Historically Black private nonprofit university in Atlanta, GA offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Best HBCUs (2026)
Historically Black Colleges and Universities are institutions founded before 1964 with the principal mission of educating Black Americans — a designation defined by US federal law. Today the 100+ HBCUs include public and private institutions, research universities and liberal arts colleges, united by a legacy of expanding access to higher education. They remain disproportionately effective: HBCUs award a large share of bachelor's degrees earned by Black students and are leading producers of Black PhD recipients, doctors and lawyers, often with fewer resources per student than peer institutions. Campus culture — homecomings, marching bands, deep alumni networks — is a genuine part of the value proposition, not just marketing. When comparing HBCUs, the same fundamentals apply as anywhere: program strength in your major, graduation rates, net cost after aid, and location. Note that several HBCUs also appear in our research-university listings; categories here reflect institutional mission, and an institution appears once, under the category that best describes it. Every listing is verified against IPEDS and the institution's official website.
Historically Black private nonprofit university in Nashville, TN offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Historically Black public university in Tallahassee, FL offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Historically Black private nonprofit university in Hampton, VA offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Historically Black private nonprofit university in Washington, DC offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Historically Black private nonprofit college in Atlanta, GA offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Historically Black public university in Greensboro, NC offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Historically Black private nonprofit college in Atlanta, GA offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Historically Black private nonprofit university in Tuskegee, AL offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Historically Black private nonprofit university in New Orleans, LA offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Frequently asked questions
What does HBCU stand for?
Historically Black Colleges and Universities — US institutions established before 1964 whose principal mission was educating Black Americans, as defined by federal law. They enroll students of all backgrounds today.
Can non-Black students attend an HBCU?
Yes. HBCUs are open to all students regardless of race, and their student bodies have always included non-Black students.
Do HBCUs offer graduate and doctoral programs?
Some do — several HBCUs are research universities with doctoral programs, while others focus on undergraduate education. Each listing notes the degree levels offered.
How current is the information on HBCUs?
Names, locations and websites were verified in October 2026 against IPEDS and official websites. We don't track tuition, deadlines or admissions statistics — confirm those with each institution directly.