Fiske Guide to Colleges Names 2015 Best Buy HBCUs

For more than 30 years, the Fiske Guide to Colleges has been an indispensable source of information for counselors, college-bound students and their parents. Each year it selects a group of institutions, noted for their quality academic offerings and affordability, for its annual “Best Buy” List.

To qualify for the distinction, the author, Edward B. Fiske, former education editor of The New York Times takes several factors into account such as four or five star academic ratings, inexpensive or moderate price category, and quality of student campus life.

This year the tradition continues and the publication features 44 such institutions – 22 private and 22 public as “Best Buys.” Out of which, three Historically Black Colleges and Universities proudly made to the list.

Here are the private HBCUs that made the Fiske Guide to Colleges Best Buy list:

Morehouse College

Morehouse is a private all-male liberal arts college located in Atlanta, GA and founded in 1867; it has been a home to many prominent alumni, including Martin Luther King Jr., actor Samuel L. Jackson, and filmmaker Spike Lee. In fact, Morehouse is often rated as the best school in the nation for educating African American men. Here students can choose from 26 majors across three academic divisions. The college also boasts of being the first historically black college in the country to produce a Rhodes Scholar.

Spelman College

It’s not the first time that this historically black college for women has been featured in Fiske Guide to Colleges. Founded in 1881, Spelman College has made the cut many times before. Located in Atlanta, GA, Spelman is a highly selective, prestigious, liberal arts college that prepares women of African descent to change the world. The college offers 27 majors, ranging from religious studies to biochemistry. Currently, it draws more than 2,100 students from 41 states and 15 foreign countries. Proud of its 80 plus percent graduation rate, Spelman College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and is a member of Atlanta University Center Consortium.

Xavier University of Louisiana

Xavier University of Louisiana is a liberal arts college located in New Orleans. Known for its unique history and mission, Xavier is the only historically black university in the country that is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. The institution offers over 40 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and has particular strengths in the sciences. At present, it draws students from 39 states and 8 foreign countries. Not to forget, it’s impressive record of placing African-American students into various medical schools.