Politicians continue to debate not only education policy but even the necessity of higher education while the student loan debt crisis, and the gaps between higher education and the job market, and now COVID-19, are complicating the situation further. The tension between the political parties has driven researchers to study key issues in higher education pertaining to student debt and how higher education is preparing students for life after graduation, in particular the job market. The United States, though still the world's leader in higher education, seems in some respects to be falling behind other countries; this is an alarming and significant development, as the job market is changing rapidly. Other issues pertaining to higher education that need be addressed include disparities in access and in employment, promotions, and salaries. While U.S. higher education has experienced a general increase in employment opportunities and compensation, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) still tend to receive less support and fewer resources to run their operations and prepare students for life after college compared with other U.S. higher-education institutions. At the same time, African Americans continue to face numerous obstacles in obtaining high-paying jobs or receiving promotions, though research shows that they are the most educated in terms of numbers of degree holders beyond a bachelor's degree. This study explored the return on investment in career success for African Americans who have attended an HBCU. The results can help leaders in politics and higher education to come up with innovative ways to prepare African American students for career success in the world that will take shape in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. [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/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]