Testifiers urge sustainable state support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities
HBCUs chronically underfunded compared to other higher-ed institutions
Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus May 15, 2025 | 12:02 PM
HARRISBURG, May 15 – Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have faced years of chronic underfunding, prompting the Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee and PA Legislative Black Caucus to convene a joint policy hearing Thursday to discuss how the state can provide sustainable support to these institutions of higher education.
The hearing, hosted by Rep. Regina Young (D-Delaware, Phila.), was part of the PLBC’s annual K. Leroy Irvis Day of Action, highlighting the work and advocacy of the first Black Speaker of the PA House of Representatives. The conversation highlighted how targeted investments can strengthen HBCUs, whose contributions have long been overlooked but are essential to fostering equitable educational opportunities for all.
“It’s no secret that HBCUs are often looked at as inferior to other higher education institutions, but we know that’s far from the truth. These are strong schools that offer students not just an education, but a community and environment that builds leaders,” said Young. “But years of underfunding have left these students behind. We need to work hard to deliver equitable and accessible funding for these institutions.”
Testifiers at the hearing detailed how HBCUs have faced decades of lower per-student appropriations compared to institutions that are predominantly white. The average endowment of public HBCUs is $7,265 per student and $24,989 for private HBCUs, while endowments for other colleges and universities are $25,390 and $189,409, respectively.
“There is a clear funding disparity between HBCUs and other higher education institutions, leading to a lack of services and support for students. These students are also taking on more debt after college due to the funding gap,” said PLBC Chairman Napoleon Nelson (D-Phila.) “By ensuring equitable funding, we can help allow HBCUs to continue empowering students and fostering community resilience.”
There are currently two HBCUs in Pennsylvania— Cheyney University, the first HBCU in the United States, and Lincoln University. Testifiers cited a 2024 United Negro College Fund Community Impact Report that shows HBCUs generate billions of dollars in economic impact and thousands of jobs for local communities, demonstrating the significance of these institutions in more ways than one.
“Properly funding HBCUs will help ensure students have equal access to educational resources, services, and faculty members, putting them on an equal level with students enrolled in other schools.,” said House Majority Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie). “Not only would we be leveling the playing field for all students, but we would also be helping to support local economies and job creation. It’s time to find a way to get this done.”
Testifiers at the hearing included Edison Freire, Vice President of the School of Adult and Continuing Education at Lincoln University; Dr. Crystaline Barger, Board President of PGH HBCU Collaborative; Chad Lassiter, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission; and Omar Rice, Youth Program Manager for the Urban League of Philadelphia.
Testimony from Thursday’s hearing can be found here. Video of the hearing can be viewed here.
Information about this and other House Democratic Policy Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/policy.