PWI vs HBCU

[i*heart*pie]

Originally Posted by osiris2k8

Hello all,

I thought I'll add my input since I am a graduate of a HBCU (Alabama State University) and currently attending a PWI (University of Georgia) for my Master's degree. When I was in high school, I was told that crap I would not be able to get a good job if I go to a HBCU. Believe it or not. That is one of the biggest lies perpetrated by black people.

1. School in general is what you make it. It is your responsibility to make sure you choose the right classes for your major. It is your responsiblity to find internships and co-op programs through out your college experience. It is your responsibility to keep your G.P.A up so that you can qualify for internships, co-op programs, and scholarships. It is your responsibility to NOT change your major too many times. Changing majors causes you to loose valuable credits on wasted classes that do not apply to the new major.
2. NOT ALL HBCUS ARE CREATED EQUAL. (Comparing Knoxville College to Howard University is like comparing apples and oranges)
3. NOT ALL PWIS ARE CREATED EQUAL.
4. I chose an HBCU for undergrad because I wanted the black college experience period (blacks in positions of authority, HBCU sports, HBCU bands, etc) in addition to an education. I have nothing against PWIs, but I just felt I would be bored to tears at a school like that. I also wasn't interested in dealing with any possible racial crap.
5. I am not going lie and say everything was roses at my HBCU. Yes, our resources (dorms, library, etc) are more likely poor compared to a school like Auburn University. But I still wouldn't trade my undergraduate experience.
6. Anyone that tells you getting an HBCU degree will decrease your chances of getting a job is either liar, knew people who were sorry students, or have no connection to HBCUs what so ever. Use your common sense. How long do you think HBCUs would be in business if that were true?
7. If you are a sorry student by nature, you will be a sorry student at the HBCU or PWI.
8. If you chose to major in something that only pays you $20,000 a year and you went to a school that charges you $20,000 a semester, that is your fault and not the HBCU/PWI.
9. I am software engineer by trade. I work with people who attended UGA, Georgia Tech, Ohio State, Southern Polytechnical, etc for undergrad. If you know your stuff, you will get the job.
10. HBCUs have an added advantage because many companies use HBCUs to land diversified candidates.
11. If a non-black thinks you are inferior because of your race, getting an education from a PWI will NOT change their mind.

Well said.

[TSUblueTiger]

I graduated from a HBCU (Bachelors) and PWI (Masters). In addition, I work with people from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cornell University, Vanderbilt University, Georgia Tech, University of Pennsylvania, Drexel, etc…Honestly, I have not noticed a difference in our expertise or competency. I credit this to the knowledge I acquired at an HBCU. When I attended a PWI, the education was essentially equivalent to the HBCU. I was challenged at each institution. The advantage of the HBCU includes class size, education, career fair, social life, sports, and professional organizations (NBMBAA, NSBE), etc. The advantage of the PWI includes research endowment, library, and variety of classes offered. With respect to finding a job, companies go to HBCUs to hire minorities. However, I am not implying they don’t hire minorities from PWIs. My point is that they aggressively seek talent at HBCUs. PWIs and HBCUs are in the business of providing a service, which is intellectual wealth. Therefore, I think the choice to attend a HBCU or PWI is based upon your personality. Just remember “You Only Get Out What You Put In”. If you study and work hard, you will acquire the tools and knowledge to succeed.

[t2dakwont]

Originally Posted by osiris2k8

Hello all,

1. I chose an HBCU for undergrad because I wanted the black college experience period (blacks in positions of authority, HBCU sports, HBCU bands, etc) in addition to an education. I have nothing against PWIs, but I just felt I would be bored to tears at a school like that. I also wasn't interested in dealing with any possible racial crap.

depending on the person u are...U WILL! lmao this is where my prejudice comes out but black people and white people party so differently. ive got firsthand experience. i know college isnt all about parties and whatnot but this is a place where i live, not just go to class BUT LIVE so i have to have a good mix of socializin and at the pwi where im at that just isnt happening

[osiris2k8]

Originally Posted by t2dakwont

depending on the person u are...U WILL! lmao this is where my prejudice comes out but black people and white people party so differently. ive got firsthand experience. i know college isnt all about parties and whatnot but this is a place where i live, not just go to class BUT LIVE so i have to have a good mix of socializin and at the pwi where im at that just isnt happening

Even looking at the party side of it, I realize now that school is what you make it. Back in the day, people use to say black colleges where nothing but "party schools". But every year, the Princeton Review puts out a list of the top party schools. HBCUs never make the cut.

[iRep504]

White people party on a whole different level than black people.