A Systematic Review of Research on the Experiences of Rural Black Men Attending Four-Year Institutions Within the US Since 2002

Abstract

This systematic literature review focuses on the experiences of rural Black men attending four-year colleges and universities within the US. The review addresses three research questions: How is rurality defined within the literature reviewed? What characteristics (e.g., identity dimensions) are included within the literature? What does the available research say about the experiences of rural Black students, mainly rural Black men, specific to factors explored and identified to foster success? These research questions were answered by reviewing literature published in academic journals from 2002–2023. Findings from the data collection, extraction, and analysis process are relevant to how rurality is discussed within the literature; the characteristics represented within the literature; the experiences of rural Black collegians, including Black men; and the factors contributing to this population’s success in college, while reflecting on gaps within the available research literature. The article concludes with implications for future research and practice