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The Effect of HBCUs on Local Social Mobility

Author

Listed:
  • Howard, Greg

    (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

  • Oh, Namgyoon

    (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

  • Weinstein, Russell

    (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

Abstract

We investigate the effects of 4-year public historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) on social mobility of nearby Black and White children. To identify a causal effect, we use the historical fact that many HBCUs began as normal schools to train Black teachers, and we argue that the site selection was similar for insane asylums for Black individuals (as well as all asylums). We find that in recent years Black children from Black normal school counties are 7 percentage points more likely to graduate from college and move up 2 percentiles in the income rankings relative to Black children from control insane asylum counties. We do not see these effects for White children.

Suggested Citation

  • Howard, Greg & Oh, Namgyoon & Weinstein, Russell, 2026. "The Effect of HBCUs on Local Social Mobility," IZA Discussion Papers 18402, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18402
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    7. Ashley Edwards & Justin Ortagus & Jonathan Smith & Andria Smythe, 2025. "HBCU Enrollment and Longer-Term Outcomes," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 17(3), pages 197-235, August.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination

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