Historically Black Colleges and Universities Ranking
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Ranking Methodology
These historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were compared only with one another for these rankings. In order to be on the list, a school must be designated currently by the U.S. Department of Education as an HBCU. To qualify for the U.S. News ranking, an HBCU also must be an undergraduate baccalaureate-granting institution that enrolls primarily first year, first-time students and must be a school that is currently part of the 2013 Best Colleges rankings.
- Tuition and fees:
- $23,794 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 2,170
- Setting:
- urban
Atlanta, GA
Founded in 1881, Spelman College is a private institution. Spelman College follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered selective.
- Tuition and fees:
- $22,683 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 7,164
- Setting:
- urban
Washington, DC
Howard University is a historically black college located in Washington, D.C. Despite its urban setting, students are permitted to bring cars to campus—though freshmen may not apply for on-campus parking.
- Tuition and fees:
- $23,792 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 2,441
- Setting:
- urban
Atlanta, GA
Morehouse College was established in 1867 as a private institution. Morehouse College follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered selective.
- Tuition and fees:
- $19,738 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 4,265
- Setting:
- city
Hampton, VA
Hampton University, a private, historically black institution in Virginia, has graduated people such as Alberta Williams King, mother of Martin Luther King Jr., and Booker T. Washington, influential African-American educator.
- Tuition and fees:
- $20,391 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 480
- Setting:
- urban
Nashville, TN
Fisk University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 480, with a gender distribution of 35.8 percent male students and 64.2 percent female students. At this school, 64.0 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 36.0 percent of students live off campus.
- Tuition and fees:
- $18,700 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 2,750
- Setting:
- urban
New Orleans, LA
Founded in 1915, Xavier University of Louisiana is a private institution. Xavier University of Louisiana follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered selective.
- Tuition and fees:
- $18,900 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 2,684
- Setting:
- rural
Tuskegee, AL
Tuskegee University is a private institution that was founded in 1881. The school has 55.0 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students, and the student-faculty ratio at Tuskegee University is 12:1.
- Tuition and fees:
- $14,498 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 1,893
- Setting:
- city
Orangeburg, SC
Claflin University was established in 1869 as a private institution. Claflin University follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered less selective.
- Tuition and fees:
- $14,770 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 1,249
- Setting:
- urban
New Orleans, LA
A private institution, Dillard University was founded in 1869. Dillard University offers a Greek system, where 2.0 percent of the student body is involved in a sorority and 2.0 percent is involved in a fraternity.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $5,187 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $17,127 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 11,180
- Setting:
- city
Tallahassee, FL
Located in Tallahassee, Florida A&M University is a historically black institution that offers a range of degrees to students of all races. The university, more commonly known as FAMU, offers more than 100 student organizations and several fraternities and sororities to join.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $5,199 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $15,797 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 9,206
- Setting:
- city
Greensboro, NC
North Carolina A&T State University is a historically black school in Greensboro. The Aggies sports teams compete in the NCAA Division I Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $4,801 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $15,374 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 6,416
- Setting:
- city
Durham, NC
North Carolina Central University is a historically black college in Durham. The NCCU Eagles are Division I sports teams that compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $7,056 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $15,052 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 3,744
- Setting:
- suburban
Dover, DE
Delaware State University was established in 1891 as a public institution. Delaware State University follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered less selective.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $9,258 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $18,170 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 3,744
- Setting:
- city
Orangeburg, SC
A public institution, South Carolina State University was founded in 1896. South Carolina State University offers a Greek system, where 32.0 percent of the student body is involved in a sorority and 38.0 percent is involved in a fraternity.
- Tuition and fees:
- $16,794 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 736
- Setting:
- city
Greensboro, NC
Bennett College has a total undergraduate enrollment of 736, with 100.0 percent female students. At this school, 65.5 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 34.5 percent of students live off campus.
- Tuition and fees:
- $18,912 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 3,127
- Setting:
- urban
Atlanta, GA
Clark Atlanta University is a historically black institution that formed when Atlanta University and Clark College merged in 1988. Many notable people have passed through Clark Atlanta and the two founding schools, such as civil rights activist and writer W.E.B. DuBois, who taught social work at the university.
- Tuition and fees:
- $18,236 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 1,543
- Setting:
- urban
Charlotte, NC
Johnson C. Smith University is a private institution that was founded in 1867. The school has 57.1 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students, and the student-faculty ratio at Johnson C. Smith University is 14:1.
- Tuition and fees:
- $10,210 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 945
- Setting:
- suburban
Tougaloo, MS
Tougaloo College was established in 1869 as a private institution. Tougaloo College follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered selective.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $6,088 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $18,616 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 7,105
- Setting:
- urban
Nashville, TN
Tennessee State University is a historically black institution just outside downtown Nashville. Famed TV personality Oprah Winfrey is one of the school’s many notable graduates.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $4,151 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $13,894 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 2,836
- Setting:
- rural
Elizabeth City, NC
Elizabeth City State University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,836, with a gender distribution of 39.5 percent male students and 60.5 percent female students. At this school, 52.3 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 47.7 percent of students live off campus.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $7,082 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $16,426 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 6,711
- Setting:
- urban
Baltimore, MD
Founded in 1867, Morgan State University is a public institution. Morgan State University follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered less selective.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $8,250 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $14,910 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 4,285
- Setting:
- city
Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University is a public institution that was founded in 1875. The school has 46.4 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students, and the student-faculty ratio at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University is 19:1.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $5,654 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $14,767 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 5,692
- Setting:
- city
Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem State University was established in 1892 as a public institution. Winston-Salem State University follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered least selective.
- Tuition and fees:
- $15,412 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 1,953
- Setting:
- city
Huntsville, AL
A private institution, Oakwood University was founded in 1896.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $9,996 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $14,482 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 1,749
- Setting:
- rural
Lincoln University, PA
Lincoln University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,749, with a gender distribution of 41.7 percent male students and 58.3 percent female students. At this school, 86.0 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 14.0 percent of students live off campus.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $6,858 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $16,458 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 2,490
- Setting:
- city
Frankfort, KY
Founded in 1886, Kentucky State University is a public institution. Kentucky State University follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered selective.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $5,256 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $12,912 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 3,296
- Setting:
- rural
Alcorn State, MS
Alcorn State University is a public institution that was founded in 1871. The school has 41.3 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students, and the student-faculty ratio at Alcorn State University is 20:1.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $6,483 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $17,039 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 4,452
- Setting:
- suburban
Bowie, MD
Bowie State University was established in 1865 as a public institution. Bowie State University follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered less selective.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $5,671 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $16,375 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 5,162
- Setting:
- city
Fayetteville, NC
A public institution, Fayetteville State University was founded in 1867. Fayetteville State University offers a Greek system, where 1.0 percent of the student body is involved in a sorority and 1.0 percent is involved in a fraternity.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $6,080 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $17,984 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 3,755
- Setting:
- rural
Fort Valley, GA
Fort Valley State University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,755, with a gender distribution of 42.1 percent male students and 57.9 percent female students. At this school, 59.0 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 41.0 percent of students live off campus.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $5,504 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $13,494 (2011-12)
- Setting:
- city
Jackson, MS
Founded in 1877, Jackson State University is a public institution. Jackson State University follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered selective.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $5,802 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $17,416 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 4,187
- Setting:
- city
Albany, GA
Albany State University is a historically black school in Albany, Ga. Freshmen are required to live on campus, unless they commute from a nearby home.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $6,713 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $14,849 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 3,862
- Setting:
- rural
Princess Anne, MD
University of Maryland--Eastern Shore was established in 1886 as a public institution. University of Maryland--Eastern Shore follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered less selective.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $7,090 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $15,458 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 5,301
- Setting:
- suburban
Petersburg, VA
A public institution, Virginia State University was founded in 1882. Virginia State University offers a Greek system, where 8.0 percent of the student body is involved in a sorority and 5.0 percent is involved in a fraternity.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $7,402 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $16,702 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 6,813
- Setting:
- rural
Prairie View, TX
Prairie View A&M University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,813, with a gender distribution of 40.4 percent male students and 59.6 percent female students. At this school, 25.0 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 75.0 percent of students live off campus.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $8,082 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $14,394 (2011-12)
- Setting:
- city
Montgomery, AL
Alabama State University, located in Montgomery, was founded in 1867 by freed slaves. Notable alumni from ASU include Fred Gray, the attorney who defended Rosa Parks during the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
- Tuition and fees:
- $11,940 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 644
- Setting:
- city
Columbia, SC
Allen University is a private institution that was founded in 1870. The student-faculty ratio at Allen University is 13:1.
- Tuition and fees:
- $7,800 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 1,193
- Setting:
- city
Little Rock, AR
Arkansas Baptist College was established in 1884 as a private institution. Arkansas Baptist College follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered least selective.
- Tuition and fees:
- $17,190 (2011-12)
- Setting:
- city
Columbia, SC
A private institution, Benedict College was founded in 1870.
- Tuition and fees:
- $13,990 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 3,527
- Setting:
- city
Daytona Beach, FL
Bethune-Cookman University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,527, with a gender distribution of 39.9 percent male students and 60.1 percent female students. At this school, 46.0 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 54.0 percent of students live off campus.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $5,180 (2012-13)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $9,944 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 1,929
- Setting:
- rural
Bluefield, WV
Founded in 1895, Bluefield State College is a public institution. Bluefield State College follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered less selective.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $4,236 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $10,976 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 2,458
- Setting:
- rural
Wilberforce, OH
Central State University is a public institution that was founded in 1887. The school has 53.7 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students, and the student-faculty ratio at Central State University is 16:1.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $14,640 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $17,542 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 1,141
- Setting:
- suburban
Cheyney, PA
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania was established in 1837 as a public institution. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered least selective.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $5,732 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $10,223 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 3,295
- Setting:
- city
Baltimore, MD
A public institution, Coppin State University was founded in 1900.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $4,886 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $12,099 (2011-12)
- Setting:
- rural
Grambling, LA
Founded in 1901, Grambling State University is a public institution. Grambling State University follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered less selective.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $4,553 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $8,562 (2011-12)
- Setting:
- urban
St. Louis, MO
Harris-Stowe State University is a public institution that was founded in 1857. The student-faculty ratio at Harris-Stowe State University is 13:1.
- Tuition and fees:
- $11,020 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 876
- Setting:
- city
Austin, TX
Huston-Tillotson University was established in 1875 as a private institution. Huston-Tillotson University follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered less selective.
- Tuition and fees:
- $13,374 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 524
- Setting:
- rural
Hawkins, TX
A private institution, Jarvis Christian College was founded in 1912. Jarvis Christian College offers a Greek system, where 12.0 percent of the student body is involved in a sorority and 3.0 percent is involved in a fraternity.
- Tuition and fees:
- $8,560 (2012-13)
- Enrollment:
- 2,002
- Setting:
- city
Jackson, TN
Lane College has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,002, with a gender distribution of 48.4 percent male students and 51.6 percent female students. At this school, 62.0 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 38.0 percent of students live off campus.
- In-state tuition and fees:
- $4,112 (2011-12)
- Out-of-state tuition and fees:
- $10,265 (2011-12)
- Enrollment:
- 2,379
- Setting:
- rural
Langston, OK
Founded in 1897, Langston University is a public institution. Langston University follows a semester-based academic calendar and its admissions are considered least selective.
