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Quizzes > Society & Culture

HBCU quiz: test your knowledge of history, culture, and impact

Quick quiz with 15 HBCU trivia questions. Instant results and short explanations.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Joel JoseUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art promoting a fun HBCU Knowledge Quiz.

This HBCU quiz helps you check what you know about HBCU history, campus culture, and alumni impact with 15 quick multiple-choice questions. See your score right away and learn a fact or two as you go. If you want more practice, try college trivia or expand your knowledge with the American history quiz.

Which year was Howard University, a prominent HBCU, founded?
1867
1837
1896
1910
Howard University was founded in 1867 after the Civil War. It is one of the first HBCUs established to serve newly freed African Americans.
Cheyney University, recognized as the oldest HBCU, was founded in which year?
1865
1854
1837
1871
Cheyney University was established in 1837 in Pennsylvania. It holds the distinction of being the oldest historically black college or university in the United States.
What is a signature cultural tradition commonly associated with HBCU campuses?
Robot competitions
Oktoberfest celebrations
Color runs every spring
Step shows during homecoming
Step shows, featuring synchronized stepping and chanting, are a hallmark of HBCU homecoming events. They trace back to African traditions and Greek-letter organization rituals.
Which HBCU did Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. attend for his undergraduate studies?
Spelman College
Hampton University
Morehouse College
Fisk University
Martin Luther King Jr. earned his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College in 1948. Morehouse is known for educating prominent African American leaders.
After the Civil War, what was the primary mission driving the establishment of many HBCUs?
Researching industrial engineering
Educating newly freed African Americans
Advancing agricultural exports
Promoting international trade
HBCUs were founded primarily to provide access to higher education for newly freed African Americans. They focused on literacy, vocational skills, and teacher training.
In which year was Spelman College, a leading HBCU for women, founded?
1867
1900
1852
1881
Spelman College was founded in 1881 in Atlanta, Georgia. It has grown into a premier institution for African American women.
Booker T. Washington, a key figure in African American education, founded which HBCU?
Howard University
Lincoln University
Fisk University
Tuskegee University
Booker T. Washington founded Tuskegee University in Alabama in 1881. He established it to teach vocational and industrial skills to African Americans.
Which HBCU is renowned for producing the highest number of African American engineers?
North Carolina A&T State University
Tuskegee University
Spelman College
Howard University
North Carolina A&T State University is recognized nationally as the top producer of African American engineers at the bachelor's level. Its engineering programs have a strong industry reputation.
Florida A&M University's marching band is popularly known by what nickname?
The Marching 100
The Marching Hundred
Blue Diamond Express
The Human Jukebox
Florida A&M University's marching band is famously called "The Marching 100." It is celebrated for its innovative formations and musical excellence.
Oprah Winfrey is an alumna of which HBCU?
Tennessee State University
Florida A&M University
Morehouse College
Howard University
Oprah Winfrey attended Tennessee State University on a scholarship. She studied communications there early in her career.
Which HBCU houses a prestigious School of Law that has produced many civil rights attorneys?
Howard University
Spelman College
Hampton University
Morgan State University
Howard University School of Law has trained numerous civil rights lawyers and Supreme Court litigators. It is known for its role in landmark civil rights cases.
Approximately what percentage of African American college graduates in the U.S. earn their degrees from HBCUs each year?
50%
30%
15%
5%
HBCUs produce roughly 15% of African American college graduates annually. This highlights their significant role in American higher education.
The annual Bayou Classic, a celebrated football game, features which HBCU rival teams?
Morehouse College vs. Spelman College
Howard University vs. Fisk University
Grambling State University vs. Southern University
Hampton University vs. Virginia State University
The Bayou Classic is an annual football rivalry between Grambling State and Southern University in New Orleans. It draws large crowds and includes cultural festivities.
Which umbrella organization coordinates the Black Greek-letter fraternities and sororities commonly found on HBCU campuses?
Interfraternity Council
National Student Union
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
American College Union
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) oversees the "Divine Nine," the historic Black Greek-letter organizations prominent at HBCUs. It fosters leadership and service.
Which HBCU is the only one among historically black universities to offer a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree?
Morgan State University
North Carolina A&T State University
Howard University
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine is the only HBCU program granting a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. It plays a key role in veterinary research and education.
For his undergraduate studies, Thurgood Marshall attended which HBCU?
Lincoln University
Morehouse College
Howard University
Fisk University
Thurgood Marshall earned his bachelor's degree from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. He later earned his law degree from Howard University School of Law.
Which HBCU established the first center dedicated to sickle cell disease research and treatment?
Howard University
Hampton University
Spelman College
Tennessee State University
Howard University founded the first sickle cell center in 1971 to research and treat the disease. It remains a leader in hematology research.
Among HBCUs, which institution produces the most African American master's degrees in STEM fields?
North Carolina A&T State University
Tuskegee University
Spelman College
Howard University
North Carolina A&T State University awards the highest number of STEM master's degrees to African American students. Its graduate programs are highly regarded.
Which community partnership model has proven most effective for HBCU recruitment and outreach in K - 12 education?
National sports sponsorships
Independent online advertising only
STEM pipeline programs with local schools
Yearly tuition hikes
Partnerships that create STEM pipeline programs in local K - 12 schools directly engage potential students and support recruitment. They build early college readiness.
What philanthropic approach has been shown to be most sustainable in building HBCU endowments?
Government-mandated fundraising quotas
Increasing student tuition each year
Alumni and corporate matching gift programs
Sole reliance on federal grants
Combining alumni donations with corporate matching gift campaigns leverages multiple funding sources and has proven effective for growing HBCU endowments sustainably.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify founding dates of major HBCUs
  2. Evaluate the role of HBCUs in American education
  3. Analyze cultural traditions unique to HBCU campuses
  4. Compare academic programs across select HBCUs
  5. Demonstrate understanding of notable HBCU alumni achievements
  6. Apply insights to support HBCU recognition and outreach

Cheat Sheet

  1. Founding dates of major HBCUs - From Cheyney University's first graduating class in 1837 to Howard University's opening in 1867, these trailblazing schools paved the way for African American scholars when doors were firmly shut elsewhere. Celebrating their anniversaries reminds us how resilience sparked incredible educational legacies.
  2. Pivotal role in American education - HBCUs have educated countless leaders, professionals, and scholars, filling fields from medicine to journalism with diverse voices. Their commitment to excellence has shaped the national conversation on opportunity and inclusion.
  3. Cultural traditions unique to HBCU campuses - From epic homecoming celebrations to legendary marching bands like Southern University's "Human Jukebox," HBCUs are known for vibrant pageantry and community spirit. These traditions foster lifelong pride and unforgettable memories.
  4. Distinct academic programs - Whether Morehouse College's focus on liberal arts, Howard University's robust graduate offerings, or Southern University's agricultural and mechanical strengths, each HBCU crafts programs to serve its community's needs. This tailored approach nurtures both leadership and innovation.
  5. Notable alumni achievements - Icons like Martin Luther King Jr. and Vice President Kamala Harris illustrate the leadership that HBCUs inspire. Their groundbreaking accomplishments reflect the excellence these institutions have championed for generations.
  6. Historical context of HBCU establishment - Born during Reconstruction to educate freed slaves, these colleges provided critical access when segregation barred African Americans from other campuses. Understanding this origin story highlights a legacy of determination and hope.
  7. Contributions to the Civil Rights Movement - Faculty and students turned campus halls into organizing centers and took to the streets in protest. HBCUs were catalysts for social justice actions that reshaped America.
  8. Economic impact of HBCUs - These institutions not only educate future leaders but also drive local economies through jobs, research, and community partnerships. Their graduates often become entrepreneurs and industry pioneers, fueling growth nationwide.
  9. Challenges faced by HBCUs - Many face tight budgets, aging infrastructure, and fluctuating enrollment, all while striving to preserve cultural identity. Addressing financial stability and recruitment is essential for their vibrant future.
  10. Initiatives supporting HBCU recognition - Increased federal funding, scholarship programs, and high-profile advocacy campaigns are shining a spotlight on HBCU excellence. Alumni and public figures continue to champion these schools for generations to come.
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