A groundbreaking study has revealed that attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) is associated with significantly better cognitive function later in life for Black Americans. Researchers found that Black adults who went to HBCUs demonstrated superior memory, language skills, and overall cognition compared to those who attended predominantly white institutions (PWIs), even decades after graduation. This discovery underscores the profound, enduring impact of culturally affirming educational environments on brain health.

Published in early 2026, the research draws from a large national dataset and highlights how HBCUs may serve as protective factors against cognitive decline, a pressing concern given that Black Americans face roughly twice the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) compared to their white counterparts. At an average age of 62, HBCU alumni in the study scored higher across key cognitive domains, suggesting that the unique social and academic experiences at these institutions build lasting cognitive reserve.

🧠 Unpacking the Study: Methodology and Participant Insights

The study leveraged data from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, a long-term prospective cohort tracking over 30,000 Black and white U.S. adults aged 45 and older, recruited between 2003 and 2007. With an oversample of Black participants and those from the Stroke Belt—the eight southern states with elevated stroke mortality—the analysis focused on 1,978 Black college attendees who had high school exposure in states hosting HBCUs.

Of these, 35% (699 individuals) attended an HBCU, while the rest went to PWIs. Cognitive assessments occurred every six months from 2006 to 2021, measuring memory via the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) word list recall, language through animal naming and letter fluency tasks, and global cognition as a composite score. Advanced statistical methods, including inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and regression adjustments for confounders like childhood socioeconomic status (SES), maternal education, regional poverty, and early-life support, ensured robust comparisons.

Participants averaged 61.8 years at first assessment, with 67% female. HBCU attendees were more likely to report positive childhood experiences, such as maternal encouragement (72% vs. 57%) and affection, which may compound the institutions' benefits.

Key Results: Measurable Cognitive Gains

The findings were striking: HBCU attendance correlated with a 0.13 standard deviation (SD) improvement in memory, 0.19 SD in language, and 0.22 SD in global cognition compared to PWIs. These differences equate to meaningful real-world advantages, such as recalling more words or generating more fluent responses under timed conditions.

Crucially, benefits persisted across historical eras—pre-1955 (legal segregation), 1955-1964 (post-Brown v. Board but pre-Civil Rights Act), and post-1964—though strongest after 1955. Sensitivity analyses, including state fixed effects and outlier exclusions, confirmed the associations' stability, ruling out simple SES or selection biases.

• Memory (ATE: 0.13 SD, 95% CI: 0.05-0.21)
• Language (ATE: 0.19 SD, 95% CI: 0.08-0.29)
• Global Cognition (ATE: 0.22 SD, 95% CI: 0.09-0.34)

These gains held despite unmeasured factors like pre-college cognition, positioning HBCUs as potential levers for reducing ADRD disparities.

The Legacy of HBCUs: From Origins to Resilience Builders

Established primarily before 1964 under the Morrill Act to provide higher education denied to Black Americans amid slavery and Jim Crow laws, today's 107 HBCUs enroll about 300,000 students—roughly 10% of Black undergraduates. Despite comprising just 3% of U.S. colleges, they award 17% of Black bachelor's degrees and 25% of Black STEM doctorates.

Graduation rates average around 35-40% within six years, lower than the national 64% but improving, with top performers like Howard University exceeding 70%. HBCUs boast high ROI: graduates earn 56% more lifetime income ($927,000 premium) than high school-only peers, often with lower debt due to scholarships and community support.

Mechanisms at Play: Sense of Belonging and Stress Reduction

Why the edge? Experts point to biopsychosocial pathways. HBCUs foster profound belonging—83% of Black students report strong campus ties vs. lower at PWIs—reducing chronic racial stress linked to accelerated aging and telomere shortening. Lower depression/anxiety rates, robust mentorship, and cultural affirmation enhance cognitive engagement and reserve.

Lead author Marilyn D. Thomas notes: "HBCU students report lower racial stress, greater belonging, stronger faculty connections, and better achievements, leading to lifelong networks, economic security, and health resources." Co-author Min Hee Kim adds: "The college context—not just years educated—builds dementia resilience via support and reduced discrimination."

These environments counteract racism's toll, evident even pre-desegregation, promoting neural plasticity through enriched social and academic stimulation.

Photo by Google DeepMind on Unsplash

Beyond the Brain: Holistic Health and Socioeconomic Wins

Cognitive perks align with HBCUs' broader impacts: higher persistence (despite funding gaps), leadership pipelines (e.g., 25% of Black Congress members are alumni), and mental health buffers. Studies show HBCU grads have lower hypertension and better economic mobility, compounding brain health via lifestyle and access.

In 2025-26, enrollment hit records amid national declines, signaling appeal amid DEI scrutiny. Yet challenges persist: underfunding (11% less federal support), infrastructure woes, and enrollment pressures.

Current Landscape: Enrollment Trends and Graduation Progress

HBCU enrollment stabilized at ~287,000 in fall 2025, up slightly post-pandemic, with strong growth at public institutions like North Carolina A&T (13,000+ students). Six-year graduation rates hover at 40%, but stars like Spelman College (83%) and Morehouse (75%) excel. STEM fields thrive: HBCUs produce disproportionate Black engineers and doctors.

Facing $12B infrastructure backlog and political headwinds, federal White House Initiative bolsters support. Lifetime earnings ROI remains stellar, with grads outpacing PWIs in some metrics post-adjustment.

Policy Ramifications: Investing in Affirmative Education

As U.S. ages—projected 8M+ ADRD cases by 2030—HBCU findings urge bolstering these assets. Policymakers should prioritize funding, DEI preservation, and replication of belonging via minority-serving institutions. BU's Justin White emphasizes: "Structural solutions like supportive educational environments yield benefits beyond graduation."

Thomas advocates: "Preserve HBCUs and DEI to foster healthier aging for marginalized groups."Boston University press release

Voices from the Field: Researchers Weigh In

Rutgers' Min Hee Kim: "Inequities persist, but HBCUs offer protective effects on cognition, promoting resilience." Guardian coverage amplifies: HBCUs buffer racism's health toll, vital amid ongoing disparities.

Alzheimer's Association data: 14% of Black seniors vs. 10% whites have AD, twice the incidence—HBCUs could narrow this via early interventions.

Looking Ahead: Research Gaps and Opportunities

Limitations include cross-sectional design and unmeasured confounders; causal pathways need longitudinal probes. Future work: institutional traits (funding, prestige), partial HBCU exposure, modern cohorts.

For higher ed professionals, HBCUs offer vibrant careers in teaching, research, administration—fostering inclusive excellence amid brain health insights.

Photo by Clayton Robbins on Unsplash

This research reaffirms HBCUs' role in holistic success, blending academic rigor with cultural uplift. As debates rage on affirmative education, evidence mounts: empowering environments yield brains—and lives—that thrive.