The Best HBCUs in Virginia

Founded in 1868 as an agricultural and industrial school, today Hampton University, a private institution, represents more than 3,200 students hailing from 52 countries. As of 2023, the school offers seven associate degrees, 50 bachelor's degrees, 25 master's degrees, and nine doctoral programs.

Located near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, the leafy campus offers a wide spectrum of activities like homecoming, the Black history extravaganza, and Greek life. Popular clubs include Model United Nations, the Muslim Students Association, the National Black MBA Association, and the Student Union Board, among others.

Hampton University provides campus-based and online learning opportunities, making it easy to find the right educational balance based on your learning needs. You can also take advantage of several international learning experiences offered throughout the academic year and summer.

Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia, started in 1935. Today, the institution serves just over 5,200 learners. Students can choose from degrees at every academic level, from associate degrees to doctoral programs. Approximately half of all students live on campus. 

After enrolling, you can choose from more than 100 campus-based student organizations, including fraternities and sororities, honors societies, music clubs, and special-interest organizations. The university also has an active cheerleading squad, with several opportunities for experienced students to join the Spirit Program.

If you plan to commute to the school and live off-campus, the school provides a commuter lounge with access to services and a place to hang out between classes. You can also enjoy the Spartan Game Zone, which includes six billiards tables, one ping-pong table, video games, board games, and card games.

Founded in 1865, months after the Union Army took over Richmond at the end of the Civil War, Virginia Union University started as a private Baptist college. Originally designed to prepare students for ministry, today, the school offers 25 different undergraduate degrees in areas such as biological and biomedical sciences, communication and journalism, philosophy and religion studies, and public administration and social service.

The bustling student center is home to a wide variety of registered student organizations, sororities and fraternities, and the popular Undergraduate Student Government Association and Graduate Student Council. 

The school also provides the Office of Study Away, which focuses on organizing trips for international study regardless of learners' financial status. The university also organizes an annual homecoming to bring alumni together and instill community. VUU was recently selected as one of nine HBCUs to partner with the Historic Fund, which provides capital funding to help provide and grow endowments.

Founded with 126 students and seven faculty members in 1884, Virginia State University has grown substantially in the nearly 140 years since its inception. During the 2022-23 year, the institution enrolled more than 4,600 learners, 73% of whom hail from Virginia.

The institution offers six fully online degrees and certificates. The top six undergraduate majors at the school include psychology, criminal justice, biology, management, health and physical education, and computer science.

Students can currently select from nearly 100 clubs and organizations, as well as the popular Trojan Explosion Marching Band. Those looking to build leadership skills can choose from activities such as the Trojan Leadership Program or the Student Government Association. Learners preparing for graduation can also find support from the campus career services, which also provides internship connections.