The Best HBCUs in Virginia

Attending a historically Black college or university (HBCU) in Virginia offers a myriad of benefits to students in Virginia and beyond. Living in Virginia while you study means you can visit Shenandoah National Park, enjoy historical sites, or relax by the ocean at Virginia Beach when you’re not at school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, HBCUs account for nearly 13% of all undergraduate degrees conferred to Black students, even though they comprise only 3% of the nation’s universities. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of attending one of Virginia’s five HBCUs.

Virginia is home to five of the 105 HBCUs currently operating across the nation. Virginia Union University holds the distinction of being the oldest HBCU in the state, its founding dating back to the end of the Civil War.

Today, Virginia’s HBCUs educate thousands of students — including those hailing from the state and those from outside the United States. In addition to engaging in cutting-edge academia and scholarship, these HBCUs carry on unique traditions that celebrate university history, as well as African American history. Each provides a rich academic and cultural opportunity for immersion.

HBCUs do not cost any more in tuition than other public or private institutions in the state, and in some cases may cost even less than the national average. In addition to standard tuition, many of these schools provide access to scholarships for students based on need and/or merit.Applicants should carefully review the tuition costs and financial aid options of any school under consideration to find the one that meets their financial requirements.

Norfolk State University and Virginia State University hold the top spots for the largest student populations within HBCU schools in the state, with 5,601 and 5,634 enrolled, respectively.Students can also choose from smaller campuses, such as Virginia Union University, which currently has an enrollment of just over 1,300 learners. Larger schools tend to offer more services and opportunities for involvement, but this isn’t the only consideration when picking a school.

Virginia is currently home to five HBCUs, including Hampton University, Norfolk State University, Virginia State University, Virginia University of Lynchburg, and Virginia Union University. Given the relatively small imprint of the state when compared to others in the U.S., students have a good selection if they either want to remain in-state as a Virginia resident or if they want an out-of-state experience and want to live in Virginia.

Students can find many helpful resources when it comes to selecting and enrolling in a historically black college or university in Virginia. We list a few below.