Over the past few years, there’s been a noticeable spark in HBCU interest. According to The Common App, applications to HBCUs increased nearly 30 percent between 2018 and 2021 — which doesn’t include the numerous applications submitted through the Common Black College Application. So, how do you determine if an HBCU is right for you? Time to put on your adulting hat! This choice entirely depends on the kind of college experience you desire. To help you make this important decision, we've shed some light on a few HBCUs that offer top tier resources to satisfy your academic curiosities and professional development needs. After all, our #goal is to make your journey to an accounting career a little easier.

Howard University

Ready to museum hop and chill? While in D.C., you’ll have the opportunity to stop by the Museum of African American History, or go for a quick train ride to Baltimore for its famous mumbo sauce. Between adventures, you’ll also have access to a great accounting program. Howard University’s School of Business offers a variety of accounting programs, including a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, a Master of Accountancy, and an Executive Master of Accountancy program. In addition, there are plenty of research opportunities on campus due to the faculty interest in keeping up with new trends impacting the accounting field. Last but not least, HU is the headquarters for the Center for Accounting Education, a nationwide organization that addresses unique challenges Black students face as they transition to being accounting professionals, by sharing resources for leadership skills training, scholarships, and networking.

North Carolina A&T State University

Take a trip to JCole’s home state and enjoy everything from city life to the outer banks (s/o to Netflix for putting us on). Amongst all the fun, North Carolina also offers one of the best accounting programs at N.C. A&T that prepares students for any accounting career path. The focus of this program is building strong analysis skills (analysis, y’all — not math) in order to equip students to handle complex challenges in the field. N.C. A&T’s accounting program was actually the first HBCU to receive recognition by AACSB International – the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business — which is a credential held by only about 6 percent of accounting programs in the world.

Benedict College

Head down to South Carolina, where you can enjoy your okra fried to perfection, tea sweeter than Ariana Grande’s last album, and some beautiful greenery. You’ll also be able to get a top accounting education at Benedict College, which offers many different postgraduate pathways. If you desire to get a CPA certification, they include CPA review courses within their program. Also built into the program is time to complete internships. So, you won’t have to set aside availability to attend your internship on top of a full course load. What special offerings are a part of Tiger Nation’s accounting program, you ask? Students complete a capstone project that provides real-life application of theories in the form of either a research paper, a business plan, or a case study and oral defense. When seeking opportunities for networking and professional development, students can also take part in the department's Business Week, which includes a host of events including esteemed guest speakers and case competitions. If you’re looking to apply your accounting foundation skills to your entrepreneurial goals, then you just have to get involved in the B.E.S.T. Innovation Lab, an on-campus start-up incubator, where you can attend workshops and lecture series.

Florida A&M University

Good food, good beaches, and a good accounting education — Florida is the definition of a triple threat. After grabbing lunch from your favorite Jamaican food spot, head over to campus for class at FAMU. For both the undergraduate and graduate programs, FAMU has curated an experience that ensures students leave prepared for the always evolving accounting field. When preparing for #internshipszn, FAMU offers opportunities to meet with career specialists dedicated to supporting accounting and other business majors in being recruited. Since FAMU is the home of the Florida chapter of the Small Business Development Center, they also have opportunities for entrepreneurship development. Their Small Business Learning Center Library includes access to extensive online and print business tools and resources. Support staff is on hand to help and direct prospective entrepreneurs with collecting industry statistics, market trends, competitive analysis, and any other information needed to help build your business plan.

Whew — those are some 🔥🔥🔥🔥options! As you start to make your decisions for where to apply, remember that whether or not you go to an HBCU comes down to what YOU want. Don't just decide to go where your high school friends are going. Use our guide to make a list of the city size, culture, course types, and career resources you want out of your college experience. The future successful accountant in you will thank you. You got this!