Best HBCUs in West Virginia (2025)

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are universities that were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to serve students in the Black community.

These colleges and universities are mainly in the southeast, but there are a few in other states as well, such as West Virginia.

Keep reading to discover the best HBCUs in West Virginia and learn more about the programs they offer.

List of HBCUs in West Virginia

There are two Historically Black Colleges and Universities in West Virginia. We've listed them both below in alphabetical order.

Both HBCUs in West Virginia are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

1. Bluefield State University

Bluefield State University is a public, historically Black university in Bluefield. It offers associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificate programs.

Degrees and programs are available through the four colleges within the university:

• College of Arts, Education, and Social Sciences
• College of Health Sciences
• College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
• W. Paul Cole, Jr. College of Business

The university is an NCAA Division II school and is part of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, an athletic conference comprised mainly of other HBCUs. It offers typical college sports like football, basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball.

Other activities offered by the university include intramurals, Greek Life, outdoor adventures, community service opportunities, and campus ministry programs.

Bluefield State University was founded in 1895 as the Bluefield Colored Institute. Today, it enrolls about 1,300 students. Despite being an HBCU, only about 15% of the student body identifies as Black or African American.

2. West Virginia State University

West Virginia State University is a public, historically Black university in Institute. It offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificates on campus and online.

Students can earn their degrees through the university's four colleges:

• College of Arts and Humanities
• College of Business and Social Sciences
• College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• College of Professional Studies

The university is an NCAA Division II school in the Mountain East Conference and offers athletics like football, basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball.

The music programs at the university are well-known, with both instrumental and vocal ensembles. Other student activities include cultural programs, performances, volunteer opportunities, and faith-based organizations.

West Virginia State University was established in 1891 as the West Virginia Colored Institute. Since desegregation, the population of the college has become more white than black.

It currently enrolls over 3,500 students, and although it is an HBCU, only 8% of the student population identifies as Black or African American.

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

The cost of tuition and fees at an HBCU depends on several factors, including whether the school is public or private and whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student.

For the two HBCUs in West Virginia, the average tuition for in-state students is $9,243.50 per year. For out-of-state students, that number jumps to $15,707.50.

Please note that this number does not include housing, textbooks, or other supplies. It also does not include financial aid.

Both West Virginia HBCUs are members of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which offers scholarships and support for students at HBCUs. Additionally, both schools offer their own scholarships to qualifying students.

To learn more about what financial aid you qualify for, start by filling out your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).

How To Choose the Right HBCU

There are several things to consider when you're trying to choose the right college or university. These include:

• what school is best for the program you want to pursue
• where the schools are located
• what format courses are offered in (online, on campus, or both)
• what extracurricular activities are available
• how much tuition, fees, and other expenses cost
• what financial aid options are offered

Are There Online HBCUs?

Several HBCUs offer online programs. Of the two HBCUs in West Virginia, only West Virginia State University offers online programs.

Students at West Virginia State University can earn online bachelor's and master's degrees in fields such as:

• business
• criminal justice
• education
• English
• health science

Additionally, students may be able to find online HBCUs in other states, although tuition may be higher for out-of-state students.

Find a Historically Black College or University Near You

There are two HBCUs in West Virginia, both offering a wide range of programs to students. Check out the programs above to find the perfect fit for you today.