6 HBCUs With the Highest Graduation Rates

6 HBCUs with the Highest Graduation Rates

Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) give students the chance to earn a college degree at an institution with a rich legacy.

HBCUs are defined as colleges or universities that have supported the educational needs of African American students since at least 1964 and have at least 40% African American students.

HBCUs with the highest graduation rates display a commitment to the future of each student and offer excellent support at each stage of the learning process.

Graduation rates can be an important factor for students to consider as they compare potential programs.

HBCUs with High Graduation Rates

Here are the HBCUs with the highest graduation rates. All listed institutions have a graduation rate of at least 50%.

1. Spelman College

Spelman College was founded in 1881 with the intention of providing excellent education to African American women.

Spelman has an enrollment of just over 2,000 students, coming from nearly every state in the country.

The college has a graduation rate of 77% and graduates have gone on to experience success in nearly every field.

Spelman College has won awards for its impact on social mobility and the value of its degrees and often tops lists of best HBCUs.

2. Howard University

Howard University is an HBCU with a reputation as a world-class research institution.

Howard University has a graduation rate of 60% and can be a great fit for ambitious students interested in academic research.

The university has produced many notable researchers, scientists, and leaders due to its emphasis on excellence.

Students can schedule a visit to Howard University to get a sense of the vibrant campus life.

3. Morehouse College

Morehouse College has been preparing young African American men for success for over 150 years.

More African American males go on to earn doctoral degrees after graduating from Morehouse College than from any other institution.

The college has won awards for innovation in higher education, academic impact, best small college, and positive impact on social mobility.

Morehouse College achieves a high level of success due to its value on integrity, agency, and brotherhood.

4. Fisk University

Fisk University is another HBCU that has a long-standing tradition of excellence and achievement.

Fisk University has an average student GPA of 3.5 and an average student SAT score of 1200 making it a great choice for ambitious scholars.

Fisk is the oldest institution of higher education in Nashville, Tennessee and offers over 20 different undergraduate degrees.

The Department of Career Planning and Development makes sure that each student is ready for success after graduation.

5. Hampton University

Hampton University is another great choice for an HBCU with a high graduation rate.

Hampton University has an enrollment of over 3,000 students and offers more than 130 distinct degrees.

The university has a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio and has been rated as the top student experience in the country.

Students will enjoy their college experience while studying on a beautiful campus near the ocean in Virginia.

6. Claflin University

Another HBCU with a strong commitment to student success is Claflin University, located in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Claflin University has a history of producing visionary leaders in each generation and seeks to develop the whole person.

Students will not only gain expertise in their area of study, they will also broaden their perspective on the world and gain critical thinking skills.

Claflin University has a 56% graduation rate and has won awards for the value of its degrees.

What Does a University's Graduation Rate Mean?

The graduation rate of a university is defined as the percentage of incoming students who complete their degrees within 150% of the standard completion time.

For students beginning four-year bachelor's degrees to count toward a college or university's graduation rate, they must complete the degree within six years.

While there are many factors influencing the percentage of students who complete their degrees in a timely manner, a high graduation rate can indicate a high level of student support.

The Student Right To Know Act was passed in 1990 and makes each institution's graduation rate publicly available knowledge.

What HBCUs Have High Acceptance Rates?

Students looking for an HBCU with a high acceptance rate should consider Virginia State University which has an acceptance rate of over 90%.

Virginia State University is a large public university that offers increased access to a college degree.

How Many HBCUs Are There?

There are currently 107 institutions that are recognized as HBCUs by the U.S. Department of Education.

There are both private and public HBCUs offering degrees at every level of study.

Find an HBCU Today

HBCUs with the highest graduation rates can deliver the education you need to succeed. Find a historically black college or university that matches your goals and get started today.