Top 10 Cheapest and Most Affordable HBCUs

Updated on 10/22/2025

Before the Civil Rights Act of 1964, many colleges and universities were segregated. As a result, many Black communities opened their own colleges, allowing Black students to receive an education. While colleges are no longer segregated today, many of these historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) remain committed to providing educational opportunities to people of color.

Like any other type of school, HBCUs can range in cost from being highly affordable to jaw-droppingly expensive. Keep reading to discover some of the cheapest HBCUs available.

How Much Do HBCUs Cost?

There is no uniform tuition rate across HBCUs, and as a result, your costs can vary. The cheapest HBCU tuition is less than $100 per credit, while some HBCUs charge around $1,000 per credit.

Many things can impact your costs, including:

• which school you choose
• where the school is located
• whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• whether you study full-time or part-time
• whether you study on campus or online
• what level of degree you're earning
• how many credit hours you need
• what financial aid you qualify for

Many HBCUs are part of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), which provides funding to schools and scholarships to students. This is just one of many financial aid options you may qualify for to reduce your tuition. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what else you may qualify for.

Why Choose an Affordable HBCU?

Every HBCU is different, but often, HBCUs provide an atmosphere specifically meant to enhance the well-being of Black students and other people of color. Black students, especially those in predominantly white areas, may find that they have a better overall college experience at an HBCU.

Choosing an affordable school is important whether you're attending an HBCU or any other type of college. Tuition costs can be expensive, and many students find themselves drowning in student loan debt.

By choosing an affordable school and applying for financial aid, you can significantly reduce your college costs. In some cases, you could cover your tuition entirely.

10 Most Affordable HBCUs

There are over 100 HBCUs in the U.S., and prices vary significantly between them. Below, we've highlighted some of the most affordable four-year, regionally accredited HBCUs.

1. Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University (FSU) is a public HBCU in North Carolina. It offers on-campus and online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields like:

• business
• education
• healthcare
• social sciences and services

FSU participates in the state's NC Promise program, meaning tuition for in-state residents is just $500 per semester. It also offers low tuition rates to out-of-state students, but still provides institutional aid to students who need it. It's part of the TMCF.

• Estimated tuition cost: $41.67 per credit (in-state); $208.34 per credit (out-of-state)
• Location: Fayetteville, NC
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Elizabeth City State University

At Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), students can earn bachelor's and master's degrees in person and online. Areas of study include biology, business, criminal justice, and education.

ECSU, a public university, is another member of the NC Promise and the TMCF. It offers additional financial aid options and several student support initiatives.

• Estimated tuition cost: $41.67 per credit (in-state); $208.34 per credit (out-of-state)
• Location: Elizabeth City, NC
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Langston University

Langston University offers associate through doctoral degrees primarily on campus, with a few online options available. Students can major in areas such as business, education, healthcare, and liberal arts.

The public university is a member of the TMCF. It also participates in state-run programs, such as Oklahoma's Promise scholarship, and offers institutional scholarships to reduce costs for students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $159.76 per credit (in-state); $425.95 per credit (out-of-state)
• Location: Langston, OK
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Albany State University

On campus and online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees are available at Albany State University (ASU). Areas of study include business, education, healthcare, and liberal arts.

ASU was founded over 100 years ago as a way to provide basic education to Black students. It has grown into a highly successful four-year public university since. It's part of the TMCF and also offers various scholarships to students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $174 per credit (in-state and online); $510 per credit (out-of-state on campus)
• Location: Albany, GA
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Savannah State University

Savannah State University (SSU) was the first HBCU in Georgia, founded in 1890. It offers associate through master's degrees in fields like:

• biology
• business
• engineering
• social services

The smaller student body, along with the many campus programs and support services, helps to create an atmosphere where students can thrive. Over 90% of students receive financial aid, which may come from the TMCF, the school, state, or federal programs, or private sources.

• Estimated tuition cost: $174 per credit (in-state); $660 per credit (out-of-state)
• Location: Savannah, GA
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Florida A&M University

Students at Florida A&M University (FAMU) can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in person and online. Areas of study include biology, business, communications, and healthcare.

The public university, founded over 135 years ago, was initially a small school specifically for Black students. Today, the school is a member of the TMCF and enrolls nearly 10,000 students of all races.

• Estimated tuition cost: $189.91 per credit (in-state); $586.18 per credit (out-of-state)
• Location: Tallahassee, FL
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Coppin State University

Coppin State University offers on-campus and online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Students will find programs in fields like business, healthcare, education, and liberal arts.

The public university was founded in 1900 by Fanny Jackson Coppin, a former slave who had become a fierce advocate for education. It remains committed to serving the African American community as a member of the TMCF and by offering a variety of financial aid opportunities.

• Estimated tuition cost: $217 per credit (in-state); $678 per credit (out-of-state)
• Location: Baltimore
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

8. University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available in person and online at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). Areas of study include biology, business, computer science, and social sciences.

The school was formed as part of a church in 1886 and joined the public University System of Maryland in 1935. Aid is available through the TMCF, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), and UMES itself.

• Estimated tuition cost: $244 per credit (in-state); $644 per credit (out-of-state)
• Location: Princess Anne, MD
• Accreditation: MSCHE

9. Virginia State University

Virginia State University (VSU) was founded in 1882, and despite a tumultuous early history, has been offering college degrees for over a century. Today, students can earn on-campus and online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields like:

• business
• communication
• criminal justice
• education

Students here can use aid from one of the state's programs or the TMCF. VSU also offers institutional aid options to students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $245 per credit (in-state); $752.42 per credit (out-of-state)
• Location: Petersburg, VA
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Through the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), students can earn undergraduate or graduate degrees. Areas of study include biology, business, criminal justice, and education.

UAPB is the second-oldest public university in Arkansas, opened over 140 years ago. It's a TMCF school and also offers institutional aid.

• Estimated tuition cost: $254.77 per credit; $522 per credit
• Location: Pine Bluff, AR
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the affordable HBCUs listed above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: Every school on this list is regionally accredited.
• Affordability: We looked at some of the most affordable options for students, with all schools charging less than $300 per credit for in-state residents.
• Student support: All schools provide financial aid as well as other student support services.

Note that some states, like North Carolina and Georgia, have a few other HBCUs that could have made this list. We featured the least expensive from these states, then moved on to other schools from other states so students from these states can find in-state options.

FAQs About Affordable HBCUs

An affordable HBCU provides the opportunity to learn in a supportive environment without stressing your budget. We've answered some frequently asked questions about these schools below.

Are HBCUs Accredited?

Most HBCUs, including all those listed above, are regionally accredited. A few HBCUs throughout the country are nationally accredited, however.

In general, you want to find a regionally accredited school. These typically have higher educational guidelines to meet, and credits from these schools will transfer much more easily than credits from nationally accredited schools.

Do HBCUs Offer Scholarships and Financial Aid?

Nearly all HBCUs offer some type of financial aid to students. All those listed above, as well as about 30 others, are part of the TMCF, which provides funds that allow schools to gift aid to students. Most also offer aid outside the TMCF as well.

Are Affordable HBCUs Less Competitive?

Affordability does not necessarily mean the school is less competitive. While there are several HBCUs on this list with open admissions, there are several with lower rates. Coppin University, for example, has an acceptance rate of 50%, while Florida A&M accepts just 21% of applicants.

What Is the Easiest HBCU To Get Into?

Quite a few HBCUs have open admissions, meaning that they accept all students who meet the minimum admissions requirements. Usually, these requirements are at least a high school diploma or equivalent, although some schools have minimum GPA or test score requirements.

HBCUs with open admissions include Langston University, Albany State University, and Savannah State University.

How Do I Go to an HBCU for Free?

If you're looking to go to an HBCU for free, start by choosing a low-cost program and filling out your FAFSA. FAFSA determines how much federal aid you qualify for, and is usually required for state and institutional aid.

If you've exhausted federal, state, and institutional options, consider private scholarships. You can use a scholarship finder, like the one on the U.S. Department of Labor's CareerOneStop website, to find options you qualify for.

Explore Affordable HBCU Programs

Find the perfect HBCU by exploring the affordable options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to specific schools to learn more about tuition costs and financial aid opportunities.