Top 5 HBCUs for Engineering

Explore leading HBCUs excelling in engineering. Discover exceptional programs and supportive environments that empower future engineers.
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Updated August 16, 2023
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At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.

The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.

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If you’re a current or prospective student seeking an enriching educational experience in engineering, it’s worth taking the time to discover the top HBCUs and their standout STEM programming. Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) play a pivotal role in addressing the underrepresentation of Black engineers. According to recent data, HBCUs produce a significant percentage of African American engineering graduates.

Continue reading as we dive into why you should attend an HBCU for engineering while spotlighting the top HBCU engineering programs.

What Is an Engineering Program?

An engineering program is an educational curriculum designed to train students in the principles and application of engineering. These programs equip individuals with the skills to design, create, and improve technologies, systems, and structures that address real-world challenges.

Engineering programs encompass various specialized disciplines, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. Through a combination of theoretical study, hands-on projects, and practical experience, students learn how to innovate and solve complex engineering problems while preparing them for careers in diverse industries.

Why Attend an HBCU for an Engineering Degree?

Attending an HBCU is an excellent way to receive a quality STEM education while enjoying the rich history and culture of these higher education institutions. HBCUs offer a supportive environment that not only addresses the historical underrepresentation of Black engineers but also empowers students to thrive in their fields.

HBCUs have a long history of providing high-quality engineering programming with smaller class sizes, dedicated faculty, and generous financial aid packages. For many engineering students, choosing an HBCU means earning a comprehensive education, strong personal and professional relationships, and ties to a meaningful history that engenders a more inclusive and dynamic engineering field.

2023 Best HBCU Engineering Programs

#1

Prairie View A&M University

Prairie View, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$7,253

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$22,552

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

76%

Acceptance Rate

95%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,096

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,316

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

9,248

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,253

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,552

Prairie View, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,253

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,552

Acceptance Rate

76%

Online Enrollment

95%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,096

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,316

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

9,248

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#2

Morgan State University

Baltimore, MD4 yearCampus + Online

$5,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$18,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

74%

Acceptance Rate

52%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,190

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,092

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

7,634

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,100

Baltimore, MD4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,100

Acceptance Rate

74%

Online Enrollment

52%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,190

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,092

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

7,634

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#3

Southern University and A&M College

Baton Rouge, LA4 yearCampus + Online

$4,973

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,973

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

43%

Acceptance Rate

72%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,336

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,336

Retention Rate

60%

Students Enrolled

6,917

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,973

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$4,973

Baton Rouge, LA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,973

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$4,973

Acceptance Rate

43%

Online Enrollment

72%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,336

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,336

Retention Rate

60%

Students Enrolled

6,917

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#4

Jackson State University

Jackson, MS4 yearCampus + Online

$8,270

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,270

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

90%

Acceptance Rate

82%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,270

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,270

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

6,921

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,270

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,270

Jackson, MS4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,270

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,270

Acceptance Rate

90%

Online Enrollment

82%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,270

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,270

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

6,921

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#5

Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN4 yearCampus + Online

$7,854

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$20,574

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

52%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,276

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,752

Retention Rate

64%

Students Enrolled

7,615

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,854

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,574

Nashville, TN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,854

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,574

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

52%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,276

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,752

Retention Rate

64%

Students Enrolled

7,615

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Resources for Students in HBCU Engineering Programs

  • National Society of Black Engineers: NSBE offers networking opportunities, career fairs, and academic support for HBCU engineering students, fostering professional growth and community among aspiring Black engineers.
  • Thurgood Marshall College Fund: TMCF provides scholarships, internships, and mentorship programs, empowering HBCU engineering students with financial assistance and valuable industry connections for their academic and professional journeys.
  • HBCU CONNECT: This online platform connects HBCU engineering students with internships, job opportunities, and a supportive alumni network, facilitating career advancement and personal development within the engineering field.
  • Society of Women Engineers: SWE’s HBCU Initiative aims to empower female engineering students by providing scholarships, leadership training, and access to a vast network of professional women engineers.
  • United Negro College Fund: UNCF offers scholarships and fellowships specifically tailored for HBCU engineering degree-seekers, providing essential financial aid to support academic excellence and future success in the engineering field.

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