Best HBCUs for Health Science Majors

Discover the top HBCUs for health science majors. Learn about unique benefits, specialized programs, and opportunities to succeed in healthcare careers while prioritizing diversity and community.
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Published on April 18, 2023
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A health science degree is a great option if you want to help people and work in healthcare. It will give you a good grasp of the industry's scientific, social, and ethical aspects. You'll also gain the skills you need to succeed as a healthcare worker.

If you're considering attending an HBCU with a health science major, you'll want to think about several factors, like cost and how experienced and talented the faculty is. You'll also want to research how well other students have done at the school and what relationships it has with employers that recruit HBCU talent.

The value of an HBCU education also includes the advantage that the student and faculty bodies will be mostly Black — a rarity in academia outside of HBCUs — which lifts diverse perspectives. It also prepares you to work in a variety of communities.

The top six HBCUs with health science majors are Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Howard University, Spelman College, Oakwood University, Tuskegee University, and Lincoln University.

What Is a Health Science Degree?

A health science degree prepares you for a variety of careers in healthcare and related fields, such as public health, healthcare management, and medical research. Example careers include:

  • Doctor, physician's assistant, nurse practitioner, or nurse
  • Registered dietitian or health educator
  • Physical or occupational therapist
  • Pharmacy sales representative or patient care advocate

Why Attend an HBCU for Health Science?

HBCUs with health science majors offer supportive environments that center the experiences of Black and other underrepresented students. This can create a strong sense of community and belonging, which is important for academic success and personal growth.

In addition, HBCUs have specialized programs that address health disparities in underserved communities, allowing you to do meaningful research. Graduating with an HBCU education can also give you a valuable alumni network that can provide mentorship and connections.

Finally, many HBCUs that offer health science majors are top schools. This means that the faculty, curriculum, and opportunities they have can get you the best possible return on your educational investment.

2023 HBCUs With Health Science Majors

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

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#1 Best HBCUs for Health Science Majors

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

  • Tallahassee, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in Tallahassee, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is a mid-sized, top-ranked school known for both its academics and its HBCU athletics. The school puts racial and cultural awareness front and center in both academics and student life.

Its School of Allied Health Sciences has five departments: Cardiopulmonary Science, Healthcare Management, Health Informatics and Information Management, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy. 

In addition, FAMU's College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is one of the top-ranked programs in the country. The university's School of Nursing is also highly respected. 

FAMU is public, less expensive (for in-state residents), and has small class sizes.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,152
Out-of-state
$14,524
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,019
Out-of-state
$22,108
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
33%
Students Enrolled
9,184
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
98% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best HBCUs for Health Science Majors

Howard University

  • Washington, DC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences at Howard University in Washington, D.C. — a world-famous institution — offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing, dentistry, and occupational therapy. It is known for its emphasis on racial equity and social justice, which is reflected in its curriculum.

The nursing program at this top-ranked research-driven HBCU is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. And you can continue your education all the way to the doctoral level at this school. The allied health sciences programs include majors in clinical laboratory science, radiation therapy, and health management. 

Classes are smaller at this private, mid-sized university, meaning you'll get personalized attention from faculty.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$26,464
Out-of-state
$26,464
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$32,248
Out-of-state
$32,248
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
39%
Students Enrolled
10,859
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
33% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best HBCUs for Health Science Majors

Spelman College

  • Atlanta, GA
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia is one of the top liberal arts colleges for women in the country, a compelling HBCU fact. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 

The private school's health science major has several specialization areas, including biology, biochemistry, environmental health, and public health. With a focus on the non-medical factors that influence health, Spelman will teach you how to identify inequality in health settings, as well as show you how to reduce it. 

Small class sizes mean you get individual attention from faculty, while the school's commitment to cultural diversity ensures that you can get your education in an intentionally inclusive environment.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$25,942
Out-of-state
$25,942
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
89%
Acceptance Rate
53%
Students Enrolled
2,207
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best HBCUs for Health Science Majors

Oakwood University

  • Huntsville, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama is a Seventh-Day Adventist school, so you will receive a faith-based education at this HBCU. Its School of Nursing and Health Professions has four departments: Allied Health, Health & Human Science, Nursing, and Nutrition & Dietetics. 

The university has the prestige of being the fifth-ranked producer of Black students who apply to medical schools. In addition to small class sizes, Oakwood's program is known for giving specialized attention to each HBCU student, in alignment with its mission. 

Oakwood also emphasizes ethical and compassionate care. It focuses on preparing you to provide patient-centered care that promotes the health and well-being of individuals and communities. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$18,974
Out-of-state
$18,974
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,680
Out-of-state
$13,680
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
1,374
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
81% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best HBCUs for Health Science Majors

Tuskegee University

  • Tuskegee, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Tuskegee University is a private HBCU located in Tuskegee, Alabama — the only one in the country with a National Center for Bioethics in Research and Healthcare location. It's ranked as one of the best HBCUs and is one of the oldest nursing schools to offer a bachelor's degree in the U.S.

The School of Nursing & Allied Health (SONAH) at Tuskegee offers you many undergraduate and graduate degree programs with small class sizes in areas such as nursing, occupational therapy, and public health. 

SONAH is well-regarded for its commitment to caring for diverse rural populations.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$19,594
Out-of-state
$19,594
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$20,378
Out-of-state
$20,378
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
61%
Students Enrolled
2,747
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
0% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best HBCUs for Health Science Majors

Lincoln University

  • Lincoln University, PA
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Situated in Southeast Pennsylvania, Lincoln University prides itself on being the first HBCU to award college degrees. Its Health Sciences Department is outspoken about the fact that Black Americans face more health disparities than white Americans and has made it its mission to close the gap. 

Lincoln offers both bachelor of science and arts degrees in health science, preparing you for grad school. You can also get a pre-licensure bachelor of science in nursing, which can be difficult to come by at HBCUs.

Lincoln University is known for its cheaper tuition for Pennsylvania residents and small class sizes.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,026
Out-of-state
$13,396
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,106
Out-of-state
$17,636
Retention Rate
71%
Acceptance Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
2,077
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
97% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Additional Resources for Students in HBCU Health Science Programs

These resources are designed to support your academic and career goals in the health sciences. They provide various services and programs, such as training, mentorship, job boards, and financial aid advice.

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund: This fund offers scholarships, internships, and career development opportunities for those interested in health science programs.

The National HBCU Health Sciences Consortium: This nonprofit organization provides you with resources and opportunities, including training programs, internships, and research grants.

The National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education: This nonprofit advocates for policies that address the challenges faced by HBCUs, including access to financial aid and STEM education.

HBCU Connect: This is a social networking platform that connects you to alumni and professionals from HBCUs. It provides a community for networking, job opportunities, and mentorship.

HBCU Lifestyle: This hub provides you with information on HBCUs, including their health sciences programs, and gives admissions and financial aid advice.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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