Best HBCUs in Alabama (2025)

Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, are colleges and universities that were formed to serve Black students.

These are especially prominant in the southern and eastern United States, including Alabama. Keep reading to discover the best HBCUs in Alabama.

List of HBCUs in Alabama

There are over a dozen HBCUs in Alabama. We've listed the best HBCUs in Alabama below in alphabetical order.

All colleges and universities listed are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

1. Alabama A&M University

Alabama A&M University is a public HBCU in Normal. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs on campus and online.

Degrees are available through the university's four colleges:

• College of Agricultural, Life, and Natural Sciences
• College of Business and Public Affairs
• College of Education, Humanities, and Behavioral Sciences
• College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences

Alabama A&M was founded in 1875. Today, it enrolls about 6,000 students, 89% of which identify as Black or African American.

2. Alabama State University

Alabama State University is a public HBCU in Montgomery. 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

ASU was established in 1867 and is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. It currently enrolls nearly 4,000 students, and 93% of its student body is Black or African American.

3. Bishop State Community College

Bishop State Community College is a public, historically Black community college based in Mobile. It offers associate degrees and certificate programs.

Programs are available in areas of study like:

• general studies
• health sciences
• trades
• transportation

Bishop State Community College is part of the Alabama Community College System and was founded in 1927. Today, it enrolls just under 3,000 students, 58% of whom identify as Black or African American.

4. Gadsden State Community College

Gadsden State Community College is a public, historically Black community college with its main campus in Gadsden. It offers associate degrees and certificate programs.

Students can earn degrees in fields such as:

• automotive technology
• engineering
• general studies
• health sciences

Gadsden State was established in 1985 through a merger among three colleges in the area. It currently enrolls over 3,000 students with 18% identifying as Black or African American.

5. J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College

J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College is a public, historically Black community and technical college in Huntsville. It offers associate degrees, certificates, and apprenticeships.

Programs are available in areas of study like:

• business
• health sciences
• manufacturing
• salon and spa management

Drake State was founded in 1961, and today enrolls just under 1,000 students. 60% of students at the university identify as Black or African American.

6. Lawson State Community College

Lawson State Community College is a public, historically Black college based in Birmingham, AL. It offers associate degrees and certificate programs on campus and online.

Students can study programs in fields such as:

• business
• general studies
• health sciences
• technology and engineering

Lawson State was established in 1949 and is part of the Alabama Community College System. It currently enrolls nearly 3,000 students, 80% of whom identify as Black or African American.

7. Miles College

Miles College is a private Methodist HBCU in Fairfield. It offers bachelor's degrees in person and online.

Bachelor's degrees are available in areas of study like:

• biological sciences
• business
• criminal justice
• social work

Miles College is a member of the United Negro College Fund and was founded in 1898. Today, it enrolls about 1,250 students, with 95% of students identifying as Black or African American.

8. Oakwood University

Oakwood University is a private, Seventh-Day Adventist HBCU in Huntsville. It offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees, as well as certificates.

Students can earn degrees in fields such as:

• biological sciences
• business
• health sciences
• theoology

Oakwood University was established in 1896. It currently enrolls around 1,500 students, 73% of whom identify as Black or African American.

9. Selma University

Selma University is a private Baptist historically Black Bible college in Selma. It offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees, as well as certificate programs.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

• business
• health sciences
• ministry
• theology

Selma University is affiliated with the Alabama State Missionary Baptist Convention and was founded in 1878. It currently enrolls 50 students, all who identify as Black or African American.

10. Shelton State Community College

Shelton State Community College is a public, historically Black community college in Tuscaloosa. It offers associate degrees and certificates in person and online.

Students can study programs in fields such as:

• business
• health sciences
• liberal arts
• mechanics and technology

The college was established in 1979 and is a member of the Alabama Community College System. It currently enrolls over 4,000 students, and 38% identify as Black or African American.

11. Stillman College

Stillman College is a private Presbyterian HBCU in Tuscaloosa. It offers bachelor's degrees on campus and online.

Bachelor's degrees are available in areas of study like:

• biological sciences
• business
• education
• psychology

Stillman College was founded in 1876. Today, it enrolls about 750 students, with 95% of students identifying as Black or African American.

12. Talladega College

Talladega College is a private Christian HBCU in Talladega. It offers associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees in person and online.

Students can earn degrees through the college's four divisions:

• Division of Business Administration
• Division of Humanities and Fine Arts
• Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• Division of Social Sciences and Education

Talladega College was established in 1867 and is affiliated with the United Church of Christ. It currently enrolls just under 1,000 students, 84% of whom identify as Black or African American.

13. Trenholm State Community College

Trenholm State Community College is a public, historically black community college in Montgomery. It offers associate degrees and certificates.

Programs are available in areas of study like:

• culinary arts
• general studies
• health sciences
• trades

Trenholm State was founded in 2000 through a merger of two colleges. Today, it enrolls nearly 2,000 students, and 73% identify as Black or African American.

14. Tuskegee University

Tuskegee University is a private HBCU in Tuskegee. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus and online.

Degrees are available in fields such as:

• agriculture and animal sciences
• business
• engineering
• health sciences

Tuskegee University was established in 1881. It currently enrolls about 2,500 students, 91% of whom identify as Black or African American.

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

The cost of an HBCU program will depend on whether the school is public or private and whether it's a community college or a four-year school.

In Alabama, the average cost of tuition and fees at a public four-year university for in-state students is $10,617. For in-state students at two-year colleges, the cost is $4,854.

Private colleges and universities in Alabama average $7,354 per year.

How To Choose the Right HBCU

There are several things to consider when choosing the right HBCU. These include:

• the program you want to study
• the location of the school
• the tuition and fees
• the mode of instruction (on campus or online)

Are There Online HBCUs?

Several HBCUs, including the HBCUs in Alabama listed above, offer online programs.

Find a Historically Black College or University Near You

Students can find many historically black colleges and universities in Alabama. Check out the programs listed above to find the right HBCU for you today.