Which HBCU Schools Have Soccer Programs?

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have a rich history of promoting academic excellence and fostering a sense of community for Black students in the United States. Founded as early as 1837, HBCUs were established to provide education to Black Americans during segregation, when access to many predominantly white institutions was restricted. While HBCUs are renowned for their contributions to arts, sciences, and social justice, their impact on sports is equally significant.

Soccer at HBCU Schools

Soccer at HBCUs has an inspiring, though often underappreciated, history.

HBCUs began incorporating soccer programs to diversify their athletic offerings, with Howard University emerging as a trailblazer. Howard's men's soccer team made history by becoming the first and only HBCU to win a NCAA Division I championship in 1971, a victory later stripped from Howard due to the NCAA's claim of player eligibility. However, the team rebounded to reclaim the title in 1974, solidifying its legacy as a powerhouse and symbol of Black excellence in the sport.

Howard's women also won their first-ever Northeast Conference tournament title in program history this year and, as a result, returned to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2015.

Other HBCUs have built strong programs, with institutions like Alabama State University and Jackson State University excelling in women's soccer. Both compete in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), alongside other HBCUs like Alcorn State University, Prairie View A&M University, and Texas Southern University.

HBCU soccer programs aren't just affiliated with the NCAA, however. Several also compete in the NAIA, including Fisk University, Wiley College, and Xavier University of Louisiana.

HBCU Soccer Programs Overview

These programs not only foster athletic talent but also celebrate cultural pride and diversity. Many teams recruit internationally, creating multicultural rosters that enrich the HBCU soccer experience. The game experiences often blend athletics with elements of Black culture, including the unique HBCU band music compositions and dance, making HBCU soccer a unique and vibrant community experience.

HBCU soccer continues to provide opportunities for Black athletes while making strides in gender equity through expanding women's programs. Its legacy of resilience and achievement reflects the broader mission of HBCUs to empower and uplift.

So, which HBCUs have soccer programs? Below is a map with all the schools, as well as three tables detailing the schools with both men's and women's programs, only men's programs, and only women's programs.

Please note, the number of schools with programs continuously evolves. We'll do our best over time to ensure the list is up to date.

HBCU Schools with Men's & Women's Programs

School	Location	Affiliation	Conference	Website
Florida Memorial University	Miami Gardens, FL	NAIA	The Sun Conference	https://fmuathletics.com/
Harris-Stowe State University	St. Louis, MO	NAIA	AMC	https://hornetsathletics.com/
Hinds Community College @ Utica	Utica, MS	NJCAA	MACCC	https://sports.hindscc.edu/
Howard University	Washington, DC	NCAA D1	NEC	https://hubison.com/
Huston-Tillotson University	Austin, TX	NAIA	RRAC	http://www.htramsathletics.com/
Jarvis Christian College	Hawkins, TX	NAIA	RRAC	http://www.jccbulldogs.com/
Oakwood University	Huntsville, AL	NAIA	GCAC	http://www.oakwoodambassadors.com/
Paul Quinn College	Dallas, TX	NAIA	RRAC	http://www.pqc.edu/athletics/
Shaw University	Raleigh, NC	NCAA D2	CIAA	https://www.shawbears.com/
Talladega College	Talladega, AL	NAIA	GCAC	http://www.talladegatornadoes.com/
Texas College	Tyler, TX	NAIA	RRAC	https://www.tcsteersathletics.com/
Tougaloo College	Tougaloo, MS	NAIA	GCAC	http://www.tougaloobulldogs.com/
Virginia State University	Petersburg, VA	NCAA D2	CIAA	https://govsutrojans.com
Wiley College	Marshall, TX	NAIA	GCAC	https://www.wileyathletics.com/
Xavier University of Louisiana	New Orleans, LA	NAIA	RRAC	https://xulagold.com/

HBCU Schools with Only Men's Programs

Location	Gender	Affiliation	Conference	Website
Fisk University	Nashville, TN	NAIA	GCAC	http://www.fiskathletics.com/
University of the District of Columbia	Washington, DC	NCAA D2	ECC	https://www.udcfirebirds.com/
University of the Virgin Islands	St. Thomas, VI	NAIA	GCAC	https://uvi.edu/student-life/athletics/default.aspx

HBCU Schools with Only Women's Programs

Location	Gender	Affiliation	Conference	Website
Alabama A&M University	Normal, AL	NCAA D1	SWAC	http://aamusports.com/
Alabama State University	Montgomery, AL	NCAA D1	SWAC	http://bamastatesports.com/
Albany State University	Albany, GA	NCAA D2	SIAC	http://www.asugoldenrams.com/
Alcorn State University	Lorman, MS	NCAA D1	SWAC	http://alcornsports.com/
Allen University	Columbia, SC	NCAA D2	SIAC	http://www.auyellowjackets.com/
Bluefield State University	Bluefield, WV	NCAA D2	CIAA	https://go-bstate.com/
Delaware State University	Dover, DE	NCAA D1	MEAC	https://dsuhornets.com/
Edward Waters University	Jacksonville, FL	NCAA D2	SIAC	https://www.ewctigerpride.com/
Grambling State University	Grambling, LA	NCAA D1	SWAC	http://www.gsutigers.com/
Hampton (VA) University	Hampton, VA	NCAA D1	CAA	https://hamptonpirates.com/
Jackson State University	Jackson, MS	NCAA D1	SWAC	http://www.gojsutigers.com/
Lincoln University	Jefferson City, MO	NCAA D2	CIAA	https://lulions.com/
Mississippi Valley State University	Itta Bena, MS	NCAA D1	SWAC	http://mvsusports.com/
Prairie View A&M University	Prairie View, TX	NCAA D1	SWAC	http://www.pvpanthers.com/
South Carolina State University	Orangeburg, SC	NCAA D1	MEAC	https://www.scsuathletics.com/
Southern University	Baton Rouge, LA	NCAA D1	SWAC	http://gojagsports.com/
Texas Southern University	Houston, TX	NCAA D1	SWAC	http://athletics.tsu.edu/
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff	Pine Bluff, AR	NCAA D1	SWAC	http://www.uapblionsroar.com/
West Virginia State University	Institute, WV	NCAA D2	MEC	https://wvsuyellowjackets.com/