Top 10 HBCUs for Computer Science Programs
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Many African Americans have contributed significantly to the computer science field. If you're considering attending a historically black college or university (HBCU) and have an interest in computer science, you're in for exceptional faculty, diverse learning environments, and strong motivation to keep learning both in and out of the classroom.
HBCUs offer financial aid, including scholarships, and have helped launch the careers of 42% of Black engineers and 47% of Black women engineers. Students attending HBCUs have the opportunity to learn from dedicated Black educators in the field and learn vital skills to pursue diverse computer science careers.
What Is a Computer Science Program?
A computer science program teaches you to build proficiency in developing computers, networks, hardware, software, databases, and more. Computer science combines aspects of engineering, math, and science. If you're passionate about computers and love the idea of writing software, designing video games, or working in security, a computer science program could be right for you.
Graduates with computer science degrees work in careers from computer programming to software engineering or system analysis.
Why Attend an HBCU for a Career in Computer Science?
Diversity is important in promoting a growing, representative computer science community. Unfortunately, African Americans remain underrepresented in computer science. While African Americans made up 12.1% of the US population as of 2021, their representation in computer science is much less, with some estimates suggesting just 4.2% of computer scientists are African-American.
The importance of representation in computer science can't be over-emphasized. HBCUs are a good investment in building diversity and training qualified African Americans in highly-rated computer science programs for a competitive advantage after graduation.
Top 10 HBCUs for Computer Science
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University of the District of Columbia
Washington, DC - 4 years
- Campus
The University of the District of Columbia is the only public university in the U.S. capital and the nation's only urban land-grant university. UDC is committed to research, community service, and exceptional education.
The University of the District of Columbia's computer science program emphasizes research-oriented, hands-on learning. Students get access to the STEM Center for Research and Development is a valuable resource for computer science students.
UDC made the list for its affordable tuition and low student-to-faculty ratio, allowing students personalized learning.
Le Moyne-Owen College
Memphis, TN - 4 years
- Campus
LeMoyne-Owen College has stood the test of time, surviving the eras of race riots, yellow fever epidemics, Jim Crow laws, and segregation in Memphis. With the enduring vision of offering an excellent liberal arts education that transforms urban students, institutions, and communities, LeMoyne-Owen remains a trusted HBCU.
LeMoyne-Owen offers computer science and cyber defense degrees, preparing students for diverse careers. With tuition at the bottom 10% of costs compared to other colleges, LeMoyne-Owen College makes the list for affordable tuition, a low student-to-faculty ratio, and an equal split between female and male professors.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Shaw University
Raleigh, NC - 4 years
- Campus
Shaw University is a private liberal arts college associated with the Baptist Church and educational leaders. It was the first college in the nation to offer a four-year medical program. It is also the first HBCU to admit women and the first North Carolina HBCU to receive an “A” rating from the State Department of Public Instruction. In addition, Shaw is known for its tradition of activism and service.
Shaw's computer science department offers two bachelor's of science concentrations: general computer science or cyber operations for students who want to pursue cybersecurity. Shaw University makes the list of best HBCU for computer science programs for its inexpensive tuition compared to other private colleges, high online enrollment, and low student-to-faculty ratio.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Tougaloo College
Tougaloo, MS - 4 years
- Campus
Tougaloo College is a private HBCU in Jackson, Mississippi, known for creating graduates dedicated to lifelong learning, leadership, and service. Tougaloo College has a graduation rate of 53% and an acceptance rate of 56%, making it relatively easy to get into but showing that many students appreciate the education they receive.
Tougaloo College's computer science major prepares students for diverse careers related to computer science. Possible minors include cybersecurity, data science, and computer programming. Tougaloo College makes the list of best HBCU for computer science programs for its affordability and student outcomes, including its high graduation rate and small class sizes.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Rust College
Holly Springs, MS - 4 years
- Campus
Rust College is a senior liberal arts HBCU associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church located in the historic town of Holly Springs, Mississippi. It's known for exceptional programs in math, science, business, education, and the humanities. With an average class size of 20 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 12-to-1, Rust College offers students a personalized learning environment.
Rust College's Department of Science and Mathematics offers a popular bachelor of science degree in computer science. Rust College makes the list for small class sizes, excellent financial aid (96% of students receive financial aid), affordable tuition, and 40% online enrollment.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Texas College
Tyler, TX - 4 years
- Campus
Texas College, in Tyler, Texas, is an HBCU founded in association with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. It offers 12 bachelor's degrees, including a degree in computer science. The student-to-faculty ratio is higher than some on this list, with one faculty member for every 25 students.
The computer science degree prepares students for various careers, including computer programming, data science, software design, or cybersecurity. Texas College makes the list of best HBCUs for computer science programs for its affordable tuition.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Florida Memorial University
Miami Gardens, FL - 4 years
- Campus
Florida Memorial University offers strong STEM programs, including an excellent computer science program. It's the only HBCU in Florida dedicated to cultural diversity and transforming lives to help people from many races, ethnicities, countries, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Florida Memorial University's Department of Computer Science and Technology offers three bachelor of science degrees in information systems, computer science, or cyber security. FMU makes the list for its strong computer science department, modest tuition, low student-to-faculty ratio, and high retention rate.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Lane College
Jackson, TN - 4 years
- Campus
Lane College is a small, private, church-related liberal arts HBCU in Jackson, Tennessee. Established by the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, it offers students the option of a major or a minor in computer science.
Lane's computer science program aims to help students understand the principles of computer science, problem-solving, and effective design and apply them to computing systems. Lane College makes the list for affordable tuition, low student-to-faculty ratio, and high student retention rate.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Wilberforce University
Wilberforce, OH - 4 years
- Campus
Wilberforce University is the oldest private HBCU owned and operated by African Americans. Wilberforce University offers 21 academic concentrations and is consistently ranked highly as one of the best colleges in the Midwest region.
Wilberforce University's computer science degree programs include bachelor of science degrees in computer science, computer engineering, and information systems and management. Wilberforce University makes the list for its educational outcomes, affordable tuition, and low student-to-faculty ratio.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Benedict College
Columbia, SC - 4 years
- Campus
Benedict College, in Columbia, South Carolina, is known for its high-demand, nationally-ranked STEM programs, including cybersecurity and computer science degrees. Benedict College aims to offer students transformative learning experiences with high-quality academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities.
The School of Science and Engineering offers bachelor of science degrees in computer science, cybersecurity, and computer engineering. Coursework includes programming, digital logic, visual design, and simulation modeling.
Benedict College makes the list for affordability, highly ranked programs, and low student-to-faculty ratio. It also has the highest student retention rate of any option on this list.
ROI Value Score: Low
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Resources for Students in HBCU Computer Science Programs
In addition to the best HBCU for computer science programs, African American students pursuing computer science or STEM degrees have more resources available than ever before. From scholarships to professional organizations, you can find conferences, mentorship, and support you need to succeed. Here are good starting places:
Black Data Processing Associates
Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) aims to foster diversity in STEM by supporting Black students and professionals. African American students can apply for funding through the BDPA Education & Technology Foundation’s scholarships program to help pay for undergraduate tech degrees.
National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering
The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) aims to create an engineering workforce that reflects America's diversity. To achieve this, it partners with other organizations to offer scholarships, resources, and opportunities to students pursuing engineering degrees. You can search NACME's career center database for scholarships and corporate support.
National Society of Blacks in Computing
The National Society of Blacks in Computing (NCBC) aims to facilitate mentorship, networking, and career development opportunities for African American students seeking computing careers. You can find information about NCBC conferences and apply for scholarships on its website.
Code2040
Code2040 works to eliminate structural barriers to help African American and Latino/a people fully participate in the tech industry through media strategy, research, and evaluation. Code2040 offers a fellows program and an early-career accelerator to help more African Americans successfully launch careers.
National Society of Black Engineers
The 24,000-member National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) aims to help African-American students enter engineering and technology careers. NSBE offers events for everyone, from children to professionals. Students can find scholarships, academic support, job opportunities, and discounted conference registration through the NSBE website.
