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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In this Article

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

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.

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Tallahassee, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$8,019

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$22,108

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

33%

Acceptance Rate

98%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,152

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,524

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

9,184

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,019

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,108

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Tallahassee, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,019

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,108

Acceptance Rate

33%

Online Enrollment

98%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,152

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,524

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

9,184

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Howard University

Washington, DC4 yearCampus + Online

$32,248

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$32,248

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

39%

Acceptance Rate

33%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$26,464

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,464

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

10,859

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$32,248

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,248

Howard University

Washington, DC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$32,248

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,248

Acceptance Rate

39%

Online Enrollment

33%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$26,464

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,464

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

10,859

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$3,438

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,503

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

79%

Acceptance Rate

91%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$2,982

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,590

Retention Rate

66%

Students Enrolled

6,726

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,438

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,503

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,438

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,503

Acceptance Rate

79%

Online Enrollment

91%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$2,982

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,590

Retention Rate

66%

Students Enrolled

6,726

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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.

Hampton University

Hampton, VA4 yearCampus + Online

$13,099

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,099

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

36%

Acceptance Rate

11%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$26,198

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,198

Retention Rate

72%

Students Enrolled

3,516

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,099

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,099

Hampton University

Hampton, VA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,099

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,099

Acceptance Rate

36%

Online Enrollment

11%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$26,198

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,198

Retention Rate

72%

Students Enrolled

3,516

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$3,872

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,987

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

73%

Acceptance Rate

95%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,401

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,648

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

5,169

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,872

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,987

Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,872

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,987

Acceptance Rate

73%

Online Enrollment

95%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,401

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,648

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

5,169

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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

Prairie View A & M University

Prairie View, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$5,096

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,316

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

76%

Acceptance Rate

95%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,253

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,552

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

9,248

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,096

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,316

Prairie View A & M University

Prairie View, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,096

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,316

Acceptance Rate

76%

Online Enrollment

95%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,253

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,552

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

9,248

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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

Bowie State University

Bowie, MD4 yearCampus

$7,614

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,762

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

81%

Acceptance Rate

99%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,647

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,338

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

6,250

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,614

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,762

Bowie State University

Bowie, MD4 yearCampus

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,614

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,762

Acceptance Rate

81%

Online Enrollment

99%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,647

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,338

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

6,250

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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

Albany State University

Albany, GA4 yearCampus + Online

$3,438

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,716

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

73%

Acceptance Rate

64%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,064

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,786

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

6,509

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,438

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,716

Albany State University

Albany, GA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,438

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,716

Acceptance Rate

73%

Online Enrollment

64%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,064

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,786

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

6,509

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Clinical instruction
Staff development
Family nurse practitioner

Southern University and A & M College

Baton Rouge, LA4 yearCampus + Online

$5,336

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,336

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

43%

Acceptance Rate

72%

Online Enrollment

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

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,973

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$4,973

Retention Rate

60%

Students Enrolled

6,917

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,336

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,336

Southern University and A & M College

Baton Rouge, LA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,336

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,336

Acceptance Rate

43%

Online Enrollment

72%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,973

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$4,973

Retention Rate

60%

Students Enrolled

6,917

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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

#10

Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN4 yearCampus + Online

$9,276

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$19,752

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

52%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,854

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,574

Retention Rate

64%

Students Enrolled

7,615

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,276

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,752

Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,276

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,752

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

52%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,854

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,574

Retention Rate

64%

Students Enrolled

7,615

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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.

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