- Segregation: In the early 1800s, most educational institutions in the United States were segregated by race, and most colleges were only open to white students.
- Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs): While some colleges and universities began admitting black students in the late 1800s and early 1900s, these institutions were still predominantly white and often had quotas or restrictive policies limiting black enrollment.
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): In response to the limited access to higher education for black students, a number of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were established during the late 1800s and early 1900s. These institutions played a crucial role in providing educational opportunities for black students during a time of segregation.
- Desegregation: The landmark ruling of Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, and led to the gradual desegregation of schools and colleges across the United States.
- Affirmative Action: In the late 1960s and 1970s, affirmative action policies were introduced to address the underrepresentation of black students in college and other areas of society. These policies aimed to increase access and opportunity for black students and other historically marginalized groups.
Overall, the ability for black people to attend college has been shaped by historical factors, such as segregation, the civil rights movement, and efforts to address inequality and promote equal access to higher education.