7 Best HBCUs in Texas

Kwynn Gonzalez-Pons, Ph.D.
By
Updated on June 8, 2023
Edited by
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Read more to learn about the top historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in Texas and what they have to offer prospective students.

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were established to give Black Americans access to education and opportunities they were being excluded from. Today, there are more than 100 HBCUs in the U.S., nine of which are in the Lone Star State.

Texas is home to many excellent colleges and universities, and its HBCUs are no exception. Attending an HBCU in Texas offers the best of both worlds: the rich cultural, community, and educational benefits of an HBCU and the vibrant experiences Texas has to offer. That’s why even celebrities like Megan Thee Stallion choose to attend an HBCU in Texas.

There are many factors you should take into consideration when choosing an HBCU, including tuition and living costs, location, graduation rates, and academic offerings. Read below to learn about the top HBCUs in Texas and what makes them stand out.

7 Best HBCUs in Texas

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#1 7 Best HBCUs in Texas

Prairie View A&M University

  • Location-markerPrairie View, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,253
  • Out-of-state$22,552
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,096
  • Out-of-state$14,316
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance Rate76%
  • Students Enrolled9,248
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment95%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 7 Best HBCUs in Texas

Wiley College

  • Location-markerMarshall, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$11,946
  • Out-of-state$11,946
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate70%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled615
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment12%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 7 Best HBCUs in Texas

Texas Southern University

  • Location-markerHouston, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,941
  • Out-of-state$19,707
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$4,767
  • Out-of-state$11,824
  • Retention Rate51%
  • Acceptance Rate66%
  • Students Enrolled7,015
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment72%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 7 Best HBCUs in Texas

Jarvis Christian College

  • Location-markerHawkins, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$10,400
  • Out-of-state$10,400
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate53%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled719
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment100%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 7 Best HBCUs in Texas

Huston-Tillotson University

  • Location-markerAustin, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$12,569
  • Out-of-state$12,569
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$25,200
  • Out-of-state$25,200
  • Retention Rate54%
  • Acceptance Rate56%
  • Students Enrolled1,058
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment100%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 7 Best HBCUs in Texas

Texas College

  • Location-markerTyler, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,208
  • Out-of-state$8,208
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate41%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled764
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
  • AccreditationYes
#7 7 Best HBCUs in Texas

Southwestern Christian College

  • Location-markerTerrell, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,070
  • Out-of-state$7,070
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate50%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled84
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment1%
  • AccreditationYes

Frequently Asked Questions About HBCUs in Texas

How many HBCUs are in Texas?

Texas is home to nine HBCUs, seven of which are represented in the list above. The other two HBCUs in Texas are St. Philip’s College in San Antonio and Paul Quinn College in Dallas. St. Philips College is ranked in the top 20 community colleges in Texas, and Paul Quinn College was nationally recognized as HBCU of the year in 2011.

What is the top HBCU in Texas?

Prairie View A&M University is the top-ranked HBCU in Texas for academics. PVAMU students get a good return on their investment. Notable PVAMU graduates include U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Gene Upshaw, a former NFL player and coach.

Which HBCU is in Dallas?

Paul Quinn College, a faith-based liberal arts college, is the only HBCU in Dallas. The college was originally established in Austin but relocated to Dallas in 1990. Paul Quinn’s president, Dr. Michael Sorrell, was named one of the World’s Greatest Leaders by Fortune Magazine in 2018. One of his initiatives? Implementing a business casual dress code for students.

Additional Resources for Texas HBCU Students

  • HBCU Connect:HBCU Connect is a centralized hub for all things HBCU, including profiles of HBCUs, scholarship opportunities for students, and dedicated discussion forums.
  • United Negro College Fund:UNCF financially supports HBCUs and their students, offering scholarships for 10,000 students every year. It also advocates on behalf of HBCUs at the local, state, and national levels.
  • College Guide for HBCUs: Check out this college guide for HBCUs to learn about what makes HBCUs special, their known challenges, and tips for crafting a successful HBCU application.
  • Fastest-Growing Careers in Texas: Learn about the fastest-growing careers in Texas, such as physician assistant and operations research analyst roles, and what degrees are needed to enter these fields.
  • Resources for Students in Texas: These Texas student resources will walk you through planning for and choosing a college, navigating student life at a Texas college, and even planning for a career.

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