2026 College Rankings

Best HBCUs

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Best HBCUs

About

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are schools that were originally established to serve the African American community before the Civil Rights Movement. They are still incredibly important for the African American community today as they are beacons of the ongoing fight for equality and progress. There are 107 HBCUs in the United States that continue in the spirit of their original missions, providing academic opportunities for ethnic minorities and underrepresented communities.

Methodology

Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school’s selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. We’ve outlined our full methodology here.

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Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Spelman College	2712	24.87	1,110 – 1,330	37403	45676	#1 Best HBCUs Spelman College Atlanta, GA Spelman College is a women’s liberal arts college that was founded in 1881. 23% of those accepted go on to attend. Many students major in Psychology, General. Spelman has an 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 94% first year retention rate. Undergraduates 2,712 Acceptance Rate 24.9% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $37,403 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,676
2	Howard University	11519	41.34	1,100 – 1,320	30028	47379	#2 Best HBCUs Howard University Washington, DC “Veritas et Utilitas,” or “Excellence in Truth and Service,” is the motto of Howard University. The university boasts an impressive 90% first year retention rate. Offering undergraduate, graduate, professional, and joint degree programs which span over 79 areas of study, the university’s most popular major is Biology/Biological......Read more Undergraduates 11,519 Acceptance Rate 41.3% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $30,028 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,379
3	Hampton University	3728	62.25	810 – 1,100	28576	42721	#3 Best HBCUs Hampton University Hampton, VA Hampton University sits on a 314-acre campus, and it’s home to several research centers, including the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute. It also has several National Historic Landmarks. 386 student athletes, known as the Pirates, compete in the NCAA Division I-FCS Colonial Athletic Association. Undergraduates 3,728 Acceptance Rate 62.3% SAT Score 810 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $28,576 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,721
4	Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University	7890	20.56	1,030 – 1,180	15491	36153	#4 Best HBCUs Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Tallahassee, FL Often called Florida A&M, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The Rattlers and Lady Rattlers, wearing orange and green, are led by their mascot, Venom the Rattlesnake....Read more Undergraduates 7,890 Acceptance Rate 20.6% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $15,491 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,153
5	Morehouse College	2847	43.96	970 – 1,210	34733	38267	#5 Best HBCUs Morehouse College Atlanta, GA A men’s HBCU, alumni of Morehouse College include Martin Luther King Jr., Spike Lee, and Samuel L. Jackson. It’s highly selective and about 27% of accepted students enroll....Read more Undergraduates 2,847 Acceptance Rate 44.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $34,733 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,267
6	Fisk University	950	57.91	990 – 1,260	19836	33604	#6 Best HBCUs Fisk University Nashville, TN Fisk University’s 40-acre campus is on the National Register of Historic Places. Opening in 1866, it focused on providing education to freed slaves. The school is fairly selective, and many students choose to major in Biology/Biological Sciences, General. Undergraduates 950 Acceptance Rate 57.9% SAT Score 990 – 1,260 Avg. Net Price $19,836 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,604
7	Claflin University	1754	72.55	850 – 1,040	21232	29227	#7 Best HBCUs Claflin University Orangeburg, SC Claflin University was founded shortly after the American Civil War. Its motto is “The World Needs Visionaries.” A fairly selective school, it received 7,000 applications during the last admissions cycle. 9% of accepted students chose to attend....Read more Undergraduates 1,754 Acceptance Rate 72.6% SAT Score 850 – 1,040 Avg. Net Price $21,232 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $29,227
8	North Carolina A & T State University	12216	46.17	940 – 1,100	10258	36638	#8 Best HBCUs North Carolina A & T State University Greensboro, NC North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, or A&T for short, is the largest HBCU in the country. The campus is often called “Aggieland.” In 1960, four Aggies helped kick off the Civil Rights movement when they conducted a “sit-in” at a Woolworth’s....Read more Undergraduates 12,216 Acceptance Rate 46.2% SAT Score 940 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $10,258 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,638
9	Xavier University of Louisiana	2688	69.04	990 – 1,160	17874	40643	#9 Best HBCUs Xavier University of Louisiana New Orleans, LA Xavier University of Louisiana is the only Catholic HBCU. It opened first as a high school in 1915, becoming a university in 1925. XULA has an 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, and many students major in Biology/Biological Sciences, General. 307 athletes are known as the Golf Rush and Gold Nuggets....Read more Undergraduates 2,688 Acceptance Rate 69.0% SAT Score 990 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $17,874 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,643
10	Dillard University	1117	40.51	1,010 – 1,150	18551	28507	#10 Best HBCUs Dillard University New Orleans, LA A highly selective school, Dillard University has an 8% yield. While Dillard opened in 1930, it has roots dating back to 1868. The school motto is “Ex Fide, Fortis,” which means “Strong Through Faith.” It’s affiliated with both the United Methodist Church and United Church of Christ. Undergraduates 1,117 Acceptance Rate 40.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $18,551 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $28,507
11	Tuskegee University	2400	31.43	940 – 1,120	35126	38332	#11 Best HBCUs Tuskegee University Tuskegee, AL Tuskegee University, a historically black college or university, is the only HBCU to have a fully accredited College of Veterinary Medicine, and the school's most popular major is Animal Sciences, General. 93% of students receive institutional grant aid—$3,321 on average....Read more Undergraduates 2,400 Acceptance Rate 31.4% SAT Score 940 – 1,120 Avg. Net Price $35,126 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,332
12	Alcorn State University	2532	45.33	840 – 1,010	13155	27752	#12 Best HBCUs Alcorn State University Alcorn State, MS Alcorn State University is highly selective, accepting 3,000 out of 6,530 applicants. 19% of accepted students enrolled. Established in 1871, this HBCU was built on the site of the old Oakland College, a school that never truly reopened after the Civil War. Women were admitted starting in 1895. Undergraduates 2,532 Acceptance Rate 45.3% SAT Score 840 – 1,010 Avg. Net Price $13,155 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $27,752
13	North Carolina Central University	6595	86.97	810 – 1,130	13884	35967	#13 Best HBCUs North Carolina Central University Durham, NC North Carolina Central University is non selective, accepting 87% of applicants. 90% receive grant aid, $12,449 on average. A NCAA Division I-FCS school, student athletes could receive athletic scholarships. Popular sports include Football, Basketball, and Tennis. Undergraduates 6,595 Acceptance Rate 87.0% SAT Score 810 – 1,130 Avg. Net Price $13,884 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,967
14	Lincoln University	1545	65.72	820 – 960	12910	32865	#14 Best HBCUs Lincoln University Lincoln University, PA Many undergraduates at Lincoln University choose to major in Human Services, General. The school has a 73% first year retention rate and 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. Alumni include Thurgood Marshall, Langston Hughes, and Cherelle Parker. Undergraduates 1,545 Acceptance Rate 65.7% SAT Score 820 – 960 Avg. Net Price $12,910 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,865
15	Delaware State University	4941	61.67	850 – 1,070	15555	37503	#15 Best HBCUs Delaware State University Dover, DE Delaware State University charges $35 for undergraduate applications. The most popular area of study at DSU is Social Work. The DSU Hornets compete in NCAA Division I-FCS Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and wear red and Columbia blue. Undergraduates 4,941 Acceptance Rate 61.7% SAT Score 850 – 1,070 Avg. Net Price $15,555 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,503
16	Virginia State University	4829	89.1	850 – 1,020	16184	33630	#16 Best HBCUs Virginia State University Petersburg, VA Virginia State University was the first public 4-year school for African-Americans in the United States, having been founded in 1882. During the last admissions cycle, 15% of accepted students decided to attend. Two popular undergraduate majors include Psychology, General, and Criminal Justice/Safety Studies....Read more Undergraduates 4,829 Acceptance Rate 89.1% SAT Score 850 – 1,020 Avg. Net Price $16,184 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,630
17	Winston-Salem State University	4192	78.26	850 – 1,040	12948	40557	#17 Best HBCUs Winston-Salem State University Winston-Salem, NC Undergraduates 4,192 Acceptance Rate 78.3% SAT Score 850 – 1,040 Avg. Net Price $12,948 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,557
18	Fayetteville State University	5845	79.89	810 – 1,020	7298	37831	#18 Best HBCUs Fayetteville State University Fayetteville, NC Found in Fayetteville, Fayetteville State University accepted 80% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 63% of students at Fayetteville State University currently receive institutional grant aid. 78% of students continued their studies at......Read more Undergraduates 5,845 Acceptance Rate 79.9% SAT Score 810 – 1,020 Avg. Net Price $7,298 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,831
19	Bennett College	195	33.61	800 – 1,040	20928	23153	#19 Best HBCUs Bennett College Greensboro, NC Located in Greensboro, Bennett College accepts 34% of applicants. They request $35 for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be offered. About 93% of students at Bennett College will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 195 Acceptance Rate 33.6% SAT Score 800 – 1,040 Avg. Net Price $20,928 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $23,153
20	Elizabeth City State University	2131	64.61	840 – 1,040	7363	33776	#20 Best HBCUs Elizabeth City State University Elizabeth City, NC Elizabeth City State University is part of the University of North Carolina system. The school motto is “To Live is to Learn.” 92% of students receive grant aid – about $10,554 on average – to help them better afford the cost of college. Many undergraduates major in Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. Undergraduates 2,131 Acceptance Rate 64.6% SAT Score 840 – 1,040 Avg. Net Price $7,363 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,776
21	Oakwood University	1279	50.7	930 – 1,110	22833	30969	#21 Best HBCUs Oakwood University Huntsville, AL Sitting on 1,185 acres in Huntsville, Oakwood University is a historically black, Seventh-day Adventist institution. The school, whose motto is "God First," has an 89% first year retention rate. andGeneral Studies are the most popular majors. Undergraduates 1,279 Acceptance Rate 50.7% SAT Score 930 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $22,833 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,969
22	Morgan State University	9027	82.23	850 – 1,080	15350	40065	#22 Best HBCUs Morgan State University Baltimore, MD Morgan State University got its start in 1867 as the Centenary Biblical Institute. It changed its name in 1890 to honor Lyttleton Morgan and became a university in 1975. MSU’s 100-acre campus is a designated national historic site. The school accepts 82% of applicants and awards up to Doctor's degrees. Undergraduates 9,027 Acceptance Rate 82.2% SAT Score 850 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $15,350 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,065
23	Fort Valley State University	2558	62.8	870 – 1,010	11457	28649	#23 Best HBCUs Fort Valley State University Fort Valley, GA Found in Fort Valley, Fort Valley State University accepted 63% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $20 for undergraduate applications and $20 for graduate applications. Approximately 21% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more Undergraduates 2,558 Acceptance Rate 62.8% SAT Score 870 – 1,010 Avg. Net Price $11,457 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $28,649
24	Clark Atlanta University	3495	64.63	880 – 1,120	29736	28097	#24 Best HBCUs Clark Atlanta University Atlanta, GA Clark Atlanta University was the first HBCU in the Southern United States. Originally called Atlanta University when it opened in 1865, it was founded by two former slaves. It received its current name when it merged with Clark College in 1988. CAU is fairly selective. Undergraduates 3,495 Acceptance Rate 64.6% SAT Score 880 – 1,120 Avg. Net Price $29,736 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $28,097
25	Prairie View A & M University	8056	74.41	870 – 1,040	14065	36350	#25 Best HBCUs Prairie View A & M University Prairie View, TX Undergraduates 8,056 Acceptance Rate 74.4% SAT Score 870 – 1,040 Avg. Net Price $14,065 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,350