The intent of this qualitative research study is to explore the modern-day educational relevance of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) from the personal insights and perspectives of select African American baccalaureate degree holders who have received their undergraduate degrees from an accredited historically Black institution of higher education. The findings from this qualitative study are intended to further enlighten academic scholars, education personnel, minority communities, policy makers, philanthropists, and diverse funding organizations of the significant institutional roles and educational contributions that modern-day HBCUs contribute towards the contemporary system of an American higher education. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]