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    The Economic Impact of Virginia's HBCUs

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    UNCF’s holistic, powerful study, “Transforming Futures: The Economic Engine of HBCUs,” makes it clear: HBCUs are economic engines in their Virginia 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, Virginia’s workforce is bolstered by a steady supply of highly trained and success-oriented HBCU graduates.

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    Virginia Map

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    Download Virginia’s HBCU Factsheet

    Virginia’s 5 HBCUs Produce:

    • A cityscape of Richmond, Virginia, with a river in the foreground and skyscrapers in the background
      $1B
      Total Economic Impact
    • A large open field with a cloudy sky, and a full rainbow stretching across the frame.
      9,136
      Jobs
    • An open green area with fields and forests. A few houses dot the landscape.
      $8.2B
      Lifetime Earnings

    HBCUs in Virginia

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    Hampton University

    Founded in 1868 in Hampton, Virginia, Hampton University (Hampton) is a private research university. Hampton offers a diverse array of degree programs, featuring prominent ones in biology, business, liberal arts and humanities.

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    Norfolk State University

    Founded in 1935 in Norfolk, Virginia, Norfolk State University (NSU) stands as the only historically Black higher education institution founded during the Great Depression. NSU offers a diverse array of degree programs, featuring prominent ones in business, psychology, sociology, biology and liberal arts and humanities.

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    Virginia State University

    Founded in 1882 in Ettrick, Virginia, Virginia State University (VSU) emerged as the first fully state-supported four-year institution of higher education for Black Americans. VSU offers a variety of degrees, with notable programs in business, education, agriculture, humanities, natural sciences and engineering programs.

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    UNCF-Member Institution

    Virginia Union University

    Founded in 1865 in Richmond, Virginia, Virginia Union University was created to provide newly freed individuals with educational opportunities within an ethical and religious setting. Virginia Union offers a diverse array of degree programs, featuring prominent ones in liberal arts education, teaching, research, science, technology and civic engagement.

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    A group of students wearing VUL pose in front of a blue staircase.

    Virginia University of Lynchburg

    Founded in 1886 in Lynchburg, Virginia, Virginia University of Lynchburg (VUL) is the oldest school of higher learning in Lynchburg. VUL offers a diverse array of degree programs, featuring prominent ones in ministry, religious studies and divinity.

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