Explore HBCU – Grambling State University

Staff Writer
August 23, 2022

Grambling State University is a public historically Black university in Grambling, Louisiana.

Background

In 1896, African-American farmers in north Louisiana who wanted to educate other Louisiana African Americans founded the North Louisiana Colored Agriculture Relief Association. Five years later, Grambling State University opened in November of 1901 as the Colored Industrial and Agricultural School. In order to assist the association’s educational mission, Booker T Washington sent scholar Charles P. Adams to help organize the school—Adams would go on to become the institution’s founding president.

The school was subsequently renamed the North Louisiana Agricultural and Industrial School and moved to its current location in 1905, before once again transforming in 1928 after becoming a state junior college and being renamed the Louisiana Negro Normal and Industrial Institute. The school offered two-year professional certificates and diplomas before the curriculum shifted to rural teacher education and students became able to receive professional teaching certificates. The school became Grambling College in 1946 after P.G. Grambling, a sawmill owner who donated the land where the school was built, expanded the area of study from a single purpose institution of teacher preparation to a multipurpose college. The addition of graduate study resulted in a new status and name in 1974, as the school became Grambling State University. Between 1977 and 2000 the school added several academic programs and facilities. 

Grambling State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). 

Programs & Opportunities

Grambling State University employs an academic assemblage of undergraduate and graduate degrees spanning over 40 degree programs. Students at Grambling State have the opportunity to pursue areas of study including that of accounting, biological, physical, and social sciences, education, computer information and science, criminal justice, english, communication, mathematics, music, nursing, social work, administration, and general studies.

In order to foster a well-rounded student-centered environment, Grambling State offers a variety of student engagement & leadership activities spanning academic organizations as well as General/Other Clubs and Organizations: including that of Student Government, Honor Societies, Social Sororities and Fraternities, GSU Tiger Marching Band and Choir, Religious Organizations, Honor Societies, Sports Clubs, and more.

Learn more about Grambling State University here.

Alumni Affairs

Grambling State University alumni graduates are prepared to compete and excel in contributions to the advancement of knowledge and careers.

Some notable Grambling State University alumni include, but are not limited to:

  • Charles McRay Blow is a journalist, commentator, columnist for The New York Times, and political analyst for MSNBC who graduated magna cum laude from Grambling State University, where he received a B.A. in mass communications. 
  • Judi Ann Mason was a renowned television writer, producer, and playwright, whose professional writing career began while Mason was a student at Grambling State studying Drama.
  • Ivory Nelson is an educator and scientist who graduated from Grambling State with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a focus in chemistry. 

Financial Information

At Grambling State University, tuition for undergraduate Louisiana Residents totals to $215 cost per credit hour for a total of $2570 for a traditional 12-16 credit semester. For graduate   Louisiana Residents, tuition totals $284 per credit hour or $2555 for a traditional 9 credit semester. For non- Louisiana residents, undergraduate tuition totals $376 per credit hour or $4511.50 for full-time students and graduate tuition totals $501.50 per credit hour or $4511.50 for full-time students.

The Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships works to help students achieve educational potential with the provision of financial resources while enhancing the overall mission of the university.

Conclusion

Grambling State University students comprise a community of learners striving for excellence. The university works to prepare graduates for success in careers, advancement of knowledge, and informed individuals in a global society.

Learn more about Grambling State University here.

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