Common Black College Application: List of Schools Accepting It in 2024
Imagine applying to over 65 prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with just one application. That’s the magic of the Common Black College Application (CBCA)! Since its inception in 1998, over 250,000 students have used this platform, and the success stories are undeniable: nearly 97% received an admission offer from at least one HBCU!
Here’s the exciting part: Completing the CBCA takes as little as 10 minutes and costs only $20. That’s right, for a nominal fee, you can open doors to a world of academic excellence, diverse communities, and inspiring alumni networks.
But what exactly is the CBCA? In this blog, we’ll explore CBCA, its benefits, the application process, and how it can propel you toward your academic aspirations.
What is the Common Black College Application?
The Common Black College Application (CBCA) was established in September 1998 by Robert Mason. He was a graduate of Virginia State University and Clark Atlanta University.
The Common Black College Application aims to simplify the application process for prospective students seeking admission to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). By completing a single online application, you can apply to over 65 participating HBCUs. It streamlines the process compared to individual applications and eliminates the need to upload transcripts, test scores, or personal essays.
Instead, the CBCA streamlines the process by directly contacting school counselors for the required information. The process is simple: applicants register on the CBCA website, provide basic details, and pay a single application fee. Participating HBCUs then receive your application and make independent admissions and scholarship decisions.
What Do You Need to Apply with the Common Black College Application?
The Common Black College Application streamlines the application process for dozens of HBCUs, saving applicants time and effort. With a simple online form, you can complete your application in a few minutes. It gives you more time to focus on other aspects of your college search.
The Common Black College Application offers two ways to submit your academic credentials:
- Upload unofficial transcripts and test scores: This option allows for a quick and easy application start.
- Provide your high school counselor’s email: Your counselor can upload official transcripts and ACT/SAT scores on your behalf for a more streamlined process.
Your top four choices will automatically receive your application. Do consider contacting other interested institutions to inform them of your pending submission. Transfer students can email official transcripts directly to each HBCU they are applying to.
The $20 application fee can be paid immediately or at a later date. While fee waivers are not available, the Common Black College Application raises funds to help students facing financial hardship.
Read Also – 7 Outstanding Common App Essay Examples 2024
When Does the Common Black College Application Open?
The Common Black College Application opens in the fall for the upcoming admissions cycle. It offers a convenient way to apply to multiple Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). While there’s no single deadline, remember to check and adhere to college deadlines for submitting your application and any required supplemental materials.
Top Schools Accept the Common Black College Application
67 HBCUs currently accept the Common Black College Application (CBCA), spanning both public and private institutions. It’s important to note that not all HBCUs participate. Before investing time in the CBCA, double-check each of your desired schools’ application requirements to ensure they accept it.
For your reference, here are some, but not all, of the HBCUs that utilize the CBCA:
| College/University | Location |
|---|---|
| Alabama A&M University | Huntsville, Alabama |
| Alabama State University | Montgomery, Alabama |
| Albany State University | Albany, Georgia |
| Alcorn State University | Lorman, Mississippi |
| Allen University | Columbia, South Carolina |
| Arkansas Baptist College | Little Rock, Arkansas |
| Benedict College | Columbia, South Carolina |
| Bennett College | Greensboro, North Carolina |
| Bethune-Cookman University | Daytona Beach, Florida |
| Bluefield State College | Bluefield, West Virginia |
| Central State University | Wilberforce, Ohio |
| Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science | Willowbrook, California |
| Claflin University | Orangeburg, South Carolina |
| Clark Atlanta University | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Clinton College | Rock Hill, South Carolina |
| Coppin State University | Baltimore, Maryland |
| Delaware State University | Dover, Delaware |
| Dillard University | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Edward Waters College | Jacksonville, Florida |
| Elizabeth City State University | Elizabeth City, North Carolina |
| Fisk University | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Florida Memorial University | Miami Gardens, Florida |
| Fort Valley State University | Fort Valley, Georgia |
| Grambling State University | Grambling, Louisiana |
| Harris-Stowe State University | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Huston-Tillotson University | Austin, Texas |
| Jackson State University | Jackson, Mississippi |
| Jarvis Christian College | Wood County, Texas |
| Johnson C. Smith University | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Kentucky State University | Frankfort, Kentucky |
| Lane College | Jackson, Tennessee |
| Lincoln University | Jefferson City, Missouri |
| Lincoln University | Oxford, Pennsylvania |
| Livingstone College | Salisbury, North Carolina |
| LeMoyne-Owen College | Memphis, Tennessee |
| Mississippi Valley State University | Itta Bena, Mississippi |
| Miles College | Fairfield, Alabama |
| Morris College | Sumter, South Carolina |
| Morgan State University | Baltimore, Maryland |
| Norfolk State University | Norfolk, Virginia |
| North Carolina Central University | Durham, North Carolina |
| Paine College | Augusta, Georgia |
| Paul Quinn College | Dallas, Texas |
| Philander Smith College | Little Rock, Arkansas |
| Rust College | Holly Springs, Mississippi |
| Saint Augustine’s University | Raleigh, North Carolina |
| Shaw University | Raleigh, North Carolina |
| South Carolina State University | Orangeburg, South Carolina |
| Southern University and A&M College | Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
| Southern University | Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
| Stillman College | Tuscaloosa, Alabama |
| Talladega College | Talladega, Alabama |
| Tennessee State University | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Texas College | Tyler, Texas |
| Tougaloo College | Jackson, Mississippi |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, Alabama |
| University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff | Pine Bluff, Arkansas |
| University of Maryland, Eastern Shore | Princess Anne, Maryland |
| University of the Virgin Islands | St. Thomas, Virgin Islands |
| Virginia State University | Ettrick, Virginia |
| Virginia Union University | Richmond, Virginia |
| Voorhees College | Denmark, South Carolina |
| West Virginia State University | Institute, West Virginia |
| Wilberforce University | Wilberforce, Ohio |
| Wiley College | Marshall, Texas |
| Winston-Salem State University | Winston-Salem, North Carolina |
Read Also: 10 Best College Admissions Consultants in the USA
How to Register for the Common Black College Application?
The Common Black College Application streamlines the process, but individual college deadlines and requirements still hold weight. Be proactive and organized for a smooth and successful application season. Here’s how the Common Black College Application works:
- Start early: Begin filling out the Common Black College App in the fall.
- Submit strategically: Check each school’s application deadline and submit the application well in advance.
- Prepare additional materials: Some HBCUs may request personal essays or other documents. Review each school’s requirements and submit them directly to them.
- Track your progress: Use the Common Black College App portal to see when your application reaches schools. The top four listed schools will automatically receive your profile.
- Proactively reach out: Even if not automatically downloaded, contact additional interested schools to direct them to your Common Black College App file.
Read Also: 7 Common App Essay Prompts for 2023-2024 Application Cycle
How is the Common Black College App Different from the Common App?
Following the success of the Common App, which streamlines applications for over a million students annually, the Common Black College App was created to specifically assist with applications to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). While the Common Black College App currently sees fewer applications, both platforms aim to simplify the process. Beyond application volume, key differences exist in their target institutions and served demographics.
Number of Schools
While the Common App serves over 1,000 colleges and universities, the Common Black College App caters specifically to the over 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the nation.
This targeted focus explains why a majority of HBCUs accept the Common Black College Application, while the broader scope of the Common App attracts a wider range of institutions.
Application Process
The Common App requires students to submit transcripts, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and a personal essay. The streamlined Common Black College App focuses primarily on educational information.
School counselors can even upload official transcripts and test scores on behalf of students, further simplifying the process. This efficiency allows students to complete the Common Black College App in as little as 10 minutes, even from their phones.
Application Fees
The Common App and the Common Black College App offer different fee structures. While the Common App is free to use, individual colleges may charge application fees. Thankfully, many colleges waive these fees.
On the other hand, the Common Black College App charges a flat fee of $20 to apply to all participating institutions. This can be a cost-effective option if you’re considering multiple HBCUs.
Read Also: How to Get a College Application Fee Waiver
From the Desk of Yocket
The Common Black College Application (CBCA) presents a valuable resource for students seeking higher education. The CBCA’s centralized platform offers undeniable advantages. Streamlining the application process for 66 HBCUs with a single fee of $20 makes college exploration more accessible and affordable, particularly for students with limited resources. Additionally, the platform increases visibility for students among a diverse range of HBCUs. It connects them with institutions that align perfectly with their academic goals and personal aspirations.
Furthermore, the CBCA application itself encourages introspection and reflection. While it gathers traditional academic information, it also prompts applicants to articulate their experiences and contributions within the context of the HBCU community. This allows admissions officers to gain an understanding of each student’s potential and fit within the HBCU environment. Yocket is here to guide students who want to apply to the Common Black College Application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CBCA accepted by all HBCUs?
No, there are over 100 HBCUs in the US, and not all participate in the CBCA program. Check the list of member institutions on their website.
Who can use the CBCA?
The CBCA is open to all students, regardless of race, income, or background, who are interested in attending an HBCU. This includes high school seniors, transfer students, international students, and undocumented students. However, it’s important to note that not all HBCUs participate in the CBCA, so check the list of member institutions before applying.
What does the CBCA application ask for?
The CBCA application includes basic information like demographics, academic background, extracurricular activities, and parent information. You can also upload an unofficial transcript and test scores. However, your high school counselor can also upload your official transcript and test scores directly to the platform.