What HBCUs Have the Highest Acceptance Rates?
Updated on:
February 6, 2026
Explore HBCUs with the highest acceptance rates. Learn about acceptance rates, including schools that are more selective and those with strong graduation rates.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played an important role in providing education and opportunity for Black students and others for over a century. These schools are known for their cultural significance, academic programs, and supportive environments.
For many students, HBCU acceptance rates are an important factor when deciding where to apply. Higher acceptance rates can mean more accessible opportunities, while lower acceptance rates often reflect schools with competitive admissions. In this article, you’ll learn which HBCUs have the highest acceptance rates, which are the most selective, and which stand out for graduation success.
HBCUs With the Highest Acceptance Rates
Some HBCUs admit a large percentage of applicants, making them accessible choices for students who want to start their college education with fewer barriers to entry.
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1. University of the Virgin Islands
The University of the Virgin Islands is a public, historically Black university in the Virgin Islands. It offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates, in person and online.
Programs are available in areas of study like:
- biological sciences
- business
- health sciences
- psychology
The University of the Virgin Islands has an acceptance rate of 99%. It enrolls around 1,600 students, 70% of whom identify as Black or African American.
2. Alabama State University
Alabama State University is a public, historically Black university in Montgomery, AL. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in person and online.
Students can earn degrees in fields such as:
- biological sciences
- business
- education
- healthcare
Alabama State University accepts 98% of applicants. It currently enrolls nearly 4,000 students, with 93% of its student body identifying as Black or African American.
3. Texas Southern University
Texas Southern University is a public, historically Black university in Houston. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs on campus and online.
Students can earn degrees in fields such as:
- business
- communication
- criminal justice
- health sciences
Texas Southern University accepts 97% of applicants. It enrolls over 8,500 students, with 84% identifying as Black or African American.
4. LeMoyne-Owen College
LeMoyne-Owen College is a private, historically Black Christian college in Memphis, TN. It offers associate and bachelor's degrees.
Programs are available in areas of study like:
- biological sciences
- business
- criminal justice
- general studies
LeMoyne-Owen College has a 97% acceptance rate. It enrolls a little over 600 students, 95% of whom are Black or African American.
5. West Virginia State University
West Virginia State University is a public HBCU in Institute, WV. It offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificates on campus and online.
Students can earn their degrees through the university's four colleges:
- College of Arts and Humanities
- College of Business and Social Sciences
- College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- College of Professional Studies
West Virginia State University accepts 96% of applicants. It currently enrolls over 3,500 students, and despite being an HBCU, only 8% of the student population identifies as Black or African American.
6. Kentucky State University
Kentucky State University is a public, historically Black university in Frankfort, KY. It offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs on campus and online. Programs are available in areas of study like:
- business
- education
- liberal arts
- social sciences
Kentucky State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. It enrolls about 1,700 students, of whom 68% identify as Black or African American.
7. Jackson State University
Jackson State University is a public HBCU located in Jackson, MS. It offers bachelor's, master's, doctoral degrees, and certificate programs in person and online. Students can earn degrees in fields such as:
- business
- education
- healthcare
- human services
Jackson State University accepts 93% of applicants. It enrolls nearly 7,000 students, and of those, 95% identify as Black or African American.
8. Bluefield State University
Bluefield State University is a public HBCU in Bluefield, WV. It offers associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificate programs. Students can select a major through one of the four colleges within the university:
- College of Arts, Education, and Social Sciences
- College of Health Sciences
- College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
- W. Paul Cole, Jr. College of Business
Bluefield State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. It enrolls about 1,300 students, and although it is an HBCU, only about 15% of the student body identifies as Black or African American.
9. Southern University at New Orleans
Southern University at New Orleans is a public HBCU in New Orleans. It offers associate, bachelor's, and master's programs in person and online. Students can earn degrees in fields such as:
- business
- criminal justice
- education
- human services
Southern University at New Orleans accepts 85% of applicants. It enrolls nearly 2,000 students, and 89% identify as Black or African American.
10. Xavier University of Louisiana
Xavier University of Louisiana is a private, Catholic, historically black research university in New Orleans. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates.
Programs are available in areas of study like:
- biological and biomedical sciences
- pharmacology
- public health
- psychology
Xavier University of Louisiana has an acceptance rate of 69%. It enrolls about 3,400 students, with 86% identifying as Black or African American.
What HBCUs Have the Lowest Acceptance Rates?
While some HBCUs are open and accessible, others are highly selective due to strong reputations and competitive applicant pools. These schools accept a smaller percentage of students each year.
- Florida A&M University (FAMU) has a 21% acceptance rate. FAMU is selective because of its strong academic programs, especially in health, business, and law.
- Spelman College has a 25% acceptance rate. Known for excellence in women’s education and leadership, Spelman consistently draws a competitive applicant pool.
- Rust College has a 35% acceptance rate. Rust has a smaller enrollment capacity, which makes admissions more limited.
- Howard University has a 41% acceptance rate. As one of the most prestigious HBCUs, Howard attracts thousands of applicants nationwide.
- Morehouse College has a 44% acceptance rate. Morehouse is highly regarded for its academics and leadership programs, which makes admissions more competitive.
What HBCUs Have the Highest Graduation Rates?
Graduation rates are another important measure of student success. High graduation rates often show that students are supported academically and socially throughout their degree program.
- Spelman College has a 70% graduation rate. Spelman’s strong advising and academic culture help students complete their degrees at higher rates than many other schools.
- Howard University has a 60% graduation rate. Howard’s resources and national reputation support student achievement.
- Morehouse College has a 46% graduation rate. Morehouse focuses on leadership and academic support, which contribute to student success.
- Hampton University has a 44% graduation rate. Hampton’s academic programs and campus resources help many students reach graduation.
- Claflin University has a 41% graduation rate. Claflin offers a supportive environment and mentoring that help students complete their studies.
FAQs About HBCU Acceptance Rates
Students often have questions about how HBCU acceptance rates compare and what they mean for admissions. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns.
What Is the HBCU With the Highest Acceptance Rate?
The University of the Virgin Islands has the highest acceptance rate at 99%. This makes it an accessible choice for students who want to start their college journey with fewer barriers to admission.
What Is the HBCU With the Lowest Acceptance Rate?
Florida A&M University has one of the lowest acceptance rates among HBCUs at 21%. Its strong reputation, wide range of programs, and large applicant pool make admission more competitive.
Do HBCUs Have Higher Acceptance Rates Than Other Colleges?
Some HBCUs have higher acceptance rates than the national average because of their missions to expand access to education. However, others, such as Howard and Spelman, are just as selective as well-known U.S. universities.
Why Should Students Consider Acceptance Rate When Choosing an HBCU?
Acceptance rate gives you a sense of how competitive admissions may be, but it’s not the only factor to consider. You’ll also want to look at graduation rates, financial aid options, and the academic programs that fit your goals.
Which HBCUs Have the Best Graduation and Retention Rates?
Spelman College, Howard University, and Morehouse College are often recognized for strong graduation and retention rates. These schools offer academic support and a campus environment that fosters student success.
Explore Colleges and Universities
You can compare HBCUs and other colleges on Learn.org to find programs that fit your goals. Contact admissions offices directly for details on acceptance rates, graduation rates, and available programs.
