HBCU Graduation Rates

Historically Black Colleges (HBCUS)

Top 10 HBCUs by Graduation Rate (IPEDS)

Top HBCUs by Graduation Rate

Based on the latest IPEDS 6‑year graduation rate data from the U.S. Department of Education.

1. Spelman College — 76% Graduation Rate

Atlanta, GA • Private

Popular Majors: Biology, Psychology, Economics, Political Science, English

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Photo: Broadmoor, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2. Howard University — 64% Graduation Rate

Washington, DC • Private

Popular Majors: Business, Biology, Communications, Political Science, Nursing

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Photo: Derek E. Morton, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

3. Hampton University — 58% Graduation Rate

Hampton, VA • Private

Popular Majors: Business, Nursing, Biology, Aviation, Journalism

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4. Morehouse College — 55% Graduation Rate

Atlanta, GA • Private

Popular Majors: Business, Biology, Psychology, Political Science, Economics

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5. Xavier University of Louisiana — 55% Graduation Rate

New Orleans, LA • Private

Popular Majors: Pharmacy, Biology, Chemistry, Business, Psychology

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Photo: Xavier University of Louisiana, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

6. North Carolina A&T State University — 53% Graduation Rate

Greensboro, NC • Public

Popular Majors: Engineering, Business, Agriculture, Computer Science, Journalism

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Photo: Cewatkin, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

7. Florida A&M University — 53% Graduation Rate

Tallahassee, FL • Public

Popular Majors: Pharmacy, Journalism, Engineering, Business, Education

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Photo: Porkn305, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

8. Tuskegee University — 52% Graduation Rate

Tuskegee, AL • Private

Popular Majors: Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, Business, Biology, Agriculture

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Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

9. Morgan State University — 50% Graduation Rate

Baltimore, MD • Public

Popular Majors: Engineering, Business, Architecture, Communications, Biology

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Photo: Stephreef, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

10. Delaware State University — 48% Graduation Rate

Dover, DE • Public

Popular Majors: Business, Aviation, Biology, Criminal Justice, Education

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Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Graduation rate data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 6‑Year Graduation Rate Survey.

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Historically Black Colleges (HBCUS)

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North Carolina A & T State University

North Carolina A & T State University has excelled not only academically but in growth as the nations largest HBCU with 15,275 students.

Academic Staff 900 | Total Students 15,275 | Undergratuate Students 13,257 | Post Graduate Students 2,018

HBCU Graduation Rates

Why they matter, what they reveal, and how they connect to long-term student success.

Understanding HBCU Graduation Rates

HBCUs play a vital role in American higher education, producing graduates in STEM, education, business, and public service.

Graduation rates help students and families evaluate academic quality, institutional support, and long-term outcomes.

  • Academic support systems
  • Financial aid availability
  • Campus culture and engagement
  • Institutional resources
  • Student demographics and socioeconomic factors

Top HBCUs by Graduation Rate

Students often search graduation rates to identify schools with strong academic outcomes and supportive campus environments.

Institutions with stronger completion rates often share key traits:

  • Strong freshman retention
  • High-quality advising
  • Robust financial aid
  • Supportive campus communities
  • Career and graduate school pathways

Highest Graduation Rates at HBCUs

Higher graduation outcomes are often found at institutions with stronger resources, scholarship support, and academic investment.

Public HBCUs also show strong success, particularly in STEM, teacher education, and health sciences.

  • Effective academic preparation
  • Strong faculty engagement
  • Student satisfaction
  • Successful support programs

HBCU College Graduation Statistics

Graduation data provides insight beyond percentages and highlights long-term outcomes.

  • Nearly 25% of Black STEM graduates
  • Over 50% of Black public school teachers
  • Nearly 40% of Black engineers
  • Strong representation in law, medicine, and leadership

These outcomes show HBCUs deliver strong value even when institutional resources differ.

Best HBCUs for Student Success

Graduation rates are one factor, but student success includes retention, opportunity, and support.

  • Academic program strength
  • Internship and career placement
  • Financial aid and affordability
  • Alumni mentorship
  • Leadership development
  • Culturally affirming environments

Why Graduation Rates Matter

These numbers help students compare institutions, understand support systems, and evaluate long-term value.

For educators and policymakers, they highlight funding needs, strengths, and areas for improvement.

For HBCUs, improving graduation rates supports their mission to educate, empower, and uplift communities.

What Graduation Rates Mean for Students

Graduation rates should guide decisions—not determine them alone.

  • Academic interests
  • Campus environment
  • Scholarships and support programs
  • Location and size
  • Career goals

HBCUs offer mentorship, belonging, and cultural strength that extend far beyond statistics.

Final Thoughts on HBCU Graduation Rates

Graduation rates provide meaningful insight into student success, but the true value of HBCUs includes legacy, mentorship, leadership development, and transformative educational opportunity.It is important to know college graduation rates including the Top 10 HBCUs by Graduation Rate.

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HBCU Graduation Rates - Black College Students

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