Most Affordable and Cheapest HBCU Programs
BestColleges.com is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.
Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:
- Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
- Provide specific, corrective feedback.
- Identify critical information that writers may have missed.
Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for BestColleges.com as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
- The most affordable HBCUs cost just a fraction of the national average tuition for schools in the U.S.
- HBCUs have a rich history, with many dating back to the end of the Civil War.
- Just because these HBCUs are affordable doesn’t mean you won’t need financial aid.
Education at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) holds immense value. HBCUs provide a culturally enriched environment and foster a sense of belonging and support for students in higher education.
An added bonus? Many HBCU programs come with a relatively affordable price tag.
These institutions have a deep legacy of nurturing leaders and empowering communities while offering rigorous academic programs and personal and professional connections. Students graduating from HBCUs are linked to a historical lineage that includes names like Oprah, Vice President Kamala Harris, Spike Lee, Toni Morrison, and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Thankfully, though, you don’t need Oprah-level cash to enroll at an HBCU. We’ve weighed the quality and affordability of both public and private HBCUs on this list, so we’re confident you can find a great school within your budget. Keep reading as we spotlight ten of the most affordable HBCUs.
10 Most Affordable and Cheapest HBCUs
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. In this ranking, we weigh relative quality based on affordability.
Read our ranking methodology to learn more. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
University of the District of Columbia
Washington, DC- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$5,292
- Out-of-state$12,144
- In-State$9,234
- Out-of-state$17,748
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,725
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment22%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$13,420
- Out-of-state$13,420
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate36%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled395
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Prairie View A&M University
- Prairie View, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,253
- Out-of-state$22,552
- In-State$5,096
- Out-of-state$14,316
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled9,248
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment95%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$12,540
- Out-of-state$12,540
- In-State$8,100
- Out-of-state$8,100
- Retention Rate50%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled705
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$5,647
- Out-of-state$16,338
- In-State$7,614
- Out-of-state$12,762
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled6,250
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment99%
- AccreditationYes
LeMoyne-Owen College
- Memphis, TN
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$10,776
- Out-of-state$10,776
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate48%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled654
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Texas Southern University
- Houston, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,941
- Out-of-state$19,707
- In-State$4,767
- Out-of-state$11,824
- Retention Rate51%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled7,015
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$11,808
- Out-of-state$11,808
- In-State$10,404
- Out-of-state$10,404
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled1,283
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Bluefield State College
- Bluefield, WV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,488
- Out-of-state$14,352
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled1,243
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
How to Afford an HBCU Education
Just because some HBCUs come with affordable tuition doesn’t mean that your degree isn’t a serious investment of both time and money. Continue reading as we spotlight how you can cut costs and more comfortably afford your HBCU education.
Students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what financial aid they qualify for.
Scholarships
A scholarship is a type of financial aid awarded to students based on various criteria, including:
- Financial need
- Athletics
- Academics
- Public service
Scholarships can cover educational expenses such as tuition, books, and housing. Thankfully, there’s a long list of scholarships for HBCU students. For help getting scholarships, reach out to prospective schools’ financial aid offices for more HBCU facts and information.
Grants
A college grant is a monetary award provided by organizations, institutions, or government agencies to support specific academic projects for students. It can help by providing funding for research, community initiatives, and education, helping recipients pursue their goals and make a positive impact in their respective fields.
One type of federal grant is the Pell Grant, which helps students based on their financial need.
Student Loans
A student loan is money students borrow to finance educational expenses. Loans can help you afford college while covering tuition, books, and living costs. Properly managed, student loans can expand access to higher education. However, excessive debt can lead to financial stress, credit issues, and delayed financial milestones.
Work-Study
Work-study programs offer part-time employment to students, typically on campus, while they pursue their degrees. Their earnings help cover educational expenses, providing both practical experience and financial assistance. While not always the case, work-study opportunities can align with your field of study or interest.
Explore More College Resources
Top HBCU Medical Schools of 2023
Representation in healthcare is important. HBCUs are working to fill the diversity gap in medicine. Discover the top three HBCU medical schools.
Updated August 31, 2023
Top HBCU Online MBA Programs
Uncover the benefits of pursuing an online MBA at an HBCU, and learn more about the schools that offer the best programs.
Updated May 30, 2024