Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Atlanta, GA

Whether you're looking for a good college close to home or want to experience a whole new community while still connecting with like-minded individuals, a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) may be just the school you need.

And there's no better place to go than one of the best HBCUs in Atlanta, GA.

With four different HBCUs in the Atlanta University Center alone, you're not just getting a college experience, you're getting the community experience you crave as an African American student.

Learn about each HBCU below and choose the one that suits you best today.

List of HBCUs in Atlanta, GA

As the main hub of the state, there are many HBCUs in Atlanta, GA for interested students to attend. Check them out below to learn more about each one.

1. Morehouse College

Morehouse College is a private historically Black men's liberal arts college in Atlanta, GA, that's a member of the Atlanta University Center consortium.

It's well-known for being the alma mater of Martin Luther King Jr., as well as the home of many students who went on to become some of the first African Americans in local, state, and federal government.

The mission of Morehouse College is to help African American men lead a life of consequence and impact by becoming Morehouse Men.

Morehouse Men are some of the most diverse, successful men in the United States whose education spans more than just the academic world.

2. Morris Brown College

Morris Brown College (MBC) is a private Methodist historically Black liberal arts college in Atlanta, GA.

It was the first educational institution in the state of Georgia to be owned and operated entirely by African Americans, having been established in the year 1881.

Accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) in 2022, MBC can help veterans and regular students alike through financial aid and special benefits programs.

MBC's goal is to serve the educational needs of the brightest young minds in the area, as well as provide the tools that adult African American students need to succeed in education and improve their careers and salaries.

3. Spelman College

Spelman College is a private historically Black women's liberal arts college in Atlanta, GA, that's a founding member of the Atlanta University Center academic consortium.

It is the oldest private historically Black liberal arts institution for women in the United States.

Spelman College is a global leader in education for women of African descent that's accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

It provides educational support during and after students' degree programs, ensuring a strong community of educated women is established throughout the world.

In addition to degree programs offered on campus, Spelman College also has online certificate programs for working adult learners who need more flexibility in their educational programs.

4. Clark Atlanta University

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is a private Methodist historically Black research university in Atlanta, GA.

It was the first HBCU established in the southern United States and was formed through a consolidation between Atlanta University and Clark College in 1988.

CAU is the largest of the four institutions that make up the Atlanta University Center consortium, educating over 4,000 students each year in the rich history and bright future of African American studies, business, education, and more.

CAU has five schools in total, a School of Business, a School of Education, a School of Social Work, a School of Arts and Sciences, and a school for graduate education that covers many different subjects.

5. The Interdenominational Theological Center

The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) is a consortium of five predominantly African-American denominational Christian seminaries in Atlanta, GA that operates as a professional graduate school of theology.

It's the largest free-standing African-American theological school in the United States.

ITC is accredited by the SACSCOC to provide graduate degrees to interested Christian students who want to impact their church and community by becoming influential members of their local religious institutions.

Degrees offered by the ITC include:

• A Master of Divinity offered on campus and online
• A Master of Arts in Liturgical Arts and Culture
• A Master of Arts in Religion and Education
• A Doctor of Ministry

What's the Average Cost of an HBCU Degree Program?

With prestigious HBCUs like Spelman College in Atlanta, you'll likely have to pay a bit more in tuition than at other HBCUs in the country.

Spelman College is actually one of the most expensive HBCUs in the area, with a tuition rate of $28,000 a year, while the average for HBCUs is just under $19,000.

This is still much more cost-effective than most private universities, out-of-state universities, and even some in-state public, nonprofit institutions, however.

How to Choose the Right HBCU

Choosing the right HBCU in Atlanta, GA, is a matter of making sure that it fits all of your needs and even some or all of your wants.

Things you need from a university include:

• Affordable tuition with financial aid
• Proper accreditation
• A wide range of available degree programs
• Housing opportunities - on or off-campus

Things that you may want from a university can include a tight-knit community, plenty of clubs and extracurriculars, work and network opportunities, and online courses.

If you can find an HBCU in Atlanta, GA that has all of the things you need and want, you know you've found the right university for you.

Are There Online HBCUs?

While none of these HBCUs are online-only institutions, as the best HBCUs Atlanta, GA has to offer, many of them have updated their courses and degrees with the latest modern teaching models.

This means that you'll be able to attend certain classes, and even some full programs, entirely online at the HBCU of your choice.

Find a Historically Black College or University Near You

Now that you know about the best HBCUs in Atlanta, GA, what you can do at the Atlanta University Center, and how to choose the right affordable HBCU for you, it's time for you to start applying to the Historically Black College or University that you think best suits your needs today so you can start the education you need to succeed tomorrow.