Best Affordable HBCUs

Established in 1851, the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is a public HBCU offering quality academics and a dedication to inclusivity. UDC is one of the most affordable historically Black institutions. Resident students pay just $324 per credit, while non-resident students pay more than twice that rate. Students hailing from the broader DC metro area have a reduced tuition rate.

UDC provides associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. The top five undergraduate majors include business management, psychology, computer science, mechanical engineering, and biology. UDC holds institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Founded in 1908, Morris College is a private HBCU based in Sumter, South Carolina. It is affiliated with the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina and ranks among the most affordable HBCUs. Students residing on campus pay about $24,000 in tuition. Meanwhile, the average tuition for a private college in the United States exceeds $35,000 per year. Morris students living off campus pay just over $16,000 annually.

Morris College offers an array of undergraduate degrees, including academic pathways in biology, Christian education, cybersecurity, business administration, and education. Morris serves just about 400 students and is accredited by the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

With a history dating back to 1876, Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) is the second oldest public institution in Texas. This HBCU serves over 9,000 students and stands out not only as an elite STEM institution but also as one of the most affordable HBCUs. Resident students — who make up about 90% of the student population — pay about $325 per credit, while out-of-state degree-seekers pay over $830 per credit.

PVAMU boasts an 18-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. This affordable HBCU is home to the ABET-accredited Roy G. Perry College of Engineering, which offers standout engineering undergraduate and graduate programs in civil, chemical, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering. PVAMU also boasts a deep catalog of professional connections as students look for internships and future employers.

Established in 1870, Allen University is a private institution based in Columbia, South Carolina, and affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Students at Allen University pay an annual tuition of about $13,000.

Most of Allen's student population — about 600 — are first-generation college students and eligible for Pell Grants. While Allen University offers academic specializations in areas from the natural sciences to their theological seminary, some of the school's most popular majors include business, biology, and social sciences. Allen University holds SACSCOC accreditation.

Bowie State University is a public HBCU in Maryland bordering Washington, D.C. Established in 1865, Bowie State is one of the oldest historically Black institutions in the country. It's also one of the most inexpensive — in-state tuition for Bowie State students is just shy of $6,000 per year, while non-resident students pay nearly $17,000 annually. 

Bowie State is part of the University of Maryland college system. It offers 29 bachelor's degree programs, 20 master's programs, and two doctoral programs. This affordable HBCU serves over 6,000 students annually and holds accreditation by MSCHE.

Formally established in 1968, but with a history dating back to 1871, LeMoyne-Owen College is a historically Black school based in Memphis, Tennessee. This private institution is affiliated with the United Church of Christ. LeMoyne-Owen is more than three times more affordable than the national average of private colleges, costing students less than $11,000 per year. 

Students enrolling at LeMoyne-Owen tackle both major coursework and a liberal arts curriculum covering culture, communication, and critical thinking. Popular majors include business administration, criminal justice, and social work. LeMoyne-Owen College holds SACSCOC accreditation.

Based in Houston and established in 1927, Texas Southern University is one of the largest and most prestigious historically black colleges in the nation. Texas Southern is a public research institution that boasts strong academics and research capabilities while still offering a reasonable tuition rate. Resident students pay about $5,200 per semester, while out-of-state degree-seekers pay about twice that amount.

Texas Southern serves over 8,000 students annually and offers an extensive roster of both undergraduate and graduate programs. Some of the school's most popular majors include biology, nutrition, and criminal justice. Texas Southern University holds accreditation from SACSCOC.

Established in 1865, Shaw University is based in Raleigh, North Carolina and is the oldest HBCU in the American South. Shaw is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches and serves over 1,000 students each year. One of the most affordable private HBCUs, Shaw boasts an annual tuition of just over $16,000.

Shaw is home to 25 undergraduate degrees. Popular majors include social work, divinity, and teacher education. Shaw also offers an extensive list of student activities, including service organizations, honor societies, and religious and social clubs. Shaw University holds accreditation from SACSCOC.

Bluefield State University is a public, West Virginia-based HBCU serving students since 1895. As one of only two HBCUs in West Virginia, Bluefield offers quality academics and a tuition rate, making it among the most affordable HBCUs. Resident undergraduate students pay $372 per credit, while non-residents pay $676. In recent years, 99% of Bluefield students received financial aid.

In addition to the school's affordability, Bluefield State offers an expansive list of more than 40 academic programs. Some of this school's most popular majors include nursing and education. Bluefield State University holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.