school, but many of the HBCU’s have facilities that are comparable, and in some cases better than most D1-AA and DII level programs.
Pro Opportunity
If you think NFL, and other professional football leagues aren’t paying attention to the talent on HBCU football conferences.
You can consider yourself clinically crazy!
The NFL will scout players on Mars if there’s talent to be found on Mars. Fortunately, HBCU’s have provided plenty of “diamonds in the rough,” that may have never been discovered, like NFL All-Time sack leader, Michael Strahan.
(Before You Go Pro is more than just a blog. We are also a mentoring program that works with aspiring college football players across the country. Click the link below to schedule a FREE consultation today)
