Tuskegee University (TU)

Tuskegee University, a historic HBCU founded by Booker T. Washington, proudly upholds a commitment to "excellence within every aspect of education offered at the institution." Throughout their academic journey, students are empowered to develop "independence and responsibility so that [they] will be able to grow and compete in the real world." True to its reputation, academics are a "top priority" across Tuskegee's 68 degree programs, with both students and faculty committed to "achieving the...highest level of performance." Among its standout curriculum are the engineering and veterinary programs; Tuskegee is proud of its reputation as a leading producer of African American aerospace engineers and veterinarians. Its plant biotechnology program, with its focus on research, training, and outreach, attracts food scientists from across the United States, Africa, and Asia. Tuskegee has many unique programs, including the Tuskegee/NASA Center for Food and Environmental Systems for Human Exploration of Space, which focuses on ways to "develop a technology for growing food in space during human space missions." Courses at Tuskegee are designed to help students "grow and compete in the real world" and are taught by instructors who are genuinely invested in their students' progress. "My professors don't teach because it's their job; they do it because they care and want you to learn and succeed. It's very obvious," explains one student. Ultimately, Tuskegee strives to "effectively nurture students' academic, social, and professional potentials and produce great leaders in society."

A typical Golden Tiger is “academically inclined” and “driven to becoming successful.” Students at Tuskegee University are also known for being “very outspoken and easy to work with.” People “from all across the country come to…this small city in Alabama” to attend this prestigious HBCU. This “diverse environment helps keep the campus from getting too dull” by bringing together students with unique perspectives and life experiences. Wherever students are from, they are welcomed into this friendly community that is always “open to meeting and interacting with new people.”

“The Tuskegee Experience is like none other,” declares an enthusiastic student. The 5,000acre campus is designated as a National Historic Site, and students, affectionately known as Golden Tigers, take pride in their school’s “rich history.” With over 100 student organizations available, including honor societies, fraternities and sororities, and student government, many opportunities exist to get involved in campus life. The school also hosts a wide variety of events, everything from mental health awareness sessions and women’s history lectures to the Mardi Gras parade. Sports are a big part of the campus culture, with many students participating in intramural sports and attending intercollegiate sporting events. “Home football and basketball games are usually really fun,” says one student. On weekends, students often take the opportunity to explore nearby cities like Auburn and Montgomery, while some choose to make the longer journey to Atlanta. “Even though people are serious about their work and classes, we all know how to have fun.” When students are ready to let loose, they often “go to the local clubs” and “if it’s the weekend, you will see students going to a party.” As one student describes the energy on campus: “We’re a school of weekend warriors.”