Pride or Prejudice? Motivations for Choosing Black Colleges

This qualitative study explores the college choice motivations of 48 African American alumni of 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Through narrative inquiry, findings reveal although positive interactions with HBCU students and alumni pique interest in learning more about HBCUs, racial isolation and alienation remain salient experiences influencing the decision to attend an HBCU. Implications for student affairs practice are discussed.