HBCU Colleges & Universities in 2026

95+ accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities across 19 states — with acceptance rates, net prices, and outcomes from federal data.

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By Admit Coach editorial · GPTKIDS LLC · Methodology · Updated August 2026

What Is an HBCU?

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are accredited institutions founded before 1964 with the principal mission of educating Black Americans. Today's 95+ HBCUs enroll students of every background and produce outsized results: HBCUs enroll about 10% of Black college students but produce roughly 20% of Black graduates and 25% of Black STEM graduates.

Why Consider an HBCU?

Top HBCUs by the Numbers

Spelman, Howard, Morehouse, Hampton, and Xavier of Louisiana lead national rankings, while North Carolina A&T is the largest HBCU by enrollment and a top producer of Black engineers. Every school below links to a full profile with acceptance rate, net price by income bracket, and graduation outcomes.

All HBCUs Ranked

Every accredited HBCU in the federal IPEDS system, ranked. Click any school for its full data profile and a free admission-chance estimate.

UniversityLocationAcceptance Rate
Howard UniversityWashington, DC35%
Spelman CollegeAtlanta, GA34%
Tuskegee UniversityTuskegee, AL31%
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical UniversityTallahassee, FL21%
Shaw UniversityRaleigh, NC30%
Alcorn State UniversityAlcorn State, MS25%
Fisk UniversityNashville, TN58%
Allen UniversityColumbia, SC32%
Grambling State UniversityGrambling, LA24%
Paul Quinn CollegeDallas, TX34%
Rust CollegeHolly Springs, MS35%
Dillard UniversityNew Orleans, LA40%
Hampton UniversityHampton, VA48%
North Carolina A & T State UniversityGreensboro, NC46%
Bennett CollegeGreensboro, NC34%
Delaware State UniversityDover, DE62%
Johnson C Smith UniversityCharlotte, NC43%
Morehouse CollegeAtlanta, GA51%
Xavier University of LouisianaNew Orleans, LA74%
Southern University and A & M CollegeBaton Rouge, LA50%
Central State UniversityWilberforce, OH46%
Wilberforce UniversityWilberforce, OH53%
University of Arkansas at Pine BluffPine Bluff, AR57%
Alabama A & M UniversityNormal, AL66%

Data from IPEDS & College Scorecard. Browse all 3,500+ universities →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many HBCUs are there?

There are 95+ accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities operating across 19 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands — a mix of public and private institutions ranging from research universities like Howard to small liberal arts colleges like Talladega. Admit Coach carries the full federal IPEDS profile for each one.

What are the best HBCUs?

Spelman College has ranked as the #1 HBCU for over a decade, followed by Howard University, Morehouse College, Hampton University, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Tuskegee University. The 'best' depends on your goal: Xavier leads in pre-med placement, North Carolina A&T in engineering, and Howard in law and communications. Admit Coach matches your GPA, scores, and major to the HBCUs where you're most competitive.

Do you have to be Black to attend an HBCU?

No. HBCUs are open to students of all races and backgrounds, and non-Black enrollment at HBCUs is about 25% nationally. The 'historically' in HBCU refers to the founding mission before 1964, not current admission criteria. Admissions are based on academics and fit, exactly like any other accredited university.

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