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Tuskegee University stands as Alabama's most selective HBCU with a 29.7% acceptance rate, commanding the highest net price at $32,977 among the state's 14 historically Black institutions. The contrast is striking: while Tuskegee graduates earn $49,641 annually, community colleges like Gadsden State offer education for just $3,568. Talladega College achieves the highest graduation rate at 65%, demonstrating that smaller schools can deliver strong outcomes with only 782 students. Alabama's aerospace boom creates new opportunities for HBCU graduates, with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville and major manufacturers like Hyundai and Airbus establishing operations statewide. The Alabama Student Grant Program helps bridge funding gaps, particularly important given the wide earning range from $28,281 to $49,641 post-graduation. Community colleges serve over 12,000 students combined, providing affordable entry points into technical careers supporting the state's growing automotive and aerospace sectors. Four-year institutions like Alabama A&M University in Normal enroll 5,726 students while maintaining reasonable costs at $14,559, positioning graduates for Alabama's evolving job market.
14
Schools
$12,343
Avg. Net Price
$35,198
Avg. Earnings
32.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) in Alabama

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Median Earnings
1 2,367 $32,977 57.1% $49,641
2 782 $13,461 65.0% $32,229
3 3,619 $3,568 32.2% $32,937
4 1,253 $23,384 49.9% $42,488
5 761 $12,272 41.0% $35,421
6 2,720 $6,564 26.4% $31,701
7 3,191 $10,880 21.5% $35,014
8 2,100 $4,176 23.2% $29,916
9 5,726 $14,559 28.7% $40,628
10 1,151 $14,514 25.7% $32,627
11 1,584 $5,568 16.6% $32,183
12 719 $4,644 11.1% $28,281
13 3,322 $13,889 30.2% $34,502
14 34 24.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tuskegee University different from other Alabama HBCUs?

Tuskegee maintains the most selective admissions at 29.7% acceptance rate and charges $32,977 net price, nearly triple most other Alabama HBCUs. Its 2,367 graduates earn $49,641 annually, reflecting the premium education investment and strong industry connections in aerospace and engineering fields.

How do graduation rates vary among Alabama's HBCUs?

Graduation rates span from 11.1% at J.F. Drake State to 65% at Talladega College. Community colleges average around 23%, while four-year institutions like Oakwood University achieve 49.9%. Smaller schools often outperform larger ones in completion rates.

Is community college a good path at Alabama HBCUs?

Seven community colleges serve 14,253 students with net prices from $3,568 to $10,880. Gadsden State leads with 32.2% graduation rate and graduates earning $32,937 annually. These schools provide affordable workforce training for Alabama's automotive and aerospace industries.

Does school size affect outcomes at Alabama HBCUs?

Alabama A&M enrolls 5,726 students but graduates only 28.7%, while Talladega College's 782 students achieve 65% graduation rates. Smaller schools like Oakwood University with 1,253 students often provide more personalized attention and higher completion rates.

Where do Alabama HBCU graduates find employment opportunities?

Alabama's aerospace sector offers strong prospects, with NASA Marshall in Huntsville, Airbus manufacturing, and automotive plants like Hyundai. Graduates earning $28,281 to $49,641 annually fill technical, engineering, and business roles supporting the state's industrial growth.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.