Where you live can really affect how much you pay for college, especially if you’re considered an “in-state” student. Luckily, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are in more than 25 states, giving local students a chance to go to college for a lot less money. In this article we list HBCUs ordered from the cheapest to the most expensive based on in-state tuition rates.
St. Philip’s College
- Location: San Antonio, TX
- Institution type: 2-year, public
- In-state tuition: $2,376
St. Philip’s College, established in 1898 in San Antonio, Texas, is one of the oldest community colleges in the state and a key institution within the Alamo Colleges District. With a commitment to accessibility and community service, the college offers diverse academic programs, including associate degrees and certificates in liberal arts, sciences, health sciences, business, and applied technologies.
Elizabeth City State University
- Location: Elizabeth City, NC
- Institution type: 4-year, public
- In-state tuition: $3,327
As part of the University of North Carolina System, Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs spanning business, education, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences.
Home to the ECSU Vikings, the university competes in NCAA Division II sports within the Central colIegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). Beyond academics and athletics, ECSU emphasizes community engagement, contributing to local outreach and research initiatives, thereby maintaining its role as a dynamic institution dedicated to education and service.
Southern University at Shreveport Louisiana
- Location: Shreveport, LA
- Institution type: 2-year, public
- In-state tuition: $4,789
Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA) is a public community college in Shreveport, Louisiana, offering a diverse range of academic and technical programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training. SUSLA prioritizes career and technical education, providing practical skills for the local workforce of the Shreveport community.
Southwestern Christian College
- Location: Terrell, TX
- Institution type: 4-year, private
- In-state tuition: $5,035
Southwestern Christian College (SWCC) is a private Christian college in Terrell, Texas, affiliated with the Churches of Christ. Established in 1948, the college has a history of providing Christian education, particularly for African-American students. Offering undergraduate programs in liberal arts, Bible studies, education, and business administration, SWCC integrates Christian values into academic learning.
University of the Virgin Islands
- Location: Charlotte Amalie, VI
- Institution type: 4-year, public
- In-state tuition: $5,235
The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), established in 1962, is a public university with campuses in St. Thomas and St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. UVI is also a land-grant institution engaged in research, extension services, and community outreach. The Buccaneers, UVI’s athletic teams, compete in the USCAA.
Harris-Stowe State University
- Location: St. Louis, MO
- Institution type: 4-year, Public
- In-state tuition: $5,484
Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU), established in 1857 is a 4-year, public institution located in St. Louis, Missouri.Fayetteville State University
- Location: Fayetteville, NC
- Institution type: 4-year, public
- In-state tuition: $5,694
Established in 1867, FSU has a rich history and has evolved into a comprehensive institution within the University of North Carolina System. The campus features a mix of modern and historic buildings, providing students with a dynamic learning environment. The university offers various undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines such as arts and sciences, business and economics, education, and health and human services.
Savannah State
- Location: Savannah, GA
- Institution type: 4-year, Public
- In-state tuition: $5,902
Savannah State University (SSU), established in 1890, is a prominent historically black university in Savannah, Georgia, and part of the University System of Georgia. SSU is recognized for its commitment to African-American education. The university’s maritime program stands out, providing degrees in marine science, business administration, and environmental science. With a lively campus life, SSU hosts various student organizations and competes in NCAA Division II sports.
Winston-Salem State University
- Location: Winston-Salem, NC
- Institution type: 4-year, public
- In-state tuition: $6,276
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), founded in 1892, is a public university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. WSSU offers diverse undergraduate and graduate programs, including liberal arts, business, health sciences, education, and STEM fields. WSSU’s athletic teams, the Rams and Lady Rams, compete in NCAA Division II sports in the CIAA.
North Carolina A&T University
- Location: Greensboro, NC
- Institution type: 4-year, Public
- In-state tuition: $6,733
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University (NC A&T) is a prominent public, historically black research university in Greensboro, North Carolina. Founded in 1891, NC A&T boasts a rich legacy as a land-grant institution focusing on agriculture, science, and technology. NC A&T offers diverse programs, excelling particularly in engineering and research.
The university competes in NCAA Division I athletics as part of the MEAC. Known for notable alumni –like Jesse Jackson, and Taraji P. Henson– and contributions to various fields, NC A&T continues to play a significant role in higher education and research.
Central State University
- Location: Wilberforce, OH
- Institution type: 4-year, Public
- In-state tuition: $6,996
Central State University (CSU) is a historically black university in Wilberforce, Ohio, founded in 1887. As a land-grant institution, it contributes to agricultural research and extension services. With a focus on STEM education, the university fosters a vibrant campus life through student organizations and activities. CSU has received recognition for academic programs and community contributions. The Marauders, CSU’s athletic teams, compete in NCAA Division II sports.
North Carolina Central University
- Location: Durham, NC
- Institution type: 4-year, Public
- In-state tuition: $6,722
North Carolina Central University (NCCU), established in 1910 in Durham, North Carolina, is a public historically black university. NCCU is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and impactful research initiatives. NCCU’s athletic teams, the Eagles and Lady Eagles, compete in NCAA Division I sports.
Denmark Technical College
- Location: Denmark, SC
- Institution type: 2-year, public
- In-state tuition: $7,056
Denmark Technical College (DTC), founded in 1947 is a historically black community college situated in Denmark, South Carolina. The college focuses on providing technical and career education, offering associate degree programs and certificates in fields such as business, health sciences, and engineering technology.
Mississippi Valley State University
- Location: Itta Bena, MS
- Institution type: 4-year, Public
- In-state tuition: $7,911
Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) is a public university in Itta Bena, Mississippi, founded in 1950. MVSU offers various undergraduate and graduate programs. In sports, MVSU competes in NCAA Division I as the Delta Devils and Devilettes.
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
- Location: Pine Bluff, AR
- Institution type: 4-year, Public
- In-state tuition: $8,398
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) is a historically black university founded in 1873, located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. UAPB offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as agriculture, business, education, health sciences, and STEM. The Golden Lions, UAPB’s athletic teams, compete in NCAA Division I sports in the SWAC.
Bluefield State University
- Location: Bluefield, WV
- Institution type: 4-year, Public
- In-state tuition: $8,784
Bluefield State College (BSC) is a public college in Bluefield, West Virginia, with a history dating back to 1895. BSC offers diverse undergraduate and graduate programs in fields like business, engineering technology, health sciences, education, and liberal arts.
Kentucky State University
- Location: Frankfort, KY
- Institution type: 4-year, Public
- In-state tuition: $8,800
Kentucky State University (KSU), founded in 1886, is a historically black university located in Frankfort, Kentucky. As a public institution, KSU is dedicated to providing quality education with a commitment to diversity. Operating as a land-grant university, KSU focuses on research, extension services, and community outreach, particularly in agricultural and technical education.
The Thorobreds and Thorobrettes, KSU’s athletic teams, compete in NCAA Division II sports. The university emphasizes STEM education and provides a vibrant campus life with various student organizations and activities.
Tennessee State University
- Location: Nashville, TN
- Institution type: 4-year, Public
- In-state tuition: $9,012
Tennessee State University (TSU), established in 1912, is a distinguished public historically black university in Nashville, Tennessee. As a land-grant institution, TSU offers a diverse array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across disciplines like liberal arts, education, engineering, business, health sciences, and agriculture.
Coppin State University
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Institution type: 4-year, Public
- In-state tuition: $9,056
Coppin State University (CSU) is a historically black university located in Baltimore, Maryland, established in 1900. Actively engaged in community outreach, the university collaborates with local organizations to address social and economic issues. The Eagles, CSU’s athletic teams, compete in NCAA Division I as members of the MEAC.
West Virginia State University
- Location: Institute, WV
- Institution type: 4-year, Public
- In-state tuition: $9,164
West Virginia State University (WVSU), established in 1891, is a historically black university located in Institute, West Virginia. As a land-grant institution, it focuses on research, extension services, and community outreach, particularly in agricultural and technical education. The Yellow Jackets, WVSU’s athletic teams, compete in NCAA Division II sports.
Rust College
- Location: Holly Springs, MS
- Institution type: 4-year, Private
- In-state tuition: $9,900
Rust College, established in 1866 in Holly Springs, Mississippi, is a private historically black liberal arts college with a focus on providing higher education to African American students. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the college offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs in liberal arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and business. The Bearcats, the college’s athletic teams, compete in the NAIA.
Jarvis Christian College
- Location: Hawkins, TX
- Institution type: 4-year, Private
- In-state tuition: $10,400
Jarvis Christian College, established in 1912 in Hawkins, Texas, is a private historically black Christian college. The college’s commitment to Christian principles further adds a unique dimension to the academic experience, creating a supportive atmosphere that values both intellectual and moral growth.
Beyond the classroom, Jarvis Christian College offers a range of extracurricular activities, providing students with opportunities to engage in leadership roles, community service, and cultural enrichment.
Prairie View A & M University
- Location: Prairie View, TX
- Institution type: 4-year, Public
- In-state tuition: $11,299
Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) is a public historically black university in Prairie View, Texas, established in 1876. As part of the Texas A&M University System, PVAMU offers diverse undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong emphasis on STEM education.
Tougaloo College
- Location: Tougaloo, MS
- Institution type: 4-year, Private
- In-state tuition: $11,398
Tougaloo College, founded in 1869 in Tougaloo, Mississippi, is a private historically black liberal arts college. Known for its commitment to providing a well-rounded liberal arts education, the college has a significant legacy in social justice and civil rights activism.
Edward Waters University
- Location: Jacksonville, FL
- Institution type: 4-year, Private
- In-state tuition: $14,878
Edward Waters College, established in 1866 in Jacksonville, Florida, is a private historically black college known for its commitment to higher education. The college offers diverse undergraduate programs that prepare students for leadership roles. The college’s athletic teams, the Tigers, compete in the NAIA.
