10 Best HBCUs in North Carolina
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.
North Carolina boasts 52 colleges and universities and has the third-largest community college system in the United States, making it a strong choice for your higher education journey.
North Carolina also offers access to diverse and inclusive education. The state has 10 accredited historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This includes the oldest HBCU in the South — Shaw University. Students who decide to attend an HBCU in North Carolina will not only receive a top-notch educational experience, but they’ll also have the transformative opportunity to be a part of a diverse community of learners and scholars.
North Carolina is a hub of Black educational excellence and inclusive scholarship. Students at HBCUs in North Carolina can learn within the classroom and through exploring North Carolina’s many Black cultural landmarks.
Best HBCUs in NC
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 Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled12,753
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment95%
- AccreditationYes
Fayetteville State University
- Fayetteville, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,982
- Out-of-state$14,590
- In-State$3,438
- Out-of-state$14,503
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled6,726
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment91%
- AccreditationYes
Winston-Salem State University
- Winston-Salem, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,401
- Out-of-state$13,648
- In-State$3,872
- Out-of-state$13,987
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled5,169
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment95%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$3,728
- Out-of-state$16,435
- In-State$4,740
- Out-of-state$17,694
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled8,078
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Elizabeth City State University
- Elizabeth City, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,000
- Out-of-state$5,000
- In-State$3,375
- Out-of-state$16,437
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled2,002
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$16,014
- Out-of-state$16,014
- In-State$17,798
- Out-of-state$17,798
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled1,306
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment4%
- 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
Bennett College
- Greensboro, NC
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$15,964
- Out-of-state$15,964
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled232
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$10,956
- Out-of-state$10,956
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled1,110
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment74%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$15,917
- Out-of-state$15,917
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate47%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled845
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
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. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About HBCUs in North Carolina
What is the top HBCU in North Carolina?
North Carolina A&T State University is the No. 1 HBCU in North Carolina. Founded in 1891, the school has more than 50 undergraduate programs and 40 graduate programs, including doctorate research programs. N.C. A&T is also the largest HBCU in the country and is lauded for its world-class STEM programs.
How many HBCUs are in North Carolina?
There are 11 active HBCUs in North Carolina, 10 of which are accredited. North Carolina also has the most enrolled Black undergraduate students in the U.S. and the second most HBCUs in the nation behind Alabama, which has 14 HBCUs.
What is the closest HBCU to Charlotte, North Carolina?
Johnson C. Smith University is centrally located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Established in 1867, JCSU is a private liberal arts university well-known for its academic programs and commitment to civic engagement.
JCSU students enjoy its innovative programs that merge liberal arts with business and STEM. JCSU prioritizes holistic development and supports students’ growth academically, interpersonally, culturally, and spiritually.
What is the largest HBCU in North Carolina?
North Carolina A&T State University is the largest HBCU in North Carolina and the nation. About 13,000 students are enrolled at N.C. A&T. The university produces more Black graduates in journalism, liberal arts, engineering, and agriculture than any university in the United States.
Additional Resources for North Carolina HBCU Students
- North Carolina Governor’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities Internship Program: This program connects HBCU students with major North Carolina corporations and private employers.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid: Finances are an important part of the college application process. In order to qualify for financial aid, you must fill out the FAFSA.
- College Application Essay Tips: Writing college essays can be overwhelming. College application tipsheets are a great way to prepare your materials for submission.
- National Association of HBCU Students and Alumni: NAHSA helps you connect with HBCU from professionals across the nation and provides members access to scholarships, funding, and mentorship programs.
- Mental Health Resources: Wellness is key to student success. Mental health resources offer important wellness tools that help you to succeed both in and out of the classroom.
Explore More College Resources
Most Affordable and Cheapest HBCU Programs
Are you interested in attending a historically Black college but worry about funding? We’ve highlighted the 10 most affordable HBCUs.
by James Mielke
Updated August 7, 2023
4 Best HBCU Psychology Programs of 2024
Find the right HBCU psychology program for your career goals and discover resources to help you complete your degree.
Updated January 25, 2024
The Role and Legacy of HBCUs in Higher Education
Historically Black colleges and universities have played a significant role in providing accessible and equitable education to Black people in the United States.
by Pamela “Safisha Nzingha” Hill
Updated February 24, 2024