The Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the U.S. are listed in our ranking. S. This ranking is made to help students who want to attend historically Black Colleges and Universities make educated college decisions.
The majority of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were established shortly after the Civil War with the aim of serving the African-American community.
There are just over 100 such schools today. HBCUs were created with the aid of religious organizations, private donations, and state initiatives with the intention of offering the same high standard of education as institutions with a majority-white student body, particularly during the time of segregation.
Higher Education Act of 1965 was passed, and HBCUs started receiving direct federal funding to increase enrollment, financial stability, and academic rigor.
HBCUs still take great pride in their academic standing and commitment to their students today.
The purpose of this list of historically black colleges and universities—both large and small, public and private, religious and nonreligious—is to aid students in finding the institution that best suits their educational interests and objectives.
The best educational options for students are explained by Successful Student. Therefore, we chose our ranking criteria based on what would be best for students.
What is the Meaning of HBCU?
Prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were established to serve the black community. HBCUs continue to be committed to educating and empowering black and minority students despite the fact that they are now open to all students.
The distinctive college experience offered by HBCUs is built on tradition and community. An HBCU may be the best choice for you if you want to feel like a member of a family.
You will be recognized by your professors because these colleges frequently have small class sizes.
The disadvantage is that many HBCUs do not support extracurricular activities among students on campus or offer online courses.
Top HBCUs with High Acceptance Rates
| HBCUs | Acceptance Rates | Graduation Rates |
| Langston University | 100% | 13% |
| Morris College | 100% | 30% |
| Miles College | 100% | 23% |
| Virginia State University | 96% | 38% |
| Bluefield State College | 90% | 33% |
| Lincoln University of Pennsylvania | 90% | 46% |
| Jackson State University | 90% | 45% |
Honorable Mention
- Selma University
- Bethune-Cookman University
- Grambling State University
- West Virginia State University
HBCUs with High Acceptance Rates You Should Apply To
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Location: Langston, Oklahoma
- Undergraduates enrolled in 2020: 1,900
- Graduation rate: 13%
Located in Oklahoma, Langston University is a public HBU that was founded in 1897. It is one of the nation’s oldest historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs with high acceptance rates).
With an acceptance rate of 100%, the school is less selective and has an open admissions policy, meaning that anyone who meets the minimum requirements for admission is welcome to apply
Additionally, because it is an HBCU, applying is simple and affordable. Additionally, full-time faculty members teach in all of its academic programs. The services provided by Langston University are also excellent; they include study abroad opportunities, financial aid assistance, and career counseling.
Langston University ranks #94-122 best regional universities west, according to US News and World report. With an average cost of $12,384 after financial aid, it is one of the least expensive HBCUs in the nation.
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Location: Fairfield, Alabama
- Undergraduates enrolled in 2020: 2,500
- Graduation rate: 23%
Miles College is one best HBCUs with high acceptance rates. Miles College is a private historically black college that was established in 1898 and is situated in Fairfield, Alabama.
The institution provides a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees. In the fall of 2020, it will enroll about 2,500 undergraduates. Miles College has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Miles College has an acceptance rate of 100% and does not charge an application fee Fill out the online application form or download it from their website to submit your application. You must submit the following documents:
1) A high school transcript
2) Official SAT or ACT scores (both are accepted)
3) Standardized test scores
4) Letter of recommendation
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Location: Sumter, South Carolina
- Undergraduates enrolled in 2020: 1,123
- Graduation rate: 30%
Morris College is located in Sumter, South Carolina, but attracts students from across the nation, resulting in a community that is culturally diverse.
The college offers academic programs in general studies, business administration, education, religion, humanities, and social sciences, in addition to the natural sciences and mathematics.
There are numerous opportunities for involvement for students on campus as well, including clubs and a bustling student center with pool tables, a lounge, and a snack bar.
- Acceptance rate: 96%
- Location: Petersburg, Virginia
- Undergraduates enrolled in 2020: 5,000
- Graduation rate: 38%
In Petersburg, Virginia, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) include Virginia State University, a public research institution. VSU began as the Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute in 1882.
The acceptance rate is 96%, and the school has a robust Engineering college accredited by the ABET The Computer Science program and Computer Engineering Program (B. S. ) produce graduates dominating the various field.
VSU offers over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs. Over 5,000 students will be enrolled in the fall of 2020. It uses a semester-based academic calendar.
Through member organizations of the East Coast Athletic Conference (ECAC), National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), Eastern Intercollegiate Basketball League (EIBL), and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), students can participate in athletics.
Virginia State University ranks as the #84 Best Regional Universities South and also listed as the HBCUs with high acceptance rates.
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- Location: Bluefield, West Virginia
- Undergraduates enrolled in 2020: 1,243
- Graduation rate: 30%
With a four-year academic program, Bluefield State College is a part of West Virginia’s public education system. As the Bluefield Colored Institute, it was established in 1895 to give African-Americans living west of the Allegheny Mountains access to higher education.
Since its founding, Bluefield State College has remained dedicated to offering an excellent, open-access education that is not only available to members of a specific race or ethnicity. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate degree programs and seven graduate degree programs.
According to recent rankings from U. S. News The university consistently turns out professionals such as educators, attorneys, engineers, and physicians.
The university is less selective with an acceptance rate of 90% Its Engineering college is accredited by ABET. Bluefield State College is a fantastic option if you’re looking for an HBCU that offers high-quality education.
Lincoln University of Pennsylvania
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- Location: Chester County, Pennsylvania
- Undergraduates enrolled in 2020: 2,000
- Graduation rate: 46%
founded in Chester County, Pennsylvania, as a private, coeducational institution, in 1854. However, it changed its name to a public historically Black university in 1972, becoming the country’s first HBCU to grant degrees.
Lincoln’s four colleges—the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Management, the College of Education and Human Services, and the College of Graduate Studies—offer undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Lincoln is one of the smaller HBCUs on this list, with over 2,000 undergraduate students enrolled. While out-of-state students’ tuition can be expensive, those who qualify can choose from a wide variety of scholarships.
Lincoln also offers student loans, work-study opportunities, and grants to assist with defraying the cost of tuition. These resources assist Lincoln undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing degrees.
The fact that Lincoln is among the HBCUs with high acceptance rates is the best thing about applying there. You only need to complete a brief online application form to be accepted.
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- Location: Jackson, Mississippi
- Undergraduates enrolled in 2020: 4,668
- Graduation rate: 45%
A historically black university, Jackson State University is situated in Jackson, Mississippi. The largest of Mississippi’s eight state-funded universities, the institution was founded in 1877.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited Jackson State to grant bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The college belongs to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
JSU’s Computer Engineering (B. S) degree and Computer Science (B. S) degree is accredited by the ABET.
The school is less selective with an acceptance rate of 90%, and operates an open admissions policy, meaning students applying for admission are mostly enrolled The university reported 4,668 undergraduate students enrolled in the fall of 2020.
A great option for students seeking an affordable, high-quality education is Jackson State University. For students looking for an HBCU education, the school is a top choice due to its wide variety of programs and dedication to research.
Jackson State University is your best option if you’re looking for an HBCU with a high acceptance rate.
Which is The Hardest HBCU to Get into?
Howard University is the hardest HBCU to get into, with an acceptance rate of just 39% Howard University is the school for you if you’re looking for a challenge. Other hard-to-get-into HBCUs include Spelman College (53%), Philander Smith College (21%), and Wiley College (15%)
Don’t give up though if you don’t get into the school of your choice. There are many more outstanding HBCUs that will sincerely welcome you.
Which School is the Best HBCU?
The nation’s top historically black university is widely acknowledged to be Howard University. With an acceptance rate of just below 40%, it%E2%80%99s also one of the most selective Located in Washington, D. C. Howard University is renowned for its robust business, legal, and medical programs.
A noteworthy alumnus is the Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshal. On campus, there are more than 200 student organizations that focus on everything from academics to athletics. All first-year students live on campus in residence halls and can earn a bachelor’s degree in four years by combining daytime classes with evening classes designed specifically for working adults.
Other top HBCUs include:
- Spelman College
- Xavier University of Louisiana
- Hampton University
- Morehouse College
- Tuskegee University
- Florida A&M University, etc.
What HBCU Gives the Most Scholarships?
The generous scholarship programs offered by HBCUs are well-known, and many of them have programs designed especially for students interested in attending an HBCU. The following institutions provide the most money in student scholarships.
1. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
- Location: Cheyney, PA
- Scholarship per Student: $6,756
2. South Carolina State University
- Location: Orangeburg, SC
- Scholarship per Student: $6,571
3. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
- Location: Pine Bluff, AR
- Scholarship per Student: $5,862
4. Central State University
- Location: Wilberforce, OH
- Scholarship per Student: $5,447
5. Elizabeth City State University
- Location: Elizabeth City, NC
- Scholarship per Student: $5,321
What GPA is required for HBCU?
The GPA requirements for HBCUs differ depending on the institution. Most HBCUs require a minimum GPA of 2. However, some institutions will accept students with lower GPAs if they meet specific criteria.
Even if your GPA is less than 2. 5. Look into and submit an application to HBCUs that interest you. Numerous HBCUs offer programs that can help you raise your GPA while you’re a student.
Which HBCU is the cheapest?
The fact that historically black colleges and universities are among the least expensive in the nation is widely known. But which one is the least expensive to attend? Coahoma Community College, according to recent data. The least expensive HBCU in the nation is Coahoma, with annual tuition just over $1,004
Other very affordable HBCUs include:
- Elizabeth City State University ($2,350)
- Simmons College of Kentucky ($3,394)
- J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College ($3,589)
- Gadsden State Community College ($4,427)
- Fayetteville State University ($5,899)
- Kentucky State University ($7,076)
Conclusion on HBCUs with High Acceptance Rates
Look no further than these HBCUs with high acceptance rates and potent programs if you want a school that will give you a good chance of getting in. These schools are worth your time and effort. Additionally, they provide a special college experience that is not available at other universities. So what are you waiting? Start applying today!.
HBCU COLLEGE TALK: ACCEPTANCES, SAT/ACT, TOURS | Nyla Symone
FAQ
What HBCU has the highest acceptance rate?
The easiest HBCU to get into are:Albany State University with 91% rate of acceptance Clark Atlanta University with 71% rate of acceptance. Fort Valley State University with 61% rate of acceptance, and. Morehouse College with 58% rate of acceptance.
What’s the hardest HBCU to get into?
Howard University is the hardest HBCU to get into, with an acceptance rate of just 39% Howard University is the school for you if you’re looking for a challenge. Other hard-to-get-into HBCUs include Spelman College (53%), Philander Smith College (21%), and Wiley College (15%)
What is the #1 HBCU in the country?
1. Spelman College. Private college Spelman College was established in 1881. Its urban setting, total undergraduate enrollment of 2,417 (fall 2021), and campus size of 39 acres.
What HBCU is 90% white?
So many that the current student body of Bluefield State College, which was founded in 1895 as Bluefield Colored Institute, is 90% white