Top 10 HBCU Nurse Practitioner Programs

Nurse practitioners are in high demand. Attending an HBCU to earn your masters in nursing offers many benefits. Learn more by reading this guide.

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Updated October 18, 2024

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Studying to become a nurse practitioner (NP) offers a career in a highly paid and in-demand medical specialty. Nurse practitioners earned, on average, $128,490 a year in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Not only that, but the field is growing. The BLS projects a 45% growth in nurse practitioner positions through the year 2032, a gain much higher than most other occupations.

Attending a top historically Black college or university (HBCU) adds status to your degree while offering an important focus on caring for patients from historically excluded backgrounds.

Students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC) might also feel more welcome at an HBCU. Read on to learn more about NP programs at HBCUs and the benefits they offer graduates.

What Is a Nurse Practitioner Program?

Nurse practitioner programs, also called master of science in nursing programs, are graduate nursing degrees. While in school, nurse practitioner students choose a patient focus, such as family nurse practitioner, pediatric care, or women’s health. Like doctors, NPs can diagnose patients and prescribe treatment.

As a result of their specialized training, nurse practitioners are qualified for many positions, including:

Women’s health nurse practitioner
Family nurse practitioner
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
Healthcare administration
Clinical education

You can attend both in-person and online nurse practitioner programs.

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2023 Top HBCU Nurse Practitioner Programs

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

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

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Tallahassee, FL
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University provides a completely online nurse practitioner program. FAMU offers two tracks for students: adult medical care and women's health. The school prioritizes flexibility and encourages you to build a class schedule that works for you.

Unlike other programs requiring 57 credits, FAMU only asks you to complete 42 credits. Though the school requires fewer credits, FAMU doesn't cut any corners for education quality. Admission requirements include at least a 3.0 GPA, a GRE score of at least 300, and a personal statement.

98%

Online Enrollment

$ 8,019

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

85%

Retention Rate

$22,108

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 33%

Students Enrolled: 9,184

Institution Type: Public

Howard University

Washington, DC
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Perhaps one of the most well-known HBCUs, Howard University's nurse practitioners program values flexibility. Howard's program is completely online and allows students to enroll either full time or part time. The school offers two tracks for nurse practitioner students: family nurse practitioner (FNP) and nurse educator (NE). The NE track is a great choice if you want to teach in clinical and educational settings. The FNP track might be better if you enjoy patient assessment and care.

Howard's MSN program prepares graduates to provide comprehensive patient care. Admission requirements include a bachelor of science in nursing, at least a 3.0 GPA, and a registered nurse license. You must also have clinical work hours.

33%

Online Enrollment

$32,248

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

90%

Retention Rate

$32,248

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 39%

Students Enrolled: 10,859

Institution Type: Private

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, NC
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Fayetteville State University offers an online master of science in nursing: patient safety and quality degree. Graduates of Fayetteville's MSN program can hold positions in hospital administration, including:

Quality improvement coordinator
Nursing director/administrator
Patient safety coordinator

If you enroll full time, you can complete Fayetteville's program in two years. To apply, you need a bachelor of science in nursing, at least a 3.0 GPA, and three recommendation letters.

91%

Online Enrollment

$ 3,438

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

66%

Retention Rate

$14,503

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 79%

Students Enrolled: 6,726

Institution Type: Public

Hampton University

Hampton, VA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Hampton University's master of science in nursing program offers many focus areas. You can specialize in administration, education, or as a family nurse practitioner. In addition to its MSN program, Hampton University also has a doctor of philosophy in nursing program.

Hampton University highlights that graduates of its program are well prepared to serve their communities with comprehensive and inclusive medical knowledge. Admission requirements include two letters of recommendation and a personal statement.

11%

Online Enrollment

$13,099

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

72%

Retention Rate

$13,099

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 36%

Students Enrolled: 3,516

Institution Type: Private

Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem, NC
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Winston-Salem State University offers two tracks for nurse practitioner students: family nurse practitioner and advanced nurse educator. The program values flexibility and allows you to enroll full time or part time. If you study full time, the program takes two years to finish. You'll have six years to finish the program if you study part time. WSSU's program proudly provides students with one-on-one attention and support.

Admission requirements include a personal statement outlining your experience and interest in the program.

95%

Online Enrollment

$ 3,872

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

77%

Retention Rate

$13,987

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 73%

Students Enrolled: 5,169

Institution Type: Public

Prairie View A & M University

Prairie View, TX
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Prairie View A&M offers a variety of options for nurse practitioner students. You can specialize in education, administration, and family nurse practitioner. The program emphasizes the importance of patient care and patient advocacy. The school prides itself on producing nurse practitioners who can care for both the patients' minds and bodies.

Application requirements include official transcripts, three recommendation letters, and a nursing license.

95%

Online Enrollment

$ 5,096

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

74%

Retention Rate

$14,316

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 76%

Students Enrolled: 9,248

Institution Type: Public

Bowie State University

Bowie, MD
4 year
Campus
Accredited

Bowie State University's master of science in nursing program lets you specialize as a family nurse practitioner or nurse educator. The MSN program is a member of Bowie State's award-winning Center for Natural Sciences, Mathematics & Nursing. Bowie State graduates learn holistic and culturally inclusive medical care.

Admission requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA, official transcripts, and a registered nurse license. You must also provide three recommendation letters.

99%

Online Enrollment

$ 7,614

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

77%

Retention Rate

$12,762

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 81%

Students Enrolled: 6,250

Institution Type: Public

Albany State University

Albany, GA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Albany State University offers a variety of specialization options within its master of science in nursing program. You can choose from the family nurse practitioner track, nurse educator track, or nurse informatics track. Graduates of Albany State University's program can work in careers like:

Clinical instruction
Staff development
Family nurse practitioner

If you're interested in Albany State University's MSN program, you must first be admitted to the graduate division. After being admitted to the graduate division, you can apply to the MSN program. Admission to the graduate division does not guarantee admission to the MSN program.

64%

Online Enrollment

$ 3,438

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

74%

Retention Rate

$13,716

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 73%

Students Enrolled: 6,509

Institution Type: Public

Southern University and A & M College

Baton Rouge, LA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

The master of science in nursing program at Southern University lets you specialize in nursing administration, nursing education, or family nurse practitioner. The school also offers a doctor of philosophy in nursing, focusing on women and children's health. Southern University serves the most minority family nurse practitioners in the nation.

Admission requirements include but are not limited to:

A bachelor of science in nursing degree
A minimum 3.0 GPA
A Louisiana registered nursing license
GRE scores
Three letters of recommendation

72%

Online Enrollment

$5,336

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

60%

Retention Rate

$5,336

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 43%

Students Enrolled: 6,917

Institution Type: Public

#10

Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

The master of science in nursing program at Tennessee State University provides family nurse practitioner and holistic nursing specializations. The program prioritizes flexibility and provides both online and in-person study options. In addition, you can study full time or part time.

TSU's nurse practitioner program has a 93% employment rate. Admission requirements include at least a 3.0 GPA, a bachelor of science in nursing, and a registered nurse license. You also need clinical practice hours.

52%

Online Enrollment

$ 9,276

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

64%

Retention Rate

$19,752

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Students Enrolled: 7,615

Institution Type: Public

Why Attend an HBCU Nurse Practitioner Program?

HBCU nurse practitioner programs provide immense educational value to students. HBCU nurse practitioner programs are academically rigorous and offer an important focus on caring for minority patients. This emphasis on inclusive medical care sets HBCUs apart from other nurse practitioner programs.

National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing research reveals that, in predominantly white nursing programs, many BIPOC students report feeling unwelcome. HBCUs provide the supportive educational environment that BIPOC students need to thrive. In addition, HBCUs have powerful alumni and career networks.

An NP program can also lead to a fulfilling and in-demand career. Job offers at the time of graduation are high for NP students, according to survey data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Eighty-two percent of masters of science in nursing graduates had job options at the completion of their schooling. That number rose to a staggering 95% some four to six months after graduation.

The salaries for NPs are also higher than average. The lowest paid NPs and their counterparts in similar medical specialties earned around $95,530 a year in 2023, according to the BLS. The top 10% of earners in this category saw salaries as high as $211,820.

Nurse practitioners seem to enjoy their employment and stay with their career. Many NPs have been practicing for an average of 9 years, according to the 2022 National Nurse Practitioner Workforce Survey.

Additional Resources for Students in HBCU Nurse Practitioner Programs

Applying to graduate school can be an exciting and overwhelming process. The resources below offer support and clarity as you work toward the next steps in your educational career.

– FAFSA: You must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive federal funding for your education.
– In addition to the FAFSA, you can apply for grants and scholarships through outside institutions like The American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
– Career resources provide key information about nursing salary expectations and possible career options available to nurse practitioners.
– Mental health resources offer important wellness tools that help you to thrive.

Networking resources, like the ENP Network, offer nurse practitioners the ability to connect with other NPs nationwide.

Professional organizations like the American Association of Nurse Practioners (AANP) can also play an instrumental role in supporting your career. The AANP, boasting a membership of 120,000, offers support, education, training, and networking opportunities to recent graduates and career professionals.