Many African Americans have contributed significantly to the computer science field. If you're considering attending a historically black college or university (HBCU) and have an interest in computer science, you're in for exceptional faculty, diverse learning environments, and strong motivation to keep learning both in and out of the classroom.
HBCUs offer financial aid, including scholarships, and have helped launch the careers of 42% of Black engineers and 47% of Black women engineers. Students attending HBCUs have the opportunity to learn from dedicated Black educators in the field and learn vital skills to pursue diverse computer science careers.
Featured Computer Science Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top 10 HBCUs for Computer Science
What Is a Computer Science Program?
A computer science program teaches you to build proficiency in developing computers, networks, hardware, software, databases, and more. Computer science combines aspects of engineering, math, and science. If you're passionate about computers and love the idea of writing software, designing video games, or working in security, a computer science program could be right for you.
Graduates with computer science degrees work in careers from computer programming to software engineering or system analysis.
Why Attend an HBCU for a Career in Computer Science?
Diversity is important in promoting a growing, representative computer science community. Unfortunately, African Americans remain underrepresented in computer science. While African Americans made up 12.1% of the US population as of 2021, their representation in computer science is much less, with some estimates suggesting just 4.2% of computer scientists are African-American.
The importance of representation in computer science can't be over-emphasized. HBCUs are a good investment in building diversity and training qualified African Americans in highly-rated computer science programs for a competitive advantage after graduation.
Resources for Students in HBCU Computer Science Programs
In addition to the best HBCU for computer science programs, African American students pursuing computer science or STEM degrees have more resources available than ever before. From scholarships to professional organizations, you can find conferences, mentorship, and support you need to succeed. Here are good starting places:
Black Data Processing Associates: Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) aims to foster diversity in STEM by supporting Black students and professionals. African American students can apply for funding through the BDPA Education & Technology Foundation's scholarships program to help pay for undergraduate tech degrees.
National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering: The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) aims to create an engineering workforce that reflects America's diversity. To achieve this, it partners with other organizations to offer scholarships, resources, and opportunities to students pursuing engineering degrees. You can search NACME's career center database for scholarships and corporate support.
National Society of Blacks in Computing: The National Society of Blacks in Computing (NCBC) aims to facilitate mentorship, networking, and career development opportunities for African American students seeking computing careers. You can find information about NCBC conferences and apply for scholarships on its website.
Code2040: Code2040 works to eliminate structural barriers to help African American and Latino/a people fully participate in the tech industry through media strategy, research, and evaluation. Code2040 offers a fellows program and an early-career accelerator to help more African Americans successfully launch careers.
National Society of Black Engineers: The 24,000-member National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) aims to help African-American students enter engineering and technology careers. NSBE offers events for everyone, from children to professionals. Students can find scholarships, academic support, job opportunities, and discounted conference registration through the NSBE website.
