Education and economic well-being in racially diverse rural counties: The role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Abstract

The role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in increasing the education and economic well-being of rural Blacks is not, perhaps, as clear today as in the past given the abolition of formal segregation in public education. This paper presents evidence that HBCUs still play a major role in improving the economic well being of rural counties with high concentrations of Blacks. Further, the impact of HBCUs in promoting college education among Blacks is above and beyond that of other colleges and universities. Increased rates of college education generate, in turn, higher income growth.