10 Best HBCU Colleges, Ranked

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were founded on the belief that all who wish to learn deserve an opportunity to further their education. 

There are 107 HBCUs in the United States. They are both public and private and serve nearly 230,000 students. These 10 schools are currently the best HBCU colleges as ranked not only by U.S. News and World Report but also by former students. Does your favorite land on top?

Location: Greensboro, North Carolina

Year founded: 1891

Annual cost: $20,243 (out-of-state)/$6,733 (in-state)

Number of undergraduates: 11,596

Acceptance rate: 57 percent

Note: These are the best HBCU colleges as ranked by U.S. News and World Report for 2022–2023.

Tied with Claflin in the ninth spot, North Carolina A&T (NC A&T) State University is one of several engineering colleges in the Tar Heel State. It is the largest HBCU in the U.S. with the most diverse student body. The school is also the only research university in the southeast and prides itself on its STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) disciplines. More African American engineers and agricultural scientists come out of NC A&T than anywhere else in the country. 

One student said of her time at the college: “I transferred into the illustrious NC A&T State University from a technical school and immediately felt at home. To see the diaspora of beautiful black and brown people committed to education was one thing, but the fact that it felt like one big family was the most beautiful thing to me.

“I graduated from their traditional BSN nursing program in the Spring of 2018. The faculty was very supportive and pushed me to be the best nurse I could be. I was well prepared when I entered the field of nursing, critical care at that, and A&T got me there. I hate that I didn’t get to spend my entire four years there but blessed to know that I’ll forever be an AGGIE alumni.”

Location: Orangeburg, South Carolina

Year founded: 1869

Annual cost: $17,046

Number of undergraduates: 1,779

Acceptance rate: 62 percent

South Carolina’s first HBCU is a liberal arts college offering nearly 40 majors — it incorporates career-focused programs, internships and experiential learning into what the school dubs “Claflin Confidence” — a self-confident mindset that will help students succeed after they graduate.

Claflin is included in the prestigious Student Freedom Initiative. This program helps students succeed in STEM fields with the help of internships, tutoring and financial backing.

One parent shares their experience with Claflin: “I have two children who attend/attended Claflin University, and I appreciate what this school does for its students. The administration is hands-down some of the best around. I personally refer this HBCU everywhere I go because I believe in what they do, and I love the results.”