Best HBCUs in Florida

Check out what the best HBCUs in Florida have to offer and how they support the state’s Black and African American students.
Doug Wintemute
By
Edited by
Updated September 7, 2023
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The best HBCUs in Florida happen to be some of the best colleges in Florida. For Black and African American students, in particular, HBCUs provide many benefits.

As a student at an HBCU, you can gain access to more specialized support services and mentors. You can surround yourself with culturally relevant student organizations and programs. You might also enjoy targeted HBCU employment and scholarship opportunities.

In Florida, students have four HBCUs to choose from. On this page, we explore these schools in more detail.

4 Best HBCUs in Florida

#1

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Tallahassee, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$3,152

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,524

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

33%

Acceptance Rate

98%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,019

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,108

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

9,184

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,152

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,524

Tallahassee, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,152

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,524

Acceptance Rate

33%

Online Enrollment

98%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,019

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,108

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

9,184

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#2

Florida Memorial University

Miami Gardens, FL4 yearCampus

$12,576

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,576

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

38%

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$16,708

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,708

Retention Rate

50%

Students Enrolled

928

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,576

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,576

Miami Gardens, FL4 yearCampus

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,576

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,576

Acceptance Rate

38%

Online Enrollment

44%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$16,708

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,708

Retention Rate

50%

Students Enrolled

928

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#3

Bethune-Cookman University

Daytona Beach, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$13,844

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,844

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

98%

Acceptance Rate

100%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,500

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

2,845

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,844

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,844

Daytona Beach, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,844

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,844

Acceptance Rate

98%

Online Enrollment

100%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,500

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

2,845

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#4

Edward Waters College

Jacksonville, FL4 yearCampus

$14,878

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,878

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

57%

Acceptance Rate

26%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

54%

Students Enrolled

2,273

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,878

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,878

Jacksonville, FL4 yearCampus

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,878

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,878

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment

26%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

54%

Students Enrolled

2,273

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Frequently Asked Questions About HBCUs in Florida

How many HBCUs does Florida have?

Florida has four HBCUs: Edward Waters University, Bethune-Cookman University, Florida Memorial University, and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. According to the UNCF, these four schools have an economic impact of over $800 million in Florida.

Which cities in Florida are home to HBCUs?

The four HBCUs in Florida are located in the following cities: Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens, and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee.

What is the largest HBCU in Florida?

With just under 10,000 students, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) has the largest student body among all HBCUs in Florida. In fact, FAMU enrolls more than the other three HBCUs combined.

As a result, FAMU also has the most program offerings, the most student organizations, and the largest HBCU athletics program.

What is the most affordable HBCU in Florida?

While most of the HBCUs in Florida have similar tuition rates, FAMU has the lowest for in-state undergraduate students. Learners pay $2,277 per semester, compared to over $6,000 for the other schools.

A promising HBCU statistic shows that, on average, HBCUs awarded $9,738 in grants in 2020-2021.

Which HBCUs in Florida have nursing programs?

Both FAMU and B-CU have nursing programs. B-CU has a BSN program, while FAMU has pre-nursing, BSN, and RN-to-BSN programs. FAMU’s nursing program is the oldest HBCU nursing program in Florida.

The other two schools do not have standalone nursing programs. Florida Memorial has a joint nursing program with Florida International University (FIU) and the University of Miami (UM). EWU has a nursing pathway program with the University of Florida.

Additional Resources for Florida HBCU Students

United Negro College Fund

The UNCF is a leader in providing HBCU student scholarships, supporting HBCUs financially, and advocating for African American students.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund

TMCF represents HBCUs, Predominantly Black Institutions, and African American students. The organization has provided over $300 million to support students and schools and developed a nationally recognized internship program.

Common Black College Application

The CBCA helps students complete their college and scholarship applications. Over 300,000 students have completed the CBCA, with 97% getting accepted to at least one school.

HBCU First

This student-led organization assists HBCU students with their education and careers through internships and mentorships.

National Association of HBCU Students and Alumni

This organization supports HBCU students with scholarships, mentorships, and professional development programs.

Explore More College Resources

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