This brochure gives basic information and discusses the salient characteristics of historically black colleges and universities in the United States. Thirty-five institutions are included in this category, primarily in the southern states. The history of the colleges, as a group, is briefly given, and these topics are addressed: low-tuition access, alumni, curriculum offerings, special programs, accreditation, research, community service, international programs, faculty, libraries, finance, and the role of the Office for Advancement of Public Negro Colleges. Charts give data on the institutions: year of founding, 1978-79 enrollment, faculty-student ratio, 1978-79 in-state tuition, 1978-79 out-of-state tuition, room and board rates, the president or chancellor's name, and the majors offered at undergraduate and graduate levels. A brief list of references is included. (MSE)