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Compare HBCUs Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare HBCUs Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

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Compare HBCUs Programs
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Best HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) of 2025
Compare HBCUs Programs
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Although historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were established as a result of segregated educational systems in the U.S., they continue to thrive as some of the top post-secondary education institutions, offering high-quality instruction to students of all races.

To help students considering an HBCU learn more about these institutions, Intelligent.com compiled a list of the best-accredited HBCUs. We also provide answers to frequently asked questions about HBCUs and guidance on choosing the HBCU that’s right for you.

What You Should Know About HBCUs

The first HBCU, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, was founded in 1837. According to the most recent data from the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES), there are 99 active HBCUs in 19 states enrolling approximately 289,000 students. Fifty of these HBCUs are public institutions, while the other 49 are private nonprofit schools. While students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds can attend HBCUs, NCES data shows that Black students account for 76% of HBCU enrollment.

Although post-secondary institutions have been integrated since the 1960s, HBCUs continue to play an important role in providing affordable, accessible higher education to Black, low-income, and first-generation college students. According to the White House Council of Economic Advisors, “Although they make up less than 3% of all postsecondary institutions in the U.S., HBCUs account for 8% of Black undergraduate enrollment and 13% of all bachelor’s degrees earned by Black students…recent research indicates that HBCUs provide more access to higher education for lower-income students than other institutions, foster greater upward mobility than most U.S. colleges, and excel in terms of degree completion rates for students.”

HBCUs offer a range of degree programs, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. While HBCUs are concentrated mainly in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, many also offer online programs, giving students greater access to education nationwide.

These types of schools tend to be smaller than most colleges. As of the 2021-22 academic year, North Carolina A&T State University had the largest total enrollment of all HBCUs, with 13,487 students, followed by Howard University (12,886 students), St. Philip’s College (12,653), and Tennessee State University (9,218).

HBCU alumni include some of the most prominent figures in American history and culture, such as Martin Luther King, Jr., W.E.B. Du Bois, Toni Morrison, and the first female vice president, Kamala Harris.

The Top 50 Best HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities)

Best HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) badge
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Florida A&M University
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Tuskegee University
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Spelman College
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Howard University
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Morehouse College
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North Carolina A&T State University
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Hampton University
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Xavier University of Louisiana
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Claflin University
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Delaware State University
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Morgan State University
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North Carolina Central University
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Winston-Salem State University
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Fisk University
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University of Maryland Eastern Shore
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Elizabeth City State University
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Dillard University
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Virginia State University
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Bowie State University
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Lincoln University of Missouri
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Clark Atlanta University
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Fayetteville State University
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Norfolk State University
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Jackson State University
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Prairie View A&M University
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Tennessee State University
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Alcorn State University
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Fort Valley State University
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Coppin State University
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Kentucky State University
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Oakwood University
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Alabama A&M University
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University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
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Bluefield State University
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Alabama State University
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South Carolina State University
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Virginia Union University
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Bethune-Cookman University
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Voorhees University
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West Virginia State University
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Albany State University
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Texas Southern University
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Southern University and A&M College
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Savannah State University
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Langston University
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Talladega College
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Morehouse School of Medicine
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St. Augustine's University
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University of The Virgin Islands
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Stillman College

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How we rank schools

This list focuses on the best historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the U.S. All schools are nonprofit, accredited institutions, either public or private, with high-quality standards for post-secondary education. We reviewed colleges that offer traditional in-person and online programs.

We evaluated each institution on factors like tuition costs, faculty, reputation, student resources, and admission, retention, and graduation rates. We then calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.

We also compared our picks to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.

How to Choose the HBCU That’s Right For You

Clarify your area of study and goals

As you start your college search process, clarify your educational and career goals so you can find a school and program that aligns with your interests and aspirations. Knowing what you want your major or area of study to be will help you find an HBCU that offers the type of program you seek. For example, Florida A&M University offers some excellent STEM programs, while liberal arts colleges such as Spelman College and Morehouse College focus more on the social sciences.

Now is a good time to determine your logistical needs as well. Most HBCUs are located in southern states like Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, although some are in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Ohio. Therefore, attending an HBCU may require relocating. If that’s not an option, you can search for HBCUs that offer online degree programs. Also, consider whether you want to enroll full-time or part-time.

Research schools and programs

Once you know what type of school and degree you seek, you can research specific HBCUs that align with your needs. When researching colleges, it’s important to confirm that they are accredited by a recognized regional accrediting agency. This ensures that the institution meets rigorous standards for providing high-quality education. Only students enrolled at accredited schools can be considered for federal financial aid. A school’s accreditation status can also affect future student employment and educational opportunities

Students can research schools and programs in several ways. The college’s website is a good place to start. Students can also ask questions directly to program representatives and admissions counselors. If you’re planning on attending an HBCU in person, visit the campus for a tour or open house.

Here are some valuable questions to ask when researching schools:

  • Who are the faculty members, and what are their qualifications?
  • Are there any experiential learning components for your program of interest, like internships?
  • What support services does the school offer?
  • How much is tuition, and what kind of financial aid is available?
  • What kind of extracurricular activities can students participate in?

Review application requirements and eligibility criteria

Admissions processes and eligibility requirements will vary by school and degree program. For the most accurate information, speak with admissions counselors from the schools you’re considering.

A standard application for an undergraduate (associate or bachelor’s) degree program consists of:

  • Completed application and required fees
  • Official high school transcript showing proof of graduation or a GED
  • Letters of recommendation
  • An essay or personal statement
  • A resume
  • SAT or ACT scores

Applications for graduate degree programs will likely have many of the same requirements, but students must also submit official transcripts from their undergraduate degree programs and GRE or GMAT scores. There may also be eligibility criteria, such as a minimum undergraduate GPA or professional work experience.

Students who have previous college credits from another institution should also submit their transcript from that school, so their credits can be applied to their new degree program.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

Begin planning early by contacting the school’s financial aid office and getting clarity on the program’s total cost and financial aid options.

Most students will want to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which schools use to determine students’ eligibility for need-based financial aid, such as student loans, grants, work-study, scholarships, and assistantships. Many schools and external organizations offer merit-based aid for high-achieving students, including scholarships, grants, and fellowships.

Students working while earning their degree can inquire about employer tuition assistance benefits. Veterans or active-duty military members should explore tuition discounts and GI Bill benefits. It’s also common for schools to offer payment plans so students can pay tuition in installments.

Frequently Asked Questions About HBCUs

Can students who aren't Black attend an HBCU?

Yes, HBCUs are open to students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. As of 2022, roughly 24% of students at HBCUs were not Black, according to the NCES.

How much do HBCUs cost?

While HBCUs are generally affordable, tuition and other costs vary by institution; as with all post-secondary schools, an HBCU’s status as a public or private college impacts its tuition rates. Public HBCUs receive funding from the state and federal government to subsidize costs for in-state students. Private HBCUs don’t receive this type of funding, so tuition tends to be higher and is the same for all students, regardless of their residency.

The amount and types of financial aid a student receives will also affect the cost of a degree from an HBCU. Students who use scholarships, grants, fellowships, and employer tuition assistance benefits can significantly reduce their out-of-pocket costs.

For the most accurate information about the cost of an HBCU, speak to a financial aid counselor from the school you’re considering.

Should I attend an HBCU online or in person?

Attending college online or in person is a personal decision based on multiple factors. As previously mentioned, most HBCUs are located in the Southeast U.S. Students who don’t live in this region and are unable to relocate may be better suited to online programs. However, part of the appeal of HBCUs is the richness and diversity of campus life, which may incentivize students to attend in person.

Students should also consider their learning preferences and needs when deciding between attending college in-person or online. Remote learning requires greater motivation and self-discipline, as more learning is done autonomously than in a traditional classroom setting. Students who learn better through in-person interaction or need more support may find an on-campus program better fits their needs.

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