Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024

Badge for MOST INFLUENTIAL HBCUS IN THE US

Key Takeaways

  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are schools of higher learning that were established between to create opportunities in higher education for Black students.
  • HBCUs are a critical source of education, community, and opportunity for Black students as well as a diverse cross-section that includes Latino, Asian, and White students.
  • Numerous influential people have graduated from an HBCU, including Martin Luther King Jr. Oprah Winfrey, Toni Morrison, and Kamala Harris.

The very best HBCUs serve as a place for belonging, empowerment, and pride in Black culture and identity while pressing forward on equal opportunity for all Americans. Our Influence Rankings cast a spotlight on the iconic institutions and noteworthy influencers that embody Black excellence in education.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are schools of higher learning that were largely established between the end of slavery in 1865 and the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964 in order to create opportunities in higher education for Black students. At a time when Southern colleges refused their admission and many Northern colleges had rigid quotas on how many Black students could be admitted, HBCUs emerged to advance educational, professional, and economic interests for Black Americans.

Today, HBCUs remain a critical source of education, community, and opportunity for Black students as well as a diverse cross-section that includes Latino, Asian, and White students. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) categorizes 101 institutions of higher learning as HBCUs across 19 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Because racial segregation played a direct role in the need for such institutions, the majority of HBCUs are concentrated in the South.

According to the NCES, as of 2018, there were 51 public HBCUs and 50 private, non-profit HBCUs providing degrees at every level of higher education. At the time of writing, 38 HBCUs offered associate degree programs, 83 offered bachelor’s degrees, 52 conferred master’s degrees, and 27 granted doctoral degrees.

Among the luminaries who were inspired to greatness during their time as students in America’s top HBCUs are Civil Rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. (Morehouse College), media magnate Oprah Winfrey (Tennessee State University), Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison (Howard University), and current Vice President Kamala Harris (Howard University).

Featured Programs

How do we determine the Most Influential HBCUs?

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great. This is why influence gets at the heart of what is truly best in education. At the undergraduate level, the combined influence score of a college or university’s top academic influencers is the best indicator of academic excellence. Overall influence, and not influence controlled by other variables, thus becomes the best gauge of academic excellence.

If you are serious about finding the best colleges and universities for a bachelor’s degree, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching and whether their graduates are themselves advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence.

Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Influence, as measured by our InfluenceRanking engine, provides a ranking that is free from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

Find out more about our methodology here.

Are you interested in pursuing an online degree? Check out our ranking of the Best HBCU Online Programs.

If you have already earned a bachelor’s degree and are interested in pursuing an advanced degree, there are number of top-ranked HBCUs offering online master’s programs and online MBA programs. These degree programs allow students to take advantage of all of the benefits of attending an HBCU, despite their geographic location.


The Most Influential Historically Black Colleges and Universities

We’ve identified the most influential HBCUs in the United States. The list below focuses on those schools that offer four-year undergraduate degrees and are fully accredited.

Other Rankings

Career Outlook for degree at Tennessee State University

Cost of Degree: $8,336
Expenses: $15,556
Starting Salary: $39,800
Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary

Tennessee State University’s Online Degrees

BS in Health Information Management
Degree Concentrations
  • Utilizing Technologies in Healthcare Organizations
  • Required Credits: None Reported
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
  • Required Credits: None Reported
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Psychology
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Nursing
  • Required Credits: None Reported
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Professional Studies
Degree Concentrations
  • Health Administration
  • Information Technology
  • International Organizational Leadership
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Social Work
  • Required Credits: None Reported
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Sociology
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
Other Rankings

Career Outlook for degree at North Carolina A&T State University

Cost of Degree: $6,733
Expenses: $12,639
Starting Salary: $39,300
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary

Hear from a student who attends North Carolina A&T State University, in our interview with Sydney Wade.

North Carolina A&T State University’s Online Degrees

BS in Economics
  • Required Credits: 179
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Electronics Technology
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Information Technology
Degree Concentrations
  • Business
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Liberal Studies
Degree Concentrations
  • African American Studies
  • Applied Cultural Thought
  • Applied Cultural Thought
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
  • Rn Completion Option
  • Required Credits: 31
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Agricultural Sciences
Degree Concentrations
  • Agricultural Education
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Environmental Health And Safety
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
#8

Hampton University

Hampton , VA
Other Rankings

Career Outlook for degree at Hampton University

Cost of Degree: $29,162
Expenses: $16,886
Starting Salary: $50,100
Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary

Hampton University’s Online Degrees

BS in Business Management
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Systems Organization And Management
Degree Concentrations
  • Human Resource Management
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Paralegal Studies
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in General Studies
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Public Safety Administration
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Religious Studies
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
  • 1 Year Accelerated
  • 2 Year Accelerated
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
#12

University of the Virgin Islands

Charlotte Amalie , VI

Career Outlook for degree at University of the Virgin Islands

Cost of Degree: $5,235
Expenses: $14,680
Starting Salary: $35,500
Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is University of the Virgin Islands known for?

University of the Virgin Islands’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Most Influential Alumni

Other Rankings

Career Outlook for degree at Norfolk State University

Cost of Degree: $9,622
Expenses: $17,088
Starting Salary: $38,800
Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary

Norfolk State University’s Online Degrees

BS in Business
Degree Concentrations
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • Management
  • Management Information Systems
  • Marketing
  • Management Information Systems
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Tourism And Hospitality Management
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in History
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Required Credits: None Reported
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Health Services Management
  • Required Credits: None Reported
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
#14

Lincoln University, Pennsylvania

Lincoln University , PA

Career Outlook for degree at Lincoln University, Pennsylvania

Cost of Degree: $11,910
Expenses: $15,448
Starting Salary: $36,200
Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Other Rankings

Career Outlook for degree at Texas Southern University

Cost of Degree: $8,637
Expenses: $16,286
Starting Salary: $37,600
Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary

Texas Southern University’s Online Degrees

BS in Administration of Justice
  • Required Credits: 99
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Emergency Management & Homeland Security
  • Required Credits: 121
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in General Studies
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
#16

Wilberforce University

Wilberforce , OH

Career Outlook for degree at Wilberforce University

Cost of Degree: $13,250
Expenses: $10,200
Starting Salary: $38,400
Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
#19

Virginia State University

Petersburg , VA
Other Rankings

Career Outlook for degree at Virginia State University

Cost of Degree: $9,654
Expenses: $14,519
Starting Salary: $38,400
Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary

Virginia State University’s Online Degrees

BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
#21

Alcorn State University

Alcorn State , MS
Other Rankings

Career Outlook for degree at Alcorn State University

Cost of Degree: $8,549
Expenses: $15,195
Starting Salary: $35,000
Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Alcorn State University known for?

Alcorn State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Most Influential Alumni

Alcorn State University’s Online Degrees

BA in Business Administration
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
  • Required Credits: 122-124
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Child Development
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
Other Rankings

Career Outlook for degree at Jackson State University

Cost of Degree: $8,445
Expenses: $21,078
Starting Salary: $33,700
Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary

Jackson State University’s Online Degrees

BST in Technology-Emergency Management
  • Required Credits: 124
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
  • Required Credits: 122
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Required Credits: 124
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Healthcare Administration
  • Required Credits: 122
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online

Career Outlook for degree at University of the District of Columbia

Cost of Degree: $6,152
Starting Salary: $39,400
What is University of the District of Columbia known for?

University of the District of Columbia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Most Influential Alumni

#25

Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City , NC

Career Outlook for degree at Elizabeth City State University

Cost of Degree: $3,356
Expenses: $11,317
Starting Salary: $32,200
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Elizabeth City State University known for?

Elizabeth City State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Most Influential Alumni

Elizabeth City State University’s Online Degrees

BSBA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
  • Management & Entrepreneurship
  • Marketing & Mis
  • Economics & Finance
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Homeland Security
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
Degree Concentrations
  • Global Studies
  • Community Services
  • Individualized
  • Security Studies
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
Other Rankings

Career Outlook for degree at Savannah State University

Cost of Degree: $5,498
Expenses: $11,937
Starting Salary: $35,000
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Savannah State University known for?

Savannah State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Most Influential Alumni

Savannah State University’s Online Degrees

BFA in Arts
Degree Concentrations
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: None Reported
BBA in Business
Degree Concentrations
  • Accounting
  • Business Management
  • Marketing
  • Computer Information Systems
  • Global Logistics & International Business
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: None Reported
BS in Technology
Degree Concentrations
  • Civil Engineering Technology
  • Computer Science Technology
  • Electronics Engineering Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: None Reported
BA in Emergency Services
Degree Concentrations
  • Homeland Security & Emergency Management
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: None Reported
BS in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
  • Criminal Justice
  • Political Science
  • Sociology
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: None Reported
BSED in Education
Degree Concentrations
  • Secondary Education
  • Engineering Technology Education
  • Middle Grades Education
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: None Reported
BIDS in General
Degree Concentrations
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: None Reported
BA in Humanities
Degree Concentrations
  • Africana Studies
  • English Language & Literature
  • History
  • Mass Communication
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: None Reported
BSBA in Humanities
Degree Concentrations
  • Behavior Analysis
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: None Reported
BSW in Humanities
Degree Concentrations
  • Social Work
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: None Reported

Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Union University

Cost of Degree: $14,305
Expenses: $16,286
Starting Salary: $34,200
Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
#29

Bethune–Cookman University

Daytona Beach , FL

Career Outlook for degree at Bethune–Cookman University

Cost of Degree: $14,794
Expenses: $15,146
Starting Salary: $32,300
Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Bethune–Cookman University known for?

Bethune–Cookman University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Most Influential Alumni

Other Rankings

Career Outlook for degree at West Virginia State University

Cost of Degree: $9,431
Expenses: $16,615
Starting Salary: $33,800
Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary

West Virginia State University’s Online Degrees

BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
  • Accounting
  • Required Credits: 35
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
BA in English
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online
RBA in Regents Bachelor Of Arts
  • Required Credits: 120
  • Completion Time: None Reported
  • Format: Online

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