6 Best HBCUs in Louisiana

Considered the best HBCU in Louisiana, Southern University is the flagship institution of the Southern University System, the nation's only public HBCU system with five campuses. SU features seven undergraduate colleges. At the Nelson Mandela College of Government and Social Sciences, you can major in criminal justice, sociology, or social work. Graduate students can choose between a traditional and executive Ph.D. in public policy.

SU's robust athletics department lets you explore options beyond baseball, basketball, and football. University varsity sports include track and field, golf, and volleyball. The school also offers intramural sports, such as dodgeball and bowling. In addition, SU is well-known for its marching band, The Human Jukebox. They gained worldwide attention when they were invited to participate in the Rose Bowl Parade in 2020.

SU's nine residence halls allow many opportunities for communal living. You can live with one roommate in a traditional dormitory or with 5-7 learners in a university apartment. After filling your mind in class, fill your stomach in one of the 15 dining halls, restaurants, or fast food locations.

Complement your SU education by exploring all that Baton Rouge offers. A short walk or car ride takes you to museums, craft breweries, and live entertainment.

With just over 3,000 students, Xavier University of Louisiana is one of the top HBCUs in the country. This private institution offers small class sizes and recognized programs in STEM and health sciences. Xavier is the nation's only Catholic HBCU, but it welcomes learners from all religious backgrounds. A required core curriculum ensures that you graduate with transferable skills. 

Xavier's College of Arts and Sciences offers undergraduate majors in the fine arts, education, and physical sciences. The College of Pharmacy's combined bachelor's/Pharm.D. program trains you for a well-paying career in less time than if you earned these degrees separately. Pharmacy students can start or finish their education at one of four partner HBCUs, including Dillard.

You can find community outside of class by exploring Xavier's many student organizations, such as the African Student Union, Industry Pharmacists Organization, and Minority Association of Pre-Health Students. The Experience Xavier website advertises upcoming on- and off-campus events. 

New Orleans residents enjoy much more than the famous Mardi Gras celebration. The city hosts cultural festivals weekly and offers dozens of top dining destinations.

Grambling State University opened its doors in 1901 to African Americans preparing for a career in industry or agriculture. The school became a bachelor's degree-granting institution in 1944 and gained accreditation in 1949. Today, Grambling educates over 5,000 learners from 37 states and 27 countries.

The university has five colleges, including the E.L. Cole Honors College. You can qualify by earning a 3.5 GPA and submitting three recommendation letters. Becoming an honors student can help you access smaller classes, experiential learning opportunities, and research seminars. 

Grambling's location in rural Louisiana makes the campus the focus of student life. You can rush for a fraternity or sorority, join a regional association, or reaffirm your faith through religious gatherings. If you need to leave campus, Grambling's free shuttles can take you to nearby retailers, banks, and healthcare centers.

Before the Southern University Law Center opened in 1947, African Americans in Louisiana could not earn a law degree due to the state's racial segregation laws. The first SULC graduates made significant contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. In the 21st century, the university continues its mission to prepare a diverse student body for careers in law. 

Academic opportunities at this HBCU in Louisiana include a combined JD/MBA program and graduate certificates in public and tax law. The traditional JD program requires classes in family law, legal analysis and writing, and the lawyering process. You also receive in-depth instruction in Louisiana civil procedure and the state's bar examination. 

You can enhance your education by interning at a local law office, joining the SULC Law Review, or developing your courtroom skills in Moot Court. You can also network with peers and potential employers through the Business Law Society or the Criminal Law Society.

Although founded in 1930, Dillard University, a private HBCU, traces its history to New Orleans schools that educated formerly enslaved persons after the Civil War. In 2023, the university had over 1,200 enrollees. Students enjoy a low 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and can collaborate with peers from 33 states and 12 countries.

Your academic journey at Dillard begins by selecting a major in one of nearly two dozen fields, including chemistry, music, and social work. Dillard's University College program helps you navigate your first days on campus with skill-building and semester-planning seminars. 

When not exploring New Orleans, make the most of campus life by joining student government, a fraternity, or the Dillard Activities Board (DAB). DAB members organize the annual homecoming celebration and weekly movie nights. The Dillard campus also offers student support services, such as mental health counselors, tutors, and religious advisors.

In the 1940s, African American leaders in New Orleans called on the state to build a Black public college within the city limits. That call to action became a reality in 1959 with the opening of the Southern University at New Orleans. Despite facing many challenges, including the devastation from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, SUNO offers a thriving learning environment and ranks highly in many areas. 

SUNO offers one associate and over a dozen bachelor's degree programs in fields that include psychology, public administration, and computer information systems. Graduate students can major in one of six areas, such as criminal justice or social work. In some programs, you may be able to study in an online, asynchronous format. 

Unlike the other best HBCUs in Louisiana, SUNO sponsors an eSports league. Participants can win grants and scholarships by competing against other schools. Other on-campus student organizations include the Collegiate Black and Christian, the Royal Jewels Dance Team, and the Forensic Science Honor Society.