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HBCUs in Ohio

Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio are the only four states in the midwest that have HBCUs. Within Ohio, there are two HBCUs: Central State University and Wilberforce University. These two institutions are some of the oldest HBCUs established in America, providing high-level education to students for almost a century and a half. If you live in Ohio or are planning to relocate, check out what the HBCUs in Ohio offer. 

Central State University  - Wilberforce, OH

Central State University is a public HBCU located in southwest Ohio ranked #23 in Top Performers on Social Mobility by U.S. News. Founded in 1887, Central State is one of the oldest HBCUs in the nation. As an 1890 Land-Grant institution, Central State’s mission is to “prepare students with diverse backgrounds and experiences for leadership, research, and service.” Central State has the following four schools:

  • College of Business

  • College of Education

  • College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture 

  • College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

For prospective students who prefer a small classroom size, Central State may be a good fit for them. The institution has a student-faculty ratio of 19:1, and 60.2% of classes have less than 20 students (U.S. News). In addition, students have numerous resources they can access both on and off-campus such as the Undergraduate Student Success Center, the Honors Program Initiative, Student Support Services, and many others.

Wilberforce University - Wilberforce, OH

Founded in 1856, Wilberforce University is America’s oldest private HBCU developed and managed by African Americans. The institution is named after William Wilberforce, an abolitionist who sought to provide higher education to Black students. Wilberforce offers over 20 undergraduate and graduate programs in liberal arts-related specialties. In addition, the institution has dual-degree programs in architecture and aerospace. 

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