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HBCU colleges have gained a reputation for being among the best in the country. This is due to the fact that the staff and teachers at these schools genuinely care about their students and want them to succeed both personally and professionally.
Because of the unique focus of HBCUs, your college experience will be enriched by the presence of many people from similar backgrounds and cultural experiences. Faculty and fellow students will form a unique community of support and understanding for you.
Now that today’s post covers characteristics of historically black colleges and the scholarship programs they offer, it’s your job to see if one of these HBCU colleges is the best fit for your education.
What are HBCU Colleges?
HBCUs are historically black colleges and universities in the United States that were founded before the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The institutions’ official aim is to ensure that African American students obtain a high-quality education. Also, nationally recognized accrediting institutions and associations must accredit the universities.
Students of all races and ethnicities are accepted at today’s HBCUs. There are over 100 HBCU colleges in the United States, so you can pick the one that best suits your needs.
Famous alumni from HBCUs include Dr. Martin Luther King (Morehouse College), Andrew Young (Dillard University and Howard University), Toni Morrison (Howard University), and Oprah Winfrey (Tennessee State University).
What Characteristics Designate a School as HBCU?
Here are five of some of the best characteristics students will find at HBCU colleges:
1. Accept Low-Income, First-Generation College Students
HBCU colleges have one-eighth the endowment of other private institutions in the country, yet they take more low-income and first-generation college students than any other type of university.
These schools achieve this by pushing students to take advantage of Pell Grants and PLUS loans. In addition, the schools offer HBCU-specific scholarships to guarantee that all students have an equal opportunity to receive an education.
2. Confer 22 Percent of All Bachelor Degrees to African Americans
One of the most intriguing aspects of HBCUs is that African Americans receive 22% of all bachelor’s degrees conferred by these universities. Professional degrees, such as engineering, law, and medicine, are the most popular at HBCU colleges.
Students that graduate from a prestigious HBCU go on to get graduate degrees, become influential members of their communities, and stay committed to their industry.
3. Long-Standing History of Community and Public Service
These institutions are well-known for their long history of community service. They are also politically active, spurred on by history and current events to stir debate and raise their voices in support of equality, justice, and truth.
While these schools do not engage in public discussions, they do teach their pupils the importance of giving back to the communities from which they came. In fact, volunteer work is regarded as a mark of quality at HBCU colleges.
4. High Number of Graduates Move into Professional Fields
Graduates of HBCU colleges have a long history of going on to professional jobs and graduate school. It’s no surprise that HBCUs are competitive in fields including engineering, business, academics, and law.
These graduates receive a world-class education as well as the motivation they need to pursue advanced degrees in their fields.
This is reflected in the fact that more than 40% of African American members of Congress, 50% of African American lawyers, and 80% of African American judges are HBCU graduates.
5. Black History and Culture is Part of the Main Curriculum
Few universities in the United States require African American history and culture as part of the core curriculum, but it has never been an issue at HBCU colleges.
Students learn more about America as a whole, good and bad when they experience the country through the eyes of their ancestors. Also, their courses offer up new debating topics.
List of HBCU Colleges Across the U.S. and their Scholarships
Academic requirements, affordability, outcomes, and student assistance were all taken into account while determining the best HBCU colleges. The following school profiles delve into each institution’s history, current successes, and upcoming ventures.
1. Bowie State University
Originally founded in the 1860s as a baptist church offering free teaching classes and later named the Baltimore Normal School for Colored Teachers, Bowie State University is the oldest HBCU in the state of Maryland and among the 10 HBCUs oldest in the country.
Bowie State has been considered a leading producer of African American graduates with degrees in STEM fields. Students seeking a STEM-centered education can choose from degrees in fields like computer science, mathematics, military science, and biology.
Bowie State University offers an array of scholarships – each with its own set criteria for consideration. Some examples of BSU scholarships are merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students, transfer students, and students from the honors programs.
2. Delaware State University
Originally founded as the Delaware School for Colored Students in 1891, this HBCU institution currently enrolls 4,600 students and has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16-to-1. In addition to the main Dover campus, DSU operates satellite campuses in two other Delaware cities, Georgetown and Wilmington.
The university’s most popular major fields of study include accounting, mass communications, movement science, management, and psychology. Additionally, the university offers a unique Africana Studies minor that includes coursework in African American history, literature, and politics.
DSU is considered a top school for undocumented immigrant students who have received educational assistance from the Opportunity Scholarship Program. The university enrolls nearly 50 Opportunity Scholarship students and was one of two schools nationwide to accept applications from these scholarship recipients.
In addition to financial assistance for dreamers, other DSU scholarships include the Inspire Scholarship and scholarships for incoming freshmen.
3. Fayetteville State University
Originally part of the Howard School proposed by the Freedmen’s Bureau, this North Carolina HBCU opened its doors in 1877 as the first state-sponsored teaching college for African American educators.
Fayetteville State is the top producer of African American graduates in the state of North Carolina, though 25% of the university’s diverse student body identify as non-African American.
The university has a history of supporting students in the military, and today offers online programs tailored to military personnel in fields like sociology, fire science, and business administration.
Fayetteville State University and external agencies offer an array of FSU scholarships to assist students with their educational expenses like Chancellor’s Special Talent Scholarship and Dr. Valeria Fleming STEM Scholarship.
4. Florida A&M University
FAMU was founded as the State Normal College for Colored Students in 1887 and began classes with 15 students and two instructors. The university enrolls nearly 10,000 students from more than 70 countries, including several African and Caribbean nations.
FAMU is the largest among historically black colleges and universities in the state of Florida. The university offers undergraduate and graduates degrees through its School of Agriculture and Food Sciences. Fields of study include agribusiness, plant science, entomology, and soil and water.
The university provides a wide range of FAMU scholarships for both current and incoming students, such as the Life-Gets-Better and Thurgood Marshall Programs.
5. Hampton University
Hampton University is a comprehensive historically black university offering degree programs ranging from associate’s degrees to doctoral degrees. The school ranks #3 in the US News and World Reports list of best historically black colleges and universities and is regionally ranked #18 across all Southern universities.
It is home to 4,646 students from 49 different states and 35 nations and territories. Hampton boasts the lowest student to faculty ratio in this ranking at 9:1. Notable alumni include Martin Luther King Jr.’s mother Alberta Williams King as well as Booker T. Washington.
Hampton University offers a variety of academic scholarships and need-based grants, as well as educational grant awards from other states’ higher-education agencies. Some examples of Hampton U scholarships are the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant and PLUS Loan.
6. Howard University
Howard University is a top historically black university as well as a private high research activity institution of higher education. The university is comprised of 13 different schools and colleges and offers degree programs in over 120 academic fields of study.
Howard is a leader in STEM fields and produces more African American doctoral graduates in the fields of science and engineering than almost any other university in the country. It ranks #2 in US News & World Report’s list of best historically black colleges and universities.
Just like other HBCU colleges, Howard University also provides many scholarship opportunities for its deserving students. Some of the most sought-after Howard scholarships are the Howard University Freshman Scholarships and the Howard University Leadership Scholarships.
7. Morgan State University
Morgan State University is a top HBCU located in northeast Baltimore City. The school is a comprehensive public university offering a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and even doctoral programs with a particular emphasis on the arts and sciences at the undergraduate level.
Popular majors include business, management, marketing, and engineering. US News & World Report ranks the school #20 on its list of top historically black colleges and universities, and the school continually ranks high in terms of the number of doctoral degrees awarded to African Americans.
Among many MSU scholarships are include Honors Scholarships, Athletic Grants, and Maryland Higher Education Commission Scholarships.
8. Oakwood University
Established by Seventh-Day Adventists in 1896 to provide educational opportunities for freed slaves, Oakwood University is headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama.
The university was accredited as a junior college in 1943, and 15 years later received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) as a provider of associate and bachelor’s degrees.
Undergraduates can choose from 58-degree pathways, including faith-based fields like pastoral care and pre-chaplaincy, ministerial theology, and religious education. The university also offers an extensive number of bachelor’s programs grounded in STEM and healthcare fields.
Students entering Oakwood University can apply to these Oakwood scholarships: Oakwood University First Time Freshmen Scholarships, Seventh-Day Adventist Church Scholarships, and My Road to Graduation Scholarship.
9. Prairie View A&M University
A land grant HBCU established in 1876, Prairie View A&M University is the second oldest public institution of higher education in the United States. The school offers 50 undergraduate majors, 37 master’s degree programs, and 3 doctoral programs.
Popular majors include engineering, nursing, and education. Undergraduate enrollment totals nearly 7,000 and graduate enrollment is almost 2,000. US News and World Report ranked Prairie View A&M #30 in their list of best HBCU colleges.
Prairie View A&M University offers a number of PVAMU scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, transfer, and continuing students that show promise through academics, leadership, and/or community involvement.
10. Southern University and A&M College
Southern University and A&M College is a top HBCU offering a wide range of academic programs on both the undergraduate and graduate levels. US News & World Report ranks it #40 in its publication of best historically black colleges and universities.
Enrolled students can choose from among 30 baccalaureate majors and 22 master’s degree programs, including popular majors such as business, management, marketing, homeland security, engineering, and psychology.
Southern University and A&M College provides many resources for current and prospective students seeking scholarship funding. Some of the famous SU scholarships are departmental scholarships and the Dolores Margaret Richard Spikies Honor College Scholarship.
11. Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University is a top historically black university located just outside of downtown Nashville. Its 7,264 undergraduate students have over 40 undergraduate majors to choose from, and graduate students can pursue one of 24 master’s degree programs or 7 doctoral programs.
Students also enjoy an active student life with over 100 different student organizations on campus. Notable alumni from Tennessee State include Oprah Winfrey and track and field star Wilma Randolph. The school ranks #22 on US News & World Report’s list of best HBCU colleges.
Many of Tennessee State University’s colleges and academic departments offer TSU scholarships for prospective and continuing students who have met academic requirements for their respective majors.
12. Winston-Salem State University
Founded in 1892 as a teaching academy for African Americans, Winston-Salem State University leads all UNC constituent schools for graduate job placement and the average salary for graduates in the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina.
Additionally, WSSU is the largest producer of black graduates in the fields of nursing, health professions, and education. Also, WSSU is the only HBCU to offer a bachelor’s degree in the field of motorsport management, as well.
WSSU offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree and certification programs. Most of these pathways are concentrated in the university’s College of Arts, Sciences, Business, and Education.
In addition to offering WSSU Merit Scholarships, the university also collaborates with many external parties to provide scholarship funding.
FAQs
What is the #1 HBCU in America? ›
1. Howard University. Howard University is a private co-educational college in Washington DC. It is categorised by the Carnegie Foundation as a research university with high research activity.
What is the top 10 HBCUs? ›The top 10 Best HBCUs (in order) are: Spelman College, Howard University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, West Virginia State University, North Carolina, A&T University, Grambling State University, Savannah State University, Southern State University and A&M College, Jackson State University and Norfolk ...
Which HBCU gives the most financial aid? ›- Location: Cheyney, PA.
- National Rank: 20.
- Scholarship/Fellowship Dollars per Enrolled Student: $6,756.
HBCUs with high Acceptance rates include Miles College, Langston University, and Morris College. These schools have an acceptance rate of 100%. Others with acceptance rates of 90% and above are Jackson State University, Virginia State University, Bluefield State College, etc.
What is the most popular HBCU? ›Florida A&M University
As a land-grant institution, Florida A&M was built on agriculture and technology, and that heritage has made Florida A&M the nation's top HBCU for research, according to the National Science Foundation. FAMU is also ranked the top public HBCU in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Bringston University is one of many Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States, where Black excellence is a way of life. The university is located in Atlanta, Georgia and known for its elite sports teams.
What is the oldest black college? ›On February 25, 1837, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania became the nation's first Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
Which HBCU is the oldest? ›The oldest HBCU still in operation is Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1837. As of 2015, St. Philip's College was the largest HBCU with 11,200 students enrolled, followed by Howard University and North Carolina A&T State University, respectively.
What's the cheapest HBCU? ›Most and least affordable HBCUs
Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, Miss., is the most affordable HBCU in the U.S. This two-year public school has a net cost of $1,004, less than half that of the next college — Elizabeth City State University, a four-year public school in North Carolina — at $2,350.
What GPA do you need to get a full-ride scholarship? Most full-ride scholarships require a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. However, many programs consider additional criteria, such as class rank and standardized test scores.
What is the smallest HBCU? ›
Established in 1891 as the West Virginia Colored Institute, West Virginia State University is an HBCU and the smallest land-grant institution in the country.
What college will accept a 2.0 GPA? ›| College | State | Acceptance rate |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama A & M University | Alabama | 54% |
| American Musical and Dramatic Academy | New York | 43% |
| American University | District of Columbia | 44% |
| Angelo State University | Texas | 90% |
Howard University is known as the Harvard of HBCUs. It has the most selective admissions standards of any HBCU and the highest endowment, valued at nearly $800 million as of 2021. It also has the highest graduation rate of all coed HBCUs.
Who is the largest HBCU? ›North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina A&T in Greensboro has been the largest HBCU by enrollment since 2014. Its student body continued to grow during COVID-19, with over 13,000 students enrolled for the 2021-22 school year.
| RANK | SCHOOL | CAMPUS SIZE |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spelman College | 39 acres |
| 2 | Howard University | 257 acres |
| 3 | North Carolina Central University | 135 acres |
| 4 | Hampton University | 314 acres |
North Carolina A&T State University
It tops all colleges in graduating black engineers.
Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are institutions that were established prior to 1964 with the principal mission of educating Black Americans (source).
What GPA do you need to get into HBCU? ›What GPA do you need to get into an HBCU? The typical GPAs for students accepted into many HBCUs schools range from 2.5-3.0. Other HBCUs may require higher GPAs. For example, students accepted at Hampton University and Florida A&M had average GPAs above 3.25.
Are any HBCUs Division 1? ›The MEAC encompasses Division 1 HBCU's along the eastern seaboard, from Delaware to South Carolina, including Howard University in Washington, D.C. One of its biggest rivalries is outside the conference now, the “Real HU” competition between Howard and Hampton University (Hampton left the MEAC and is a member of the ...
Which state has most HBCUs? ›Alabama is the state with the most HBCUs, with 14 historically Black colleges, including eight universities and six community colleges.
What are the 4 HBCU in Atlanta? ›
The Atlanta University Center (AUC) is a consortium of four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)—Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Spelman College.
What are the six HBCUs in Atlanta? ›- Morehouse School of Medicine. 10 majors.
- Clark Atlanta University. 58 majors.
- Spelman College. 33 majors.
- Interdenominational Theological Center. 1 major.
- Morehouse College.
El Camino College will be serving as the set for filming production on the CW show 'All American' after being spotted on campus Thursday, March 17.
Who is the youngest HBCU? ›The “youngest” four-year HBCU, a designation to mark schools founded before 1964 with the intention of serving the black community, is the University of Virgin Islands, which opened in 1962.
What were the first 3 HBCUs? ›That includes Lincoln University of Pennsylvania in 1854, the first HBCU granting college degrees, the Wilberforce University in 1856, the first college run by African Americans, and Harris-Stowe State University in 1857, which focused on teaching and education courses.
What HBCU did Oprah go to? ›The connective tissue of those cities is that they are all in places that shaped Winfrey — Baltimore; Chicago; Milwaukee; Kosciusko, Mississippi; and Nashville, Tennessee, where she attended Tennessee State University, a historically black college.
What college accepts a 2.5 GPA? ›What colleges can I get into with a 2.5 GPA? Bowie State University, Fisher College, and Miles College accept students with an average GPA of 2.5.
How many HBCUs exist today? ›There are 107 colleges in the United States that are identified by the US Department of Education as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Of those 107, three are currently closed.
Are there any HBCU in California? ›There are more than 100 designated historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States. Most are in southern states. California has only one, and it's in Los Angeles: Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.
What 2 year school is known as the HBCU? ›Bishop State Community College is a two-year, public HBCU.
What HBCUs waive out of state tuition? ›
| If you are a RESIDENT of.... | ...you can ATTEND.... | ...to earn this DEGREE. |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Bluefield State College | Bachelor's |
| Arkansas | Florida A&M University | Master's |
| Arkansas | Grambling State University | Master's. Doctorate |
| Arkansas | Morgan State University | Doctorate |
HBCUs are not especially difficult to get into, but they are not a shoe-in either. The average acceptance rate at an HBCU is 59%. In terms of test scores, the mid-50th percentile SAT math range is 420-520 and verbal range is 430-530.
Are there any public HBCU? ›in Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Founded in 1891, Delaware State University is a public institution. The school has 55.6% of its classes with fewer than 20 students, and the student-faculty ratio at Delaware State University is 16:1. Founded in 1891, Delaware State University is a public institution.
Test-optional means they will not require students to submit SAT or ACT scores as a part of the admissions requirements. Though many HBCUs have been offering this option as well for students, there is a catch.
Does Howard offer full ride scholarships? ›more... Scholarship for full-time seniors attending Howard University. Applicants must have financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Deadlines and award amounts may vary.
Which HBCU has the highest graduation rate? ›Spelman College, the No. 1 school in the U.S. News rankings of HBCUs, had the highest four-year graduation rate: 65%. Among the 10 schools on this list with the highest four-year graduation rates, two are based in Georgia and two are located in Louisiana.
What is the cheapest HBCU in Georgia? ›If you're looking for an affordable HBCU in Georgia, check out Paine College. Paine is an affordable HBCU that is a church-related liberal arts institution providing quality education. Students can pursue one of two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science.
What HBCU has the best football team? ›Jackson State enters the 2022 HBCU football season as the top-ranked team.
Is a 5.0 GPA good? ›If your school uses a 5- or 6-point GPA scale, you want to be closer to those values instead. The average grade for high school students in the United States is around a B, which means the average high school GPA is a 3.0. So, if your GPA is higher than that, you're off to a good start!
What's the lowest GPA possible? ›The lowest possible grade is usually equal to a 0.0 on any scale and most times correlates to an "F" or the failing grade for the course. The scale coverts linearly from the 0.0 to 4.0 with your grade whether you are on a number or letter grading system for the class.
What is the lowest passing GPA? ›
| 4.0 Scale | A-F | Three Passing Grades |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | A | Highest Passing Grade |
| 3.0-3.9 | B | Middle Passing Grade |
| 2.0-2.9 | C | Lowest Passing Grade |
| 1.0-1.9 | D | Fail |
Tuskegee University is in Tuskegee, Alabama, and was founded in 1881. It is ranked #4 the best HBCU in the country, and is a Black Ivy League school. Students can join more than 100 groups and organizations on campus.
Are there any Black Ivy League colleges? ›The North Star News described Fisk, Hampton, Howard, Morehouse, Tuskegee as well as Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and Morgan State University as the equivalent of a Black Ivy League. Lincoln University has also been mentioned as being included in the group.
Is Spelman Ivy League? ›Spelman College is not a part of a group of eight highly competitive US colleges and universities called the Ivy Leagues. However, it's one of the ten HBCUs that make up the Black Ivy League schools. These schools are referred to as such for acquiring the top African-American students in the US.
Who is the #1 Public HBCU? ›The No. 1 slot was maintained by perennial first-place holder, Spelman College, of Atlanta. FAMU bested two other public HBCUs, Delaware State University and its previous arch-rival, North Carolina A&T University, which placed eighth and ninth, respectively in the 2023 guide, to earn the top public HBCU ranking.
Which HBCU has the most land? ›Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Florida A&M is located on 422 acres in Florida's capital city, Tallahassee. It is the largest HBCU in the United States.
A Jackson State home football game — Jackson, MS
The Tigers play in the largest stadium for any HBCU not used for professional sports.
North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina A&T in Greensboro has been the largest HBCU by enrollment since 2014. Its student body continued to grow during COVID-19, with over 13,000 students enrolled for the 2021-22 school year.
Bringston University is one of many Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States, where Black excellence is a way of life. The university is located in Atlanta, Georgia and known for its elite sports teams.
Is Howard University the first HBCU? ›Founded in 1854, the school is the nation's oldest historically black university.
How many HBCU are there in the US? ›
There are 107 colleges in the United States that are identified by the US Department of Education as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
What is the smallest HBCU? ›Established in 1891 as the West Virginia Colored Institute, West Virginia State University is an HBCU and the smallest land-grant institution in the country.
What is the oldest HBCU? ›The oldest HBCU still in operation is Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1837. As of 2015, St. Philip's College was the largest HBCU with 11,200 students enrolled, followed by Howard University and North Carolina A&T State University, respectively.
Which HBCU has the best campus? ›| RANK | SCHOOL | CAMPUS SIZE |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spelman College | 39 acres |
| 2 | Howard University | 257 acres |
| 3 | North Carolina Central University | 135 acres |
| 4 | Hampton University | 314 acres |
The Atlanta University Center (AUC) is a consortium of four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)—Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Spelman College.
What are the six HBCUs in Atlanta? ›- Morehouse School of Medicine. 10 majors.
- Clark Atlanta University. 58 majors.
- Spelman College. 33 majors.
- Interdenominational Theological Center. 1 major.
- Morehouse College.
El Camino College will be serving as the set for filming production on the CW show 'All American' after being spotted on campus Thursday, March 17.
What is the youngest HBCU? ›The “youngest” four-year HBCU, a designation to mark schools founded before 1964 with the intention of serving the black community, is the University of Virgin Islands, which opened in 1962.
What were the first 3 HBCUs? ›That includes Lincoln University of Pennsylvania in 1854, the first HBCU granting college degrees, the Wilberforce University in 1856, the first college run by African Americans, and Harris-Stowe State University in 1857, which focused on teaching and education courses.
What is the oldest HBCU in the South? ›Atlanta University – now Clark Atlanta University – was founded on September 19, 1865, as the first HBCU in the Southern United States.
Which HBCU has the highest graduation rate? ›
Spelman College, the No. 1 school in the U.S. News rankings of HBCUs, had the highest four-year graduation rate: 65%. Among the 10 schools on this list with the highest four-year graduation rates, two are based in Georgia and two are located in Louisiana.
Are any HBCUs Division 1? ›The MEAC encompasses Division 1 HBCU's along the eastern seaboard, from Delaware to South Carolina, including Howard University in Washington, D.C. One of its biggest rivalries is outside the conference now, the “Real HU” competition between Howard and Hampton University (Hampton left the MEAC and is a member of the ...
What is the oldest HBCU in Alabama? ›Alabama State University in Montgomery is the first HBCU in the state, founded just two years after the Civil War in 1867. These institutions were created to offer higher education to Black people.