Best HBCUs in Missouri (2025)

Planning to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Missouri? Perhaps you live in the state and are curious about how many historically Black schools are located there.

Whatever the case may be, this article's for you. Keep reading as we discuss Missouri's HBCUs and answer questions you may have about attending one of these schools.

List of HBCUs in Missouri

There are two Historically Black Colleges in Missouri: Harris-Stowe State University and Lincoln University. Let's take a closer look at each of these schools.

1. Harris-Stowe State University

Harris-Stowe State University is the only HBCU in St. Louis, MO. It was founded in 1857 and enrolls around 1,100 students. It was originally known as Harris Teachers College.

The school now offers more than 60 academic programs, primarily bachelor's degrees. A few of these degree programs include:

• early childhood education
• information sciences and computer technology
• political science
• sustainability and urban ecology
• criminal justice

The majority of these programs can be completed either on campus, online, or in a hybrid format that includes both campus-based and online coursework.

2. Lincoln University

Lincoln University is located in Jefferson City, where it was founded in 1866 by African Americans who had served in the Civil War. It currently enrolls around 1,800 students.

The school offers a wide array of bachelor's degrees and minors, along with several master's degree and certificate programs. Bachelor's degree options include:

• Computer Science
• Public Administration
• Health, Physical Education, and Wellness
• Liberal Studies
• Clinical Laboratory Science

Many of the programs at Lincoln University can be completed in an online or hybrid learning format, allowing students to choose the option that works best for their lifestyle.

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

The average cost for tuition and fees at a Historically Black College or University ranges from $7,000 to $11,000 per year; however, these numbers can vary based on several factors.

Tuition and fees only account for part of the total expenses of attending a school; other costs include books, room and board, and transportation.

Private schools generally charge more than public schools; that said, out-of-state students typically pay higher rates at public schools than in-state students do.

Finally, specific degree programs may have additional fees or specific tuition rates that differ from other programs in the same school.

Due to all of these factors, it can be challenging to estimate the expected cost of a degree program.

Among Missouri's historically Black schools, Harris-Stowe State University charges $242 per credit hour, while Lincoln University charges $245.70 per credit hour (or $3,685.50 for 12 to 18 credit hours per semester).

Assuming 120 credits to complete a bachelor's degree, students can expect to pay around $29,000 to $30,000 in tuition and fees over four years.

Again, these numbers do not factor in specific program fees or additional college expenses.

How to Choose the Right HBCU

Are you wondering which historically Black school to attend? After all, there are more than just the two in Missouri to consider; there are around 100 throughout the country.

If you're wondering which HBCU is the right choice for you, spend some time thinking about what matters most to you in the school you want to attend.

Think about a variety of factors; cost, location, degree programs, and online or hybrid availability. There may be other factors as well, such as student organizations or acceptance of transfer credits.

Make a list of the most important factors: are you more interested in a school that has a specific degree program or one that's close to home? Do you want to study online? Do you need a budget-friendly option?

Once you have determined which factors are priorities for you, you'll be able to use this knowledge in your college search to help you narrow down your school list and pick a college that aligns with your academic and professional goals.

Are There Online HBCUs?

Many Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the country offer online education options to give students flexibility in their learning.

For this article, both Harris-Stowe State University and Lincoln University offer online learning options. Each school has a variety of degree programs that can be completed entirely online.

If you're interested in taking online classes but also want to spend some of your time on campus, you can enroll in hybrid or blended degree programs. Both schools offer these types of programs as well.

Online and hybrid degree programs give students the greatest amount of flexibility by allowing them to attend class whenever they want and complete their degree on a schedule that works for them.

Find a Historically Black College or University Near You

If you live in Missouri and are ready to start school, consider the HBCUs discussed in this article to discover which one might be the best fit for you.