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.
2Spelman College
Widely associated as Morehouse’s sister-school, Spelman College is a well-known incubator for talent in a variety of fields, and the entertainment industry is no exception. The college’s alumni work at companies such as SoundExchange, BET, Universal Music Group, Warner Bros. Records, Interactive One, Revolt TV, ABC Television, Live Nation, AEG Live, CAA, Def Jam, and others. Among its famous alumnae are actresses Cassi Davis (“House of Payne”) and Keshia Knight-Pulliam (“The Cosby Show”), “Access Hollywood” co-anchor Shaun Robinson, and novelist Alice Walker (The Color Purple).
