Considering a career in entertainment, but still want that “A Different World” experience that your friends and family will probably never stop bragging about? If so, then you may want to consider these eight colleges and universities. While Juilliard, Yale, NYU, Berklee, and others are often lobbied as the best choices for students who want to pursue careers in acting, music, directing, and more—there are also credible HBCUs that have not only put major names on the big & small screens and concert stage, but also behind the scenes as executives at major networks, agencies, studios, and music companies.
A number of factors were considered when compiling this list. In entertainment, it is widely accepted that what you decide to major in “doesn’t matter”; however, there are some majors that may better equip you with skills to succeed within the industry. The locations of the colleges and universities were also taken into account, as proximity to or presence in major markets plays a significant role in the types of opportunities students may (or may not) be able to access. Of additional relevance are the types of companies where graduates in entertainment are currently employed, as well as famous/notable alumni.
7Hampton University
Virginia’s second-oldest and third-largest HBCU, Hampton has established a strong stake in the fields of music and mass media arts. Among its famed alumni are comedienne Wanda Sykes, radio personality DJ Envy (of Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club morning show), DJ Tay James (Justin Bieber’s DJ), and “Entertainment Tonight” co-anchor Kevin Frazier. Shante Bacon, whose company, 135th Street Agency, is highly sought-after for its multicultural entertainment marketing expertise, is also a noted Hampton alumna. The university’s alumni currently hold positions at companies such as Revolt TV and Essence Magazine.
