Research from Ed Trust confirms what many Black families already know from lived experience: Black students at predominantly White institutions (PWIs) frequently find themselves as one of very few Black people in a classroom or department, sometimes the only one. That kind of isolation doesn’t stay in the lecture hall; it follows a student to the dining room, the library and the residence hall.

The good news: families play a powerful, research-backed role in helping Black students not just survive those environments, but flourish in them. According to BestColleges, Black students now make up 11% of all undergraduates, and applications from Black first-year students grew 12% in the 2024-25 academic year alone, according to the Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. More Black students are walking through college doors than ever before. Family support is a determining factor in what happens moving forward.

Understanding What Your Student May Face

Before you can support your student, it helps to understand the landscape they’re navigating.

The Campus Climate Reality

The campus racial climate—the attitudes, behaviors and practices that shape how students of color experience a campus—directly affects academic performance, mental health and graduation rates. Ed Trust researchers who interviewed Black students at PWIs found recurring themes of hypervisibility, isolation and the pressure to become a role model for entire communities simply by showing up.

In classrooms where most professors are White (three in four faculty members nationally are White), Black students often carry the unspoken burden of representing their race, correcting misconceptions and educating peers who’ve had little exposure to Black culture or history. That labor is exhausting, and it’s invisible to most campus administrators.

Mental Health Under Pressure

Mental health challenges don’t discriminate across campuses. A major 2025 study from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, conducted in partnership with UNCF and the Healthy Minds Network, found that 54% of Black college students reported unmet mental health needs—significantly higher than the 41% national average. Financial stress compounds the problem: 78% of financially-stressed Black students experienced mental health problems, compared to just 26% of those who were financially stable.

Understanding these pressures lets families name them, normalize them and take practical steps to address them.

HBCUs vs. PWIs: What Families Should Know

The type of college a student attends—an HBCU or a PWI—can shape identity development, belonging and well-being long after graduation.

Research shows meaningful differences in student experiences. A 2024 Frontiers in Education study found that HBCUs build social capital by affirming racial identity through racial socialization, the passing down of messages about resilience, culture and pride. A 2025 University of Michigan and UNCF report also found that 83% of HBCU students reported feeling part of their campus community, compared with 73% nationally, and 45% reported flourishing mentally, compared with 36% overall.

Studies from Princeton University’s Race, Research & Policy Portal show that Black students at HBCUs and PWIs experience different levels of racial cohesion and race-related stress. At HBCUs, students often learn in environments that center Black culture and leadership. At PWIs, finding Black student organizations, cultural centers and faculty mentors can be essential for belonging, making family support especially important.

How Families Can Support Black Identity in College

Family support continues to shape a student’s confidence, resilience and sense of belonging throughout college. Here are key ways families can help:

• Keep Conversations About Race Ongoing
  Continue discussing identity, representation and campus experiences. Ongoing racial socialization helps students navigate challenges with greater confidence.
• Acknowledge Emotional Labor
  Black students may face pressure as the only Black student in a classroom or to correct misconceptions. Validating that experience helps them feel supported.
• Encourage Cultural Connections
  Black cultural centers, student organizations and mentorship programs provide community, leadership opportunities and academic support.
• Normalize Mental Health Support
  Open conversations about emotional well-being can reduce stigma and encourage students to seek help when needed.
• Support Identity Growth
  College often expands students’ understanding of their cultural identity. Encourage engagement with Black studies courses, organizations and new ideas.
• Help Reduce Financial Stress
  Even small financial support, such as help with books or groceries, can ease pressure and allow students to focus on learning and personal growth.
• Learn About Campus Resources
  Families can strengthen support by understanding the resources a campus offers, such as cultural centers, diverse faculty and mentorship opportunities.

Become Part of the UNCF Legacy

You can become part of the UNCF legacy with a degree from one of our member institutions. There’s no better way to start your path to a successful career than with a solid financial foundation. Fortunately, many scholarships are available through UNCF. Keep an eye on the UNCF website for current scholarship opportunities and announcements.

Search for specific scholarships and view those that are currently accepting applications! Students should also check with each college or university to see if additional scholarships are available.

As you explore your options, use our guide to apply for scholarships and grants. You can also receive guidance by submitting a major interest form for your specific area of study.

Follow us on UNCF’s social media channels to receive notifications about our scholarships and updates from our member HBCUs.

You can also support students pursuing careers by contributing to UNCF member schools. Education is the greatest tool we have for creating a just and equitable society in which economic mobility is accessible to all. Help us achieve this future by donating today!

A scholarship could make attending a student’s dream school a reality, even if it initially seemed out of reach. No matter which college a student chooses, we’re excited to help them take this next step, invest in their future and unlock their full potential through a college education.

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