Top HBCU Colleges

There’s something sacred about getting an education at a top historical college, especially when you’re a person of color. There’s this sense of community and belonging that can only be understood through firsthand experience, which is exactly what HBCUs offer their black students. As a Hispanic woman, having cultural bonds in the environment of academia is important to me. It provides me with a point of connection and understanding. HBCUs provide students with a legacy to remember years after their educational journeys, which only adds to the overall college experience.

Today, I will be talking about the nation's top HBCUs, discussing their history, the benefits of attending an HBCU, and how you know what school is right for you. Getting a quality education is important, but receiving it in a place you feel connected to is an entirely different experience from the one you deserve to have.

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What Is an HBCU College?

A Historically Black College or University (HBCU) is a higher education institution established before 1964 with the primary mission of serving the African American community. HBCUs were founded during a time of racial segregation that prevented black Americans from getting an equal-opportunity education.

HBCUs have a rich history and culture and offer rigorous academic programs that push students to their greatest potential. They also offer opportunities for mentorship and internships that help build up students for leadership and life after graduation.

Today, HBCUs continue to offer a wide range of programs and degrees in all fields. Though initially intended to serve the higher education needs of African Americans, HBCUs now welcome all students of any ethnicity and economic background. Accepted students can join their community and commit to a world of diversity and a legacy that produces leaders of tomorrow.

Why Should You Consider an HBCU

Attending an HBCU can be an opportunity of a lifetime. If you’ve ever wondered why you should attend one, I’ll tell you.

You should consider attending an HBCU because they offer unique learning experiences with a strong focus on culture and history. HBCUs are known to have rich environments, strong alumni networks, and can be more affordable compared to other institutions; they also play a significant role in supporting social activism and racial equality within the community.

HBCUs cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel a strong sense of belonging due to the familiarity of cultural experiences. They celebrate and explore black culture, history, and perspectives in their curriculum, maintain high academic standards, and produce a significant number of black graduates in various professions. HBCUs tend to be less expensive than traditionally White institutions, resulting in lower graduation rates and less student debt.

Top HBCU Colleges for 2024

We've finally come to our ranking of top HBCU colleges for 2024. Enjoy!

Spelman College

Average Tuition: $48,809

Undergrad Enrollment: 2,588 students

Ranked as the No. 1 Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Spelman College is the oldest HBCU for women in America. Located in Atlanta, GA, Spelman is a private liberal arts college known for its rigorous academic programs in psychology, biology, political science, and health sciences.

Howard University

Average Tuition: $49,818

Undergrad Enrollment: 10,190 students

Coming in at two, Howard University is located in the heart of Washington D.C. and is known to produce accomplished African American undergraduates—like Kamala Harris—who later excel in political or legal fields. Students who are more inclined to STEM fields have options, too, as fields like psychology, finance, biology, and civil engineering are also popular. Howard University is the top producer of African American students entering US medical schools.

Florida A&M University

Average Tuition: $5,561 (in-state); $17,585 (out-of-state)

Undergrad Enrollment: 7,796 students

Located in Tallahassee, Florida, Florida Agriculture & Mechanical University (FAMU) offers 98-degree programs in Education, Law, Business, Pharmacy, Architecture and Engineering, Journalism, Nursing, Science and Technology, and more. FAMU empowers students and communities through innovative teaching, research, scholarship, partnerships, and public service. A close rival to Howard University, FAMU is the #1 ranked public HBCU.

Tuskegee University

Average Tuition: $21,064

Undergrad Enrollment: 2,659 students

Tuskegee, Alabama, is home to Tuskegee University and is known to be the top producer of African American aerospace science engineers in the country. It's also a leading university in engineering graduates and the only HBCU with a fully accredited College of Veterinary Medicine.

Morehouse College

Average Tuition: $28,964

Undergrad Enrollment: 2,206 students

Morehouse College is the only four-year liberal arts institution HBCU in Atlanta, Georgia, and is renowned for its academic programs, dedicated faculty, and commitment to intellectual growth. Students have access to unlimited resources and opportunities that prepare them for success in their chosen fields.

Xavier University

Average Tuition: $50,410

Undergrad Enrollment: 4,561 students

Despite its relatively small size, Xavier University of Louisiana, XU is a nationally recognized leader in the STEM and health sciences fields. XU is a private university in New Orleans, Louisiana, also known for its extensive Greek system.

Hampton University 

Average Tuition: $26,198

Undergrad Enrollment: 3,727 students

Hampton University is a prestigious private HBCU located near Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. Known for our challenging academic programs, close-knit student body, and strong athletics program, Hampton University offers students ways to get involved on campus through student-run organizations like events, concerts, and recitals. Students must also follow a dress code that prohibits certain fashions on campus.

North Carolina Central University 

Average Tuition: $6,599 (in-state); $19,635 (out-of-state)

Undergrad Enrollment: 5,973 students

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is a state school located in Durham, North Carolina, and the state university is known for their commitment to academic excellence, research opportunities, and remarkable achievements in securing grants for innovative projects. NCCU is committed to research and is involved with centers and institutes like the Juvenile Justice Institute and the Institute for Civic Engagement and Social Change.

For information on funding, visit our scholarship blog to learn how you can apply for scholarships for HBCU students.

As always, please be sure to do research on your schools of choice to determine whether they are the right fit for you. Consider factors like location, curriculum, campus, academic quality of life, and cost.

Benefits of Attending an HBCU

If you think about it, attending an HBCU is like joining a fraternity or sorority. Being a part of an HBCU alumnus network means being a part of a brother or sisterhood through generations to come. Not only do they provide a strong support network, with high investment levels from teachers and thriving communities, but according to Strada Education, 80% of HBCU graduates earn more money in their fields. Influential graduates from HBCUs also include notable alumni in various fields, such as politics, entertainment, and sports.

Other benefits of attending an HBCU are, but are not limited to:

• Affordable college tuition costs
• Exclusive scholarships and grant opportunities
• Challenging education
• Extracurricular opportunities (i.e., sports, internship, mentorship)
• Diversity
• Communal supports

If you’re thinking of attending an HBCU, you will experience all of its benefits and more!

Choosing the Right HBCU for You

When it comes to choosing the right HBCU, there are a few things to consider:

1. Ranking & Reputation: Research academic program rankings and college rankings, undergraduate teaching, and student debt when choosing an HBCU to find the best fit for your academic goals.
2. Financial Aid: Look into financial aid packages, scholarship opportunities, and work-study programs.
3. Campus Life: Consider the location and campus culture of each HBCU to find the best fit for your lifestyle.
4. Location: Think about whether you'd prefer to be in your hometown, an urban area, a big city, or a smaller town.
5. Long-term Goals: Choosing the right HBCU for you means choosing a school that’s going to support and fuel your goals. Ask yourself which program is going to give you what you want at the end of the journey.

Your college years should be some of the most liberating and influential years of your life. You want to make sure that wherever you enroll, you are supported by the administration and confident it's the right fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Top HBCU Colleges

What Is an HBCU?

HBCUs are Historically Black Colleges and Universities that are accredited higher education institutions established before 1964 whose principal mission was and is to educate black Americans. Though HBCUs did originate with the intention to remain colleges for black Americans, over time, they have opened their doors to people of all races and ethnic backgrounds.

How many HBCUs are there?

According to the data science of the National Center of Education Statistics, as of 2022, there are 99 HBCUs located across 19 states in the United States, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Of the 99 HBCUs, 50 were public institutions, and 49 were private nonprofit institutions.

What are the benefits of attending an HBCU?

The benefits of attending an HBCU do not begin and end with your college education. HBCUs offer students lifelong communities among alumni, affordable college tuition, exclusive scholarship and grant opportunities, a challenging education, and communal support. If you want to know what kind of benefits you might experience at a particular HBCU of your choice, look into various academic program rankings to determine what long-lasting benefits you may leave with at the end of your four years.

If you're ready to embark on your college journey, visit our Scholarship Blog for information on college life, top schools, and everything you need on how to apply for funding!