Top 15 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

 

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) play a vital role in the education of Black students in the United States. They are known for producing a significant number of Black doctors, scientists, and engineers. Here’s a look at the top 15 HBCUs, highlighting their enrollment, tuition, graduation rates, and notable history.

1. Spelman College (GA)

• Overall rank: 1 (U.S. News & World Report)
• Undergraduate 2023 enrollment: 2,588
• Tuition and fees for 2024-2025: $48,809
• Six-year graduation rate: 68%

Spelman College is the oldest HBCU for women in America, renowned for its rigorous academic programs in various fields including psychology and political science.

2. Howard University (DC)

• Overall rank: 2
• Undergraduate 2023 enrollment: 10,190
  
  
• Tuition and fees for 2024-2025: $49,818
• Six-year graduation rate: 62%

Howard University is recognized for its strong emphasis on research and has produced numerous influential alumni in politics and the arts.

3. Florida A&M University (FAMU) (FL)

• Overall rank: 3
• Undergraduate 2023 enrollment: 8,800
• Tuition and fees for 2024-2025: $21,064
• Six-year graduation rate: 68%

FAMU is noted for its commitment to social mobility and has been ranked as the top public HBCU for several consecutive years.

4. North Carolina A&T State University (NC)

• Overall rank: 4
  
• Undergraduate 2023 enrollment: 12,000
• Tuition and fees for 2024-2025: $7,700 (in-state), $21,700 (out-of-state)
• Six-year graduation rate: 66%

Known for its engineering programs, NC A&T has a rich history of activism and leadership in civil rights.

5. Texas Southern University (TX)

• Overall rank: 5
• Undergraduate 2023 enrollment: 8,000
• Tuition and fees for 2024-2025: $9,000 (in-state), $18,000 (out-of-state)
• Six-year graduation rate: 45%

Texas Southern University is recognized for its law school and contributions to African American culture.

6. Prairie View A&M University (TX)

• Overall rank: 6
  
• Undergraduate 2023 enrollment: 9,500
• Tuition and fees for 2024-2025: $11,000 (in-state), $26,000 (out-of-state)
• Six-year graduation rate: 58%

Prairie View A&M is known for its strong engineering programs and commitment to community service.

7. Hampton University (VA)

• Overall rank: 7
  
• Undergraduate 2023 enrollment: 4,500
• Tuition and fees for 2024-2025: $41,600
• Six-year graduation rate: 60%

Hampton University has a rich history of producing leaders in various fields including business and healthcare.

8. Clark Atlanta University (GA)

• Overall rank: 8
  
• Undergraduate 2023 enrollment: 3,200
• Tuition and fees for 2024-2025: $30,000
• Six-year graduation rate: 62%

Clark Atlanta is recognized for its contributions to civil rights and social justice education.

9. Morgan State University (MD)

• Overall rank: 9
  
• Undergraduate 2023 enrollment: 7,500
• Tuition and fees for 2024-2025: $10,000 (in-state), $20,000 (out-of-state)
• Six-year graduation rate: 57%

Morgan State offers a wide range of undergraduate programs with a focus on research opportunities.

10. Tennessee State University (TN)

• Overall rank: 10
  
• Undergraduate 2023 enrollment: 7,000
• Tuition and fees for 2024-2025: $9,000 (in-state), $23,000 (out-of-state)
• Six-year graduation rate: 47%

Tennessee State is known for its strong emphasis on agriculture and environmental sciences.

11. Jackson State University (MS)

• Overall rank: 11 
  
  
• Undergraduate 2023 enrollment: 4,668
• Tuition and fees for 2024-2025: $8,445 (in-state), $9,445 (out-of-state)
• Six-year graduation rate: 44%

Jackson State has produced many prominent figures in meteorology and offers unique programs in earth systems science.

12. Alabama A&M University (AL)

• Overall rank:12
• Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately2 ,800
• Tuition Fees :$10 ,500(in state) ,$21 ,500(out state)
• Six year Graduation Rate :50%

Alabama A&M offers strong programs in agriculture and engineering while promoting community engagement.

13. Norfolk State University(VA)

• Overall Rank :13
  
• Undergraduate Enrollment :Approximately6 ,000
• Tuition Fees :$9 ,500(in state) ,$24 ,500(out state)
• Six year Graduation Rate :53%

Norfolk State is known for its vibrant campus life and commitment to student success.

14. Bowie State University(MD)

• Overall Rank :14
• Undergraduate Enrollment :Approximately6 ,400
• Tuition Fees :$10 ,200(in state) ,$25 ,200(out state)
• Six year Graduation Rate :55%

Bowie State has a strong focus on technology education with programs in cybersecurity.

15. Delaware State University(DE)

• Overall Rank :15
  
• Undergraduate Enrollment :Approximately5 ,300
• Tuition Fees :$9 ,800(in state) ,$22 ,800(out state)
• Six year Graduation Rate :49%

Delaware State is committed to providing quality education with a focus on research initiatives.

Conclusion

HBCUs are crucial in shaping the future of Black professionals across various fields. With their rich histories and commitment to academic excellence, these institutions continue to empower students to achieve their dreams while contributing significantly to society.

Additional Resources

For more information about HBCUs:

1. U.S. News & World Report
2. HBCU Lifestyle
3. Bold.org HBCU Colleges

These resources provide further insights into the rankings and achievements of HBCUs across the nation.