Best HBCUs in Ohio (2025)

Whether you're the first in your family to attend college or simply want to explore the Historically Black College experience, HBCUs in the U.S. were created to help Black students succeed and grow while having their unique needs and circumstances accounted for in their higher education.

If you want to start your education and career off on the right foot, you should check out some of the best HBCUs in Ohio and find out how they can help you succeed today.

List of HBCUs in Ohio

Currently, there are only a few Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Ohio. Despite their small number, the best HBCUs Ohio has to offer can make a great impact on the lives of new or first-time students in their communities.

1. Central State University

Central State University (CSU) is a public, historically Black land-grant university in Wilberforce, Ohio, that's part of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Originally established as a two-year institution for teachers that was part of Wilberforce University, CSU became its own formal university in 1965.

Today, CSU offers undergraduate, graduate, degree completion, and online education programs to students in the state and beyond as one of the top HBCUs in the area. Headed by its 10th president, Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, Ph.D., the university uses its rich history and traditions alongside modern technology to teach Black students about their past, present, and future all at once.

CSU has an Honors College, Business College, College of Education, College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, and John W. Garland College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture. Central State Global, its online campus, offers full online undergraduate and graduate degree programs to students across the United States.

2. Wilberforce University

Wilberforce University is the oldest historically Black private university in Wilberforce, Ohio, that's affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church and participates in the United Negro College Fund. This university is the home of many firsts for African Americans, being the first black-owned and operated college in the nation, as well as the college of the first Black college president in the United States.

As an accredited institution focused on liberal arts, Wilberforce University offers over 20 different academic concentrations in the subjects of business, communication, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and computing and engineering sciences.

It also offers Reaching Infinite Success through Education (RISE) through its Adult and Continuing Education Program for adult individuals seeking specific Bachelor of Science degrees.

3. Payne Theological Seminary

Payne Theological Seminary is an African Methodist Episcopal seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio, as well as the oldest free-standing African-American seminary in the United States.

It offers a Master of Arts in religious leadership with four specialization areas, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry degree program for students who want to combine their culture and their religion into a fulfilling career with the church. Some courses and programs are offered online to provide more flexibility and convenience for students.

Payne Theological Seminary offers a rich history, plenty of academic support, and a Christian-based education to Black students who want to make a difference in their community, whether through religion specifically or just as an influential member of their town.

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

According to the U.S. News and World Report, HBCUs in the United States have lower tuition than private or nonprofit public institutions in the same area. Some HBCUs, such as Spelman College, can cost just over $28,000, while Norfolk State University charges $9,500 a year.

With this in mind, the average tuition at one of the HBCUs in Ohio is roughly $18,500.

How To Choose the Right HBCU

How do you know to choose the best HBCU in Ohio for you?

While options are limited in this state, that doesn't mean you should settle for less; take the time to consider carefully what your needs and desires are for college.

First, start by considering the admissions requirements, tuition cost, and program available for each HBCU - this will determine whether or not you'll be able to attend while pursuing a specific program. Make sure to keep financial aid opportunities in mind when considering tuition.

Then, take a look at the area and community life - are there plenty of housing and work opportunities for you if you move to the university? Are there sports and student-led clubs available that you're interested in attending? What is the atmosphere of the school like? These questions help determine whether your social, job, and additional learning needs will be met.

Once you've figured all of this out, simply pick the university that most closely matches your needs and apply.

Are There Online HBCUs?

Central State Global, a campus of CSU, offers bachelor's and master's programs entirely online, while Wilberforce University offers students the opportunity to take online courses at other universities that are guaranteed to transfer back to Wilberforce upon completion.

This means that, while there are no HBCUs in Ohio that offer only online learning, you can still take some classes and even complete certain degrees online through Ohio's best HBCUs.

Find a Historically Black College or University Near You

Now that you know all about the HBCUs in Ohio, how much they cost, and whether you can complete classes online, it's time to choose the HBCU that's right for you today so that you can start on the path to greatness in your chosen career path tomorrow with help from a college that understands you.