Best Online Colleges for African-American Women 2025

Numerous colleges and universities nationwide aim to enhance educational opportunities for Black women and men. Among these institutions are Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), schools of higher education that were established before 1964 to educate African American students during legal segregation and cater to enrollees' academic and cultural needs.

HBCUs are generally located in the Southeastern states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands. However, some offer online degrees for students who seek alternatives to on-campus learning.

If you're an African American woman looking for an online school, HBCUs like Hampton University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, and Alabama A&M University are great options. Below, we'll explore some of the best online colleges for African Americans and answer frequently asked questions about online degrees for Black women.

Top Online Colleges for African-American Women

African American students who want to attend an online college that aligns with their educational and social needs have many options. Explore the following schools to find the best online learning opportunities for Black women.

1. Hampton University

Hampton University in Virginia is an HBCU founded in 1868 as Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. The school offers nearly 100 programs, including online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. Students can earn degrees in cybersecurity, applied theology, criminal justice, and nursing.

Hampton has received a U.S. News and World Report ranking as a top five HBCU � and it has also been ranked among the top 20 best colleges in the South. African American women attending Hampton who study business administration, marketing, arts, finance, or creative design can apply for the $30,000 ''Strength of a Woman'' scholarship from singer Mary J. Blige.

2. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is a public HBCU founded in 1887. The school is part of the State University System of Florida and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Students interested in attending on-campus can pursue a Bachelor of Science in African American studies. Learners who desire an online education can pursue bachelor's and master's degrees in criminal justice, information technology, applied social sciences, sociology, and more. Enrollees can choose from nearly a dozen scholarships to reduce tuition costs.

3. Alabama A&M University

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical (A&M) University is an HBCU founded by a former slave in 1875. Over 100 years later, the school offers over 60 undergraduate, graduate, concentrations, and certificate programs, along with over two dozen scholarships to help African American students pay for school.

Students interested in 100% online degrees can pursue an undergraduate management degree or choose from graduate programs in computer science, educational leadership, and early childhood education. Admission requirements include a minimum 2.0 high school GPA. Incoming freshmen can qualify for an ACT/SAT waiver.

4. North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina A&T State University was established in 1891 to teach practical agriculture and mechanic arts to African American citizens of North Carolina. In the 2023-24 academic year, the school was recognized as America's largest HBCU and the most affordable doctoral research university based on the estimated cost to attend.

North Carolina A&T offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees and concentrations. These include various areas of study, such as African American studies, business information technology, leadership studies, and English education. The school's scholarship offerings for first-year students help increase affordability.

5. Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University in Washington, D.C. is recognized as a top producer of African-American undergrads who eventually earned science and engineering doctoral degrees. The university offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas of study like ministry, nursing, business administration, social work, and finance.

Howard offers the African American Studies Resource Center, which houses literary and social science publications on the Black experience in America. Several scholarships and grants are available to help Black students cover tuition and other school fees.

6. Jackson State University

Jackson State University was founded in 1877 ''for the moral, religious and intellectual improvement of Christian leaders of the colored people of Mississippi and the neighboring states.'' The university has gained recognition as one of the U.S. News & World Report 2024 Best Colleges.

JSU attendees can pursue online four-year degrees in healthcare administration, criminal justice, and professional interdisciplinary studies. Graduate programs are available in political science, history, and reading. Students can benefit from the school's Margaret Walker Center, an archive and museum dedicated to African American history and culture.

7. Clayton State University

Clayton State University is classified as a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI), a school with an undergraduate enrollment of no less than 40 percent Black American college students. Clayton State's African American enrollment was 62% in spring of 2024.

As a PBI, Clayton State has received federal grants to improve academic and student support systems and professional development for faculty members. Enrollees interested in online courses can pursue bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting, English, archival studies, nursing, and more.

8. Sacramento State University

California State University, Sacramento � or Sacramento State University � was recognized in 2024 as California's first Black-Serving Institution due to its higher population of Black students than any other university in the CSU system. As a Black-Serving Institution, Sac State can cultivate programs and initiatives to serve its Black enrollees.

Sacramento State programs offering fully online coursework include bachelor's degree completion programs and an online Master of Business Administration (IMBA). The school's MLK Center is a central space for exploring African American culture and fostering a sense of inclusion.

FAQs About Online Degree Programs for Black Women

In the 2022-23 academic year, over 3.1 million Black students enrolled at postsecondary institutions, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). If you're interested in attending an online college for Black women, explore the following FAQs.

Do Any HBCUs Offer Online Degrees?

Yes, several HBCUs offer online degree programs. Whether you want to earn an associate degree, start a bachelor's program, or enroll in a graduate school, you can find HBCUs offering online learning options. Schools include Alabama A&M University, Howard University, and Hampton University.

How Much Does an Online HBCU Cost?

The cost of earning an online degree at an HBCU could vary based on factors like a student's residency (in-state vs. out-of-state), degree type (undergraduate vs. graduate), and enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time).

The institution also matters. For instance, Hampton University charges $300 per credit hour for online undergraduate tuition. North Carolina A&T tuition for distance education undergrads is $120 per credit in-state and $588 per credit out-of-state.

Are There Financial Aid Options for Black Women Attending College?

Black women enrolled in college can apply for federal grants and student loans by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). They can also apply for scholarships for Black women, like the Dr. Julianne Malveaux Scholarship and the Sherelle T. and Timothy T. Carper III Scholarship.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees

Begin your journey toward an exciting career in your preferred field by discovering the degree programs listed on Learn.org. Contact one of the colleges today to learn how their programs can help you achieve your career goals.