Black Colleges in Atlanta: A Local Guide to the City’s HBCUs

Atlanta is one of the strongest centers of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are considering moving here for school, understanding the city’s Black colleges will help you navigate your options, the neighborhoods, and the campus culture.

This guide focuses specifically on HBCUs in Atlanta, Georgia—where they are, what makes each one unique, and how they shape life in the city.

The Atlanta University Center: Heart of Black Higher Education in Atlanta

When people talk about Black colleges in Atlanta, they’re usually referring to the Atlanta University Center (AUC), a historic consortium of HBCUs located just west of downtown.

The AUC includes:

• Spelman College (women’s college)
• Morehouse College (men’s college)
• Clark Atlanta University (coeducational)
• Morehouse School of Medicine (graduate and professional programs)

All four campuses sit close together near the West End / Vine City area, making the neighborhood feel like one large, interconnected college community.

Where the AUC Is Located

The AUC sits southwest of downtown, roughly bounded by:

• Northside Drive NW to the east
• Joseph E. Lowery Blvd SW to the west
• Between I-20 to the north and Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW to the south

This location makes the AUC convenient to:

• Downtown Atlanta (State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
• MARTA stations like West End and Vine City
• Major highways (I-20 and I-85/75)

Quick Overview: Black Colleges in Atlanta

Below is a simple snapshot of the main Black colleges and related institutions within Atlanta:

Spelman College: A Premier Women’s HBCU in Atlanta

Spelman College is one of the most recognized women’s colleges in the country and a cornerstone of Atlanta’s higher education landscape.

• Location: 350 Spelman Lane SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• Setting: Inside the AUC, a short distance from Morehouse and Clark Atlanta
• Student Body: Women, primarily undergraduates

What Makes Spelman Stand Out in Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta and interested in a women-centered HBCU experience, Spelman offers:

• Strong programs in sciences, arts, humanities, and social sciences
• An emphasis on leadership, global awareness, and community service
• Close ties to Atlanta’s cultural and professional scene, including internships, arts organizations, and local nonprofits

Visiting Spelman

For Atlanta residents or visitors:

• Campus is accessible via MARTA (West End station plus a short bus ride or walk).
• Parking is usually in designated campus lots or nearby streets—check campus guidance before you go.
• Look for campus tours or admissions events, especially if you are exploring colleges with high-school students.

Morehouse College: A Historic Men’s College in the AUC

Morehouse College is an all-male HBCU known nationally for its focus on developing leaders and professionals.

• Location: 830 Westview Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• Setting: Adjacent to Spelman and Clark Atlanta within the AUC
• Student Body: Men, primarily undergraduates

How Morehouse Fits into Atlanta Life

Living in or near Atlanta, you’ll see Morehouse represented in:

• Civic and political life, with many alumni active in local and national leadership
• Faith-based and social justice communities across Metro Atlanta
• Partnerships and events with local schools, churches, and community groups

Morehouse is often a go-to option for Atlanta-area families seeking:

• A small, mission-driven environment
• Strong liberal arts, business, and STEM programs
• A deeply rooted HBCU tradition connected to the city’s civil rights history

Visiting Morehouse

• It shares the same general access points as the rest of the AUC.
• Game days, homecoming, and major events can bring heavy traffic in the neighborhood, so plan extra time if you’re driving.
• Check the college’s calendar for public lectures, performances, and athletic events that are open to the community.

Clark Atlanta University: A Comprehensive Coed HBCU

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is a coeducational HBCU formed from the consolidation of Atlanta University and Clark College.

• Location: 223 James P. Brawley Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• Setting: Central part of the AUC
• Student Body: Coed, undergraduate and graduate programs

Why Clark Atlanta Is Important Locally

Within Atlanta, CAU is known for:

• A wide mix of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs
• Strengths in business, communications, STEM, and the arts
• Its role as a cultural hub, especially for performing arts and media-related programs

If you live in Atlanta, you might interact with CAU through:

• Community events, festivals, or public lectures on campus
• Student volunteers and interns working with Atlanta businesses and nonprofits
• Local media and creative projects tied to CAU’s communications programs

Accessing Clark Atlanta

• Easily reached from I-20 via Joseph E. Lowery Blvd or Lee Street exits.
• Public transit riders often use West End or Ashby MARTA stations combined with a short bus ride or walk.
• During larger events, street parking can be tight—using official lots or arriving early is often helpful.

Morehouse School of Medicine: Health-Focused HBCU in Atlanta

Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is a graduate and professional school with a focus on medicine and health professions.

• Location: 720 Westview Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
• Setting: Near the AUC area, close to West End and Cascade Road corridors
• Programs: MD, graduate degrees, and health-related training

Role in Atlanta’s Health and Community Landscape

In the Atlanta community, Morehouse School of Medicine is particularly associated with:

• Training physicians and health professionals who often serve in Metro Atlanta
• Efforts to address health disparities and improve access to care
• Community health events, screenings, and outreach programs

If you live in Atlanta and are interested in health careers, MSM is a central institution to know, especially for graduate and professional-level education.

How the AUC Shapes Atlanta’s Neighborhoods and Culture

The AUC is not just a cluster of campuses—it’s a major influence on life in nearby communities like West End, Ashview Heights, and Vine City.

Neighborhood Impact

Living or visiting near these campuses, you’ll notice:

• Student housing and apartments mixed with long-term residents
• Small businesses such as cafés, barbershops, bookstores, and restaurants that serve both students and locals
• Increased activity during the academic year, especially during events like homecomings and graduations

Transportation and Commuting Tips

If you’re commuting to or around the AUC:

• MARTA rail: West End and Vine City stations are popular entry points.
• Bus routes: Several lines run along Joseph E. Lowery Blvd, Martin Luther King Jr. Dr, and Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.
• Driving: Plan for extra time during rush hour, game days, and large campus events.

Choosing Between Atlanta’s Black Colleges

If you’re in Atlanta and deciding which Black college might fit you or your family member, consider:

1. Type of Institution

• Women’s college: Spelman College
• Men’s college: Morehouse College
• Coed university: Clark Atlanta University
• Graduate / professional (health): Morehouse School of Medicine

2. Academic Interests

Think about your preferred field:

• STEM or pre-med: All three undergraduate HBCUs (Spelman, Morehouse, CAU) plus MSM for advanced degrees
• Business and entrepreneurship: Strong presence at Morehouse and CAU
• Arts, humanities, social sciences: Offered across Spelman, Morehouse, and CAU
• Media and communications: Particularly visible at Clark Atlanta

3. Campus Culture and Size

From an Atlanta resident’s perspective:

• Spelman: Focused, close-knit women’s college atmosphere
• Morehouse: Mission-driven men’s college with a strong leadership tradition
• CAU: Coed environment with a wider range of academic and graduate programs

It can be helpful to visit each campus, attend an open house, and get a feel for the atmosphere, student body, and surrounding neighborhood.

Practical Steps for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

If you are in or near Atlanta and want to learn more about these Black colleges:

1. Visit Campuses in Person

Most campuses are within a few minutes of each other. A typical visit might include:

• Walking through Spelman, Morehouse, and CAU in a single day
• Grabbing food at local spots along Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW or in West End
• Exploring nearby landmarks like the Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library

2. Contact Admissions Offices

For accurate, current details on:

• Application requirements
• Tuition and fees
• Campus tours and information sessions
• Housing options

Use their official phone numbers or mailing addresses, which are typically available through each institution’s main admissions office.

3. Explore Community Events

Keep an eye out for:

• Public lectures and panels on topics like education, health, and social justice
• Cultural events, concerts, art shows, and theater performances
• Athletic games that are open to the public

These events can be a low-pressure way to connect with campus life while already living or staying in Atlanta.

Summary: Understanding Black Colleges in Atlanta

For anyone focused on Black colleges in Atlanta, the city’s HBCU landscape centers on:

• Spelman College – women’s HBCU with strong academic and leadership focus
• Morehouse College – men’s HBCU with a historic legacy of leadership
• Clark Atlanta University – coed HBCU with a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs
• Morehouse School of Medicine – graduate-level HBCU focused on medicine and health

All are concentrated in and around the Atlanta University Center, just west of downtown, making this area a key hub for Black higher education, culture, and community life in Atlanta.