8 Best Online Colleges for African American Students 2025

African American students interested in attending a college or university that aligns with their unique experiences and academic needs might consider Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). These are institutions established before 1964 with the mission of educating Black Americans during legal segregation.

Many of the top HBCUs in the U.S. offer distance education opportunities, including fully online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Howard University, Howard University, and Jackson State University are top online colleges for students who identify as African American.

Below, we'll highlight the best online schools for Black students. Our frequently asked questions can provide additional information about these institutions.

Best Online Colleges for African American Students

Online schools are great options for students who desire alternatives to on-campus learning. Explore the list below to find the best colleges offering an online education while demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity for Black students.

1. Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University in Washington, DC is an HBCU comprised of 14 schools and colleges. The university is recognized as one of the nation's highest producers of Black professionals in medicine, social work, and nursing and has earned a top US News and World Report ranking in the ''Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities'' category.

Students interested in online classes can pursue bachelor's degrees in nursing and master's degrees in data science, social work, and business administration. Doctoral degrees are available in ministry, pharmacy, and occupational therapy.

2. Hampton University

Hampton University is an HBCU founded in 1868 as Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. U.S. News & World Report ranked it among the top HBCUs in America and the top 20 best colleges in the South. The university has also been ranked among the best online colleges in Virginia.

Hampton offers 101 programs with associate, bachelor's master's, and doctoral degree options � some degrees are available online. Students can pursue online associate degrees in applied theology and business management and online bachelor's degrees in criminal justice and religious studies. Online cybersecurity, nursing, and business administration graduate programs are also available.

3. Jackson State University

Jackson State University is an HBCU in Jackson, Mississippi founded as Natchez Seminary in 1877. The university has been ranked among the nation's best universities for social mobility and is recognized as a top 25 HBCU in America. It has an acceptance rate of 91% and an average freshman retention rate of 74%.

JSU offers distance learning options for undergraduates and graduate students. Online bachelor's degrees are available in childcare and family education, professional interdisciplinary studies, and healthcare administration. Online graduate programs include political science, history, and professional accountancy.

4. Edward Waters University

African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church members founded Edward Waters University in 1866. This HBCU, recognized as Florida's first institution established to educate African Americans, offers in-person and online learning opportunities.

Online learners can choose from a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Public Administration (MPA), and more. University resources like counseling services, the EWC Library, tutoring, and the Writing Center help online students excel in their programs.

5. Alabama A&M University

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical (A&M) University is an HBCU founded in 1875 by Dr. William Hooper Councill, a former slave. The university offers over 60 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, and concentrations. Students interested in online courses can pursue an undergraduate degree in management or graduate degrees in computer science, early childhood education, and educational leadership.

High school students seeking enrollment at Alabama A&M University can receive a waiver of ACT and SAT testing requirements. Attendees can apply for seven levels of academic scholarships for in-state and out-of-state students.

6. North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina A&T State University is recognized as America's largest HBCU. The school has earned high marks for affordability, being a top producer of African American bachelor's degrees in engineering and liberal arts, and having the best graduate business school of all HBCUs alongside Howard University. NCAT has the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accreditation.

Enrollees can choose from 10 online four-year degrees housed in five colleges. Programs include criminal justice, economics, geomatics, and electronics technology.

7. Limestone University

Limestone University in South Carolina is categorized as a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI). At PBIs, at least 40% of enrolled undergraduates identify as Black Americans. In 2021, the university received a $1.25 million PBI grant to fund its Real Men Lead program providing Black American male students with mentoring, academic support, leadership development, and financial aid to increase degree affordability.

Limestone offers multiple degree programs with online coursework, including information technology, business administration, and professional studies. The school offers an online Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies and online MBA, MEd, MSW, and MSN programs.

8. Sacramento State University

California State University, Sacramento (or Sacramento State University) is a part of the California State University system. In 2024, the university was declared the state's first Black-Serving Institution with a higher Black and African American student body than any other university in the CSU system.

Resources for African American students include the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, a hub for exploring African American culture and heritage and helping students make college and career connections. Attendees can enroll in online associate and bachelor's degree completion programs and an AACSB-accredited online iMBA.

Our Ranking Criteria

When determining schools to include on our list of the best online colleges for African American students, we chose accredited institutions of higher education with fully online degrees. We also looked at factors like:

• dedication to inclusivity for African American students
• HBCU, PBI, or Black-Serving Institution status
• scholarship availability and other resources for African American students
• major publication rankings or other recognitions

FAQs About Historically Black Colleges and Universities

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there were 99 HBCUs in 19 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2022. Want to learn more about these schools? Review the following FAQs.

Are There Scholarships for Black Students?

Yes, numerous scholarships are available for African American and Black students. Some great options include:

• HBCU Sustainable Communities Initiative Scholarship
• NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship
• The Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship
• The Building Beautiful Futures Scholarship
• APA Foundation Diversity Scholarship
• James Weldon Johnson Scholarship
• NAACP Creative Sole Scholarship

Which Online Colleges Have the Best Support Services for African American Students?

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) typically have the best support services for African American students. These institutions were created to serve black students' specific academic needs and career goals. However, you can also find great support at Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) and California's first Black-Serving Institution, Sacramento State University. Types of support might include African American cultural centers, academic support, career services, and scholarships.

What Are the Benefits of Earning a Bachelor's Degree Online at an HBCU?

Earning an online bachelor's degree from an HBCU is a great choice for African American students. Founded to support the needs of Black students, HBCUs offer academic, financial, cultural, and career resources to help students excel during enrollment and post-graduation. HBCUs also provide a quality education with some securing US News and World Report rankings.

Faculty at HBCUs are generally more diverse than at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) providing a greater sense of representation and pride for African American students. Many HBCU alumni have experienced great success. Some well-known alumni include Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Oprah Winfrey, Thurgood Marshall, Samuel L. Jackson, Kamala Harris, and Langston Hughes.

Explore Online Degree Programs Today

Take the next step toward your dream career by exploring degree programs offered by colleges on Learn.org. Contact one of these schools directly to learn how their programs can help you achieve your career goals.