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

Atlanta is one of the country’s most important hubs for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). If you live in Atlanta, are thinking about moving here, or are visiting and want to explore Black higher education, the city’s HBCU community is a major part of its culture, history, and economy.

This guide walks you through every HBCU in Atlanta, what makes each one unique, how the “Atlanta University Center” fits in, and what to know if you’re considering applying, visiting, or simply getting more involved.

The HBCUs in Atlanta at a Glance

Atlanta is home to four main HBCUs within the city and several more in the metro area. The most well-known cluster is the Atlanta University Center (AUC).

Major Atlanta HBCUs

Within the City of Atlanta:

• Spelman College – Private women’s liberal arts college
• Morehouse College – Private men’s liberal arts college
• Clark Atlanta University – Co-ed private research university
• Morehouse School of Medicine – Graduate-level health sciences institution

In the Greater Metro Area (nearby, but outside city limits):

• Morris Brown College – Private college in Atlanta, historically part of the AUC, rebuilding enrollment and accreditation
• Fort Valley State University – Public HBCU about 100 miles south (relevant for some Atlanta residents)
• Albany State University, Savannah State University, and others are elsewhere in Georgia, but Atlanta remains a central hub for many of their alumni and events.

Below is a simple overview of the core Atlanta HBCUs many people mean when they say “HBCUs in Atlanta.”

The Atlanta University Center (AUC): The Heart of HBCU Life in Atlanta

When people talk about HBCUs in Atlanta, they often mean the Atlanta University Center, a historic consortium of HBCUs located in Southwest Atlanta.

What Is the AUC?

The Atlanta University Center is a cluster of historically Black institutions that sit within walking distance of each other, just west of downtown:

• Spelman College
• Morehouse College
• Clark Atlanta University
• Morehouse School of Medicine (close by and historically linked)

The AUC also includes shared resources like:

• The AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library
• Joint academic programs and cross-registration
• Shared events, career fairs, and cultural activities

If you’re driving, this area is roughly southwest of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, close to West End and Vine City.

Spelman College (Atlanta, GA)

Spelman College is a private, historically Black women’s college and one of the most recognized HBCUs in the country.

• Address: 350 Spelman Lane SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• Type: Private liberal arts college for women
• Setting: Gated campus in the AUC, near Westview Dr. SW and Lee St. SW

What Spelman Is Known For

Spelman is widely known for:

• Strong liberal arts education with majors across the humanities, social sciences, and STEM
• A focus on Black women’s leadership, global engagement, and social justice
• A tight-knit campus environment within the broader AUC

Local Tips

• If you’re in Atlanta and want to tour the campus, check for scheduled campus tour times and visitor policies before you go.
• The area is reachable via MARTA bus routes from the West End station and by car from downtown in under 10–15 minutes (depending on traffic).

Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA)

Morehouse College is a private, historically Black men’s college with a strong emphasis on leadership and community service.

• Address: 830 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• Type: Private liberal arts college for men
• Setting: Adjacent to Spelman and Clark Atlanta in the AUC

What Morehouse Is Known For

Morehouse is often associated with:

• Leadership development and preparation for public service, business, and the arts
• A strong reputation for producing Black male graduates who go into law, medicine, ministry, and public life
• A campus culture that emphasizes brotherhood, discipline, and academic rigor

Local Tips

• If you live in Atlanta, you’ll often see Morehouse represented at city-wide events, voter drives, and civic activities.
• Game days and homecoming weekend increase traffic in the AUC area—plan extra time if you’re driving nearby.

Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA)

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is a co-ed private HBCU formed through the consolidation of Clark College and Atlanta University.

• Address: 223 James P. Brawley Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• Type: Private, co-ed research university
• Setting: Large campus within the AUC

What Clark Atlanta Is Known For

Clark Atlanta is known for:

• Strong programs in business, communications, social work, and STEM fields
• A research-oriented environment, especially in social sciences and urban issues
• A vibrant athletics and band presence that ties into Atlanta’s broader sports and cultural scene

Local Tips

• CAU is close to major city landmarks like downtown Atlanta, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and West End Mall.
• For Atlanta residents, CAU often partners with local schools, nonprofits, and city initiatives, making it a central hub for community-focused projects.

Morehouse School of Medicine (Atlanta, GA)

Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is a graduate-level HBCU focused on training health professionals.

• Address: 720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
• Type: Private graduate and professional institution
• Focus: Medicine, public health, biomedical sciences

What MSM Is Known For

MSM focuses heavily on:

• Primary care and training physicians who serve underserved and urban communities
• Public health research, especially on issues that affect Black communities and other marginalized groups
• Community clinics and health outreach in metro Atlanta

Local Tips

• MSM is often involved in health fairs, vaccination drives, and public health campaigns around Atlanta.
• If you’re interested in health careers and live locally, MSM-hosted events can be a good way to learn about medical pathways.

Morris Brown College (Atlanta, GA)

Morris Brown College, located near the AUC, is a historically Black college with a long history in Atlanta.

• Address: 643 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• Type: Private, co-ed HBCU
• Setting: Just northwest of the AUC campuses

What Morris Brown Is Known For

Historically, Morris Brown has been:

• Deeply tied to the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church
• Known for serving first-generation and non-traditional students
• Recognized for its contributions to band culture, athletics, and community life in Atlanta

Over the past years, Morris Brown has gone through significant rebuilding, working to restore its programs and regain momentum. For Atlanta residents, its campus and legacy remain a symbol of resilience and community pride.

How the Atlanta HBCUs Connect to the City

Atlanta’s HBCUs are not isolated campuses—they are woven into the city’s neighborhoods, government, and culture.

Neighborhoods and Transit

Most of the main Atlanta HBCUs sit in or near:

• West End
• Vine City
• Just west of downtown Atlanta

Ways to get around:

• MARTA Rail:
  • West End Station (Red/Gold line): closest to AUC campuses
  • Ashby Station (Blue/Green line): also reasonably close by bus or a longer walk
• MARTA Buses: Several routes travel along MLK Jr. Dr., Ralph David Abernathy Blvd., and Lee St./Joseph E. Lowery Blvd., connecting the campuses with downtown and midtown.

If you’re coming from:

• Downtown Atlanta: AUC is a short drive or rideshare trip west.
• Midtown or Buckhead: Expect more traffic at peak times; MARTA rail plus a bus or rideshare is often easier for events.

Campus Visits: What Atlanta Residents and Visitors Should Know

If you’re considering HBCUs in Atlanta for college or just want to explore:

🧭 Planning a Visit

• Check each school’s visitor or admissions page for:
  • Campus tour schedules
  • Parking details
  • Any ID or check-in requirements at gates
• Be aware that homecoming, graduation, and major events can make parking tight and streets busy.

🔐 Safety & Parking

• The AUC area includes a mix of college campuses and residential streets.
• Most campuses offer designated visitor parking lots; pay attention to signage to avoid tickets or towing.
• After dark, use campus shuttles or rideshare where available, especially if you’re not familiar with the area.

Academics and Student Life Across Atlanta HBCUs

While each HBCU in Atlanta is distinct, students and families often compare them on a few common points.

Academic Focus Areas

Across the Atlanta HBCUs, you’ll commonly find:

• Liberal Arts & Humanities: Popular at Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta, and Morris Brown
• STEM & Health Sciences: Strong at Spelman, Morehouse, CAU, and especially Morehouse School of Medicine
• Business & Entrepreneurship: Notably at Clark Atlanta and Morris Brown, with many ties to Atlanta’s corporate and startup scene
• Social Justice & Public Service: A shared emphasis across all of the city’s HBCUs, reflecting Atlanta’s civil rights history

Campus Culture

• AUC Unity: Students often attend events across campuses, especially in the AUC (Spelman, Morehouse, CAU).
• Greek Life: Fraternities and sororities have a visible presence and often host city-wide service projects.
• Athletics & Bands: Football games, basketball games, and marching band performances are major community draws for local residents.

Why HBCUs Matter in Atlanta’s Identity

Atlanta positions itself as a “Black Mecca” in part because of its HBCUs. Their influence is felt in:

• Local government and politics – Many leaders are HBCU alumni.
• Nonprofits and community organizations – HBCU students frequently intern and volunteer around the city.
• Black business and entrepreneurship – Alumni networks and business programs support new ventures.
• Arts and culture – Atlanta’s music, film, and visual arts scenes have strong connections to HBCU talent.

For someone living in or moving to Atlanta, understanding the role of Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Morris Brown helps explain why the city feels the way it does—socially, culturally, and politically.

Considering an HBCU in Atlanta? Practical Next Steps

If you’re thinking about attending or getting involved with an HBCU in Atlanta, here are concrete steps you can take:

1. Clarify your goals

   • Are you looking for a women’s or men’s college, or co-ed?
   • Are you focused on liberal arts, business, STEM, or health professions?

2. Identify likely matches

   • Spelman – Women’s liberal arts with strong STEM and global focus
   • Morehouse – Men’s liberal arts with leadership emphasis
   • Clark Atlanta – Co-ed research university with breadth of majors
   • Morris Brown – Rebuilding, smaller environment, traditionally community-oriented
   • Morehouse School of Medicine – For medical and graduate-level training

3. Visit the campuses

   • Schedule tours at two or more schools if you can, especially if you’re local.
   • Spend time in the surrounding neighborhoods to get a feel for daily life.

4. Connect with current students or alumni in Atlanta

   • Many Atlanta workplaces, churches, civic groups, and mentoring programs include HBCU grads who are open to sharing their experiences.

5. Look into local events

   • Homecoming, public lectures, step shows, and career fairs are often open to the community or have portions that are. These can give you a real sense of each campus culture.

For anyone in Atlanta—or thinking about coming here—understanding the city’s HBCUs means understanding a core part of what makes Atlanta distinct. Whether you’re a prospective student, a parent, or simply curious, exploring Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Morris Brown offers a direct window into the city’s past, present, and future.