Largest HBCUs in the Nation
These institutions have played a significant role in shaping the success of many prominent figures in various fields, such as politics, sports, entertainment, and business. There are many benefits to attending an HBCU. One of the most significant benefits is the sense of community that students experience. HBCUs are typically majority-Black institutions which create a welcoming and supportive environment for students of color.
Another benefit of attending an HBCU is the access to resources that these institutions provide. HBCUs often have strong alumni networks that can help students find jobs and internships.
Benefits of Attending an HBCU
Black HBCU grads are stronger in purpose, financial well-being
College experiences are different for HBCU, non-HBCU grads
More black HBCU grads strongly agree they received support
Black HBCU grads are more involved in applied internships, long-term projects, and extracurricular activities.
When choosing a college, enrollment numbers can be a guide for helping a student find their ideal college. This report shows the number of African-American students at HBCU colleges and ranks them in order of enrollment numbers. Percentages have been added for consideration.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Top 30 Black Colleges (HBCU) by Enrollment
#1 Florida A&M University
TALLAHASSEE, FL
Total African American Student Body: 10,098 Students
Percent Black or African American
94%
Founded in 1887, FAMU is the largest historically black university in the United States by enrollment. It has been recognized for its commitment to providing pathways for social and economic opportunity. It has been recently ranked #5 for HBCUs with the highest graduation and retention rates and #15 for HBCUs with the highest average starting salaries.
#2 Howard University
WASHINGTON, DC
Total African American Student Body: 9,370 Students
Percent Black or African American
91%
Founded in 1867, Howard University is a federally chartered, private, doctoral university, classified as a high research activity institution. In addition to the undergraduate program, Howard has graduate schools of business, pharmacy, law, social work, medicine, dentistry, and divinity. This university was recently ranked #7 in HBCUs with the highest averge starting salary and #4 in HBCUs with the highest retention and graduation rates.
#3 North Carolina A&T State University
GREENSBORO, NC
Total African American Student Body: 8,977 Students
Percent Black or African American
85%
North Carolina A&T State University’s unique legacy and educational philosophy provide students with a broad range of experiences that foster transformation and leadership for a dynamic and global society. The university is committed to exemplary teaching and learning, scholarly and creative research, and effective engagement and public service. This school was recently named #3 HBCU with the highest average starting salary and #13 university advancing America's economic progress.
#4 Jackson State University
JACKSON, MS
Total African American Student Body: 8,403 Students
Percent Black or African American
92%
Since 1877, JSU has been providing young men and women opportunities that will empower them to succeed in an increasingly complex world. Students and faculty engage in creative research, participate in interdisciplinary and multi-institutional/organizational collaborative learning teams and serve the global community. This university was recently named #27 HBCU with the highest average starting salary.
#5 Texas Southern University
HOUSTON, TX
Total African American Student Body: 7,311 Students
Percent Black or African American
84%
More than 9,500 students, along with nearly 1,500 faculty and staff comprise the TSU’s community, and like its curricula, the student body is characterized by diversity. TSU offers an impressive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, a diverse faculty, 80-plus student organizations, and an alumni network. This university was recently named the #24 HBCU with the highest average starting salary.
#6 Prairie View A&M University
PRAIRIE VIEW, TX
Total African American Student Body: 7,123 Students
Percent Black or African American
86%
PVAMU is committed to achieving relevance in each component of its mission by addressing issues and proposing solutions through programs and services designed to respond to the needs and aspirations of individuals, families, organizations, agencies, schools, and communities–both rural and urban.
#7 Tennessee State University
NASHVILLE, TN
Total African American Student Body: 6,751 Students
Percent Black or African American
76%
Tennessee State University is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational land-grant university offering 45 bachelor’s degrees and 24 master degrees. Doctoral programs include biological sciences, psychology, public administration, computer information systems engineering, administration and supervision and curriculum and instruction.
#8 North Carolina Central University
Durham, NC
Total African American Student Body: 6,717 Students
Percent Black or African American
83%
North Carolina Central University measures their success by their students’ achievements. They offer unique programs in place to mentor every student and provide the resources to enable academic and career success. NCCU ensures that their students are job ready from day one, post graduation.
#9 Southern University and A&M College
BATON ROUGE, LA
Total African American Student Body: 6,370 Students
Percent Black or African American
94%
Southern University and A&M College graduates now sit in the boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies, are successful entrepreneurs, educators, and work as scientists and engineers at major laboratories and industries around the world. SU is among the top producers nationally of African American students who earn undergraduate degrees in engineering and nursing.
#10 Morgan State University
BALTIMORE, MD
Total African American Student Body: 6,339 Students
Percent Black or African American
84%
Throughout its history, Morgan has served the community with distinction while meeting the educational needs of an increasingly diverse society. Students at MSU can choose from more than 40 bachelor’s, 30 master’s and 10 doctoral degree programs.
Further Reading: Cheapest Online Colleges, HBCU in Georgia