Atlanta HBCUs: Your Guide to Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the City

Atlanta is one of the strongest hubs for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the country. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are visiting, or are considering moving here for school, understanding the city’s HBCU landscape can help you plug into its culture, education, and opportunities.

This guide breaks down the Atlanta University Center schools, nearby HBCUs, campus life, and what to know if you’re thinking about attending or getting involved.

What Is an HBCU, and Why Is Atlanta So Important?

HBCUs are institutions of higher education that were founded primarily to educate Black students before desegregation. Today, they serve students of all backgrounds while maintaining a strong focus on Black culture, history, and community uplift.

Atlanta stands out because it is home to the Atlanta University Center (AUC)—the largest contiguous consortium of private HBCUs in the world. The AUC has shaped the city’s:

• Civil rights history
• Black professional class
• Arts, media, and entertainment scene
• Political and business leadership

If you hear someone say “Atlanta HBCU”, they’re usually talking about one of the AUC schools or nearby institutions that help define the city’s identity.

The Major HBCUs in Atlanta

The Atlanta University Center (AUC)

The AUC is a cluster of historically Black institutions located in Southwest Atlanta, near downtown. The schools sit close together, and students often share social life, cross-register for some classes, and attend joint events.

Here are the core AUC schools:

Let’s look at each in more detail.

Spelman College

Spelman College is a private, historically Black liberal arts college for women. It’s widely associated with:

• Strong STEM, humanities, and social sciences programs
• A focus on Black women’s leadership and empowerment
• A tight-knit, academically driven environment

Spelman sits within the AUC, so while the campus is exclusively for women students, social and academic life often overlaps with Morehouse and CAU.

Spelman tends to attract students who want:

• A smaller campus feel
• Strong alumni networks in education, business, health, and arts
• A women-centered environment with a focus on global engagement

Morehouse College

Morehouse College is a private, historically Black men’s college known nationally for:

• Producing a significant number of Black male leaders in politics, religion, business, and activism
• Strong programs in political science, business, philosophy, religion, and the arts
• A culture centered on leadership, service, and identity

Located across from Spelman within the AUC, Morehouse has a strong social and historical presence in Atlanta, with many alumni working in local government, nonprofits, major corporations, and cultural institutions.

Clark Atlanta University (CAU)

Clark Atlanta University is a co-ed, private historically Black university formed through the consolidation of Clark College and Atlanta University.

CAU is known for:

• A broad mix of undergraduate and graduate programs
• Strengths in business, communications, social work, education, and the arts
• A campus culture that feels lively and urban

CAU students benefit from:

• Access to Atlanta’s media, corporate, and nonprofit sectors
• Proximity to downtown and the West End MARTA station
• Shared AUC culture (events, organizations, and collaborations with Spelman and Morehouse)

Morehouse School of Medicine

Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is a separate institution from Morehouse College. It is a graduate and professional school focused on:

• Medicine (MD)
• Public health
• Biomedical research
• Physician assistant studies and other health-related fields

MSM plays a major role in:

• Training health professionals who serve underserved communities
• Conducting community-focused health outreach in Atlanta neighborhoods
• Partnering with Atlanta hospitals and clinics

For Atlanta residents, MSM may show up in community health fairs, local clinic partnerships, and public health initiatives.

Other HBCUs Near Atlanta

While the AUC is in the city, there are additional HBCUs in the greater Atlanta region that many locals consider part of the broader Atlanta HBCU ecosystem.

Morris Brown College

Morris Brown College is an HBCU located in the Vine City/English Avenue area, not far from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It has a historic connection to the AUC area and has been working on rebuilding and expanding its programs.

People consider Morris Brown when:

• Looking for a smaller, rebuilding institution with deep historical roots
• Interested in being part of a college working to re-establish and grow its offerings

HBCUs Within Driving Distance of Atlanta

Several HBCUs are within a reasonable drive from Atlanta and are often part of conversations about “Atlanta-area HBCUs”:

• Fort Valley State University – Located in Fort Valley, GA, a few hours south of Atlanta; a public HBCU with strong agriculture and education programs.
• Albany State University – Further south in Albany, GA; offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

While not in the city limits, students and families living in Atlanta often consider these as options, especially if they want to stay in Georgia but outside the metro area.

What It’s Like to Attend an HBCU in Atlanta

Choosing an Atlanta HBCU is about more than academics. The city itself becomes a major part of your experience.

Campus Culture and Student Life

Common themes across Atlanta HBCUs include:

• Strong sense of community and tradition – Homecoming, Greek life, marching bands, and step shows are central parts of social life.
• Cultural affirmation – Curricula and campus programming often highlight African American history, arts, culture, and global Black experiences.
• Active student organizations – Political groups, professional clubs, religious organizations, performance groups, and service-based orgs.

For residents of Atlanta, even if you’re not a student, you can experience parts of this culture through:

• Public events and performances
• Homecoming festivities and parades
• Athletic games and classic matchups

Academics and Programs

Atlanta HBCUs offer a wide range of majors and degrees, from liberal arts and sciences to business, social sciences, arts, health, and education.

A few patterns you’ll often see:

• Spelman – Strong for liberal arts, STEM, global studies, and programs focused on women’s empowerment.
• Morehouse – Often associated with humanities, social sciences, religion, and leadership-focused programs.
• CAU – Offers a wide spread, including business, communications, social work, education, and STEM, along with graduate degrees.
• MSM – Strictly health and medical fields at the graduate and professional level.

If you live in Atlanta and are considering going back to school, some of these schools may offer:

• Evening or graduate programs
• Professional development and certificate options
• Public lectures, panels, and conferences that are open to the community

Career Connections and Internships

One of the major benefits of an HBCU in Atlanta is proximity to:

• Fortune 500 companies (especially in finance, logistics, media, and tech)
• Nonprofits and advocacy organizations
• Film, TV, and music industries
• Government agencies at the city, county, state, and federal levels

Students at Atlanta HBCUs often pursue:

• Internships downtown and in Midtown
• Co-op and part-time roles near MARTA lines
• Networking with alumni working across the metro region

For local residents, AUC career fairs and events may sometimes be open or visible to the broader community, and alumni networks are very active throughout the city.

How to Visit Atlanta HBCUs

If you’re thinking about attending, or you’re just curious about the campuses, visiting in person can help you understand the environment.

Scheduling a Campus Tour

Each institution typically offers:

• In-person campus tours (by appointment, especially during the school year)
• Virtual tours or information sessions
• Special visit days for prospective students and families

If you’re local to Atlanta:

• You can often combine visits to Spelman, Morehouse, and CAU in a single trip because they’re within walking distance of each other.
• Plan for limited parking around the AUC, particularly during events and peak times.

Getting to the AUC Area

The AUC is located in Southwest Atlanta, just west of downtown.

Common transportation options:

• MARTA Rail: Many visitors use the West End or Vine City stations and then walk or take a short rideshare trip.
• Driving: Surface parking lots and street parking are available, though they may be controlled or limited during major events.

If you’re visiting during homecoming season or large events (like classic football games), expect higher traffic, crowded lots, and more campus security.

Ways to Engage with Atlanta HBCUs If You’re Not a Student

Even if you’re not enrolled, Atlanta’s HBCUs are woven into everyday city life. Residents and visitors can connect with them in several ways:

1. Public Events and Performances

Look for:

• Theater productions, concerts, and art exhibits on campus
• Public lectures, book talks, and panel discussions
• Community-focused events, such as health fairs or youth programs

These events can be a low-cost way to experience HBCU culture while living in or visiting Atlanta.

2. Athletics and Homecoming

Athletic events—especially football and basketball—are a big part of the HBCU experience.

You might:

• Attend football games, marching band performances, and classic rivalries
• Join in homecoming parades and tailgates, which often include alumni, locals, and visitors

Homecoming week in the AUC area is especially active, with increased foot traffic, vendors, concerts, and alumni gatherings.

3. Community and Youth Programs

Many Atlanta HBCUs host:

• Summer camps for middle and high school students
• College prep and bridge programs
• STEM outreach, arts intensives, or leadership academies

If you’re a parent in metro Atlanta, checking these programs can be a way to expose your child to college life and HBCU culture early.

4. Professional and Alumni Networks

Atlanta has a large population of HBCU alumni, including graduates who attended schools in other states but now live and work in the city.

Ways to connect:

• Local alumni chapter events (often held in Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead)
• Professional meetups that collaborate with HBCU alumni groups
• Volunteer opportunities tied to mentorship or college access programs

For career-minded residents, these networks can be valuable for mentoring, job leads, and community involvement.

Tips for Prospective Students Considering an Atlanta HBCU

If you’re thinking about attending an HBCU in Atlanta, here are some practical points to keep in mind:

Academic Fit

• Compare majors, class sizes, and advising support across Spelman, Morehouse, CAU, and others.
• Look into honors programs, research opportunities, and study abroad options.

Cost and Financial Aid

• Many HBCUs work to provide scholarships, grants, and need-based aid.
• Check for Georgia-specific programs (such as the HOPE-related scholarships) if you are or plan to become a Georgia resident and meet eligibility criteria.

Urban Campus Life

• The AUC and other Atlanta HBCUs are in or near urban neighborhoods, so you’ll experience city life directly—public transit, local shops, and city events.
• Consider your comfort level with an urban environment and off-campus housing options in nearby areas like West End, Castleberry Hill, and Downtown.

Safety and Transportation

• Like any city campus, be mindful of personal safety, use well-lit routes, and follow campus security guidance.
• Learn the MARTA system, shuttle routes, and parking rules early; this can make day-to-day life much smoother.

Quick Reference: What “Atlanta HBCU” Usually Refers To

When someone says “Atlanta HBCU”, they are most often talking about:

• Spelman College – Historically Black women’s liberal arts college
• Morehouse College – Historically Black men’s college focused on leadership and service
• Clark Atlanta University – Co-ed university with a wide range of undergrad and grad programs
• Morehouse School of Medicine – Graduate/professional health sciences institution

And in broader conversations, people may also mean:

• Morris Brown College (inside the city)
• HBCUs within a few hours’ drive of Atlanta, like Fort Valley State University and Albany State University

Understanding Atlanta HBCUs means understanding a core part of the city’s identity—its education, culture, history, and future leadership. Whether you’re planning a college search, moving to the city, or just exploring what makes Atlanta unique, these institutions are central to the story.