The Center on Education in the Workforce has ranked and released data from 4,500 colleges and universities by return on investment (ROI).
The team at Best Universities has whittled down the data to present Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with the best ROI and Best Value.
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Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are institutions of higher education in the United States that were established before 1964 with the primary mission of educating black students. While only majority-black institutions founded before 1964 qualify as HBCUs, HBCUs are anything but history. They are vibrant, diverse, and innovative communities that fall into many categories.
Some HBCUs are public research universities that make advancements in areas ranging from medicine to agriculture, while others are elite liberal arts colleges that prepare students for graduate study and professional careers.
HBCUs have a common mission of supporting minority students and empowering them to reach their full potential, regardless of their religious or secular background.
HBCUs have been a vital part of the American education system for over 150 years. They have a proven track record of success and are necessary to close the education, health, wealth, and economic gaps in our country. HBCUs were founded to educate newly freed slaves and continue to serve this important function today. Despite limited resources, discrimination in funding, and inadequate facilities, they have produced many leaders and achieved great success.
This ranking of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) highlights institutions that define black excellence.
Top 30 HBCU by Highest ROI
| Rank | Institution |
| 1 | Alabama A & M University |
| 2 | Alabama State University |
| 3 | Miles College |
| 4 | Oakwood University |
| 5 | Stillman College |
| 6 | Talladega College |
| 7 | Tuskegee University |
| 8 | Arkansas Baptist College |
| 9 | Philander Smith College |
| 10 | University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff |
| 11 | Howard University |
| 12 | University of the District of Columbia |
| 13 | Delaware State University |
| 14 | Bethune-Cookman University |
| 15 | Edward Waters College |
| 16 | Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University |
| 17 | Florida Memorial University |
| 18 | Albany State University |
| 19 | Clark Atlanta University |
| 20 | Fort Valley State University |
| 21 | Morehouse College |
| 22 | Paine College |
| 23 | Savannah State University |
| 24 | Spelman College |
| 25 | Kentucky State University |
| 26 | Dillard University |
| 27 | Grambling State University |
| 28 | Southern University and A & M College |
| 29 | Southern University at New Orleans |
| 30 | Xavier University of Louisiana |
Top 5 Best Value HBCU
The “Best Value” was determined by finding HBCUs with a low net price and offering a high ROI.
Schools included on this list must provide a
- Net Price less than $10,000
- Median 10-year earnings over $33,000
Schools are ranked by the lowest to the highest net price.
Elizabeth City State University
- Net Price: $2,350
- Median 10-year Earnings: $35,274
- ROI Rank: 43
- Graduation Rate: 41%
Elizabeth City State University is a historically black university in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The university was founded in 1891 as a teacher training school for African Americans. Today, the university offers more than 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
ECSU offers online undergraduate and graduates degree programs that are affordable and accessible 24/7, making it easy to fit your education into your busy schedule.
ECSU offers online degree completion programs and online degree programs at the undergraduate level and an online degree program at the graduate level.
These online programs provide the same quality and accreditations as their classroom programs, but with more flexibility to fit your schedule.
The net price for this school is $2,350. The median 10-year earnings for this school is $35,274. The ROI rank for this school is 43. The graduation rate for this school is 41%.
Fayetteville State University
- Net Price: $5,899
- Median 10-year Earnings: $36,409
- ROI Rank: 44
- Graduation Rate: 35%
Fayetteville State University is a historically black university located in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business, education, performing and fine arts, health sciences, criminal justice, social work, and more.
FSU offers online degree completion programs that are high quality, flexible, and affordable. These programs provide the same quality education and accreditations as our traditional campus programs.
The net price for this school is $5,899. The median 10-year earnings for a graduate of this school are $36,409. This school has a rank of 44 for return on investment. The graduation rate for this school is 35%.
Kentucky State University
- Net Price: $7,076
- Median 10-year Earnings: $34,717
- ROI Rank: 25
- Graduation Rate: 22%
Kentucky State University is a historically black university located in Frankfort, Kentucky. It was founded in 1886 and in 1926 the school became the Kentucky State Industrial College for Colored Persons.
Kentucky State University Online offers seven online degree programs, which provide rigorous learning opportunities from distinguished professors.
Kentucky State University offers many online courses which count towards every degree or certificate. KSU offers over 50 online classes each semester. You can supplement the coursework you are taking by taking online courses or earning a degree fully online.
The net price for this school is $7,076 and the median 10-year earnings are $34,717. The ROI rank for this school is 25 and the graduation rate is only 22%.
Southern University at New Orleans
- Net Price: $7,632
- Median 10-year Earnings: $33,900
- ROI Rank: 29
- Graduation Rate: 23%
Southern University At New Orleans was founded in 1956 and is located in New Orleans, Louisiana. The university has a long and distinguished history, and currently has more than 1,600 students enrolled. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as a variety of sports and activities.
SUNO Online offers high-quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs. These degree programs are perfect for busy adults, former students who need a personalized degree plan, and students who want to get ahead.
The net price for this school is $7,632. The median 10-year earnings for a graduate of this school are $33,900. This school has a rank of 29 for return on investment. The graduation rate for this school is 23%.
Lincoln University
- Net Price: $7,830
- Median 10-year Earnings: $34,731
- ROI Rank: 36
- Graduation Rate: 24%
Lincoln University is a Historically Black College and University. It was founded in 1854 in Lincoln, Pennsylvania. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields.
Lincoln University offers over 150 online courses in a variety of disciplines that can be tailored to fit your needs.
The net price of this school is $7,830. The median 10-year earnings for a graduate of this school are $34,731. This school has a rank of 36 for return on investment. The graduation rate for this school is 24%.
Data Table
Below, you will find a sortable table featuring the top 50 four-year HBCUs ranked by highest to lowest ROI.
