Best HBCUs in Tennessee (2025)

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are institutions of higher education established before 1964. Their mission was to provide quality educational opportunities to Black Americans who faced academic limitations due to segregation.

HBCUs currently provide learning opportunities to all students, regardless of race. Check out the list below to learn more about the best HBCUs in Tennessee in 2024.

If you'd like to learn more about HBCUs in your state, keep reading to discover where you can find HBCUs in Tennessee.

List of HBCUs in Tennessee

Explore this comprehensive list of schools to learn more about HBCUs in Tennessee.

1. Fisk University

Fisk University, established in 1866, is the oldest institution of higher learning in Nashville.

Recognized for its academic excellence, Fisk is ranked among the top HBCUs in the nation.

The university offers undergraduate degrees in education, history, political science, business administration, education, math, computer science, data science, bioinformatics, and more.

Students interested in pursuing a graduate degree can find options like chemistry, biology, clinical psychology, healthcare management, and physics through the School of Graduate Studies.

2. Lane College

Lane College in Jackson has origins that date back to its first college department's organization in 1896.

The college has gone on to offer multiple two-year associate degrees and four-year bachelor's degrees.

Lane delivers programs in business, criminal justice, sociology, religion, art, Spanish, biology, chemistry, computer science, and more.

Students can also take advantage of its Career Pathways Initiative, which delivers free IBM digital certifications like Data Science, Quantum, and IBM Cloud.

3. LeMoyne-Owen College

LeMoyne-Owen College, Memphis' only HBCU, opened its doors to students in 1862 as Lincoln Chapel, an elementary school for freedmen and runaway slaves following the Civil War.

Over the years, the school merged with Owen College to form the institution it is today.

The college now delivers 22 areas of study through six academic divisions.

Students can choose between associate and bachelor's degrees in business, economic development, mathematics, fine arts, education, computer science, and more.

4. Tennessee State University

At Tennessee State University in Nashville, students have access to undergraduate and graduate programs in areas of study like agriculture, education, business, public service, and engineering.

Undergraduate programs include accounting, art, business administration, computer science, nursing, and social work.

Graduate programs are available in health sciences, business, education, public service, life and physical sciences, and more.

The university offers online and weekend/satellite learning opportunities.

This HBCU was founded in 1912.

5. American Baptist College

American Baptist College was founded in 1924 to train Black Baptist ministers.

Since that time, the school has taken on the mission of preparing students of all races for Christian leadership and service � but with a liberal arts emphasis.

College attendees can choose between two-year associate degrees and four-year bachelor's degrees.

Programs of study include bible and theology, general studies, behavioral studies, entrepreneurial leadership, and music and arts.

6. Meharry Medical College

Meharry Medical College, located in Nashville, is one of the oldest and largest HBCUs dedicated to providing academic opportunities to researchers, dentists, physicians, and health policy experts.

Founded in 1876, the college is the first medical school in the South for African Americans.

Attendees can choose programs dedicated to dentistry, medicine, applied computational studies, global health, and graduate studies.

Medical sociology, bioinformatics, health economics, biomedical science, and data science are just a few concepts students explore.

What Is the Average Cost of an HBCU Degree Program?

There is no set cost for attending one of the HBCUs in Tennessee. Like most colleges and universities, the cost of attendance varies based on several factors.

For instance, students attending an HBCU might notice different rates for taking online courses vs. on-campus courses.

Whether a student takes courses on a part-time or full-time basis could also impact the cost of tuition.

Even a student's residency could affect costs since in-state students often pay lower rates than out-of-state students.

Lane College has one of the lowest costs among HBCUs in Tennessee with tuition of just over $4,600 per semester. Researching schools can help you find out if even lower rates exist.

How To Choose the Right HBCU

Deciding which of the HBCUs in Tennessee is right for you is not a decision to be made in haste. You'll want to consider several factors before choosing.

Start by checking schools in Tennessee to see which ones offer your program of interest at your desired academic level.

Next, make sure that the cost of attending your school of choice aligns with your budget.

It's always good to visit campuses across Tennessee to ensure you're comfortable with their living arrangements and transportation options.

Visiting academic departments to meet with faculty members and other students can also help you confirm whether you've made the right choice.

Are There Online HBCUs?

Students interested in attending HBCUs in Tennessee can look forward to enrolling online at some schools.

Tennessee State University delivers TSU Global Online, which offers undergraduate and graduate programs and courses in fully online and hybrid formats.

Fisk University provides distance education opportunities to students who want to earn a Bachelor of Science in human development and leadership or a master's degree in healthcare management.

At LeMoyne-Owen College, students have the option of taking select courses online.

While Meharry Medical College doesn't offer online programs, the college provides students with online video modules to bolster their knowledge of Alzheimer's and other geriatric topics.

Find a Historically Black College or University Near You

Enrolling in one of the HBCUs in Tennessee can give you a fantastic opportunity to pursue your educational goals while learning in an environment with a rich academic history. Explore HBCUs and enroll in your top choice today.