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Top 10 HBCUs in the U.S. & Rankings 2025

Top 10 HBCUs in the U.S. & Rankings 2025

There are more than 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) throughout the United States. Discover the top 10 best HBCUs in the U.S. and the programs they offer.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are institutions that were created specifically for Black students before desegregation in 1964.

There are over 100 of these colleges and universities across the United States, many of which still primarily enroll Black students.

Keep reading to discover the 10 best HBCUs in the U.S.

List of HBCUs in the U.S.

There are currently 104 HBCUs in the United States. We've listed the top ten below in alphabetical order.

1. Delaware State University

Delaware State University is a private, historically Black research university in Dover, DE. It's considered one of the best HBCUs in Delaware. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees as well as certificates on campus and online.

Programs are available in areas of study like:

  • business
  • communications
  • health sciences
  • human services

The university conducts a high amount of research and has federal research grants in several math and science fields. It also offers an aviation program that allows students to complete their FAA requirements.

Delaware State University enrolls about 6,200 students, and of those, 68% identify as Black or African American. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

U.S. News and World Report ranks Delaware State tied at #9 for best HBCUs.

2. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is a public, historically Black university in Tallahassee, Florida. It offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in person and online.

Students can study fields such as:

  • business
  • health sciences
  • human services
  • law

The university offers a highly-competitive pre-med program for undergraduate students. It's also one of the only universities in the U.S. where women in the law school program outnumber men two to one.

Florida A&M enrolls around 9,200 students and 88% of its student body identifies as Black or African American. It's accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The university is ranked as the #3 best HBCU by U.S. News and World Report and #7 by Times Higher Education.

3. Howard University

Howard University is a private, historically Black university in Washington, D.C., It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificate programs.

Programs are available in areas of study like:

  • business
  • communications
  • health care
  • social sciences

The university offers several programs for high-achieving students, such as a STEM scholars program, a Google Tech Exchange program, and the Disney Storyteller Fund.

Howard University is the most famous of the HBCUs, and enrolls just under 13,000 students, 65% of whom identify as Black or African American. It's accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

U.S. News and World Report ranks Howard University as the #2 HBCU, while Times Higher Education ranks it #1.

4. Morehouse College

Morehouse College is a private, historically black men's liberal arts college, and is considered one of the best HBCUs in Georgia. It offers bachelor's degrees on campus and online.

Students can study fields such as:

  • biological sciences
  • business
  • social sciences
  • visual and performing arts

The college has multiple activities for students, including a well-known marching band, a debate team, a glee club, and a weekly student-run newspaper.

Morehouse College enrolls roughly 2,200 students, and 98% identify as Black or African American. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The college is ranked the #5 HBCU by U.S. News and World Report and tied for the fourth-best HBCU by Times Higher Education.

5. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is a public, historically Black research university in Greensboro, North Carolina. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in person and online.

Programs are available in areas of study like:

  • business
  • engineering
  • liberal arts
  • social sciences

The university produces the highest number of African American engineers in the country, including the highest number of African American women at the bachelor's level and the second-highest number of African American engineers at the master's level.

North Carolina A&T enrolls nearly 13,500 students, making it the largest HBCU in the country. 84% of students identify as Black or African American. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and lauded as one of the best HBCUs in North Carolina.

U.S. News and World Report ranks North Carolina A&T as the #7 HBCU while Times Higher Education has it tied for #8.

6. North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University is a public, historically Black university in Durham, North Carolina. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus and online.

Students can study fields such as:

  • business
  • health sciences
  • law
  • social sciences

The university includes two research institutes: the Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise and the Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute.

NC Central enrolls approximately 7,500 students. Within the student body, 80% identify as Black or African American. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The university is ranked the #11 HBCU by U.S. News and World Report and is tied for the #8 HBCU by Times Higher Education.

7. Spelman College

Spelman College is a private, historically black women's liberal arts college in Georgia. Located in Atlanta, it offers bachelor's degrees and certificate programs.

Programs are available in areas of study like:

  • biological sciences
  • health sciences
  • humanities
  • social sciences

The college offers numerous honor societies to high-achieving students. It's also one of the most selective HBCUs in the nation, with an acceptance rate of only 28%.

Spelman College enrolls about 3,100 students, 85% of whom identify as Black or African American. It's accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

U.S. World and News Report ranks Spelman College the #1 HBCU and Times Higher Education has it ranked at #2.

8. Tuskegee University

Tuskegee University is a private, historically black university in Tuskegee, Alabama. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in person and via online degree programs.

Students can study fields such as:

  • agriculture and animal sciences
  • business
  • engineering
  • health sciences

The university's campus is designated as a National Historic Site by the National Park Service. Its history also includes several prominent black educators, including Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver.

Tuskegee University currently enrolls about 2,500 students, with 91% identifying as Black or African American. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The university is ranked the #4 HBCU by U.S. News and World Report.

9. Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem State University is one of the nation's top public HBCUs in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs on campus and online.

Programs are available in areas of study like:

  • biological sciences
  • business
  • healthcare and nursing
  • social sciences

The university's campus is made up of over 40 buildings, including the C.G. O'Kelly Library. Students can participate in a range of activities and athletics and join more than 100 student organizations.

Winston-Salem University enrolls just over 5,000 students. Of those, 81% identify as Black or African American. It's accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

U.S. News and World Report has Winston-Salem University ranked as the #13 HBCU.

10. Xavier University of Louisiana

Xavier University of Louisiana is one of Louisiana's best HBCUs. A private, Catholic, historically Black research university in New Orleans, it offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates.

Students can study fields such as:

  • biological and biomedical sciences
  • pharmacology
  • public health
  • psychology

The university was established in 1925 and its Gothic Revival administration building is a New Orleans landmark. The school hosted Freedom Fighters in the 1960s and has featured speakers like Pope John Paul II and Barack Obama.

Xavier University of Louisiana enrolls about 3,400 students, of which 86% identify as Black or African American. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The university is ranked the #6 HBCU by U.S. News and World Report and the #3 HBCU by Times Higher Education.

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

The cost of a program at an HBCU depends on several factors, including:

  • whether the institution is a public university or private university
  • whether the institution is a two-year or four-year college
  • the degree you're seeking
  • the state of the institution
  • the state in which you live

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of annual tuition at a public college for in-state students is $9,349.

Many HBCUs are part of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which offers scholarships to students of color. Additionally, many HBCUs offer their own scholarships as well.

How To Choose the Right HBCU

Choosing the right college or university can be tough. Ask yourself questions like:

  • Which colleges or universities are best for my major?
  • Which colleges or universities are most conveniently located?
  • Which colleges or universities offer programs in my preferred learning format (on campus or online)?
  • Which colleges or universities have extracurricular activities that interest me?
  • Which colleges or universities are in my budget?
  • Which colleges or universities have financial aid opportunities for me?

Are There Online HBCUs?

Plenty of HBCUs, including several listed above, offer online programs to students. This means you can study from anywhere, though you may need to pay out-of-state tuition fees if the online program is outside your state.

Find a Historically Black College or University Near You

There are many excellent HBCUs across the United States. Check out the programs listed above to find the perfect fit for you today, or select a state below to narrow your search.

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