Does Iowa Have an HBCU? Non-HBCU Alternatives
Most Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are in the southwestern U.S. Discover if there are any HBCUs in Iowa and learn how to attend an HBCU while living in Iowa.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities are institutions formed for Black students when segregation was still legal.
Most Historically Black Colleges and Universities are in the southeastern United States.
Keep reading to learn if Iowa has any HBCUs and to find alternatives to HBCUs in Iowa.
Alternatives to HBCUs in Iowa
Iowa is not a particularly diverse state; 89.8% of residents are white, and the next largest racial demographic is Hispanic or Latino residents, which make up about 7% of Iowa's population.
Only 4.4% of Iowa residents identify as Black or African American, so it's not surprising that there aren't any HBCUs or Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) in the state.
Students who want to stay in Iowa but also want to attend HBCUs can earn their degree online instead.
Discover Accredited Online Programs
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Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you reach them. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you.
University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus provides affordable, achievable, and flexible pathways to a college degree for adult learners. With over 90 degrees and certificates, UMGC is built to fit your schedule and goals.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers a wide range of online programs designed for working adults. Earn your degree from a nationally recognized institution with flexible scheduling and strong academic support.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers more than 300 online degree programs, certificates and courses. ASU Online delivers the same rigorous academic programs as on campus, with the flexibility you need to succeed.
Online HBCUs for Iowa Students
While Iowa doesn't have any HBCUs or PBIs, students can still study through HBCUs by earning their degrees online.
We've listed some top online HBCUs for Iowa students below in alphabetical order.
1. Central State University
Central State University is a public, Historically Black University in Wilberforce, Ohio. It offers online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificate programs.
Online programs are available in areas of study like:
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Humanities
Central State University enrolls almost 5,500 students. 33% of students are Black or African American and 95% of undergraduate students are enrolled in some or all of their courses online.
2. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is a public, Historically Black University in Tallahassee, Florida.
It offers bachelor's degrees and master's degrees online.
Students can earn degrees online in fields such as:
- Business
- Health Sciences
- Human Services
- Information Technology
Florida A&M enrolls around 9,200 students. 88% of its student body identifies as Black or African American and 60% of undergraduate students are enrolled in at least a portion of their courses online.
3. Howard University
Howard University is a private, Historically Black research university in Washington, D.C.
It offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificate programs.
Online programs are available in areas of study like:
- Business
- Communications
- Healthcare
- Social Sciences
Howard University enrolls just under 13,000 students, 65% of whom identify as Black or African American and 83% of whom are enrolled in some or all of their courses online.
4. Jackson State University
Jackson State University is a public, historically Black research university in Jackson, Mississippi. It offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificates online.
Students can study online programs in fields such as:
- Business
- Education
- History
- Human Services
Jackson State University enrolls almost 7,000 students. Of those, 95% identify as Black or African American, and 94% take at least a portion of their courses online.
5. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is a public, historically Black research university in Greensboro, North Carolina.
It offers online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificates.
Online programs are available in areas of study like:
- Business
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts
- Social Sciences
North Carolina A&T is the largest HBCU in the country with nearly 13,500 students. 84% of students identify as Black or African American and 63% are enrolled in at least a portion of their courses online.
Benefits of Attending a Predominantly Black Institution
Many students of color are more comfortable attending a PBI, as these institutions allow them to be surrounded by others who have similar racial experiences.
Other benefits of PBIs include a higher number of teachers of color, more clubs and programs for students of color, and financial aid opportunities designed for students of color.
Tips on Choosing the Right College Program
There are several things to consider when choosing the right college program, especially if you're considering a program out of state.
To start, you'll want to find colleges that have strong programs for whatever field you plan to study.
If you want to study online, you'll need to look for colleges with online programs.
Students planning to study on campus will need to consider things like campus location, housing options, and on-campus activities.
Finances are also something you'll need to take into consideration.
Tuition can vary wildly, so look for programs that fit your budget or offer financial aid options you may qualify for.
What Is the Difference Between an HBCU and a PBI?
Historically Black Colleges and Universities are institutions that were formed before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and were specifically for Black students.
At that time, many colleges and universities were segregated.
There are over 100 HBCUs in the United States. Most of them are in the southeastern U.S., though some are as far west as Oklahoma and as far north as Pennsylvania.
Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) are those that do not qualify as HBCUs but have at least 1,000 students of which at least 40% are Black Americans.
Most PBIs are found in the same range as HBCUs, but there are some scattered in other areas of the country.
Find a Historically Black College or University Near You
There are no HBCUs or PBIs in Iowa, but students can attend these types of schools online. Check out the programs above to find an HBCU today.
