How historically Black universities and colleges are drivers of U.S. growth

Aug 10, 2021

According to a Mckinsey report, HBCUs have substantively improved the economic and educational positions of Black Americans and others in the United States.' Image: Unsplash/Emmanuel Ikwuegbu

Jimmy Sarakatsannis

Partner, McKinsey & Company

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a chart showing that Black colleges consistently deliver strong outcomes, especially on economic mobility

Black colleges consistently deliver strong outcomes, especially on economic mobility. Image: Mckinsey and Company

a chart showing that the mean mobility rate across all US colleges is 1.6 percent, but the mean mobility rate for HBCUs is 3.0 percent

The mean mobility rate for HBCUs. Image: Mckinsey and Company

a diagram showing where Black universities and colleges are historically located

81% of HBCUs are located in US counties where the median wage is below the national average. Image: Mckinsey and Company

this diagram shows how many HBCUs are situated in areas where Black consumers’ needs are not being met.

The problem of the digital divide. Image: Mckinsey and Company

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