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Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs)

50 schools. See our methodology.

Howard University stands out among the nation's 101 HBCUs with graduates earning $63,066 annually, the highest in this sector of higher education. The earnings gap between top and bottom performers spans over $30,000, reflecting the varied career paths these institutions prepare students for across American industries. Spelman College achieves a remarkable 76.1% graduation rate while maintaining selective 28.39% acceptance, proving that academic rigor and student success can coexist at historically black institutions. These colleges serve over 300,000 students nationwide, from St. Philip's College's 10,772 enrollment in San Antonio to Southwestern Christian College's intimate 128-student community in Texas. Net prices range dramatically from $4,873 to $47,919, making HBCU education accessible across economic backgrounds. Many graduates enter fields where corporate America actively recruits HBCU talent, including Fortune 500 companies, federal agencies, and growing tech sectors. States like North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida house multiple institutions that feed regional job markets, while others serve as pipelines to national opportunities. The acceptance rate spread from 25.3% to 74.5% shows these institutions welcome students with varying academic profiles, then develop their potential for careers in business, healthcare, education, and emerging industries.
50
Schools
$16,440
Avg. Net Price
$41,643
Avg. Earnings
40.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs)

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Median Earnings
1 3,633 $36,828 76.1% $59,993
2 7,516 $15,847 51.9% $44,349
3 2,367 $32,977 57.1% $49,641
4 9,604 $47,919 68.9% $63,066
5 11,925 $10,980 55.3% $44,440
6 2,290 $14,040 46.2% $36,421
7 2,541 $11,609 45.2% $36,666
8 782 $13,461 65.0% $32,229
9 4,630 $15,745 38.7% $49,307
10 4,244 $13,393 48.6% $45,344
11 1,047 $20,011 34.1% $42,680
12 4,144 $19,125 32.3% $41,109
13 10,772 $4,873 34.5% $38,224
14 128 $16,870 49.2% $32,672
15 1,863 $7,237 48.1% $40,026
16 1,756 $6,007 25.6% $46,490
17 6,498 $10,026 33.0% $42,730
18 3,254 $32,145 55.7% $59,159
19 3,080 $14,693 26.3% $44,236
20 2,736 $35,949 52.7% $52,889
21 982 $19,847 36.1% $42,937
22 1,712 $12,912 52.1% $43,167
23 3,619 $3,568 32.2% $32,937
24 48 $19,294 33.3% $41,216
25 8,293 $15,015 41.6% $50,698
26 460 $15,411 37.8% $35,339
27 5,400 $15,028 46.0% $42,968
28 8,527 $14,041 43.2% $45,411
29 1,314 $560 38.2% $24,289
30 5,207 $19,335 38.1% $54,537
31 5,323 $19,740 28.5% $43,371
32 2,727 $8,683 25.2% $37,981
33 3,482 $35,115 47.8% $42,712
34 5,829 $14,251 22.8% $40,674
35 842 $15,360 32.3% $38,427
36 1,253 $23,384 49.9% $42,488
37 681 $15,663 32.3% $34,724
38 761 $12,272 41.0% $35,421
39 2,720 $6,564 26.4% $31,701
40 1,899 $11,679 39.7% $35,550
41 1,727 $21,232 49.1% $40,304
42 2,165 $14,035 34.6% $47,697
43 1,086 $13,459 27.4% $31,088
44 1,357 $12,484 22.1% $39,463
45 3,191 $10,880 21.5% $35,014
46 5,493 $7,360 35.2% $40,144
47 4,787 $14,553 40.7% $45,543
48 950 $26,135 43.5% $45,454
49 600 $20,244 38.1% $29,288
50 2,100 $4,176 23.2% $29,916

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Spelman College stand out among HBCUs?

Spelman College achieves the highest graduation rate among HBCUs at 76.1% while maintaining selective admissions with a 28.39% acceptance rate. The Atlanta-based women's college enrolls 3,633 students who pay a net price of $36,828, and graduates earn an average of $59,993 annually, demonstrating strong return on investment.

How do HBCU costs compare to other colleges?

HBCU net prices span from $4,873 at St. Philip's College to $47,919 at Howard University, offering options across all economic levels. Public HBCUs like North Carolina A&T State University cost $10,980 annually, while private institutions typically charge $20,000 to $40,000, often less than comparable non-HBCU private colleges.

Where do HBCU graduates find the best earning potential?

Howard University graduates earn the most at $63,066 annually, followed by Spelman College at $59,993. Technical and business-focused programs tend to produce higher earners, with Tuskegee University engineering graduates averaging $49,641. Even smaller institutions like Delaware State University produce graduates earning $49,307 in regional markets.

Is selectivity connected to graduation success at HBCUs?

The most selective HBCUs often show higher graduation rates. Johnson C. Smith University accepts just 25.28% of applicants but graduates only 34.1%, while Spelman's 28.39% acceptance rate yields 76.1% graduation. However, Winston-Salem State University accepts 73.39% and still maintains a 48.6% graduation rate.

What size HBCU enrollment works best for students?

HBCU enrollments range from 128 at Southwestern Christian College to 11,925 at North Carolina A&T State University. Mid-sized institutions like Howard University with 9,604 students often balance resources with personal attention. Smaller colleges like Talladega with 782 students achieve strong 65% graduation rates through close faculty relationships.

Does state location affect HBCU graduate outcomes?

Geographic location significantly impacts HBCU graduate earnings and opportunities. Colleges in major metropolitan areas like Atlanta's Spelman College and Washington D.C.'s Howard University show higher graduate earnings. Southern states with multiple HBCUs create regional alumni networks that benefit career placement and professional development across industries.

Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) by State

Alabama (14) Georgia (9) Louisiana (7) Mississippi (6) North Carolina (10) South Carolina (8) Tennessee (6) Texas (9) Virginia (5)

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