Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities of 2024
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.
Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were established to make quality, accredited higher education available to Black Americans. However, these institutions never discriminated based on race. Although few white students sought admission historically, today it is not unusual to see more diverse student bodies at HBCUs. Additionally, many non-Black faculty and staff are employed at HBCUs.
There are more than 100 HBCUs across the U.S. These colleges offer a variety of educational programs and vibrant, inclusive community life.
There are many factors you should consider when deciding which college is the right fit. This guide lists some of the top HBCUs — including HBCUs offering top online programs. It can help you decide which HBCU might be the best for you.
2024 Best Accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Tallahassee, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,645
- Out-of-state$17,585
- In-State$8,019
- Out-of-state$22,108
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate21%
- Students Enrolled9,265
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
North Carolina A&T State University
- Greensboro, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,540
- Out-of-state$17,050
- In-State$4,745
- Out-of-state$17,545
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate56%
- Students Enrolled13,487
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Hampton University
- Hampton, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$26,198
- Out-of-state$26,198
- In-State$13,099
- Out-of-state$13,099
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled3,249
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment11%
- AccreditationYes
Delaware State University
- Dover, DE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,038
- Out-of-state$16,960
- In-State$5,160
- Out-of-state$11,376
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled5,826
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
North Carolina Central University
- Durham, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,728
- Out-of-state$16,435
- In-State$4,740
- Out-of-state$18,048
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled7,553
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Winston-Salem State University
- Winston-Salem, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,401
- Out-of-state$14,057
- In-State$3,872
- Out-of-state$14,407
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled5,004
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment81%
- AccreditationYes
Oakwood University
- Huntsville, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$18,974
- Out-of-state$18,974
- In-State$13,680
- Out-of-state$13,680
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled1,470
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
What Is an HBCU?
HBCUs were established in the 19th century to provide Black Americans with educational opportunities. Due to slavery, segregation, and systemic racism, traditionally white institutions denied Black Americans admission. The Higher Education Act of 1965 defines HBCUs as accredited higher education institutions established before 1964 whose principal mission was, and is, the education of Black Americans.
Dr. Kimberley Brown Pellum, a specialist in the history of women’s images, Southern culture, and the Black Freedom Struggle, describes HBCUs as living artifacts of Africana/Black cultural continuity and productivity. She continues, saying, Those who attend usually have a preexisting appreciation for Black life and the ways these institutions have protected and sustained them over the last century and beyond.
There are currently 107 HBCUs serving more than 228,000 students throughout the country. HBCUs can be either public or private colleges. While HBCUs historically only served Black students, nearly a quarter of students enrolled in HBCUs as of 2019 were non-Black.
Frequently Asked Questions About HBCUs
There are 107 HBCUs across the United States, enrolling more than 228,000 students. Of these institutions, two-thirds are public, and most are four-year colleges and universities. Although learners can find HBCUs across the country, many are on the eastern side of the nation.
Meet the Expert
With a terminal degree in U.S. history from Howard University, Dr. Kimberly Brown Pellum specializes in the history of women’s images, Southern culture, and the Black freedom struggle. Her contributions to publicly accessible history include work at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History, The National Park Service, The Rosa Parks Museum and Google’s Arts & Culture series. Kimberly is currently a member of the faculty in the Department of History at Florida A&M University and sparkle is her favorite color. Check out how sequins and serious scholarship come together in her role as director for the digital Museum of Black Beauty.
Note: The insights on this page were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed August 5, 2024.
Explore More College Resources
HBCU Facts and Statistics
HBCUs enroll nearly one-tenth of all Black college students across over 100 institutions in the United States. Find a list of HBCUs and more HBCU facts in our report.
Updated January 12, 2024
College Application Guide for HBCU Students
Explore resources to guide your HBCU selection process. Learn about the Common Black College Application for HBCU students.
Updated September 29, 2023
Debunking Common Myths About HBCUs
Learn about some myths associated with HBCUs and how these institutions are working to dismantle these stereotypes.
Updated October 2, 2023