10 Best HBCUs With Good Nursing Programs 2025

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have a tradition rooted in serving black students and students of other minorities. Like other colleges and universities, many HBCUs offer nursing programs.

There are many excellent HBCUs in the U.S., but the best HBCUs in general aren't always the best HBCUs for nursing. Keep reading to discover the top HBCUs with good nursing programs.

What Is an HBCU Nursing Program?

HBCUs are colleges and universities that were established before 1964 with the goal of educating Black Americans. Prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the law allowed colleges to be segregated, so these schools were established specifically for African-American students and anyone else considered a person of color. Today, HBCUs enroll students of all races, with many creating a safe and encouraging atmosphere for students who are often disenfranchised.

There are over 100 HBCUs in the U.S., ranging from community colleges to top-tier research universities. Most are located in the Southeastern U.S., but there are schools as far north as Pennsylvania.

Of these schools, dozens offer nursing programs to students. These programs prepare students to work as registered nurses (RNs) or to further their nursing careers in areas like nursing practice or nurse leadership.

Best HBCUs for Nursing Programs

As we mentioned, many HBCUs offer nursing programs of one kind or another. But not all are created equal. We've highlighted some of the best HBCUs for nursing below.

1. Grambling State University

Grambling State University is a public HBCU in Grambling, LA. It offers both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) through its School of Nursing.

The BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and has a National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate of 100% in the most recent academic year. A pre-nursing program and an RN to BSN program, for those with associate degrees, are also available.

The MSN offers tracks in family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, and nurse educator. It's accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

• Average in-state tuition: $323.83 per credit for the BSN, $332.06 per credit for the MSN
• Average out-of-state tuition: $700 per credit for the BSN, $708 per credit for the MSN
• Financial aid: Grambling State accepts aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid. It's a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF).
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Lincoln University

At Lincoln University's School of Nursing, students can earn three different nursing degrees: an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in nursing, a BSN, and an MSN. An RN to BSN program is also available.

Lincoln University, a public HBCU, is located in Jefferson City, MO. All its nursing programs are accredited by the ACEN. Its BSN had an NCLEX pass rate of 95% in the recent school year.

• Average in-state tuition: $269 per credit for the undergraduate programs, $545 per credit for the MSN
• Average out-of-state tuition: $372 per credit for the undergraduate programs, $690 for the MSN
• Financial aid: Lincoln U offers institutional aid and is part of the TMCF. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem State University offers a BSN, MSN, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). WSSU is a public HBCU in Winston-Salem, NC.

The BSN offers a traditional pathway, as well as accelerated pathways for those who already have a bachelor's degree, for paramedics, and for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). These programs have a pass rate of 94.37% on the NCLEX. An RN to BSN track is also available and is fully online.

The graduate nursing programs are also online, and the MSN offers specializations in nurse educator and family nurse practitioner. All nursing programs at WSSU are accredited by the CCNE.

• Average in-state tuition: $141.71 per credit for the BSN, 215.11 for the MSN and DNP
• Average out-of-state tuition: $585.73 per credit for the BSN, $800.37 for the MSN and DNP
• Financial aid: WSSU offers institutional aid, is a part of the TMCF, accepts FAFSA, and accepts private student aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Florida A&M University

A BSN and MSN are both available through Florida A&M University. The nursing school also offers a pre-nursing program and an RN to BSN option.

The BSN at FAMU has an NCLEX pass rate of 93% in the most recent year. The MSN is available online and offers concentrations in adult gerontology primary care and women's health. All nursing programs are accredited by the ACEN.

FAMU, located in Tallahassee, FL, is a public HBCU. It's the third-largest HBCU in the nation and is also home to the country's oldest HBCU nursing school.

• Average in-state tuition: $189.91 for the BSN, $405.67 for the MSN
• Average out-of-state tuition: $586.18 for the BSN, $1,022.04 for the MSN
• Financial aid: FAMU accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations. It also offers institutional aid and is a member of the TMCF.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University is a public HBCU in Nashville, TN. It offers a BSN and MSN through its College of Health Sciences, both accredited by the ACEN.

In addition to the traditional BSN program, which has an NCLEX pass rate of 93%, the school also offers an RN to BSN program. The MSN allows nursing students to choose tracks in family nurse practice, holistic nursing, and nursing education.

• Average in-state tuition: $307 per credit for the BSN, $497 per credit for the MSN
• Average out-of-state tuition: $882 per credit for the BSN, $1,128 per credit for the MSN
• Financial aid: TN State accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, is a member of the TMCF, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Alcorn State University

Nursing students at Alcorn State University will find an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), a BSN degree, and MSN and DNP programs. All are accredited by the ACEN.

Alcorn State, a public HBCU, is located in Lorman, MS. Its BSN has an NCLEX pass rate of 92% in the most recent year, and its MSN offers options in family nursing practice and nursing education.

• Average in-state tuition: $304 per credit for the undergraduate programs, $405 for the graduate programs
• Average out-of-state tuition: $304 per credit for the undergraduate programs, $405 for the graduate programs
• Financial aid: Alcorn State offers institutional aid and is part of the TMCF. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Albany State University

Albany State University offers an ASN, BSN, RN to BSN, and MSN program. Albany State is a public HBCU in Albany, GA.

The BSN has an NCLEX pass rate of 91.67% in the most recent year. In the MSN, students can choose from tracks in family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and nurse informatics. All nursing programs at Albany State are accredited by the ACEN.

• Average in-state tuition: $174 per credit for the undergraduate programs, $196 per credit for the MSN
• Average out-of-state tuition: $647 per credit for the undergraduate programs, $800 per credit for the MSN
• Financial aid: Albany State offers institutional aid, is a member of the TMCF, and accepts FAFSA and private student aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Morgan State University

Three nursing degrees are available through the School of Community Health and Policy at Morgan State University. Students can earn a BSN, MSN, or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in nursing.

Morgan State, located in Baltimore, is a public HBCU. Nursing students in the BSN program have an NCLEX passing rate of 90.63%, and all programs at Morgan State are accredited by the CCNE.

• Average in-state tuition: $265 per credit for the BSN, $485 per credit for the graduate programs
• Average out-of-state tuition: $670 per credit for the BSN, $950 per credit for the graduate programs
• Financial aid: Morgan State accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid and is part of the TMCF.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

9. North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina A&T State University is a public research HBCU in Greensboro, NC. It offers a traditional BSN program as well as a BSN completion option, in addition to a DNP program.

The School of Nursing at NCAT is accredited by the ACEN. The BSN program has an NCLEX pass rate of 91.38% in the most recent testing year.

• Average in-state tuition: $147 per credit for the BSN, $283.06 per credit for the DNP
• Average out-of-state tuition: $725 per credit for the BSN, $994.17 per credit for the DNP
• Financial aid: NCAT accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, is a member of the TMCF, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Prairie View A&M University

Through Prairie View A&M University's College of Nursing, students can earn a BSN, MSN, or DNP. The MSN offers tracks in family nurse practitioner, nurse administration, and nurse education.

PVAMU, a public HBCU, is located in Prairie View, TX, and is the largest HBCU in Texas. Its BSN program has an NCLEX pass rate of 91.3%, and all its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE.

• Average in-state tuition: $325.75 per credit for the BSN, $362.59 per credit for the graduate programs
• Average out-of-state tuition: $832.48 per credit for the BSN, $871.79 per credit for the graduate programs
• Financial aid: PVAMU offers institutional aid and is a part of the TMCF. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the best HBCUs for nursing, our methodology started with us finding out which HBCUs offer, at the very least, a BSN. Then we narrowed down these schools by looking at:

• Accreditation: All schools on this list are regionally accredited, and all nursing programs are accredited by either the ACEN or CCNE.
• NCLEX pass rates: The programs on this list all have a first-time NCLEX pass rate of over 90%. To become an RN, you must pass the NCLEX, so a program with high passing scores is a good choice.
• Affordability: We want students to afford their education, so we chose some of the most affordable HBCUs. All bachelor's programs are under $500 per credit for in-state students, and all schools accept financial aid.
• Program reputation and quality: To ensure good quality programs, we chose accredited HBCUs with a high NCLEX pass rate. We also focused on schools with robust nursing programs offering more than one degree option.

Types of Nursing Degrees

Nursing programs are available at all levels of degree. Undergraduate programs are usually for students wanting to become RNs, while graduate programs are usually for RNs wanting to become Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), also known as nurse practitioners.

An associate nursing degree may be offered as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in nursing. These usually take about two years of full-time study and are on campus. They usually prepare students to become RNs, but some are for those wanting to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).

BSN programs also lead to becoming an RN. Bachelor's degrees usually take about four years of full-time study. Some schools offer accelerated programs for LPNs or paramedics.

Additionally, RN to BSN programs are common. These are for students who have earned their associate degree and passed the NCLEX, but now want to finish their bachelor's. They can be completed in as little as one year and often are fully online. As a result, they're often considered the easiest nursing degree.

MSN degrees are usually for RNs who want to become APRNs. They often offer concentrations, like family nursing practice, adult/gerontology nursing practice, and pediatric nursing practice. You can also find concentrations for nursing educaiton and nurse leadership.

Some schools, though not many, offer entry-level MSN programs. These are for students who have a bachelor's degree in a different field but want to change careers and become a nurse.

At the doctoral level, you can earn a DNP or a PhD. BSN to DNP or RN to DNP programs are for students who are registered nurses but who have not studied to become APRNs yet. MSN to DNP programs are a post-graduate option for nurse practitioners who want to further their education, especially as there is a push to require APRNs to hold doctoral degrees.

PhDs in nursing, meanwhile, are less practice-based. They're for students who want to pursue positions in academia, research, or healthcare administration.

What Can I Expect From an HBCU Nursing Program?

HBCU nursing programs are run just like any other nursing program. If the program is accredited by the ACEN or CCNE, it means that it meets specific educational guidelines.

The specifics of what you can expect depend on the level of degree you're earning. However, all programs include a didactic portion, where you attend classes and complete nursing coursework. These classes cover topics like biology and anatomy, patient care, and nursing practice. You can also expect lab work and clinical experiences, which give you hands-on chances to work with patients.

RN to BSN programs are a little different, as they're more focused on helping you complete your bachelor's. They primarily include coursework and often allow you to complete your clinical experiences where you work.

Graduate programs often have core coursework as well as coursework in your chosen field of nursing practice. Doctoral programs usually have research projects.

Why Attend an HBCU Nursing Program?

There are several reasons why students, especially Black and minority students, may prefer to attend a nursing program at an HBCU. Some students may simply prefer the culture, but there are other reasons as well.

Many HBCUs are highly affordable, which allows students to keep their costs low. Many also offer financial aid; for example, all the schools above are members of the TMCF, which provides funding that allows HBCUs to offer scholarships.

Explore Online Nursing Degree Programs

Find the perfect HBCU for nursing by exploring the accredited programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.