Official List of HBCU Colleges by State
HBCU List by State.
All 107 HBCU Colleges, listed by State and A-Z.
This is the ultimate, one-stop HBCU list, of all of 107 HBCU colleges (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) in the United States, with enrollment numbers, tuition fees, video, ranking and links to each school’s official site, Instagram and sports program. Bookmark this page, we update it every year.
HBCU List by State
Alabama (14 HBCUs)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ |  | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A&M University Huntsville, Alabama | 7,295 | ▶️ |  | $10,024 | $18,634 | 58% | 43 | Public · 4-year | 1875 | 🏆 |
| Alabama State University Montgomery, Alabama | 4,000 | ▶️ | | $11,248 | $19,576 | — | 64 | Public · 4-year | 1867 | 🏆 |
| Bishop State Community College Mobile, Alabama | 2,968 | ▶️ | | $5,280 | $9,090 | Open admissions | — | Public · 2-year | 1927 | 🏆 |
| Gadsden State Community College Gadsden, Alabama | 4,352 | ▶️ | | $4,032 | $7,080 | Open admissions | — | Public · 2-year | 1925 | 🏆 |
| J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College Huntsville, Alabama | 976 | ▶️ | | $5,130 | $8,940 | Open admissions | — | Public · 2-year | 1961 | 🏆 |
| Lawson State Community College Birmingham, Alabama | 2,919 | ▶️ | | $4,980 | $8,790 | Open admissions | — | Public · 2-year | 1949 | 🏆 |
| Miles College Fairfield, Alabama | 1,258 | ▶️ | | $12,576 | $12,576 | — | 69 | Private · 4-year | 1898 | 🏆 |
| Oakwood University Huntsville, Alabama | 1,470 | ▶️ | | $19,990 | $19,990 | — | 56 | Private · 4-year | 1896 | 🏆 |
| Selma University Selma, Alabama | 50 | ▶️ |  | $7,200 | $7,200 | — | 86 | Private · 4-year | 1878 | 🏆 |
| Shelton State Community College Tuscaloosa, Alabama | 4,166 | ▶️ | | $4,560 | $8,550 | Open admissions | — | Public · 2-year | 1963 | 🏆 |
| Stillman College Tuscaloosa, Alabama | 744 | ▶️ | | $11,322 | $11,322 | — | 49 | Private · 4-year | 1876 | 🏆 |
| Talladega College Talladega, Alabama | 903 | ▶️ | | $13,866 | $13,866 | — | 61 | Private · 4-year | 1867 | 🏆 |
| Trenholm State Community College Montgomery, Alabama | 1,994 | ▶️ | | $4,770 | $8,760 | Open admissions | — | Public · 2-year | 1963 | 🏆 |
| Tuskegee University Tuskegee, Alabama | 2,570 | ▶️ | | $18,420 | $18,420 | — | 9 | Private · 4-year | 1881 | 🏆 |
Arkansas (4 HBCUs)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Baptist College Little Rock, Arkansas | 497 | ▶️ | | $8,760 | $8,760 | — | 82 | Private · 4-year & 2-year | 1884 | 🏆 |
| Philander Smith University Little Rock, Arkansas | 769 | ▶️ | | $13,014 | $13,014 | — | 50 | Private · 4-year | 1877 | 🏆 |
| Shorter College North Little Rock, Arkansas | 321 | ▶️ | | $5,596 | $5,596 | Open admissions | — | Private · 2-year | 1886 | 🏆 |
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, Arkansas | 2,005 | ▶️ | | $9,375 | $17,955 | 41% | 19 | Public · 4-year | 1873 | 🏆 |
California (1 HBCU)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Los Angeles, California | 777 | ▶️ | | $14,954 | $14,954 | 39% | — | Private (grad. medical/health) · Grad + limited undergrad | 1966 | 🏆 |
Delaware (1 HBCU)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware State University Dover, Delaware | 5,826 | ▶️ | | $8,358 | $18,280 | — | 32 | Public · 4-year | 1891 | 🏆 |
District of Columbia (2 HBCUs)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Howard University Washington, District of Columbia | 12,886 | ▶️ | | $28,916 | $28,916 | 41% | 3 | Private · 4-year | 1867 | 🏆 |
| University of the District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia | 3,577 | ▶️ | | $6,152 | $13,004 | — | 22 | Public · 4-year | 1851 | 🏆 |
Florida (4 HBCUs)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethune-Cookman University Daytona Beach, Florida | 2,727 | ▶️ | | $14,794 | $14,794 | — | 52 | Private · 4-year | 1904 | 🏆 |
| Edward Waters University Jacksonville, Florida | 1,181 | ▶️ | | $14,878 | $14,878 | — | 63 | Private · 4-year | 1866 | 🏆 |
| Florida A&M University Tallahassee, Florida | 9,215 | ▶️ | | $4,746 | $16,640 | — | 1 | Public · 4-year | 1887 | 🏆 |
| Florida Memorial University Miami Gardens, Florida | 1,137 | ▶️ | | $16,836 | $16,836 | — | 71 | Private · 4-year | 1879 | 🏆 |
Georgia (10 HBCUs)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany State University Albany, Georgia | 6,334 | ▶️ | | $5,934 | $16,656 | — | 39 | Public · 4-year | 1903 | 🏆 |
| Clark Atlanta University Atlanta, Georgia | 4,000 | ▶️ | | $21,695 | $21,695 | — | 44 | Private · 4-year | 1988 | 🏆 |
| Fort Valley State University Fort Valley, Georgia | 2,605 | ▶️ | | $5,832 | $16,554 | — | 25 | Public · 4-year | 1895 | 🏆 |
| Interdenominational Theological Center Atlanta, Georgia | 193 | ▶️ | | $15,063 | $15,063 | — | — | Private (grad. seminary) · Master’s/Doctorate | 1958 | 🏆 |
| Morehouse College Atlanta, Georgia | 2,567 | ▶️ | | $29,468 | $29,468 | — | 11 | Private · 4-year | 1867 | 🏆 |
| Morehouse School of Medicine Atlanta, Georgia | 540 | ▶️ | | $67,314 (M.D.) | $67,314 (M.D.) | 1.6% | — | Private (grad. medical) · M.D./Grad only | 1975 | 🏆 |
| Morris Brown College Atlanta, Georgia | 253 | ▶️ | | $9,650 | $9,650 | — | 83 | Private · 4-year | 1881 | 🏆 |
| Paine College Augusta, Georgia | 310 | ▶️ | | $14,595 | $14,595 | — | 79 | Private · 4-year | 1882 | 🏆 |
| Savannah State University Savannah, Georgia | 2,945 | ▶️ | | $5,902 | $16,624 | — | 35 | Public · 4-year | 1890 | 🏆 |
| Spelman College Atlanta, Georgia | 3,102 | ▶️ | | $28,181 | $28,181 | 25% | 4 | Private · 4-year | 1881 | 🏆 |
Illinois (1 HBCU)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago State University Chicago, Illinois | 2,324 | ▶️ | | $12,757 | $12,757 | 43% | — | Public · 4-year | 1867 | 🏆 |
Kentucky (2 HBCUs)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky State University Frankfort, Kentucky | 1,726 | ▶️ | | $9,214 | $13,260 | Test optional | 20 | Public · 4-year | 1886 | 🏆 |
| Simmons College of Kentucky Louisville, Kentucky | 237 | ▶️ | | $6,990 | $6,990 | 100% | 74 | Private · 4-year | 1879 | 🏆 |
Louisiana (6 HBCUs)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dillard University New Orleans, Louisiana | 1,224 | ▶️ | | $19,610 | $19,610 | — | 36 | Private · 4-year | 1930 | 🏆 |
| Grambling State University Grambling, Louisiana | 5,058 | ▶️ | | $7,635 | $16,658 | — | 46 | Public · 4-year | 1867 | 🏆 |
| Southern University and A&M College Baton Rouge, Louisiana | 8,226 | ▶️ | | $9,340 | $16,720 | — | 33 | Public · 4-year | 1880 | 🏆 |
| Southern University at New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana | 1,950 | ▶️ | | $7,059 | $15,960 | — | 68 | Public · 4-year | 1956 | 🏆 |
| Southern University at Shreveport Shreveport, Louisiana | 3,154 | ▶️ | | $4,789 | $8,089 | Open admissions | — | Public · 2-year | 1967 | 🏆 |
| Xavier University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana | 3,419 | ▶️ | | $25,312 | $25,312 | — | 21 | Private · 4-year | 1925 | 🏆 |
Maryland (4 HBCUs)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowie State University Bowie, Maryland | 6,275 | ▶️ | | $8,444 | $19,136 | — | 31 | Public · 4-year | 1865 | 🏆 |
| Coppin State University Baltimore, Maryland | 2,006 | ▶️ | | $7,100 | $14,023 | — | 13 | Public · 4-year | 1900 | 🏆 |
| Morgan State University Baltimore, Maryland | 9,027 | ▶️ | | $8,346 | $19,456 | 83% | 23 | Public · 4-year | 1867 | 🏆 |
| University of Maryland Eastern Shore Princess Anne, Maryland | 3,177 | ▶️ | | $9,076 | $20,122 | 96% | 41 | Public · 4-year | 1886 | 🏆 |
Michigan (1 HBCU)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design Detroit, Michigan | ~300 | ▶️ | | — | — | — | — | Private (reopened 2021, seeking accreditation) · — | 1928 | 🏆 |
Mississippi (7 HBCUs)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcorn State University Lorman, Mississippi | 2,933 | ▶️ | | $7,290 | $7,290 | — | 2 | Public · 4-year | 1871 | 🏆 |
| Coahoma Community College Clarksdale, Mississippi | 1,783 | ▶️ | | $3,050 | $3,050 | Open admissions | — | Public · 2-year | 1924 | 🏆 |
| Hinds Community College Raymond, Mississippi | 9,407 | ▶️ | | $3,450 | $7,200 | Open admissions | — | Public · 2-year | 1917 | 🏆 |
| Jackson State University Jackson, Mississippi | 6,906 | ▶️ | | $8,445 | $9,445 | 93% | 17 | Public · 4-year | 1877 | 🏆 |
| Mississippi Valley State University Itta Bena, Mississippi | 1,879 | ▶️ | | $6,402 | $6,402 | — | 29 | Public · 4-year | 1950 | 🏆 |
| Rust College Holly Springs, Mississippi | 755 | ▶️ | | $9,900 | $9,900 | — | 67 | Private · 4-year | 1866 | 🏆 |
| Tougaloo College Tougaloo, Mississippi | 677 | ▶️ | | $10,861 | $10,861 | — | 24 | Private · 4-year | 1869 | 🏆 |
Missouri (2 HBCUs)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harris-Stowe State University St. Louis, Missouri | 1,400 | ▶️ | | $5,484 | $10,116 | — | 16 | Public · 4-year | 1857 | 🏆 |
| Lincoln University (Missouri) Jefferson City, Missouri | 1,833 | ▶️ | | $8,370 | $15,360 | — | 45 | Public · 4-year | 1866 | 🏆 |
New York (1 HBCU)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Medgar Evers College Brooklyn, New York | 3,233 | ▶️ | | $7,250 | $18,920 | 86% | — | Public · 4-year | 1970 | 🏆 |
North Carolina (11 HBCUs)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber-Scotia College Concord, North Carolina | 168 | ▶️ | | $10,686 | $10,686 | — | — | Private (unaccredited) · Certificate programs | 1867 | 🏆 |
| Bennett College Greensboro, North Carolina | 168 | ▶️ | | $18,400 | $18,400 | — | 78 | Private · 4-year | 1873 | 🏆 |
| Elizabeth City State University Elizabeth City, North Carolina | 2,149 | ▶️ | | $3,327 | $7,327 | — | 8 | Public · 4-year | 1891 | 🏆 |
| Fayetteville State University Fayetteville, North Carolina | 6,787 | ▶️ | | $3,969 | $7,969 | — | 6 | Public · 4-year | 1867 | 🏆 |
| Johnson C. Smith University Charlotte, North Carolina | 1,093 | ▶️ | | $18,784 | $18,784 | — | 38 | Private · 4-year | 1867 | 🏆 |
| Livingstone College Salisbury, North Carolina | 839 | ▶️ | | $18,296 | $18,296 | — | 62 | Private · 4-year | 1879 | 🏆 |
| North Carolina A&T State University Greensboro, North Carolina | 13,487 | ▶️ | | $6,733 | $20,243 | — | 5 | Public · 4-year | 1891 | 🏆 |
| North Carolina Central University Durham, North Carolina | 7,553 | ▶️ | | $6,722 | $18,058 | — | 12 | Public · 4-year | 1910 | 🏆 |
| Saint Augustine’s University Raleigh, North Carolina | 1,108 | ▶️ | | $16,884 | $16,884 | — | 60 | Private · 4-year | 1867 | 🏆 |
| Shaw University Raleigh, North Carolina | 1,067 | ▶️ | | $16,480 | $16,480 | — | 53 | Private · 4-year | 1865 | 🏆 |
| Winston-Salem State University Winston-Salem, North Carolina | 5,004 | ▶️ | | $5,941 | $16,188 | — | 7 | Public · 4-year | 1892 | 🏆 |
Ohio (3 HBCUs)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central State University Wilberforce, Ohio | 5,434 | ▶️ | | $6,996 | $8,996 | Test optional | 59 | Public · 4-year | 1887 | 🏆 |
| Payne Theological Seminary Wilberforce, Ohio | 124 | ▶️ | | $21,400 | $21,400 | — | — | Private (grad. seminary) · Master’s/Doctorate | 1894 | 🏆 |
| Wilberforce University Wilberforce, Ohio | 656 | ▶️ | | $13,250 | $13,250 | Test optional | 75 | Private · 4-year | 1856 | 🏆 |
Oklahoma (1 HBCU)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Langston University Langston, Oklahoma | 1,937 | ▶️ | | $6,863 | $14,616 | 100% | 28 | Public · 4-year | 1897 | 🏆 |
Pennsylvania (2 HBCUs)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Cheyney, Pennsylvania | 697 | ▶️ | | $10,904 | $16,170 | — | 66 | Public · 4-year | 1837 | 🏆 |
| Lincoln University (Pennsylvania) Lincoln University, Pennsylvania | 1,824 | ▶️ | | $12,264 | $18,620 | — | 40 | Public · 4-year | 1854 | 🏆 |
South Carolina (8 HBCUs)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allen University Columbia, South Carolina | 657 | ▶️ | | $13,340 | $13,340 | — | 26 | Private · 4-year | 1870 | 🏆 |
| Benedict College Columbia, South Carolina | 1,840 | ▶️ | | $17,492 | $17,492 | — | 51 | Private · 4-year | 1870 | 🏆 |
| Claflin University Orangeburg, South Carolina | 1,830 | ▶️ | | $16,476 | $16,476 | 65% | 18 | Private · 4-year | 1869 | 🏆 |
| Clinton College Rock Hill, South Carolina | 197 | ▶️ | | $10,020 | $10,020 | Open admissions | 84 | Private · 4-year & 2-year | 1894 | 🏆 |
| Denmark Technical College Denmark, South Carolina | 725 | ▶️ | | $7,056 | $12,682 | Open admissions | — | Public · 2-year | 1947 | 🏆 |
| Morris College Sumter, South Carolina | 384 | ▶️ | | $14,980 | $14,980 | — | 80 | Private · 4-year | 1908 | 🏆 |
| South Carolina State University Orangeburg, South Carolina | 2,649 | ▶️ | | $11,060 | $21,750 | — | 58 | Public · 4-year | 1896 | 🏆 |
| Voorhees University Denmark, South Carolina | 507 | ▶️ | | $12,630 | $12,630 | — | 76 | Private · 4-year | 1897 | 🏆 |
Tennessee (7 HBCUs)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Baptist College Nashville, Tennessee | 53 | ▶️ | | $12,474 | $12,474 | Open admissions | 85 | Private · 4-year | 1924 | 🏆 |
| Fisk University Nashville, Tennessee | 1,055 | ▶️ | | $20,928 | $20,928 | — | 27 | Private · 4-year | 1866 | 🏆 |
| Knoxville College Knoxville, Tennessee | 100 | ▶️ | | $4,600 | $4,600 | Open admissions | — | Private (non-degree, unaccredited) · — | 1875 | 🏆 |
| Lane College Jackson, Tennessee | 1,010 | ▶️ | | $11,790 | $11,790 | — | 73 | Private · 4-year | 1882 | 🏆 |
| LeMoyne-Owen College Memphis, Tennessee | 609 | ▶️ | | $12,076 | $12,076 | — | 14 | Private · 4-year | 1862 | 🏆 |
| Meharry Medical College Nashville, Tennessee | 962 | ▶️ | | $26,000–$80,000 | $26,000–$80,000 | — | — | Private (grad. medical) · M.D./D.D.S./Grad only | 1876 | 🏆 |
| Tennessee State University Nashville, Tennessee | 9,218 | ▶️ | | $9,012 | $21,732 | — | 54 | Public · 4-year | 1912 | 🏆 |
Texas (9 HBCUs)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huston-Tillotson University Austin, Texas | 1,025 | ▶️ | | $15,069 | $15,069 | — | 15 | Private · 4-year | 1875 | 🏆 |
| Jarvis Christian University Hawkins, Texas | 729 | ▶️ | | $10,400 | $10,400 | — | 47 | Private · 4-year | 1912 | 🏆 |
| Paul Quinn College Dallas, Texas | 938 | ▶️ | | $9,992 | $9,992 | — | 77 | Private · 4-year | 1872 | 🏆 |
| Prairie View A&M University Prairie View, Texas | 9,056 | ▶️ | | $11,299 | $26,398 | — | 10 | Public · 4-year | 1876 | 🏆 |
| Southwestern Christian College Terrell, Texas | 88 | ▶️ | | $8,132 | $8,132 | — | — | Private · 4-year & 2-year | 1948 | 🏆 |
| St. Philip’s College San Antonio, Texas | 12,653 | ▶️ | | $2,376 | $11,184 | Open admissions | — | Public · 2-year | 1898 | 🏆 |
| Texas College Tyler, Texas | 642 | ▶️ | | $10,000 | $10,000 | — | 70 | Private · 4-year | 1894 | 🏆 |
| Texas Southern University Houston, Texas | 8,632 | ▶️ | | $9,173 | $21,443 | — | 48 | Public · 4-year | 1927 | 🏆 |
| Wiley University Marshall, Texas | 698 | ▶️ | | $16,652 | $16,652 | — | 72 | Private · 4-year | 1873 | 🏆 |
U.S. Virgin Islands (1 HBCU)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of the Virgin Islands St. Thomas & St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands | 1,636 | ▶️ | | $5,957 | $16,557 | — | 30 | Public · 4-year | 1962 | 🏆 |
Virginia (5 HBCUs)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hampton University Hampton, Virginia | 3,286 | ▶️ | | $29,312 | $29,312 | — | 57 | Private · 4-year | 1868 | 🏆 |
| Norfolk State University Norfolk, Virginia | 5,783 | ▶️ | | $9,622 | $20,790 | — | 42 | Public · 4-year | 1935 | 🏆 |
| Virginia State University Petersburg, Virginia | 4,648 | ▶️ | | $9,154 | $20,909 | — | 37 | Public · 4-year | 1882 | 🏆 |
| Virginia Union University Richmond, Virginia | 1,860 | ▶️ | | $13,530 | $13,530 | — | 65 | Private · 4-year | 1865 | 🏆 |
| Virginia University of Lynchburg Lynchburg, Virginia | 837 | ▶️ | | $8,600 | $8,600 | — | 81 | Private · 4-year & 2-year | 1886 | 🏆 |
West Virginia (2 HBCUs)
| College | Enroll. | ▶️ | | In-state | Out-state | Accept. | Rank | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluefield State University Bluefield, West Virginia | 1,306 | ▶️ | | $10,648 | $18,376 | — | 55 | Public · 4-year | 1895 | 🏆 |
| West Virginia State University Institute, West Virginia | 3,785 | ▶️ | | $9,144 | $14,588 | — | 34 | Public · 4-year | 1891 | 🏆 |
What each column shows (applies to every state table above)
College · School name (links to the official website) with city and state underneath.
Enroll. · Total enrolled students, most recent published figure (undergraduate + graduate combined).
▶️ · YouTube campus video. Tap the blue play button to watch in a full-size pop-up player. Grayed out where no official video is available.
· Official Instagram account. Tap to open the school’s Instagram profile in a new tab. Grayed out where no official account is publicly listed.
In-state · Annual in-state tuition and fees (does not include room and board).
Out-state · Annual out-of-state tuition and fees. For private schools, in-state and out-of-state are the same.
Accept. · Undergraduate acceptance rate. “Open admissions” means the school accepts all qualified applicants with no competitive selection.
Rank · 2026 Best HBCU ranking from Niche (based on U.S. Department of Education data plus student reviews), which ranks 86 of the 107 HBCUs. Schools showing a dash are 2-year community colleges, graduate-only institutions (medical schools, seminaries), or unaccredited/limited-program schools that fall outside Niche’s ranking criteria. Cross-referenced with the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best HBCUs ranking for the top schools.
Type · Public or Private, followed by 2-year or 4-year designation.
Founded · Year the institution was founded.
🏆 · Athletics website. Tap the trophy to open the school’s official sports and athletics page in a new tab.
HBCU List Alphabetical (Sortable)
All colleges published so far, alphabetical by name. Tap a column header (Enrollment, In-state, Out-state, Acceptance, Rank) to sort — useful if you’re comparing cost or size across the whole country rather than one state at a time.
| College | Enroll. ↕ | ▶️ | | In-state ↕ | Out-state ↕ | Accept. ↕ | Rank ↕ | Type | Founded | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A&M University Huntsville, Alabama | 7,295 | ▶️ | | $10,024 | $18,634 | 58% | 43 | Public · 4-year | 1875 | 🏆 |
| Alabama State University Montgomery, Alabama | 4,000 | ▶️ | | $11,248 | $19,576 | — | 64 | Public · 4-year | 1867 | 🏆 |
| Albany State University Albany, Georgia | 6,334 | ▶️ | | $5,934 | $16,656 | — | 39 | Public · 4-year | 1903 | 🏆 |
| Alcorn State University Lorman, Mississippi | 2,933 | ▶️ | | $7,290 | $7,290 | — | 2 | Public · 4-year | 1871 | 🏆 |
| Allen University Columbia, South Carolina | 657 | ▶️ | | $13,340 | $13,340 | — | 26 | Private · 4-year | 1870 | 🏆 |
| American Baptist College Nashville, Tennessee | 53 | ▶️ | | $12,474 | $12,474 | Open admissions | 85 | Private · 4-year | 1924 | 🏆 |
| Arkansas Baptist College Little Rock, Arkansas | 497 | ▶️ | | $8,760 | $8,760 | — | 82 | Private · 4-year & 2-year | 1884 | 🏆 |
| Barber-Scotia College Concord, North Carolina | 168 | ▶️ | | $10,686 | $10,686 | — | — | Private (unaccredited) · Certificate programs | 1867 | 🏆 |
| Benedict College Columbia, South Carolina | 1,840 | ▶️ | | $17,492 | $17,492 | — | 51 | Private · 4-year | 1870 | 🏆 |
| Bennett College Greensboro, North Carolina | 168 | ▶️ | | $18,400 | $18,400 | — | 78 | Private · 4-year | 1873 | 🏆 |
| Bethune-Cookman University Daytona Beach, Florida | 2,727 | ▶️ | | $14,794 | $14,794 | — | 52 | Private · 4-year | 1904 | 🏆 |
| Bishop State Community College Mobile, Alabama | 2,968 | ▶️ | | $5,280 | $9,090 | Open admissions | — | Public · 2-year | 1927 | 🏆 |
| Bluefield State University Bluefield, West Virginia | 1,306 | ▶️ | | $10,648 | $18,376 | — | 55 | Public · 4-year | 1895 | 🏆 |
| Bowie State University Bowie, Maryland | 6,275 | ▶️ | | $8,444 | $19,136 | — | 31 | Public · 4-year | 1865 | 🏆 |
| CUNY Medgar Evers College Brooklyn, New York | 3,233 | ▶️ | | $7,250 | $18,920 | 86% | — | Public · 4-year | 1970 | 🏆 |
| Central State University Wilberforce, Ohio | 5,434 | ▶️ | | $6,996 | $8,996 | Test optional | 59 | Public · 4-year | 1887 | 🏆 |
| Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Los Angeles, California | 777 | ▶️ | | $14,954 | $14,954 | 39% | — | Private (grad. medical/health) · Grad + limited undergrad | 1966 | 🏆 |
| Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Cheyney, Pennsylvania | 697 | ▶️ | | $10,904 | $16,170 | — | 66 | Public · 4-year | 1837 | 🏆 |
| Chicago State University Chicago, Illinois | 2,324 | ▶️ | | $12,757 | $12,757 | 43% | — | Public · 4-year | 1867 | 🏆 |
| Claflin University Orangeburg, South Carolina | 1,830 | ▶️ | | $16,476 | $16,476 | 65% | 18 | Private · 4-year | 1869 | 🏆 |
| Clark Atlanta University Atlanta, Georgia | 4,000 | ▶️ | | $21,695 | $21,695 | — | 44 | Private · 4-year | 1988 | 🏆 |
| Clinton College Rock Hill, South Carolina | 197 | ▶️ | | $10,020 | $10,020 | Open admissions | 84 | Private · 4-year & 2-year | 1894 | 🏆 |
| Coahoma Community College Clarksdale, Mississippi | 1,783 | ▶️ | | $3,050 | $3,050 | Open admissions | — | Public · 2-year | 1924 | 🏆 |
| Coppin State University Baltimore, Maryland | 2,006 | ▶️ | | $7,100 | $14,023 | — | 13 | Public · 4-year | 1900 | 🏆 |
| Delaware State University Dover, Delaware | 5,826 | ▶️ | | $8,358 | $18,280 | — | 32 | Public · 4-year | 1891 | 🏆 |
| Denmark Technical College Denmark, South Carolina | 725 | ▶️ | | $7,056 | $12,682 | Open admissions | — | Public · 2-year | 1947 | 🏆 |
| Dillard University New Orleans, Louisiana | 1,224 | ▶️ | | $19,610 | $19,610 | — | 36 | Private · 4-year | 1930 | 🏆 |
| Edward Waters University Jacksonville, Florida | 1,181 | ▶️ | | $14,878 | $14,878 | — | 63 | Private · 4-year | 1866 | 🏆 |
| Elizabeth City State University Elizabeth City, North Carolina | 2,149 | ▶️ | | $3,327 | $7,327 | — | 8 | Public · 4-year | 1891 | 🏆 |
| Fayetteville State University Fayetteville, North Carolina | 6,787 | ▶️ | | $3,969 | $7,969 | — | 6 | Public · 4-year | 1867 | 🏆 |
| Fisk University Nashville, Tennessee | 1,055 | ▶️ | | $20,928 | $20,928 | — | 27 | Private · 4-year | 1866 | 🏆 |
| Florida A&M University Tallahassee, Florida | 9,215 | ▶️ | | $4,746 | $16,640 | — | 1 | Public · 4-year | 1887 | 🏆 |
| Florida Memorial University Miami Gardens, Florida | 1,137 | ▶️ | | $16,836 | $16,836 | — | 71 | Private · 4-year | 1879 | 🏆 |
| Fort Valley State University Fort Valley, Georgia | 2,605 | ▶️ | | $5,832 | $16,554 | — | 25 | Public · 4-year | 1895 | 🏆 |
| Gadsden State Community College Gadsden, Alabama | 4,352 | ▶️ | | $4,032 | $7,080 | Open admissions | — | Public · 2-year | 1925 | 🏆 |
| Grambling State University Grambling, Louisiana | 5,058 | ▶️ | | $7,635 | $16,658 | — | 46 | Public · 4-year | 1867 | 🏆 |
| Hampton University Hampton, Virginia | 3,286 | ▶️ | | $29,312 | $29,312 | — | 57 | Private · 4-year | 1868 | 🏆 |
| Harris-Stowe State University St. Louis, Missouri | 1,400 | ▶️ | | $5,484 | $10,116 | — | 16 | Public · 4-year | 1857 | 🏆 |
| Hinds Community College Raymond, Mississippi | 9,407 | ▶️ | | $3,450 | $7,200 | Open admissions | — | Public · 2-year | 1917 | 🏆 |
| Howard University Washington, District of Columbia | 12,886 | ▶️ | | $28,916 | $28,916 | 41% | 3 | Private · 4-year | 1867 | 🏆 |
| Huston-Tillotson University Austin, Texas | 1,025 | ▶️ | | $15,069 | $15,069 | — | 15 | Private · 4-year | 1875 | 🏆 |
| Interdenominational Theological Center Atlanta, Georgia | 193 | ▶️ | | $15,063 | $15,063 | — | — | Private (grad. seminary) · Master’s/Doctorate | 1958 | 🏆 |
| J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College Huntsville, Alabama | 976 | ▶️ | | $5,130 | $8,940 | Open admissions | — | Public · 2-year | 1961 | 🏆 |
| Jackson State University Jackson, Mississippi | 6,906 | ▶️ | | $8,445 | $9,445 | 93% | 17 | Public · 4-year | 1877 | 🏆 |
| Jarvis Christian University Hawkins, Texas | 729 | ▶️ | | $10,400 | $10,400 | — | 47 | Private · 4-year | 1912 | 🏆 |
| Johnson C. Smith University Charlotte, North Carolina | 1,093 | ▶️ | | $18,784 | $18,784 | — | 38 | Private · 4-year | 1867 | 🏆 |
| Kentucky State University Frankfort, Kentucky | 1,726 | ▶️ | | $9,214 | $13,260 | Test optional | 20 | Public · 4-year | 1886 | 🏆 |
| Knoxville College Knoxville, Tennessee | 100 | ▶️ | | $4,600 | $4,600 | Open admissions | — | Private (non-degree, unaccredited) · — | 1875 | 🏆 |
| Lane College Jackson, Tennessee | 1,010 | ▶️ | | $11,790 | $11,790 | — | 73 | Private · 4-year | 1882 | 🏆 |
| Langston University Langston, Oklahoma | 1,937 | ▶️ | | $6,863 | $14,616 | 100% | 28 | Public · 4-year | 1897 | 🏆 |
| Lawson State Community College Birmingham, Alabama | 2,919 | ▶️ | | $4,980 | $8,790 | Open admissions | — | Public · 2-year | 1949 | 🏆 |
| LeMoyne-Owen College Memphis, Tennessee | 609 | ▶️ | | $12,076 | $12,076 | — | 14 | Private · 4-year | 1862 | 🏆 |
| Lincoln University (Missouri) Jefferson City, Missouri | 1,833 | ▶️ | | $8,370 | $15,360 | — | 45 | Public · 4-year | 1866 | 🏆 |
| Lincoln University (Pennsylvania) Lincoln University, Pennsylvania | 1,824 | ▶️ | | $12,264 | $18,620 | — | 40 | Public · 4-year | 1854 | 🏆 |
| Livingstone College Salisbury, North Carolina | 839 | ▶️ | | $18,296 | $18,296 | — | 62 | Private · 4-year | 1879 | 🏆 |
| Meharry Medical College Nashville, Tennessee | 962 | ▶️ | | $26,000–$80,000 | $26,000–$80,000 | — | — | Private (grad. medical) · M.D./D.D.S./Grad only | 1876 | 🏆 |
| Miles College Fairfield, Alabama | 1,258 | ▶️ | | $12,576 | $12,576 | — | 69 | Private · 4-year | 1898 | 🏆 |
| Mississippi Valley State University Itta Bena, Mississippi | 1,879 | ▶️ | | $6,402 | $6,402 | — | 29 | Public · 4-year | 1950 | 🏆 |
| Morehouse College Atlanta, Georgia | 2,567 | ▶️ | | $29,468 | $29,468 | — | 11 | Private · 4-year | 1867 | 🏆 |
| Morehouse School of Medicine Atlanta, Georgia | 540 | ▶️ | | $67,314 (M.D.) | $67,314 (M.D.) | 1.6% | — | Private (grad. medical) · M.D./Grad only | 1975 | 🏆 |
| Morgan State University Baltimore, Maryland | 9,027 | ▶️ | | $8,346 | $19,456 | 83% | 23 | Public · 4-year | 1867 | 🏆 |
| Morris Brown College Atlanta, Georgia | 253 | ▶️ | | $9,650 | $9,650 | — | 83 | Private · 4-year | 1881 | 🏆 |
| Morris College Sumter, South Carolina | 384 | ▶️ | | $14,980 | $14,980 | — | 80 | Private · 4-year | 1908 | 🏆 |
| Norfolk State University Norfolk, Virginia | 5,783 | ▶️ | | $9,622 | $20,790 | — | 42 | Public · 4-year | 1935 | 🏆 |
| North Carolina A&T State University Greensboro, North Carolina | 13,487 | ▶️ | | $6,733 | $20,243 | — | 5 | Public · 4-year | 1891 | 🏆 |
| North Carolina Central University Durham, North Carolina | 7,553 | ▶️ | | $6,722 | $18,058 | — | 12 | Public · 4-year | 1910 | 🏆 |
| Oakwood University Huntsville, Alabama | 1,470 | ▶️ | | $19,990 | $19,990 | — | 56 | Private · 4-year | 1896 | 🏆 |
| Paine College Augusta, Georgia | 310 | ▶️ | | $14,595 | $14,595 | — | 79 | Private · 4-year | 1882 | 🏆 |
| Paul Quinn College Dallas, Texas | 938 | ▶️ | | $9,992 | $9,992 | — | 77 | Private · 4-year | 1872 | 🏆 |
| Payne Theological Seminary Wilberforce, Ohio | 124 | ▶️ | | $21,400 | $21,400 | — | — | Private (grad. seminary) · Master’s/Doctorate | 1894 | 🏆 |
| Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design Detroit, Michigan | ~300 | ▶️ | | — | — | — | — | Private (reopened 2021, seeking accreditation) · — | 1928 | 🏆 |
| Philander Smith University Little Rock, Arkansas | 769 | ▶️ | | $13,014 | $13,014 | — | 50 | Private · 4-year | 1877 | 🏆 |
| Prairie View A&M University Prairie View, Texas | 9,056 | ▶️ | | $11,299 | $26,398 | — | 10 | Public · 4-year | 1876 | 🏆 |
| Rust College Holly Springs, Mississippi | 755 | ▶️ | | $9,900 | $9,900 | — | 67 | Private · 4-year | 1866 | 🏆 |
| Saint Augustine’s University Raleigh, North Carolina | 1,108 | ▶️ | | $16,884 | $16,884 | — | 60 | Private · 4-year | 1867 | 🏆 |
| Savannah State University Savannah, Georgia | 2,945 | ▶️ | | $5,902 | $16,624 | — | 35 | Public · 4-year | 1890 | 🏆 |
| Selma University Selma, Alabama | 50 | ▶️ | | $7,200 | $7,200 | — | 86 | Private · 4-year | 1878 | 🏆 |
| Shaw University Raleigh, North Carolina | 1,067 | ▶️ | | $16,480 | $16,480 | — | 53 | Private · 4-year | 1865 | 🏆 |
| Shelton State Community College Tuscaloosa, Alabama | 4,166 | ▶️ | | $4,560 | $8,550 | Open admissions | — | Public · 2-year | 1963 | 🏆 |
| Shorter College North Little Rock, Arkansas | 321 | ▶️ | | $5,596 | $5,596 | Open admissions | — | Private · 2-year | 1886 | 🏆 |
| Simmons College of Kentucky Louisville, Kentucky | 237 | ▶️ | | $6,990 | $6,990 | 100% | 74 | Private · 4-year | 1879 | 🏆 |
| South Carolina State University Orangeburg, South Carolina | 2,649 | ▶️ | | $11,060 | $21,750 | — | 58 | Public · 4-year | 1896 | 🏆 |
| Southern University and A&M College Baton Rouge, Louisiana | 8,226 | ▶️ | | $9,340 | $16,720 | — | 33 | Public · 4-year | 1880 | 🏆 |
| Southern University at New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana | 1,950 | ▶️ | | $7,059 | $15,960 | — | 68 | Public · 4-year | 1956 | 🏆 |
| Southern University at Shreveport Shreveport, Louisiana | 3,154 | ▶️ | | $4,789 | $8,089 | Open admissions | — | Public · 2-year | 1967 | 🏆 |
| Southwestern Christian College Terrell, Texas | 88 | ▶️ | | $8,132 | $8,132 | — | — | Private · 4-year & 2-year | 1948 | 🏆 |
| Spelman College Atlanta, Georgia | 3,102 | ▶️ | | $28,181 | $28,181 | 25% | 4 | Private · 4-year | 1881 | 🏆 |
| St. Philip’s College San Antonio, Texas | 12,653 | ▶️ | | $2,376 | $11,184 | Open admissions | — | Public · 2-year | 1898 | 🏆 |
| Stillman College Tuscaloosa, Alabama | 744 | ▶️ | | $11,322 | $11,322 | — | 49 | Private · 4-year | 1876 | 🏆 |
| Talladega College Talladega, Alabama | 903 | ▶️ | | $13,866 | $13,866 | — | 61 | Private · 4-year | 1867 | 🏆 |
| Tennessee State University Nashville, Tennessee | 9,218 | ▶️ | | $9,012 | $21,732 | — | 54 | Public · 4-year | 1912 | 🏆 |
| Texas College Tyler, Texas | 642 | ▶️ | | $10,000 | $10,000 | — | 70 | Private · 4-year | 1894 | 🏆 |
| Texas Southern University Houston, Texas | 8,632 | ▶️ | | $9,173 | $21,443 | — | 48 | Public · 4-year | 1927 | 🏆 |
| Tougaloo College Tougaloo, Mississippi | 677 | ▶️ | | $10,861 | $10,861 | — | 24 | Private · 4-year | 1869 | 🏆 |
| Trenholm State Community College Montgomery, Alabama | 1,994 | ▶️ | | $4,770 | $8,760 | Open admissions | — | Public · 2-year | 1963 | 🏆 |
| Tuskegee University Tuskegee, Alabama | 2,570 | ▶️ | | $18,420 | $18,420 | — | 9 | Private · 4-year | 1881 | 🏆 |
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, Arkansas | 2,005 | ▶️ | | $9,375 | $17,955 | 41% | 19 | Public · 4-year | 1873 | 🏆 |
| University of Maryland Eastern Shore Princess Anne, Maryland | 3,177 | ▶️ | | $9,076 | $20,122 | 96% | 41 | Public · 4-year | 1886 | 🏆 |
| University of the District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia | 3,577 | ▶️ | | $6,152 | $13,004 | — | 22 | Public · 4-year | 1851 | 🏆 |
| University of the Virgin Islands St. Thomas & St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands | 1,636 | ▶️ | | $5,957 | $16,557 | — | 30 | Public · 4-year | 1962 | 🏆 |
| Virginia State University Petersburg, Virginia | 4,648 | ▶️ | | $9,154 | $20,909 | — | 37 | Public · 4-year | 1882 | 🏆 |
| Virginia Union University Richmond, Virginia | 1,860 | ▶️ | | $13,530 | $13,530 | — | 65 | Private · 4-year | 1865 | 🏆 |
| Virginia University of Lynchburg Lynchburg, Virginia | 837 | ▶️ | | $8,600 | $8,600 | — | 81 | Private · 4-year & 2-year | 1886 | 🏆 |
| Voorhees University Denmark, South Carolina | 507 | ▶️ | | $12,630 | $12,630 | — | 76 | Private · 4-year | 1897 | 🏆 |
| West Virginia State University Institute, West Virginia | 3,785 | ▶️ | | $9,144 | $14,588 | — | 34 | Public · 4-year | 1891 | 🏆 |
| Wilberforce University Wilberforce, Ohio | 656 | ▶️ | | $13,250 | $13,250 | Test optional | 75 | Private · 4-year | 1856 | 🏆 |
| Wiley University Marshall, Texas | 698 | ▶️ | | $16,652 | $16,652 | — | 72 | Private · 4-year | 1873 | 🏆 |
| Winston-Salem State University Winston-Salem, North Carolina | 5,004 | ▶️ | | $5,941 | $16,188 | — | 7 | Public · 4-year | 1892 | 🏆 |
| Xavier University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana | 3,419 | ▶️ | | $25,312 | $25,312 | — | 21 | Private · 4-year | 1925 | 🏆 |
Rank = 2026 Best HBCU ranking from Niche, based on key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education (retention, graduation rate, cost, diversity, student life) combined with student reviews. Niche ranks 86 of the 107 HBCUs. Schools marked with a dash are two-year community colleges, graduate-only institutions (medical schools, seminaries), or specialty/unaccredited schools that fall outside Niche’s ranking criteria. Also cross-referenced with the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best HBCUs ranking. Acceptance rate marked — means official data wasn’t published at time of writing; “Open admissions” means the school accepts all qualified applicants with no competitive selection.
Why Do Some Sources List 99, 102, 107 or 109 HBCUs?
107 HBCUs is the commonly cited national total and the figure we use on ReadyScores. However, different sources use different definitions. The official NCES HBCU statistics reported 99 HBCUs in 2022, while the U.S. Department of Education’s current accredited HBCU listing contains 102 entries. Differences can result from the reporting year, accreditation and operating status, and whether campuses and professional schools are counted separately.
Our state-by-state table contains 109 entries because we use a broader historical list. Compared with the current 102-entry federal list, ReadyScores additionally includes:
- Charles R. Drew University – federally recognized as an HBGI rather than an HBCU; federal student aid is available.
- Selma University – historic HBCU; currently not eligible for federal student aid.
- Morris Brown College – historic HBCU that regained accreditation and federal Title IV aid.
- Chicago State University – federally classified as a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI), not an HBCU; federal student aid is available.
- Pensole Lewis College – continuation of historic Lewis College; currently pursuing accreditation and does not offer traditional federal student aid.
- Hinds Community College – its Utica Campus has historically been counted as an HBCU; Hinds is currently classified as a PBI and offers federal student aid.
- CUNY Medgar Evers College – founded in 1970 and therefore outside the pre-1964 federal HBCU definition; federally classified as a PBI and offers federal student aid.
- Barber-Scotia College – historic HBCU that is currently unaccredited and does not currently offer federal student aid.
- Payne Theological Seminary – historically Black theological seminary not included on the current federal HBCU list; federal student aid is available.
- Knoxville College – historic HBCU currently rebuilding and pursuing accreditation; current Title IV eligibility should not be assumed.
At the same time, the federal 102-entry list separately counts UDC David A. Clarke School of Law, Southern University Law Center and the University of the Virgin Islands Albert A. Sheen Campus. We include these with their parent institutions rather than treating them as three additional colleges. This explains our 109 table entries: 102 − 3 + 10 = 109. We use 107 as the headline national HBCU count because it is the most commonly cited overall figure.
How Many HBCUs Are There?
There are 107 HBCUs in the United States using the commonly cited national count. NCES reported 99 in its 2022 statistics, while the Department of Education’s current accredited HBCU list contains 102 entries. ReadyScores uses 107 as the national figure, while our broader state-by-state table contains 109 historical and current institutions, with accreditation and federal-aid differences explained above.
What Is an HBCU? What Does HBCU Stand For?
HBCU stands for Historically Black College or University. Under the Higher Education Act of 1965, an HBCU is officially defined as any college or university established before 1964 whose principal mission was, and is, the education of Black Americans, and that holds accreditation from a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
HBCUs were founded because Black students were largely barred from attending existing colleges and universities, particularly in the South, where segregation laws made it illegal. The first, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, opened in 1837. Most HBCUs were founded in the decades following the Civil War, often with support from religious denominations, Northern philanthropists, and the Freedmen’s Bureau.
Quick facts:
- 107 HBCUs currently operate in the United States, in 23 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands
- HBCUs include both public and private institutions, and both 2-year and 4-year colleges
- HBCUs are open to students of all races, the “historically Black” designation refers to founding mission, not current enrollment eligibility
- 27 HBCUs offer doctoral programs, 52 offer master’s programs, 83 offer bachelor’s degrees, and 38 offer associate degrees
Is Howard a HBCU?
Yes. Howard University, founded in 1867 in Washington, D.C., is one of the most well-known HBCUs in the country. It’s sometimes nicknamed “The Mecca” by its students and alumni for its influence on Black culture and leadership, and it’s informally referred to by some as the “Black Harvard” — though Howard’s own identity and legacy stand apart from any comparison. Howard was ranked the #1 HBCU by Forbes in its 2024–2025 America’s Top Colleges list, and #2 by U.S. News & World Report in 2026.
Top HBCU Rankings
Two major publications rank HBCUs each year, using different methodologies:
- U.S. News & World Report ranks based on academic quality indicators including retention rate, graduation rate, and peer assessment. Spelman College has held the #1 spot for 19 consecutive years, followed by Howard University, Morehouse College, Tuskegee University, and Florida A&M University.
- Forbes ranks based on return on investment — graduate earnings, student debt, and career outcomes. Forbes named Howard University the #1 HBCU in its inaugural 2024–2025 ranking.
What Did Obama Do for HBCUs?
In 2010, President Barack Obama signed Executive Order 13532, reestablishing and expanding the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The order aimed to strengthen the capacity of HBCUs to provide high-quality education, increase federal funding participation, and support institutional advancement. The initiative has continued, in varying forms, under subsequent administrations.
HBCU Frequently Asked Questions
How Many HBCUs Are There?
There are 107 HBCUs in the United States using the commonly cited national count. NCES reported 99 in its 2022 statistics, while the Department of Education’s current accredited HBCU list contains 102 entries. ReadyScores uses 107 as the national figure, while our broader state-by-state table contains 109 historical and current institutions, with accreditation and federal-aid differences explained above.
How many HBCUs exist in America?
Same answer as above: 109. The number includes both public and private schools, and both 2-year and 4-year institutions.
What state has the most HBCUs?
Alabama has the most HBCUs of any state, with 14. North Carolina is second with 11, and Georgia is third with 10.
What is the #1 HBCU in America?
It depends which ranking you use. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Spelman College the #1 HBCU for 19 consecutive years running, based on academic quality measures. Forbes, which ranks by graduate return-on-investment, named Howard University the #1 HBCU in its 2024–2025 list.
What HBCU is the “Black Harvard”?
Howard University is the HBCU most commonly given this nickname informally, owing to its academic reputation, influential alumni, and its location in Washington, D.C. Howard itself is more often referred to by its own students and alumni as “The Mecca.”
What did Obama do for HBCUs?
In 2010, President Obama signed an executive order reestablishing the White House Initiative on HBCUs, aimed at increasing these institutions’ capacity, federal funding access, and institutional advancement. See the fuller answer above for more detail.
Is Howard a HBCU?
Yes, Howard University is one of the most prominent HBCUs in the country, founded in 1867 in Washington, D.C.
What is an HBCU?
An HBCU (Historically Black College or University) is a college or university established before 1964 with the mission of educating Black Americans, as defined by the Higher Education Act of 1965. HBCUs are open to students of any race today.
What does HBCU stand for?
HBCU stands for Historically Black College or University.
Are HBCUs only for Black students?
No. HBCUs admit students of any race or background. “Historically Black” refers to the school’s founding mission and history, not a current-day enrollment restriction. Many HBCUs today have meaningfully diverse student bodies.
What is the oldest HBCU?
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1837 (originally as the Institute for Colored Youth), is generally recognized as the oldest HBCU.