Top Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) for Online School
Online learning has made education more accessible for Black students pursuing higher education, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for culturally affirming spaces. That’s where Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) stand out — even in the virtual world. In this guide, we’ll explore why choosing an online HBCU is not just a smart educational decision, but also a meaningful investment in your future. You’ll discover the top 10 online programs, learn about what sets them apart, and get answers to common questions..
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Online LearningHigher EducationWhy Choose an HBCU for Your Online Education?
Even online, HBCUs bring unique benefits that support your academic success and cultural pride. Here are 5 compelling reasons to consider an HBCU for your online degree:
1. Supportive, Culturally Affirming Community
HBCUs create a sense of belonging that extends into online learning. Courses often feature faculty and peers who understand Black experiences, helping students feel seen and supported.
- Virtual mentorship programs and attentive instructors boost confidence and success.
- Curriculum often integrates Black history and perspectives, connecting you to culture even from home.
2. Strong Alumni Networks and Leadership Opportunities
HBCUs produce leaders. Consider that 40% of Black members of Congress, 50% of Black lawyers, and 80% of Black judges are HBCU grad.
- Alumni remain engaged through mentorship and networking.
- Online students can join virtual alumni events and employer pipelines.
- These connections open doors to internships, job referrals, and long-term professional growth.
3. Affordability and Financial Support
HBCUs are often more affordable than non-HBCUs and excel at helping students secure aid.
- Many offer lower tuition rates and institutional scholarships.
- Some public HBCUs waive out-of-state tuition for online learners.
- Financial aid counselors work closely with students to reduce debt.
4. Career Outcomes and Upward Mobility
Data shows that an HBCU degree pays off. United Negro College Fund (UNCF) data shows that HBCU grads earn 56% more in lifetime income than peers from non-HBCUs.
- 1 in 3 HBCU students from low-income families move into the top 60% of earners.
- Employers value HBCU grads for resilience, leadership, and cultural awareness.
- Programs embed career readiness through internships, networking, and mock interviews.
5. Legacy, Pride, and Mission-Driven Education
Choosing an HBCU means joining a legacy of Black excellence.
- Students report higher satisfaction with the quality and relevance of their education.
- Courses and events highlight social justice, leadership, and community uplift.
- You graduate with not just a degree, but deeper purpose and cultural connection.
Top 10 HBCUs for Online Students
Which schools offer the best online HBCU programs? Here are 10 accredited HBCUs known for strong online degrees, student support, and career outcomes:
North Carolina A&T State University (NC A&T)
NC A&T is the nation’s largest HBCU and a leader in online education. This public research university offers 10 fully online bachelor’s programs and 10 online graduate programs, including master’s and even doctoral degrees across disciplines. Furthermore, they have 3 online certificate options as well.
The cost of attendance for North Carolina residents is $120 per credit hour, for both continuing and incoming students. For out of state students, the price will land at $588 per credit hour.
Online students at NC A&T will receive the same access to support services as on-campus students, working with faculty that strives to help you succeed.
Hampton University (Hampton U Online)
A prestigious private HBCU in Virginia, Hampton University brings its “Standard of Excellence” to the online arena. Hampton’s online division offers programs at every level – certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and even doctoral degrees.
Hampton’s online courses blend flexibility with personal attention – class sizes are kept small, and professors and advisors are readily available via email or video meetings. As a private institution, tuition is around $26,000/year for undergraduates, and Hampton offers robust financial aid and scholarships. Military and veteran students also get dedicated support.
Admissions require submission of transcripts and sometimes an essay, and transfer credits are accepted for many programs. Student services for online Hampton student include digital library access, IT help desk, and career planning assistance.
North Carolina Central University (NCCU Online)
NCCU is a public HBCU that offers a variety of accredited undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs with convenience and prestige.
As part of the UNC system, NCCU provides high-quality instruction and rigorous curricula, whether you study online or in person. The online format is flexible – you can often study asynchronously – making it ideal for working professionals or parents finishing a degree. Each online student is assigned an academic advisor, and faculty are known to be responsive mentors.
Tuition for NC residents sits at around $3,728 for in-state undergrad tuition.
Jackson State University
JS is a top-tier public HBCU in Mississippi that delivers a robust online education through JSU Online. JSU Online features a wide range of programs: you can complete undergraduate degrees like the B.A. in History, B.B.A. in Business Administration, or B.S. in Criminal Justice entirely online.
At the graduate level, offerings include the MBA, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Public Health, Master of Social Work, and even Education Specialist (Ed.S) programs in areas like school counseling.
The online courses are designed by the same departments that teach on campus, ensuring academic rigor. The university offers virtual tutoring, advising, and tech support to online learners.
Tuition is relatively affordable as JSU is a public institution, with costs currently at about $385 per credit for undergrad course. Financial aid and scholarships (including some for adult learners) are available.
Southern University and A&M College
Southern University in Baton Rouge – flagship of the only HBCU university system – offers its rich educational tradition through Southern University Online. The university provides several accredited fully online degree programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Online learners have access to a host of support services: you can do remote registration, get academic advisement via video or phone, and tap into career services for help with resumes or job hunting.
Southern is a public 4-year university, with online tuition typically based on in-state rates at approximately $4,973 per semester for a full-time load, though out-of-state online students often qualify for e-rate tuition.
Notably, Southern has a proud history as a land-grant HBCU and is big on community uplift – a value that comes through in classes that often tie theory to real-world issues in Black communities.
Albany State University
Albany State University (ASU) is a public HBCU in Georgia that has become a standout choice for online learners as the largest HBCU in Georgia and the 10th largest HBCU in the U.S. Students can choose from 20 online programs ranging from associate to graduate degrees.
For example, ASU offers online bachelor’s degrees in Business Management, Criminal Justice, Nursing (RN-BSN), and Fire Services Administration, to name a few. At the graduate level, you’ll find options like the Master of Public Administration and Master of Education in Early Childhood Education. Each online student is assigned an Academic Success Coach.
In terms of cost, ASU is very affordable: it’s a public university with online tuition roughly in line with regular in-state tuition, and Georgia residents may use HOPE scholarships toward online study. Out-of-state online students can often get special e-tuition rates.
The admission process for online programs is the same as on campus. Transfer students with prior credits are welcome.
Florida A&M University
Florida A&M University (FAMU) is an elite public HBCU that offers undergraduate and graduate programs via distance learning with a balance of asynchronous convenience and community engagement.
Notably, FAMU’s MBA and public health programs have earned national recognition for their quality and focus on minority health issues. Classes are taught by FAMU’s distinguished faculty, many of whom are researchers and practitioners.
FAMU’s tuition for Florida residents at the undergraduate level is about $5,785 per year; out-of-state is higher, but some online programs offer reduced out-of-state fees. Financial aid is plentiful –being an HBCU, FAMU has access to UNCF scholarships and other funds for Black students.
Professional advising is available for online majors, and career services provides virtual career fairs and mock interviews.
Morgan State University
Morgan State University in Baltimore is a distinguished public HBCU (and Maryland’s designated urban research university) that offers a cutting-edge selection of online degree programs. Morgan’s online portfolio spans bachelor’s, master’s, and even doctoral programs.
Morgan made headlines by launching an online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Community College Leadership and a Doctor of Social Work (DSW), allowing professionals to attain the highest credentials online.
You’ll learn from experts and benefit from a university that regularly wins research grants (meaning up-to-date curriculum). As an online student, you can access writing centers, tech support, and library resources virtually.
Morgan State’s in-state tuition is about $8,000 per year, with out-of-state online rates being close to in-state rates for certain programs.
Delaware State University
DSU offers one of the most comprehensive online lineups among HBCUs, making it a top pick for online students who want lots of program choices and flexibility.
On top of undergraduate degree options, DSU offers two doctoral programs fully online: a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership and a Doctor of Social Work (DSW).
DSU’s tuition for online programs is competitive – as a mid-sized public university, they aim to keep it affordable, and they participate in NC-SARA for state authorization. Financial aid applies to online programs just as it would on campus.
Enrolling at DSU means you’ll join a diverse student body (as student enrollment is ~30% non-Black) and a campus community that is mission-driven and supportive.
Texas Southern University
Texas Southern University (TSU) in Houston is one of the largest HBCUs and has embraced online education through its TSU Online programs, also ranking as #1 in Texas in degrees awarded to African American students.
TSU Online provides several fully online degree options designed to meet the needs of busy adults while maintaining academic excellence. At the undergraduate level, TSU offers 100% online undergraduate and graduate programs like B.S. in Healthcare Administration, B.A./B.S. in General Studies, eMBA (Executive MBA), eMPA (Executive Master of Public Administration), and more.
Support for online learners includes a help desk, online library access, and virtual academic advising. TSU provides flexible payment plans, and out-of-state students can enroll freely as Texas is part of NC-SARA.
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FAQs from Prospective HBCU Students
Q: Are online degrees from HBCUs respected by employers and grad schools?
A: Yes. Accredited online HBCU degrees carry the same weight as on-campus credentials. Employers and grad schools respect the rigor and legacy of HBCUs.
Q: Can non-Black students enroll in online HBCU programs?
A: Absolutely. About 24% of HBCU students are non-Black, and all students benefit from the supportive environment and culture.
Q: Will I receive the same level of support and community as an online HBCU student?
A: Yes. Online learners receive advising, tutoring, career services, and access to student organizations. Many schools assign online students success coaches. For example, Albany State gives each online enrollee an academic success coach to guide them.
Outside of class, you can join student organizations or attend virtual events. Career services at HBCUs are very engaged – they might host online networking nights or resume workshops. Even online, you’re likely to develop close connections with instructors who care about your success.
Q: How do financial aid and tuition work for online HBCU programs?
A: Financial aid for online programs works much like it does for traditional programs. You’ll fill out the FAFSA and be eligible for federal aid (Pell Grants, student loans). Many HBCUs also offer institutional scholarships, employer tuition assistance options, and UNCF awards.
Q: Will I still get the “HBCU experience” if I study online?
A: Yes, you’ll still be part of the HBCU community and culture. Through culturally relevant coursework, virtual events, and alumni networks, you’ll still share in the pride, values, and community of HBCUs.