10 Best HBCUs in North Carolina

North Carolina’s home to the oldest HBCU in the South. Learn how it measures up to each HBCU in the state.
Ciarra Jones
By
Edited by
Reviewed by
Our Integrity Network

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.


If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

Updated September 1, 2023
chevron-up

Why Trust BestColleges

  • graphs

    3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed

  • Phone

    6,000+ Users connected with programs every month

  • 300+ College and university partners

  • 40+ Expert reviewers

Learn more about our 

Our Integrity Network

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.

If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

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.

In this Article
chevron-down

Best HBCUs in NC

#1

North Carolina A&T State University

Greensboro, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$3,540

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$17,050

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

57%

Acceptance Rate

95%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,745

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,545

Retention Rate

80%

Students Enrolled

12,753

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,540

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,050

North Carolina A&T State University

Greensboro, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,540

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,050

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment

95%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,745

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,545

Retention Rate

80%

Students Enrolled

12,753

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#2

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$2,982

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,590

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

79%

Acceptance Rate

91%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,438

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,503

Retention Rate

66%

Students Enrolled

6,726

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$2,982

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,590

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$2,982

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,590

Acceptance Rate

79%

Online Enrollment

91%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,438

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,503

Retention Rate

66%

Students Enrolled

6,726

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#3

Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$3,401

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,648

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

73%

Acceptance Rate

95%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,872

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,987

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

5,169

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,401

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,648

Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,401

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,648

Acceptance Rate

73%

Online Enrollment

95%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,872

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,987

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

5,169

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#4

North Carolina Central University

Durham, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$3,728

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$16,435

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

87%

Acceptance Rate

54%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,740

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,694

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

8,078

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,728

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,435

North Carolina Central University

Durham, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,728

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,435

Acceptance Rate

87%

Online Enrollment

54%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,740

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,694

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

8,078

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#5

Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$1,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

75%

Acceptance Rate

94%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,375

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,437

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

2,002

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$1,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,000

Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$1,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,000

Acceptance Rate

75%

Online Enrollment

94%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,375

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,437

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

2,002

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#6

Johnson C Smith University

Charlotte, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$16,014

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$16,014

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

49%

Acceptance Rate

4%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,798

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,798

Retention Rate

65%

Students Enrolled

1,306

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$16,014

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,014

Johnson C Smith University

Charlotte, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$16,014

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,014

Acceptance Rate

49%

Online Enrollment

4%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,798

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,798

Retention Rate

65%

Students Enrolled

1,306

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#7

Shaw University

Raleigh, NC4 yearCampus

$11,808

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,808

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

71%

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,404

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,404

Retention Rate

67%

Students Enrolled

1,283

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,808

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,808

Shaw University

Raleigh, NC4 yearCampus

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,808

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,808

Acceptance Rate

71%

Online Enrollment

57%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,404

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,404

Retention Rate

67%

Students Enrolled

1,283

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#8

Bennett College

Greensboro, NC4 yearCampus

$15,964

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,964

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

73%

Acceptance Rate

100%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

52%

Students Enrolled

232

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,964

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,964

Bennett College

Greensboro, NC4 yearCampus

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,964

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,964

Acceptance Rate

73%

Online Enrollment

100%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

52%

Students Enrolled

232

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#9

Saint Augustine's University

Raleigh, NC4 yearCampus

$10,956

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,956

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

67%

Acceptance Rate

74%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

52%

Students Enrolled

1,110

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,956

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,956

Saint Augustine's University

Raleigh, NC4 yearCampus

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,956

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,956

Acceptance Rate

67%

Online Enrollment

74%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

52%

Students Enrolled

1,110

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#10

Livingstone College

Salisbury, NC4 yearCampus

$15,917

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,917

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

69%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

47%

Students Enrolled

845

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,917

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,917

Livingstone College

Salisbury, NC4 yearCampus

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,917

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,917

Acceptance Rate

69%

Online Enrollment

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

47%

Students Enrolled

845

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

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

Explore More College Resources

Most Affordable and Cheapest HBCU Programs

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.

James Mielke

by James Mielke

Updated August 7, 2023

4 Best HBCU Psychology Programs of 2024

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.

Stephanie Szitanyi, Ph.D.

by Stephanie Szitanyi, Ph.D.

Updated January 25, 2024

The Role and Legacy of HBCUs in Higher Education

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.

Pamela “Safisha Nzingha” Hill

by Pamela “Safisha Nzingha” Hill

Updated February 24, 2024


Other Generic Resources

generic

FacebookInstagramTwitterYoutube
© 2025 BestColleges.com, a Red Ventures Company