Most Affordable and Cheapest HBCU Programs

Are you interested in attending a historically Black college but worry about funding? We’ve highlighted the 10 most affordable HBCUs.

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Updated August 7, 2023

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The most affordable HBCUs cost just a fraction of the national average tuition for schools in the U.S.
HBCUs have a rich history, with many dating back to the end of the Civil War.
Just because these HBCUs are affordable doesn’t mean you won’t need financial aid.

Education at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) holds immense value. HBCUs provide a culturally enriched environment and foster a sense of belonging and support for students in higher education.

An added bonus? Many HBCU programs come with a relatively affordable price tag.

These institutions have a deep legacy of nurturing leaders and empowering communities while offering rigorous academic programs and personal and professional connections. Students graduating from HBCUs are linked to a historical lineage that includes names like Oprah, Vice President Kamala Harris, Spike Lee, Toni Morrison, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Thankfully, though, you don’t need Oprah-level cash to enroll at an HBCU. We’ve weighed the quality and affordability of both public and private HBCUs on this list, so we’re confident you can find a great school within your budget. Keep reading as we spotlight ten of the most affordable HBCUs.

10 Most Affordable and Cheapest HBCUs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

Affordability (30%)
Student outcomes (30%)
Reputation (20%)
Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

University of the District of Columbia

Washington, DC4 yearCampus

$5,292

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,144

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

22%

Online Enrollment

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).

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,234

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,748

Retention Rate

71%

Students Enrolled

3,725

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,292

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,144

University of the District of Columbia

Washington, DC4 yearCampus

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,292

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,144

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

22%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,234

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,748

Retention Rate

71%

Students Enrolled

3,725

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Morris College

Sumter, SC4 yearCampus

$13,420

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,420

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

100%

Online Enrollment

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).

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

36%

Students Enrolled

395

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,420

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,420

Morris College

Sumter, SC4 yearCampus

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,420

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,420

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

100%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

36%

Students Enrolled

395

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Prairie View A&M University

Prairie View, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$7,253

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$22,552

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

76%

Acceptance Rate

95%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,096

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,316

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

9,248

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,253

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,552

Prairie View A&M University

Prairie View, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,253

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,552

Acceptance Rate

76%

Online Enrollment

95%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,096

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,316

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

9,248

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Allen University

Columbia, SC4 yearCampus

$12,540

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,540

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

65%

Acceptance Rate

100%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,100

Retention Rate

50%

Students Enrolled

705

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,540

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,540

Allen University

Columbia, SC4 yearCampus

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,540

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,540

Acceptance Rate

65%

Online Enrollment

100%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,100

Retention Rate

50%

Students Enrolled

705

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Bowie State University

Bowie, MD4 yearCampus

$5,647

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$16,338

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

81%

Acceptance Rate

99%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,614

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,762

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

6,250

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,647

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,338

Bowie State University

Bowie, MD4 yearCampus

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,647

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,338

Acceptance Rate

81%

Online Enrollment

99%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,614

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,762

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

6,250

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

LeMoyne-Owen College

Memphis, TN4 yearCampus

$10,776

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,776

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

64%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

48%

Students Enrolled

654

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,776

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,776

LeMoyne-Owen College

Memphis, TN4 yearCampus

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,776

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,776

Acceptance Rate

64%

Online Enrollment

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

48%

Students Enrolled

654

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Texas Southern University

Houston, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$6,941

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$19,707

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

66%

Acceptance Rate

72%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,767

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,824

Retention Rate

51%

Students Enrolled

7,015

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,941

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,707

Texas Southern University

Houston, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,941

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,707

Acceptance Rate

66%

Online Enrollment

72%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,767

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,824

Retention Rate

51%

Students Enrolled

7,015

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Shaw University

Raleigh, NC4 yearCampus

$11,808

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,808

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

71%

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,404

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,404

Retention Rate

67%

Students Enrolled

1,283

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,808

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,808

Shaw University

Raleigh, NC4 yearCampus

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,808

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,808

Acceptance Rate

71%

Online Enrollment

57%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,404

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,404

Retention Rate

67%

Students Enrolled

1,283

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Bluefield State College

Bluefield, WV4 yearCampus + Online

$7,488

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,352

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

90%

Acceptance Rate

82%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

60%

Students Enrolled

1,243

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,488

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,352

Bluefield State College

Bluefield, WV4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,488

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,352

Acceptance Rate

90%

Online Enrollment

82%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

60%

Students Enrolled

1,243

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

How to Afford an HBCU Education

Just because some HBCUs come with affordable tuition doesn’t mean that your degree isn’t a serious investment of both time and money. Continue reading as we spotlight how you can cut costs and more comfortably afford your HBCU education.

Students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what financial aid they qualify for.

Scholarships

A scholarship is a type of financial aid awarded to students based on various criteria, including:

Financial need
Athletics
Academics
Public service

Scholarships can cover educational expenses such as tuition, books, and housing. Thankfully, there’s a long list of scholarships for HBCU students. For help getting scholarships, reach out to prospective schools’ financial aid offices for more HBCU facts and information.

Grants

A college grant is a monetary award provided by organizations, institutions, or government agencies to support specific academic projects for students. It can help by providing funding for research, community initiatives, and education, helping recipients pursue their goals and make a positive impact in their respective fields.

One type of federal grant is the Pell Grant, which helps students based on their financial need.

Student Loans

A student loan is money students borrow to finance educational expenses. Loans can help you afford college while covering tuition, books, and living costs. Properly managed, student loans can expand access to higher education. However, excessive debt can lead to financial stress, credit issues, and delayed financial milestones.

Work-Study

Work-study programs offer part-time employment to students, typically on campus, while they pursue their degrees. Their earnings help cover educational expenses, providing both practical experience and financial assistance. While not always the case, work-study opportunities can align with your field of study or interest.