HBCU vs. Ivy League: How do I decide which is the better fit for me?

Okay, so I'm in a pickle and could use some advice. I've been weighing my college choices and I'm torn between the vibe and community at HBCUs and the prestige of Ivy League schools. How do I figure out which is the better fit for me, considering factors like culture, academics, networking, and future opportunities? Anyone else struggled to decide between these paths?

Deciding between an HBCU and an Ivy League can definitely be a tough call, since they each offer superb learning environments and opportunities for personal growth, but in quite distinct ways.

One good place to start is by thinking about the cultural aspect—HBCUs have a deeply rooted sense of community and support which is especially relevant for Black students, alongside a focus on African American heritage. On the other hand, Ivies often have a broad international community and are known for their academic rigor.

Networking is strong at Ivies due to their reputations and alumni networks, but HBCUs also have powerful, close-knit networks that are highly invested in current students' success. Depending on what you want to study and what's important to you in your career, however, one may be a better match than another—if you see yourself working to make companies more inclusive, for example, an HBCU may be a better call, whereas hoping to eventually move and work abroad may be a goal that you can realize more easily with an Ivy League degree.

The vibe of the campus also matters—whether it's collaborative or competitive, in a big city or more remote, and so on, as all of these things can affect your college experience. Just keep in mind that there will be variety here both between HBCUs and Ivies and within those groups, as even if two schools have a lot of similarities, there will also always be some key differences.

Visit campuses if possible, and consider attending information sessions, even virtually, or talking to current students, to give you more information as you make your decision. Ultimately, the 'better fit' comes down to where you feel most at home and empowered to pursue your goals. Good luck with finding that perfect match!