Historically Black Colleges in Ohio

There are many institutions of higher learning in the United States that were founded specifically with the goal of providing a quality institution of higher learning for blacks in the United States. Although the majority of historically black colleges in the United States are located in the Southern part of the country, two historically black colleges were founded in the Ohio.

Central State University

Central State University is a historically black university located in Wilberforce, Ohio. The university has been in existence for nearly 125 years, and it is Ohio's only predominantly African-American institution of higher education that is open to the public. The university also has a branch campus in the city of Dayton, Ohio, as well. Central State University is proactive in its mission to attract a larger student base. The university has plans to increase enrollment to 6,000 students by 2017.

Wilberforce University

Wilberforce University is another of Ohio's historically black colleges. The university is located in the city of Wilberforce, Ohio. This center of higher learning is also historically significant, as the current campus of the university was once a stop for slaves escaping toward freedom on the Underground Railroad. Wilberforce University is the oldest private historically black college in the United States. It was founded in 1856, and its name honors the 18th century abolitionist, William Wilberforce. Wilberforce's enrollment is rather small, with around 850 students attending classes.

Academics

Wilberforce University and Central State University are both historically black colleges with a variety of major programs for undergraduate students. Central State's programs fall under the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Industry and the College of Education. Wilberforce University has major programs focused on Humanities, Social Sciences, Business and Economics, Engineering and Computer Science and Natural Sciences. Wilberforce also has a graduate-level program focused on Rehabilitation Counseling.

Activities

Wiberforce and Central State University both have a wide variety of extracurricular activities that enrich the student experience. The Wiberforce Bulldogs compete in men's and women's basketball, cross-country and golf. They also have dance teams and cheerleading squads. The Central State University Marauders have five men's and five women's sports, dance groups and cheer squads, but they are best known for their Central State University Chorus. The CSU Chorus is nationally renowned and has been nominated for two Grammy awards in the past. Both institutions have a wide variety of student groups designed to promote learning and foster personal growth of their students.