Established on March 9, 1891, by the General Assembly of North Carolina for the "Colored Race," North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University carries a rich history. As of 2011, the university is one of the largest predominantly black colleges that sustains its rich legacy by maintaining excellence in education and preserving intellectual capital. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University offers potential students 117 undergraduate degrees and more than 58 graduate degrees.
Founded on Oct. 3, 1887, as the State Normal College for Colored Students, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is a the only remaining historically black university in Florida's state university system. Located in Tallahassee, Florida's highest hill, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is a student-centered institution dedicated to the empowerment of citizens and the advancement of knowledge. This university, which began with just 15 students and two instructors, now houses 13 colleges and schools with 62 bachelor's degrees and 39 graduate degrees.
Texas Southern University began in 1925 at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, as in-service training extension classes for African Americans interested in pursuing a teaching certification in the Houston area. After several changes, the institution officially became Texas Southern University on June 1, 1951. Texas Southern University is one of the largest historically black colleges in the nation, with a 150-acre campus, 53 baccalaureate degrees, 36 master's degrees, four doctoral degrees and more than 80 student organizations. This university encourages diversity and hosts students from 50 nations.
Founded in 1912, the original Agricultural and Industrial State Normal School begin as a family affair. All 247 students, along with faculty and staff, contributing to running the school with tasks such as harvesting crops and clearing rocks. As of 2011, this Nashville-based Tennessee State University is a large urban land-grant institution that sits on 500 ares of land, and it offers 45 bachelor's degrees and 24 master's degrees. Tennessee State University is committed to fostering scholarly research and inquiry as well as encouraging lifelong learning for its students.