• A young man points at a poster presentation for onlookers
  • A large brick building with white columns that reads "Carnegie Hall"
  • Three students crowd together around a laptop looking with focused intensity
  • A grassy lawn with a sign that reads "Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, Normal, Alabama"

    The Economic Impact of Alabama’s HBCUs

    UNCF’s holistic, powerful study, “Transforming Futures: The Economic Engine of HBCUs,” makes it clear: HBCUs are economic engines in their Alabama communities and beyond, generating substantial economic returns year after year.

    HBCU faculty, employees and students produce—and consume—a wide range of goods and services, creating economic activity on and beyond campus. The result? More jobs, stronger growth and increasingly vibrant communities. Meanwhile, Alabama’s workforce is bolstered by a steady supply of highly trained and success-oriented HBCU graduates.

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    Alabama Map

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    Alabama’s 14 HBCUs Produce:

    • An all-white state Capitol building
      $1.4B
      Total Economic Impact
    • Two women stand over scientific equipment
      13,434
      Jobs
    • Three students stand at a podium at what looks like some sort of academic bowl. The sign on their podium reads "Alabama State Univ., Ronarro"
      $15.7B
      Lifetime Earnings of 2021 Graduates

    HBCUs in Alabama

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    Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University

    Founded in 1875 in Huntsville, Alabama, Alabama A&M (AAMU) is a public, comprehensive 1890 Land-Grant institution. AAMU a diverse array of degree programs, featuring prominent ones in agricultural, life and natural sciences, engineering, technology and physical sciences, education, humanities and behavioral sciences, and business and public affairs.

    Alabama State University

    Founded in 1867 in Montgomery, Alabama, Alabama State University is among the oldest higher education institutions founded for Black Americans in the nation. ASU offers a diverse array of degree programs, featuring prominent ones in education, physical therapy, microbiology, accounting, social work and dance.

    Bishop State Community College

    Founded in 1927 in Mobile, Alabama, Bishop State Community College (BSCC) was originally founded to provide extension courses to African-American elementary and secondary teachers. BCCC offers a diverse array of degree programs, featuring prominent ones in science,arts, and applied science.

    Gadsden State Community College

    Founded in 1925 in Gadsden, Alabama, Gadsden State Community College (GSCC) provides an assortment of two-year degrees and certificate programs. GSCC boasts a diverse array of degree programs, featuring prominent ones in health sciences and technical fields.

    H. Councill Trenholm State Community College

    Founded in 1963 in Montgomery, Alabama, H. Councill Trenholm State Community College (Trenholm State) provides associate transfer degrees, as well as associate degrees and certificates that lead to the workforce. Trenholm State offers a diverse array of degree programs, featuring prominent ones in art, science, business, computer systems.

    J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College

    Founded in 1961 in Huntsville, Alabama, J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College (Drake State) was created to meet the technical and vocational educational needs of African Americans. Drake State offers a diverse array of degree programs, featuring prominent ones in business and public services, health sciences, industrial and engineering technologies, liberal arts and social sciences, and workforce education and development.

    Lawson State Community College

    Founded in 1949 in Birmingham, Alabama, Lawson State Community College (Lawson) is one of Alabama’s oldest state supported community colleges. Lawson offers a diverse array of degree programs, featuring prominent ones in business and technologies, technical and health.

    UNCF-Member Institution

    Miles College

    Founded in 1898 in Fairfield, Alabama, Miles College, initiated its organizational efforts in 1893. Miles offers a diverse array of degree programs, featuring prominent ones in business, criminal justice and law enforcement administration, biology, child development and communications.

    Two students wearing Oakwood University sweatshirts walk down a sidewalk outside. They look at each other and seem to be engaged in conversation

    UNCF-Member Institution

    Oakwood University

    Founded in 1896 in Huntsville, Alabama, Oakwood University (OU) is distinguished as the sole HBCU owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. OU offers a diverse array of degree programs, featuring prominent ones in liberal arts and humanities, biology, organizational behavior studies, and licensed practical nurse training.

    A group of students wearing matching black sweatshirts pose in front of a sigh that reads "Est 1820, Welcome to Historic Selma, Queen City of the Blackbelt"

    Selma University

    Founded in 1878 in Selma, Alabama, Selma University (Selma) is a private Baptist university. Selma offers a diverse array of degree programs, featuring prominent ones in theological education and liberal arts.

    *$0M, Total Lifetime Earnings for Graduates: IPEDS figures are self-reported and there were no figures reported for this metric in 2021 data.

    A large, open atrium of a building. The windows are bright and students can be seen mingling. There is a green "Shelton State Community College" banner hanging from the staircase.

    Shelton State Community College

    Founded in 1963 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Shelton State Community College (SSCC) is one of the largest two-year colleges in the state of Alabama. SSCC offers a diverse array of degree programs, featuring prominent ones in liberal arts and humanities, nursing, and licensed practical nurse training.

    A statue of a tiger in front of a brick wall with a sign that reads "Stillman College, Founded 1876."

    UNCF-Member Institution

    Stillman College

    Founded in 1876, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Stillman College (Stillman) is predominantly focused on teaching curriculum. Stillman offers a diverse array of degree programs, featuring prominent ones in arts and sciences, business and education.

    A group of students wearing light blue Talladega College t-shirts walk together in an outdoor parade.

    UNCF-Member Institution

    Talladega College

    Founded in 1867 in Talladega, Alabama, Talladega College (Talladega) is Alabama’s oldest private HBCU college. Talladega offers a diverse array of degree programs, featuring prominent ones in biology, economics, and physical education teaching and coaching programs.

    UNCF-Member Institution

    Tuskegee University

    Founded in 1881 in Tuskegee, Alabama, Tuskegee University (Tuskegee) is an independent and state-related institution of higher education. Tuskegee offers a diverse array of degree programs, featuring prominent ones in animal sciences and husbandry, biology, and mechanical engineering.