Increase Funding for HBCUs? Most Virginians Say Yes.

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.

By The VCU Wilder School Office of Research and Outreach
April 11, 2025

Across America, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) play a crucial role in providing education, a sense of cultural identity and empowerment and economic growth to Black students. Though HBCUs represent just three percent of colleges and universities nationwide, their impacts are powerful. HBCUs have educated over 50 percent of all Black teachers in America, 40 percent of all Black engineers, 70 percent of all Black doctors/dentists, 80 percent of all Black judges and much more.

Despite these achievements, HBCUs remain underfunded when compared to majority-white institutions of higher education.

In Virginia, the Attorney General issued an official opinion in 2022 providing guidance for providing funding for HBCUs. While funding public HBCUs is easily allowable, the commonwealth does not typically provide funding to private institutes (HBCU or otherwise). Virginia has two HBCUs, Hampton University and Virginia Union University, both of which were established during Reconstruction to serve African Americans who were largely excluded from higher education. Advocates have pushed for public funding for these universities to address disparities among HBCUs, and the opinion did note exemptions that would allow funding for these private institutions (e.g. providing tuition assistance grants to individual students and providing Virginia Building Authority loans to the school).

This opinion has been widely supported; according to the January 2025 Wilder School Commonwealth Poll, a significant majority (78 percent) of Virginians saying that they support the provision of annual state funding for HBCU operating expenses.

This poll obtained telephone interviews with a representative sample of 806 adults, ages 18 or older, living in Virginia. Telephone interviews were conducted by landline (201) and cell phone (605, including 441 without a landline telephone) in English from December 18, 2024, to January 15, 2025. The margin of error for the entire sample was +/- 4.73.

When we consider demographic breakdowns of those who approved this funding, we find that approval was highest among Democrats (92 percent) though still popular among those of other political parties, while more than 60 percent of Republicans and 76 percent of Independents expressing support. Additionally, support was high among people of different races (with 89 percent of African Americans, 78 percent of white individuals and 76 percent of Asian individuals supporting) and different genders (with 76 percent of men, 79 percent of women and 99 percent of non-binary individuals supporting).

In addition to seeking perceptions of support, the poll also asked participants to let us know if they thought the extent of support was enough.

When asked whether they believe Governor Youngkin has sufficiently funded public HBCUs during his tenure, 49 percent of respondents had an opinion on the matter while the remaining 51 percent said that they did not know or had no opinion. Of the 49 percent who did have an opinion, 27 percent felt the governor had provided adequate funding while 22 percent did not think that funding was adequate. Republicans (35 percent) and Independents (29 percent) were more likely to view Youngkin’s funding as sufficient compared to Democrats (18 percent). There were no significant differences in opinion among those of different races and genders, with majorities of each thinking that the funding was not adequate.

Finally, poll participants were asked about their stance on the governor and appropriations chair’s decision to withhold operating funds from Virginia’s two private HBCUs. Opinions were divided: 47 percent agreed with not allocating funds, while 43 percent believed funding should be provided. Support for withholding funds was strongest among Republicans (65 percent), followed by Independents (42 percent) and Democrats (32 percent).

1. Douglas Wilder, the 66th governor of Virginia, commented on the findings: “I think the results show, as usual, that the people are still ahead of the elected officials. The poll indicates that an overwhelming majority of the people support funding for Virginia’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Gov. Youngkin opposes that. Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares has written an official opinion deeming aid to ‘private institutions’ appropriate and necessary, in several instances. Gov. Glenn Youngkin has opposed that. A majority of those polled do not agree with Youngkin”

The data are clear: HBCUs are making significant positive contributions to students and communities across the United States, and a majority of people across demographic groups agrees with providing state funding to support these institutions. As funding debates continue, polls such as this one provide insight into public opinion that can guide policymakers in making decisions that are aligned with their constituents’ wishes.

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Author: The Wilder School’s Center for Public Policy advances research and training that informs public policy and decisionmaking to improve our communities. Drawing on the wide-ranging expertise of Wilder School faculty, we provide services including leadership development and training, economic and policy impact analysis, survey insights and program evaluation to clients in governments, nonprofits, businesses and the public, across Virginia and beyond. Twitter: @VCUWilderSchool 

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