Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, are recognized as those institutions established prior to 1964 and whose mission, when founded, was to educate African-American students. A few of these institutions, such as Fisk and Talladega, that were founded by the American Missionary Association, were established to educate students regardless of race. Now the HBCUs as a whole portray themselves as institutions that serve a diverse student body Although they have a legacy of underfunding, HBCUs continue to ensure that African-American students have equal access to an education and work to ensure them academic success. Among the HBCUs founded before 1964 are three black medical schools, six law schools, one school of veterinary medicine, and one graduate library school. A number of the institutions offer master’s and doctoral degrees. They offer nursing, pharmacy, engineering, and other programs that lead their graduates to successful careers and help the HBCUs remain attractive providers of higher education.