An exception to the exclusionary policy toward Blacks was Oberlin University, which made it official policy in 1834-35 to have "free admission of all colored students on equal terms with whites." In 1853 the first school specifically for the education of Black males was founded by Presbyterians in Pennsylvania. Named Ashum Institute at that time, today Ashum Institute exists as Lincoln University.

Only after the south had been defeated in the Civil War was it possible for Blacks to legally attend school in that region. The Freedmen's Bureau, established by the federal government, provided the initial funds for the establishment of schools. Also, many churches from the north established Freedmen's Aid societies which provided funds for elementary education and other needs of the newly freed slaves. After the Freedmen's Bureau ended, higher education became a reality due to the efforts of churches, missionary societies, and other groups. Black ministers were involved in the founding of many of the schools.

The most honest way to describe what led to the development of so many Black colleges is that Blacks were simply not wanted in most White institutions, and if so, there were unofficial quotas limiting the number of Blacks to be admitted. Hence, the number of Black students in predominantly White colleges was always very small, usually single digit or low double digit small. Hence, the all-Black college became a necessity because of discrimination, racism, and the exclusion those activities cause.

Today, there are a few narrow-minded, misguided people, most of them White and some who are Black, who say that Black colleges are an anachronism or an aberration, and that they now represent discrimination and segregation. These people also say that until Black colleges are open to Whites as well as Blacks, they should not receive any more federal funding until there is better racial balance. Meanwhile, the reality is that Black Colleges never have excluded White students and most White folk did not and do not wish to attend an all Black or predominantly Black institution. Also, the forces of discrimination and racism that made Black colleges necessary are alive and well today.

Over the years some schools have closed and today there are 118 Black colleges. Many Black people who have made, and are making a  tremendous, constructive impact on the entire society were educated in Black colleges. Thus, since the first Black colleges opened, their existence has been justified a million-fold.

The Black colleges established in the 19th century are listed in the chart below.