Top 5 Online HBCU Colleges

Are you considering online programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)? HBCUs, established before 1964 primarily for African Americans facing racial discrimination in education, have evolved to offer inclusive online programs. These institutions provide a sense of belonging. Thanks to these advancements in technology, today it’s easy to find an HBCU with online programs. In this article, we’ll share our top 5 picks, so you can find the best online HBCU for you.

Article Navigation: What Should You Consider When Choosing an Online HBCU? | The 5 Top Online HBCU Colleges | What Is It Like Attending an Online HBCU? | Is Going to an Online HBCU Worth It? | Start Your HBCU Education Today!

What Should You Consider When Choosing an Online HBCU?

Accreditation and Quality Assurance

There are several things you should consider when you are trying to find the best HBCU with online degrees. First and foremost, you should find out if it’s accredited, and if so, by whom. For instance, there are both regional and national accreditations. There are many reasons why accreditation is important. First, having accreditation makes sure that the quality of the college meets certain standards. Attending an accredited college also means that both your future employers and other schools will recognize your degree. Choosing a college without accreditation might mean lack of financial aid availability. Fortunately, every college on Get Educated’s list is accredited.

Program Format, Cost, and Resources

When looking for the best online HBCU colleges, the second key factor is to check the programs they offer. Make sure they provide the degrees you aim to pursue. The third important aspect is to explore the resources available to students. Quality resources are vital as they offer additional support beyond regular classes, which might not be found elsewhere.

When attending online HBCU colleges, you’ll find a variety of helpful resources like online tutoring, large digital libraries, and thorough technical support. Also, consider the format of the online courses they offer. These colleges usually have different types, like synchronous (live, interactive classes), asynchronous (flexible, self-led study), or a mix of both. This variety accommodates different learning styles and schedules.

Lastly, in choosing HBCUs with online programs, think about the cost and available financial aid. Knowing this helps you determine if you can afford the program and plan for loan repayments after you graduate.

Top 3 Online Degrees for HBCU Students

So, what are HBCU students’ most popular majors? Let’s take a look at Business Administration, Psychology, and Criminal Justice – some of the top online degrees pursued. These fields open doors to exciting career paths and match the goals of this generation of HBCU scholars.

Business Administration

Business Administration is a top choice for students at HBCUs. This major gives students a broad understanding of the business world, including areas like management, marketing, and finance. It’s great for students who want a variety of career options, from starting their own business to leading companies. Online Business Administration programs at HBCUs not only teach the basics of business but also focus on cultural relevance and ethical business practices, preparing students for a diverse and interconnected global business scene.

Psychology

Psychology is a popular online major at HBCUs. It delves into how and why people think and behave the way they do. Students explore different fields of psychology, such as how people develop over their lifetime, mental health, and how people interact with others. This major is more than just learning theory; it’s about applying knowledge to help solve real-life problems. HBCU programs often add a unique perspective by focusing on cultural aspects, which is valuable for careers in counseling, research, and mental health.

Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice is a great choice for HBCU students, especially in an online setting. This major provides an in-depth look at the legal system, law enforcement, and corrections. It goes beyond the basics, encouraging critical thinking about social justice issues and the impact of crime on communities. HBCU programs uniquely blend this curriculum with cultural perspectives, particularly focusing on the African American experience with the justice system. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in law, public safety, and community advocacy, benefiting from the flexibility of online learning. This degree is not just educational; it’s a step towards meaningful change in society.

The 5 Top Online HBCU Colleges

If you’re considering an HBCU and wondering which HBCUs offer online degrees, here’s a list of the top 5 historically black colleges and universities that do. Let’s take a look at the unique programs, features, and educational resources that make these schools a top choice.

1. Howard University

   Howard University was founded on March 2, 1867, and it is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This university is one of the best HBCUs with online programs, and it offers doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degrees, as well as certificates. Their online degrees can be completed on Coursera, a website specializing in online courses. This university offers doctoral degrees such as Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Nontraditional Doctor of Pharmacy. For their master’s online HBCU programs, they have Master of Accountancy, Master of Applied Data Science and Analytics, and Master of Business Administration.

   Howard University also offers a few different types of resources, such as articles, e-journals, as well as libraries that you can browse freely online. Howard University offers online synchronous classes, as well as asynchronous assignments that you will have to complete on your own. You will be able to get access to your student dashboard on devices such as mobile, tablet, and desktop. Completing Howard University’s undergraduate HBCU online education programs at home would cost around $50,488 per year. In comparison, their graduate programs cost around $69,792 annually.

   If you’re looking for financial assistance, you can apply for financial aid at Howard University’s Office of Financial Aid’s website. You can also apply for the Gates Scholarship, which is a type of scholarship offered to low-income minorities who have just graduated from high school. If you need help with student support services, you can also contact Howard University’s Office of Student Services. As one of the best historically black colleges online, Howard University had a graduation rate of 60% as of 2021, with 75% of all graduate survey takers indicating that they’ve had success in finding a job after graduation.

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2. Jackson State University

   Jackson State University was founded on October 23, 1877, and it is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. This university is another excellent HBCU with online degrees, and it offers online undergraduate, graduate, specialist, and certificate degrees. For its undergraduate program, it offers degrees like Bachelor of Arts in History, Bachelor of Business Administration, and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Its graduate programs offer degrees such as Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts in History, and Master of Science in Early Childhood Education. As for their specialist programs, they offer degrees like Specialist in Education for School Counseling Concentration, Specialist in Education for Psychometry Concentration, and Specialist in Education for Special Education. And lastly, for their certificate programs, they offer degrees like Biostatistics Certificate, Epidemiology Certificate, and Disaster Preparedness & Community Resilience Among Vulnerable Populations Certificate.

   All these programs can be completed online at Jackson State University. The full-time tuition for both of Jackson State University’s undergraduate and graduate programs is at $4,135 per semester. If you wish to attend JSU and need financial aid, there are a few options. You can apply for scholarships, grants, and loans, or join a work program in order to get financial aid. Like other HBCU online colleges, Jackson State University also offers plenty of resources to help its online students, such as an online library. As one of the best HBCU colleges with online programs, Jackson State University values diversity and fosters an environment of varied perspectives and backgrounds.

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3. Hampton University

   Hampton University was founded on April 1, 1868, and it is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. This university is a great HBCU with online programs, offering many different degrees, such as certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s education specialist, and doctoral. They offer Applied Theology, Business Management, and General Studies for their associate programs. For their bachelor’s programs, they offer General Studies, Paralegal Legal Studies, and Religious Studies degrees. As for their master’s programs, they have degrees such as Master of Business Administration, Theological Studies or Worship Studies, and Pastoral Leadership and Executive Ministry.

   Students of Hampton University have access to all the resources to be expected from HBCU online colleges, such as MyCampus Portal, Infobase Learning, Blackboard, and Harvey Library.. Through Hampton University’s MyCampus Portal, students will have access to Gmail, Blackboard, as well as HUNet Administrative Services. As for their Infobase Learning platform, it contains over 60,000 different video tutorials on technology topics. Using Hampton University’s Blackboard, students are able to earn a variety of online degrees.

   The tuition for this university is about $26,198 per year for each student. There are currently around 2,814 undergraduates and 436 graduate students enrolled at Hampton University. The faculty-to-student ratio is at 13 to 1, and the average SAT score for enrolling students is 1062. Hampton University’s Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships provides various types of scholarships and loans for prospective students to apply. They offer a few types of government loans as well, with low interest rates, such as Federal Stafford, Perkins, Parent PLUS, and Grad PLUS loans. Hampton University also offers student services, such as tutoring assistance, counseling help, and disability services.

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4. Morgan State University

   Morgan State University has been around since 1867. This school is another excellent HBCU with online degree programs. It offers online degrees such as Masters in Business Administration, Masters in Project Management, Masters in Social Work, and Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership. It also offers certificate HBCU online programs like Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Project Management, and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Sustainable Urban Communities.

   Morgan State University offers various resources for its students like their Counseling Center, Memorial Chapel, and Health Center. This university’s Counseling Center offers support to aid the mental health and well-being of their students. Their Memorial Chapel offers support by discussing various faiths with its students. And finally, their Health Center helps with a wide range of wellness services. You will be able to attend classes online with your professor through their Zoom platform. Other items, like quizzes, assignments, and your grades, are accessible through the online CANVAS platform.

   The cost of Morgan State University’s online courses is $667 per credit for their Master of Social Work, and $834 per credit for their Master of Business Administration. Like other HBCU colleges online, Morgan State University encourages all students who are looking for financial aid to complete a FAFSA, which stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. FAFSA sets aside $150 billion each year to assist students in paying for college expenses. This university also offers many types of student support services like library, academic, disability, and career development services. It also boasts MSCHE accreditation.

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5. Winston-Salem State University

   Winston-Salem State University was founded on September 28, 1892, and it is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Another outstanding HBCU with online programs, it offers multiple online bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as a doctorate and a certificate degree. They offer a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a Bachelor of Science in Birth to Kindergarten Education. Graduate degrees include a Master of Healthcare Administration, a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling, and a Master of Science in Nursing Advanced Nurse Educator.

   Winston-Salem State University offers a variety of different resources, such as an online bookstore and library. They deliver their online courses using Blackboard, an online website. The cost for Winston-Salem State University’s undergraduate HBCU online programs is $114.90 per hour, while their graduate online programs are $189.80 per hour.

   If you’re looking for financial aid, Winston-Salem State University encourages you to apply for FAFSA to receive both grants and loan aid. While you won’t have to pay back grants, you will have to pay loans back eventually.

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What Is It Like Attending an Online HBCU?

There are several factors that differentiate online HBCU colleges from regular online non-HBCU colleges. One of those factors is that HBCU online schools are rich with cultural and historical context. Since HBCU colleges were created to primarily combat racial discrimination and segregation, students are able to surround themselves with others with similar backgrounds and cultures. Learning with others who have similar lifestyles can bring comfort to the students. Online HBCU schools also have a strong sense of community and networking, especially from their alumni associations, that helps younger students and support them along their way to success.

HBCU colleges are also a lot more affordable compared to non-HBCU colleges. On average, HBCU colleges cost 27% less than non-HBCU colleges. In other words, it’s a great fit for students with a tighter budget, and those who want to minimize their post-graduation debt. Additionally, if you’re attending HBCU colleges, you can also apply for scholarships from the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), and it’s an organization that provides scholarships for minorities that attend HBCU colleges. UNCF provides scholarships to around 60,000 students each year.

Another difference between online HBCUs and non-HBCUs is that studies have shown that African American students who graduated from HBCU colleges are more successful than those who graduated from non-HBCU colleges. For example, African American students who graduated from HBCU colleges feel like they are more prepared for their lives after college. They also feel more engaged when working, and are more likely to financially thrive. Last but not least, they are also more likely to outperform non-HBCU African-American graduates in becoming successful professionals, particularly in STEM fields. Courtney Gray, the founder of HBCU First, states, “The evidence is clear, HBCUs provide a better experience for Black students — academically and socially.”

Is Going to an Online HBCU Worth It?

In short answer, yes! Many employers view HBCU online degrees positively, due to the diversity and inclusion the graduates of those degrees bring to the workplace. An HBCU degree is also more valued in certain industries that have a higher focus on serving the African-American community. From 2016 to 2019, the hiring rate for graduates from HBCU colleges went up by an average of 5.9 percent per year, according to a report from LinkedIn. Employers who are looking for more diversity and inclusion in their organizations are also always looking to hire graduates from HBCU colleges.

However, there are several pros and cons to attending HBCU colleges. One of the advantages of going to HBCU colleges is that they often offer an inclusive and supportive environment for the students to learn in, due to their much smaller sizes compared to non-HBCU colleges. Another benefit to HBCU online degrees is that oftentimes they will offer a lot of career opportunities due to many of them having close relationships with many businesses and organizations in the area.

There are also a few disadvantages to enrolling in HBCU colleges. One of those disadvantages is that despite HBCU colleges being much cheaper to attend compared to non-HBCU colleges, they are also sometimes underfunded. This means that compared to non-HBCU colleges, HBCU colleges often suffer from a lack of resources. For online students, this translates into fewer opportunities for scholarships and grants, and often higher student loan debt.

Despite these challenges associated with enrolling in online HBCU colleges, it’s important to recognize the unique advantages these institutions offer. HBCUs provide an enriching educational environment, celebrate cultural heritage, and foster a strong sense of community and belonging. These benefits, coupled with more affordable tuition rates, make HBCUs a valuable choice for many students. The resilience of these institutions to overcome obstacles also demonstrates their commitment to offering quality education and empowering their students.

Start Your HBCU Education Today!

If you want to join an inclusive and diverse community, then enroll in an HBCU of your choice today. You’ll gain tons of knowledge from professors who know the importance of both personal and career advancement. By starting this journey today, you’ll embrace new opportunities, gain invaluable skills, and become part of a supportive network that will guide you throughout your career and life. So, don’t wait any longer. Enroll now, and earn your online HBCU degree today!