Hand woven using silk, rayon, polyester or cotton, Kente cloth incorporates a variety of shapes and patterns, often in some combination of balck, red, green, blue, and gold colors. On the academic stole, Kente patterns typically border a large margin of space on the garment reserved for text, such as the graduating class year, or the Greek letters of the student’s fraternity or sorority. However, some Kente stoles are themed from top to bottom in the vibrant patterns reminiscent of West Africa. The garment drapes over and behind the student’s neck, with each long end reaching down near their waistline.
Like other academic stoles, Kente stoles represent a specific theme for the students that wear them. Most graduates in Kente graduation stoles are of African descent, wearing them in union with the shared heritage of those who birthed the Kente cloth tradition. The stole can have other personal meanings for the wearer as well, offering significance for people of other ethnic backgrounds to wear the garment. Many universities and colleges host ceremonies to formally don the students in Kente stoles before the graduation commencement.
]]>
11. #AchievementUnlocked
12. #BeyondTheDegree
13. #CapsOff
14. #TasselTime
15. #LifeAfterGraduation
16. #NextChapter
17. #GradParty
18. #Alumni
19. #ThrowingHats
20. #ClassOf20XX
21. #SuccessStory
22. #FarewellCollege
23. #MemoriesMade
24. #GratefulGrad
25. #CheersToUs
26. #JourneyOfALifetime
27. #GraduationVibes
28. #FollowYourDreams
29. #OnToTheNextAdventure
30. #GraduationCeremony
31. #GraduationPhotos
32. #BeyondTheClassroom
33. #PompAndCircumstance
34. #CelebrateSuccess
35. #TurningTheTassel
36. #CapsAndGowns
37. #GraduationSeason
38. #CelebratingGraduates
39. #CollegeGrad
40. #ProudParents
41. #FutureLeaders
42. #Commencement
43. #PassionAndPurpose
44. #GraduationInspiration
45. #DreamsComeTrue
46. #SuccessInSight
47. #TasselTurner
48. #MakingMemories
49. #EmbracingTheFuture
50. #LifeAfterDegree
Remember to use hashtags that are relevant to your specific graduation experience and incorporate your own personal touch.
– Maya Angelou
– Michael Jackson
– James Baldwin
– Barack Obama
– Ruby Bridges
– Serena Williams
– Kobe Bryant
– Bessie Coleman
– Malcolm X
– Hank Aaron
– Muhammad Ali
– Marian Anderson
– Arthur Ashe
– James Baldwin
– Benjamin Banneker
– Mary McLeod Bethune
–Guion Bluford
– Arna Bontemps
– Edward Brooke
– Gwendolyn Brooks
– Ralph Bunche
– George Washington Carver
– Shirley Chisholm
– John Henrik Clarke
– Michelle Obama
– Alexander Crummell
– Countee Cullen
– Martin R. Delany
– Stevie Wonder
– Bessie Smith
– Diana Ross
– Robert Johnson
– Jimi Hendrix
– Duke Ellington
– Miles Davis
– Ray Charles
– Chuck Berry
– Harry Belafonte
– Wilt Chamberlain
– Althea Gibson
– Magic Johnson
– Jackie Joyner-Kersee
– Sugar Ray Leonard
– Jesse Owens
– Jackie Robinson
– Tiger Woods
– Ralph Ellison
– Alex Haley
– Lorraine Hansberry
– Langston Hughes
– Zora Neale Hurston
– Toni Morrison
– Stokely Carmichael
– W.E.B. DuBois
– Medgar Evers
– Marcus Garvey
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
– Rosa Parks
– Fred Shuttlesworth
– Morgan Freeman
– Eddie Murphy
– Sidney Poitier
– Denzel Washington
– Mae Jemison
– Percy Lavon Julian
– Mary McLeod Bethune
– Chadwick Boseman
– Madame C.J. Walker
– Jesse Jackson
– Cuba Gooding Jr.
– Colin Powell
– Clarence Thomas
– Laurence Fishburne
– Jean-Michel Basquiat
– Frederick Douglass
– Jay Z
– Katherine Johnson
– Quincy Jones
– Gordon Sparks
– Harriet Tubman
– Jamie Foxx
– Viola Davis
– Whoopi Goldberg
– Tyra Banks
– Whitney Houston
– Beyoncé
– Vanessa Williams
– Benjamin Carson
– LeBron James
– Tamara Burke
– Chris Paul
– Christopher Paul Gardner
– Ava DuVernay
– Michelle Obama
– Bishop T.D. Jakes
– Armstrong Williams
– Rosalind Brewer
– Rashida Jones
– Alicia Boler Davis
– Ella Fitzgerald
]]>
1. "The adventure begins."
2. "And so the journey ends, but the memories last forever."
3. "Cheers to the ones who made it!"
4. "Graduation: the beautiful ending to a new beginning."
5. "The tassel was worth the hassle."
6. "Class of [year]: We made it!"
7. "Dream big, work hard, make it happen."
8. "Success is not the destination, it's the journey."
9. "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
10. "The best is yet to come."
11. "Here's to the nights we can't remember and the friends we'll never forget."
12. "Forever a proud graduate."
13. "Education is the key to unlocking our true potential."
14. "I don't just have a diploma; I have a future."
15. "Graduation is not the end; it's just the beginning."
16. "Cheers to the nights we'll never forget and the friends we'll always remember."
17. "Throw kindness like confetti."
18. "The world is waiting for us, and we're ready."
19. "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself."
20. "Let your dreams be your wings."
21. "The future is bright, and so are we."
22. "Today, we say goodbye to the comfort zone and hello to new adventures."
23. "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
24. "I may have a degree, but my heart will always be a student."
25. "The days are long, but the years are short."
26. "Proud to be a graduate."
27. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
28. "Our hats are off to a new chapter."
29. "Behind us are memories, beside us are friends, and before us are dreams."
30. "Graduation is not the end; it's a new beginning."
31. "Our story starts here."
32. "We didn't come this far to only come this far."
33. "Life is a journey, and today, we reached a milestone."
34. "Hard work pays off."
35. "The future is ours for the taking."
36. "We came, we saw, we conquered."
37. "Dream big and dare to fail."
38. "The tassel was worth the hassle."
39. "Aim high and soar higher."
40. "The best views come after the hardest climbs."
41. "Adventure awaits."
42. "One chapter ends, another begins."
43. "Take pride in how far you've come, and have faith in how far you can go."
44. "Class dismissed."
45. "May your dreams be bigger than your fears."
46. "We made it, and we're just getting started."
47. "The world is ours to explore."
48. "Graduation: the beginning of anything you want."
49. "It's not the end; it's the beginning of a lifetime of learning."
50. "Congratulations, graduates! We did it!"
Feel free to pick the one that resonates with you the most or use them as inspiration to create your own unique graduation photo caption!
Graduating from school is a significant milestone that deserves to be celebrated and remembered. One of the best ways to do this is by having a graduation photoshoot. Whether you're graduating from high school or college, a graduation photoshoot can capture this special moment in time and create lasting memories.
Here are some tips for planning a great graduation photoshoot:
A graduation photoshoot is a great way to commemorate this significant milestone in your life. By following these tips, you can plan a photoshoot that reflects your personality, captures your achievements, and creates lasting memories. From choosing a location to hiring a professional photographer, these steps will help you plan a graduation photoshoot that you'll treasure for years to come. So, put on your graduation cap and gown, strike a pose, and say cheese!
]]>The Kashaka is a traditional percussion instrument that has its roots in West Africa. It is also known as the Asalato, Cas Cas, or the Shaker in different parts of the world. This unique instrument consists of two small gourds or shells that are connected by a string or cord. The Kashaka produces a distinct sound when the two gourds are struck against each other or played in a rhythmic motion.
Traditionally, the Kashaka was used by the people of Ghana and other West African countries as a part of their cultural and religious ceremonies. The instrument was also used as a means of communication between different tribes and communities. Today, the Kashaka has gained popularity among musicians around the world and is commonly used in various music genres such as jazz, world, and African music.
The Kashaka is often made using natural gourds that are handpicked and dried. The gourds are then cut in half and hollowed out to create the two shells. The shells are then connected using a string or cord that is braided or twisted to form a loop. The loop allows the player to hold the Kashaka between their fingers while playing.
To play the Kashaka, the player holds one of the shells in their hand and strikes the other shell against it in a rhythmic motion. The player can also toss the Kashaka in the air and catch it while maintaining a beat. The sound produced by the Kashaka is unique and can be altered by changing the speed, force, and direction of the strikes.
The Kashaka is a versatile instrument that can be used in various ways to create different sounds and rhythms. It can be played alone or in a group, and it can also be used as a complement to other percussion instruments such as drums or djembes. The Kashaka is easy to carry around and is a great addition to any musician's collection.
In conclusion, the Kashaka is a unique and traditional percussion instrument that has gained popularity around the world. Its distinct sound and versatility make it a valuable addition to any musician's collection. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned musician, the Kashaka is a must-try instrument that will add a touch of authentic African sound to your music.
]]>Get printable graduation cap designs here: https://www.sankofaedition.com/collections/graduation-cap-designs
If you choose to decorate yourself, first make sure that you know which side of the cap is the front, so your design can be easily seen. Once you have a theme picked out, it is always a good idea to draw a rough draft on a piece of paper to see how it will look.
To find inspiration, think of quotes or movie moments you like. You can also include school colors, puns on your major, or coordinate with friends on a theme. Once you’ve settled on a design, you can find cheap crafting supplies at a dollar or craft store. A glue gun, beads, ribbons, glitter, and gems will make any cap stand out.
Designing on scrapbook paper rather than the actual cap will be easier and will give a polished finish. Color or glitter paper can also be part of the design itself. When cutting the paper to fit your cap, make sure you cut a hole where the tassel will go. You can then hot glue this onto your cap and start decorating.
Decorating your cap will make for a lasting memory, and will be a great way for family members to pick you out in a crowd.
]]>If you are a graduate student, the tassel starts on the left side of your graduation cap. You will leave it there throughout the ceremony, symbolizing that you have already graduated before.
]]>The sleeves of the gown should fall below your elbow but above your hands, while the hem should sit below your knee but above your ankle. Whether you wear heels or flats will not change where the hem falls, so don’t size up to accommodate this.
When zipped up, the gown should flow loosely, but not slide around. The cap should also be able to sit parallel to the ground on your head.
The gown is the foundation of your ceremony ensemble, which will also include a graduation stole and honor cords, so it is important that it is sized correctly to avoid tripping or being in the way on graduation day.
]]>Even before the party begins, you can start saving money. A Facebook event or evite cuts out invitation costs, and is easier to keep track of who has responded. Facebook can also provide an alternative to a professional photographer by having everyone who attends upload their photos online.
Most decorations can be recycled from other events or found at the dollar store. Balloons and streamers are versatile and can be bought in bulk. Strands of lights can also be repurposed and hung around the space. A black sheet can double as a DIY backdrop, with balloons and paper cutouts for props. Stringing together photos of the graduate will look nice and will entertain friends and family.
You can cut down costs exponentially through the guest list, either by cohosting with a friend or by making the celebration solely for family. If you prefer inviting a larger crowd, you can schedule it between meal times and frame it as a drop-in event so guests won’t be expecting a full meal.
You can also have the party in your house or backyard, and prepare the food yourself. Heavier meals like spaghetti or grilling out will cover more people. Dessert can be homemade cookies or cupcakes, or a sheet cake from the grocery store. Decorative trays and bowls for can dress up the meal and be bought cheaply from the dollar store.
For entertainment, plug in your own playlist instead of hiring a DJ. A cheap guestbook and makeshift photo backdrop will get everyone involved. You can allow for toasts and speeches, or set up a memory board where guests can write funny or memorable stories, either to read aloud or to save for later.
After the party, you can opt for sincere, handwritten thank you notes instead of party favors.
]]>As with many decisions surrounding graduation, there is no universally agreed-upon standard for how much money to gift a graduate. But there are some guidelines to help you make your decision.
First, decide if it’s necessary to get the graduate a gift at all. You can respond to announcements with a simple card wishing them well. An invitation to a graduation party or ceremony should be met with a gift, but the size and amount depend on your relationship to the graduate.
Distant relatives or friends usually send around $15 - $20, while close friends and relatives more commonly send around the $20 - $50 mark. Some families and family friends may choose to spend closer to $100 - $500, depending on their finances and the needs of the graduate.
It is important to take into account what the graduate is planning to do after graduation and whether they truly need money. Graduates who are already financially sound may appreciate a meaningful memento instead so that you can concentrate monetary gifts on the graduates who really need them. If you would rather give an affordable and meaningful gift, you can get the student a graduation stole. This gift will be prominent in photographs and serve as a wonderful way to remember the day.
Presentation also makes a big difference when giving money. Even a relatively small amount will mean more tucked between the pages of a book or folded into a sincere note. You can get creative and make a money tree or include graduation quotes.
Money is a popular and appreciated gift for college graduation, but it is also a more sensitive subject than a particular gift. Evaluating all parties’ financial situations, your relationship, and how best to show you genuinely care, will help make a decision on how much money is appropriate.
]]>Flowers are also temporary, fading within days of the ceremony. Small, thoughtful gifts will be easier to carry around, and will be a more permanent memento to remind the graduate of your support. Money spent on flowers could instead go toward a gift the new graduate can use in the process of becoming independent.
Gifts can be as small as a picture frame, planner, or something that you make yourself. They can also be personalized and memorable like a graduation stole or function oriented like a set of hand towels. If you are a close friend or family member, you can consider donating money so that the graduate can choose what they need most.
If you are set on giving the graduate flowers, there are more effective ways than a bouquet at the ceremony. You can schedule a flower delivery to the graduate’s house or apartment the day of the ceremony. A corsage or boutonniere will be easier to incorporate the day of, and can be pressed in an album for a lasting memory.
]]>Fall graduations are typically held indoors, so weather doesn’t pose as much of a factor. It’s a good idea to layer for these ceremonies to account for all temperatures. It will likely be cold outside, but much warmer indoors with increased body heat.
Spring graduations last longer and are held outside. Clothing should be picked with the weather and location in mind. Flat shoes instead of heels will be both more comfortable and less likely to sink in to the grass or get caught on the bricks. Sleeveless dresses or lightweight material can also help keep you cool on hot days surrounded by hundreds of other families.
A huge part of graduation ceremonies is taking photos with the graduate. You don’t want to detract attention from the graduate either by looking too casual or too formal. Clothing should be chosen with comfort in mind in preparation for a long day, but also with thought toward the long-lasting nature of graduation memories. Your outfit should be something you would be happy looking back at in photos for years to come.
]]>When deciding whether to bring a present, you should factor in how close you are to the graduate, how large the party will be, and how many parties you will be attending. Close friends, adults, and relatives should always bring a gift, while acquaintances can opt for a nice card with a personalized message. If you have accepted invitations to many graduation parties, you should prioritize buying gifts for your close friends and family.
Regardless of expectations, graduation parties celebrate an important milestone in a person’s life. Thoughtful gifts are a way to recognize the hard work of the graduate, and to show confidence in where they are headed. Gifts can be relatively small and inexpensive, as it is more important to gift something with meaning to the graduate.
One such example is the Kente stole, which incorporates both personal and shared history for a deeply intimate significance that will honor the graduate’s past and future. These stoles can be personalized for each graduate, making for a truly unique gift.
The most important thing is to make the graduate feel surrounded by encouragement and appreciation as they step into the future. Personalized cards and gifts will go a long way toward expressing this intention, and will always be welcomed.
]]>The rapid spread of the Coronavirus in 2020 saw this year’s graduating class celebrating largely over Zoom. Makeup graduation dates were also postponed before being suspended completely for the time being. Now, both current and past seniors are hoping 2021 will bring in-person ceremonies back.
These ceremonies depend on progress toward treating the virus and toward being able to safely hold large gatherings. When this will happen is difficult to predict with an uncertain timeline. New vaccines are being developed and tested daily to find a viable solution to what has become a global priority. Once a vaccine is created, there will likely initially be a shortage of supplies, which will result in health care workers and those at higher risk being prioritized for vaccines. Once production increases, the vaccine will be available to the general public.
With half a year until graduation, there is great potential for strides to be taken in the treatment of the Coronavirus, and for in-person ceremonies to make a return. Continue to follow updates from your university, as it is possible these decisions will be made on a case by case basis, or that some schools will opt for virtual or limited in-person celebrations. While the outcome is still uncertain, university officials are operating under the assumption that 2021 in-person ceremonies will happen.
(as of Nov. 3, 2020)
]]>The first thing that must be considered is when you plan to graduate. Most universities are guaranteed to offer fall and spring graduations while some may also offer winter and summer graduations. Here is an approximation of each deadline for each semester: Fall graduation deadlines are around early to mid-October, winter deadlines are around late October, spring deadlines are around mid to late March, and summer deadlines are around early July. Now, because every school is different it’s best to check your university’s academic calendar and apply as early as possible to get it out of the way.
]]>What is FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used by colleges and universities to determine if a student is eligible for federal, state, or school financial aid. This includes educational loans, grants, and work-study programs. The FAFSA is used by the U.S. Department of Education to calculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) for college. The lower the EFC, the more aid a student is able to receive.
Types of FAFSA Graduate Loans
There are two types of federal loans available to graduate students: Stafford Loans and Grad PLUS Loans. With a Stafford Loan, a student can borrow up to $20,500 or $40,500 for med school with a fixed interest rate of 6%. Grad PLUS Loans allow for the borrowed amount to equal the cost of school including tuition, room and board, and supplies with an interest rate of 6.2%.
How is FAFSA Different for Graduate Students
Undergraduate and graduate students both complete the same form for financial aid. However, the form needs to be resubmitted every year so if a student completed the FAFSA as an undergraduate, it still needs to be completed for every year the student is in graduate school.
The differences in the financial aid are as follows:
The FAFSA is used to determine financial aid eligibility for graduate students, but there are some key differences as compared to the process for undergraduates.
]]>
Students that want to go to graduate school should review the schools’ requirements as well as when applications are due. Deadlines vary by school, so it is important to note the application cutoff for each school, so it is not missed.
Types of Admissions Deadlines
There are several types of admissions deadlines for graduate programs:
Rolling Admissions: Some graduate programs use a rolling admissions policy, which means the applications are reviewed and decided on when they come in. Offers are sent to prospective students as soon as acceptance is determined. The earlier the application is received, the more space there is in the class. Once the class is full, the school will stop accepting applications.
Phases:
Some schools do admissions in phases so there are several deadlines for sending in applications throughout the year. When a deadline is reached, the applications are considered in a batch, and acceptances are offered. This process repeats one to three more times. Admission rates are usually higher in the first round.
Final Deadline: Many schools have one, final deadline, for example, April 1. Applications that are received after that date are not guaranteed to be reviewed.
Starting in a Different Semester: Some programs allow students to start the program in the spring or summer instead of the fall. In this case, deadlines will be different than for fall entry.
When are Grad School Applications Due?
Most graduate programs begin in the fall when the school year traditionally starts. Deadlines for graduate school applications usually start in December and run through the spring. It is rare for a school to have an application deadline earlier than December for graduate programs unless it is a rolling admission. Sometimes each individual program in a college or university has its own deadline, but again, this is different per school.
Graduation Deadlines for Top HBCU’s
The following HBCU’s have the following deadlines for the following fall enrollment.
Howard University: Most graduate schools have a deadline date of April 14, with the exception of Clinical Psychology (December 1) and Counseling Psychology (January 1).
Hampton University: The deadline to submit for fall matriculation is June 1.
Morehouse College: March is the deadline for fall enrollment.
Tuskegee University: Admission is rolling.
North Carolina Central University: Deadlines vary by individual graduate programs.
When applying to graduate school, it is best to review the specific application deadline per school since it varies widely.
]]>North Carolina A&T State University (NCAT) has the largest HBCU enrollment with over 12,753 students in its student population. Of the 12,753 students, 40% are male and 60% are female.
Below is a listing of the largest HBCU’s and the number of students enrolled:
1. North Carolina A&T State University - Approximately 12,142
2. Florida A&M University - Approximately 9,646
3. Texas Southern University - Approximately 10,649
4. Jackson State University - Approximately 7,020
5. Southern University and A&M College - Approximately 6,489
6. Alabama A&M University - Approximately 6,106
7. Norfolk State University - Approximately 5,247
8. Howard University - Approximately 10,200
9. Grambling State University - Approximately 5,188
10. Hampton University - Approximately 4,500
Please check with the respective universities or more recent sources for the most up-to-date enrollment figures.
Why Howard University Has the Best Business Program
Howard University continually ranks high for its business program. The program offers strong business-related courses, a solid graduation rate, and an active alumni network. It features specialized centers with resources in areas like global business, supply chain management, cybersecurity, and global business. Their 21st Century Advantage Program is a series of competitive learning opportunities designed to provide leadership development. In addition, the School of Business was the first business school in Washington, D.C. to receive accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
How Does Howard University Compare to Other HBCU Business Programs
Top-tier HBCU universities with business programs include Morehouse College, Florida A&M University, Fayetteville State University, and Hampton University. Howard University stands out for the following reasons:
MBA Program: The School of Business is ranked #64 by U.S. News and World Report nationally for its full-time MBA program and #3 for diversity by Bloomberg. It provides an online executive MBA program for students who want the flexibility of getting a degree while working. The quality of the education of the online platform is the same as the on-campus program. The course, which is managed through the Strategic Management Capstone, is designed so that students get a range of exposure to all aspects of business, including international experiences. No other school is able to give students as much real-world exposure as Howard University.
Graduation Rate: The graduation rate for Howard University is also higher than other top-tier schools, at 59%. Hampton University is second at 54% with Morehouse College at 51%.
Earning Potential: After graduation, Howard University students have the potential to earn a better salary than those in other business programs. The average base salary for those graduating from Howard University Business Program was $91k. In comparison, it was $67k for students from Hampton University.
Howard University’s business program is unmatched for HBCU schools.
]]>
|
Spelman College |
Howard University |
Xavier University of LA |
Hampton University |
Morehouse College |
Tuition |
$28,181 |
$28,916 |
$26,398 |
$29,287 |
$29,468 |
Male (M) vs. female (F) |
100% female |
28% M vs. 72% F |
23% M vs. 77% F |
34% M vs. 66% F |
100% male |
Starting Salary |
$50,200 |
$52,900 |
$40,200 |
$52,600 |
$51,400 |
Setting |
Urban |
Urban |
Urban |
Urban |
Urban |
Undergrad Enrollment |
2,207 |
10,859 |
3,384 |
3,063 |
2,152 |
Acceptance Rate |
53% |
39% |
81% |
36% |
74% |
Graduation Rate (4yrs). |
65% |
52% |
35% |
41% |
42% |
Location/Climate |
Georgia/ warm |
Washington D.C./ moderate |
Louisiana/warm |
Virginia/ moderate |
Georgia/ warm |
These HBCU’s have very similar tuition rates and are all located in urban areas but differ in other factors, as indicated by the chart.
The Top 5 HBCU Schools Accolades
These are not the only factors to be considered, however. The best HBCU schools each have several characteristics for which they stand out for on a national scale, according to U.S. News and World Report:
Spelman College: #54 Liberal Arts Colleges and #90 Best Value.
Howard University: #83 National Universities and #22 Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Xavier University of Louisiana: #15 Regional Universities South and #9 Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Hampton University: #202 National Universities and #4 Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Morehouse College: #128 Liberal Arts Colleges and #42 Most Innovative Schools
Which HBCU Should I Choose?
All of the Top 5 HBCU’s provide a high-quality education so the choice on where to go will depend on which factors are most important to the student. For example, the acceptance rate for Xavier University of Louisiana is much higher than that of Hampton University so that may be an important consideration for a student. The size of the school is often another key factor. Howard University is much larger than the other schools on the list. Those looking for a liberal arts school might gravitate toward Spelman College or Morehouse College. Ultimately, the student should list which factors are critical and then choose the school that best fits the criteria.
]]>
About Fort Valley State University
Founded in 1895, Fort Valley State University is a public institution with a strong history of the education of black Americans. With an enrollment of about 2,500 undergraduate students, the most popular majors include Biology, Psychology, Veterinary Technology, and Criminal Justice. Set on 1,365 acres, the school is located on the second largest acreage out of Georgia colleges and universities. It provides the perfect setting for its on-campus housing for students.
Why Fort Valley State University Has the Best Dorms
There are two options for living on-campus at Fort Valley. Ohio Hall, which was built in 1930 has been recently remodeled. Wildcat Commons was built in 2009 with seven buildings that feature apartment-style living. Wildcat Commons is a collection of beautiful red brick buildings with a courtyard in the center. A modern clubhouse includes a recreation/gaming center that is popular with students and a pizza takeout restaurant. The dorms also have the following amenities:
The modern apartments at Wildcat Commons have several different layouts, but each has its own private bathroom, which differs from many other dormitories where there is one shared bathroom per floor. Freshman and sophomores are eligible for a 3 bedroom and 1 bathroom apartment. An example of Junior and Senior apartments at Wildcat Commons is 2 bedrooms and 2 baths in 671 square feet of living space. Each apartment also has a kitchen, living room, and dining area.
As compared to other HBCU’s, Fort Valley offers more to its students. Alcorn University, for example, only offers a traditional style double room with two single beds with a community bath on each floor. Wi-Fi is in the Lobby only and there are vending machines rather than a takeout place. Another HBCU, Grambling State University, offers traditional double-style rooms instead of suites to many of its students as well without the amenities such as a recreation and gaming center for student use.
The on-campus housing costs are affordable---they range from $2,408-$3,557 depending on the size of the apartment. A 3 bedroom/1 bathroom residence for example costs $2,408 per semester. As compared to the national average student housing cost per year of $7,717 for on-campus housing, Fort Valley State University provides a great value with high-quality housing. And as compared to other HBCU’s too. For example, the average cost for Grambling State University, is $5,572, with far less amenities for students.
Fort Valley has also received recognition for its on-campus housing options. Niche ranked Fort Valley #65 out of 1,392 colleges for best dorms, with an “A” rating. They also ranked the school #1 for dorms in the state of Georgia.
]]>Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Nursing Schools were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1965 to provide black students with a supportive environment in which to learn nursing. There are 36 HBCU’s in the United States that offer nursing programs. Winston-Salem State University has the leading HBCU nursing program in the country.
About Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem State University is considered one of the best HBCU’s in the U.S. compared to other schools. WSSU is a public school that is a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina. It is now recognized as offering baccalaureate and graduate programs to a diverse student population, and often ranked as one of the top HBCU’s in the country. The total enrollment in the nursing program is 81 students, with 9 full-time faculty members.
Why Winston-Salem State University Has the Best Nursing Program
Winston-Salem State University’s nursing program is the top in the country based on several factors like affordability, curriculum, and test scores. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with both a Master of Science in Nursing and a Master of Nursing. U.S News and World Report ranks Winston-Salem as #131 nationally for the Master of Nursing program and #122 as Doctor of Nursing Practice Program. Nurse Journal ranked WSSU as #8 for its “America’s Best Nursing Schools for 2018” as well as #15 for the Top 500 Online Nursing Programs.
Students in the program are also well-equipped to pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Students from the school have a 90.9% passing rate of the NCLEX-RN exam. This is higher than the national rate of 86.57% for 2020.
Graduates of the nursing program earn some of the highest salaries in the state of North Carolina. Yet, compared to other HBCU nursing programs, Winston-Salem is one of the most affordable. Full-time tuition for the Master of Science of Nursing is $3,872 per year (in-state) and $13,987 per year (out-of-state). As compared to Howard University, another distinguished HBCU, the nursing program costs $35,455 per year full-time.
What really makes the program stand out is the hands-on experience students can receive. The nursing program focuses on social justice and the improvement of the health of the underserved population by engaging in community health programs. The program’s Center for Excellence, which is nationally recognized, reduces health disparities for those who cannot afford health care. Students of the program are able to learn as they get involved in serving the community around them.
The diversity and breadth of the nursing program at Winston-Salem State University makes it the top choice for HBCU’s.
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Which HBCU Has the Best Law Program?
There are six accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Law Schools in the United States. Howard University, the country’s first HBCU law school, has the best one and has a solid reputation for its curriculum and teaching.
About Howard University School of Law
Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private institution located in Washington D.C. The university has many graduate programs including a School of Law, which opened its doors in 1869. Howard became the first school in the country to graduate a female black lawyer, in 1872. At that time there was a need to help black Americans protect their newly established rights. Today, the law school has a diverse student body and faculty that focus on public service and human and civil rights. It holds accreditation from the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Association of American Law Schools (AALS). Total attendance at the school is around 400 students.
Why Howard University is The Best HBCU Law School
Howard University is the only historically black law school to be ranked in the third tier. U.S. News and World Report has the law school listed as #91 in the country in their annual law school rankings.
In 2020, 93.1% of Howard University law students passed the bar exam, which is 24th in the national ranking for bar passage rate from first-test takers. In New York State, 82.8% of students from the law school passed the bar last year, as compared to the state average of 76.6%---a difference of 4.2%. Howard University Law School ranks #38 for graduates employed at the time of graduation (61.2%).
The law program enables its students to get hands-on public service experience. With a reputation for being progressive, Howard University hosts an honors pro bono program that allows students to serve low-socioeconomic citizens in exchange for course credit. Because of this HBCU’s Washington D.C. location, students have access to internships, externships, and apprenticeships. High post-graduation employment rates testify to the quality of education of this university.
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