Historically Black Colleges & Universities Exchange Program
The Thurgood Marshall College Exchange Program officially launched in the fall quarter of 1989 with the UC San Diego - Spelman/Morehouse Student Exchange Program. Developed and Hosted by Marshall College, all current UC San Diego undergraduate students can participate in exchanges with Morehouse College, Spelman College and Xavier University of Louisiana.
Additional information about the exchange institutions, exchange program eligibility and costs, and the exchange program application is below.
Exchange Institutions
Spelman College
Established in 1881, Spelman College is an outstanding historically black college for women. Spelman strives for academic excellence in liberal education. Students are encouraged to think critically, logically, and creatively; and to improve their use of communicative and quantitative skills.
Morehouse College
Morehouse College is an independent four-year undergraduate liberal arts college for men located in Atlanta, Georgia. It was established in 1867. The liberal arts curriculum is based on the principle "that to be educated, men must learn about themselves and their world in all of its varied aspects."
Xavier University of Louisiana
Xavier University of Louisiana is a four-year university located in New Orleans, LA. Established as a historically black university in 1925, the university is open to students of every background. The university's mission includes a commitment to research and community involvement.
Exchange Program Information
Purpose of the Exchange Program
The purpose of the program is to provide a unique opportunity for students to live and study at important institutions of higher learning that are different from the social and educational environment of their home institution.
Students participating in the exchange program will have access to most institutional resources and opportunities typically afforded to undergraduate students attending the host institution full-time.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Spelman College and Morehouse College Exchange Program
To be eligible for the Spelman/Morehouse exchange, students must have a completed application and the following:
- Completed 90 quarter units (or 60 semester units), with a 3.0 or higher grade point average, by the exchange quarter.
- A one-page statement of purpose outlining the reasons for participating in the exchange.
- Two letters of recommendation, one of which must come from faculty, which specifically addresses the applicant's appropriateness for such an exchange program.
- An updated resume detailing any relevant work, internship, academic or engagement experiences.
- Appropriate academic preparation in the major field of study or field of interest.
Student may apply to attend Morehouse or Spelman Colleges for a Semester or the Academic Year.
All applications must be approved by the home institution (UC San Diego) and the host institution (Spelman or Morehouse College) in order to participate in the exchange program.
Xavier University of Louisiana Exchange Program
To be eligible for the Xavier University of Louisiana exchange, students must have a completed application and the following:
- Completed 90 quarter units (or 60 semester units), with a 3.0 or higher grade point average, by the exchange quarter.
- A one-page statement of purpose outlining the reasons for participating in the exchange.
- Two letters of recommendation, one of which must come from faculty, which specifically addresses the applicant's appropriateness for such an exchange program.
- Appropriate academic preparation in the major field of study or field of interest.
Students may attend Xavier University of Louisiana during the Winter and Spring Quarters only (Spring Semester).
All applications must be approved by the home institution (UC San Diego) and the host institution (Xavier University of Louisiana) in order to participate in the exchange program.
Tuition and Housing Information
UC San Diego students will pay tuition and fees to the home campus if participating in an exchange program with Morehouse College, Spelman College or Xavier University of Louisiana. All students are required to reside at the host campus during the exchange. Payment for housing can vary by campus and are outlined below:
Spelman College Exchange Program: Housing fees will be paid to UC San Diego.
Morehouse College Exchange Program: Housing fees paid to Morehouse College unless there is an equal exchange of students between campuses.
Xavier University of Louisiana Exchange Program: Housing fees will be paid to Xavier University of Louisiana.
**Please note: Applicants are responsible for all travel and personal expenses during the exchange quarter.
Exchange Program Application
Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open.
Application deadline: February 1, 2025.
In addition to the online application, students must submit at least two (2) letters of recommendation. One letter must come from a faculty member.
Questions about the Exchange Program?
For additional information, please contact Sierra Rios, Exchange Programs Coordinator, in the Marshall College Academic Advising office, or e-mail tmcexchange@ucsd.edu.
