The idea of applying to HBCUs with high acceptance rates where your chances of getting in is as high as 95% can seem very appealing. Therefore, the money spent applying to multiple schools would reduce tremendously.
But what is the cheapest HBCUs to attend? Which colleges have the highest acceptance rates? And why is Howard the hardest HBCU to get into? This guide will answer these questions and more, so you can confidently apply to the HBCU that’s right for you.
HBCUs with high Acceptance rates include Miles College, Langston University, and Morris College. These schools have an acceptance rate of 100%. Others with acceptance rates of 90% and above are Jackson State University, Virginia State University, Bluefield State College, etc.
Not only are these schools easy to get into, but they also provide quality education to their students at an affordable cost.
What is the Meaning of HBCU?
HBCUs are historically black colleges and universities that were founded before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to serve the black community. Even though HBCUs are now open to all students, they remain dedicated to educating and empowering black and minority students.
HBCUs provide a distinctive college experience that is based on tradition and community. If you want to feel like you are part of a family, an HBCU might be the appropriate option for you.
Your professors will recognize you when they see you because these colleges often have small class sizes.
The drawback is that many HBCUs do not provide online courses or foster extracurricular activities among students on campus.
Top HBCUs with High Acceptance Rates
| HBCUs | Acceptance Rates | Graduation Rates |
| Langston University | 100% | 13% |
| Morris College | 100% | 30% |
| Miles College | 100% | 23% |
| Virginia State University | 96% | 38% |
| Bluefield State College | 90% | 33% |
| Lincoln University of Pennsylvania | 90% | 46% |
| Jackson State University | 90% | 45% |
Honorable Mention
- Selma University
- Bethune-Cookman University
- Grambling State University
- West Virginia State University
HBCUs with High Acceptance Rates You Should Apply To
Langston University
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Location: Langston, Oklahoma
- Undergraduates enrolled in 2020: 1,900
- Graduation rate: 13%
Located in Oklahoma, Langston University is a public HBU that was founded in 1897. It is one of the nation’s oldest historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs with high acceptance rates).
With an acceptance rate of 100%, the school is less selective and has an open admissions policy, meaning that anyone who meets the minimum requirements for admission is welcome to apply.
Plus, it is an HBCU with no application fee, making it easy and affordable to apply. In addition, all of its academic programs are taught by full-time faculty members. Langston University’s services are also top-notch; they offer career counseling services, financial aid assistance, and study abroad opportunities.
Langston University ranks #94-122 best regional universities west, according to US News and World report. It is one of the most affordable HBCUs in the country with a $12,384 average cost after aid.
Miles College
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Location: Fairfield, Alabama
- Undergraduates enrolled in 2020: 2,500
- Graduation rate: 23%
Miles College is one best HBCUs with high acceptance rates. Located in Fairfield, Alabama, Miles College is a private, historically black college that was founded in 1898.
The institution provides a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees. It has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 2,500 in the fall of 2020. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited Miles College.
Miles College has an acceptance rate of 100% and does not charge an application fee. To apply, complete the online application form or download the form from their website. You must submit the following documents:
1) A high school transcript
2) Official SAT or ACT scores (both are accepted)
3) Standardized test scores
4) Letter of recommendation
ALSO READ: Top HBCUs With no Application Fee
Morris College
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Location: Sumter, South Carolina
- Undergraduates enrolled in 2020: 1,123
- Graduation rate: 30%
Morris College is sited in Sumter, South Carolina, but enrolls students from all over the country, creating a culturally diverse community.
General studies, business administration, education, religion, humanities, and social sciences, as well as natural sciences and mathematics, are among the academic programs offered by the college.
Additionally, there are lots of ways for students to get involved on campus, such as clubs, as well as a bustling student center with pool tables, a lounge, and a snack bar.
Virginia State University
- Acceptance rate: 96%
- Location: Petersburg, Virginia
- Undergraduates enrolled in 2020: 5,000
- Graduation rate: 38%
Virginia State University is a public research institution and part of the historically black Colleges and universities (HBCUs) located in Petersburg, Virginia. In 1882, VSU was created as the Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute.
The acceptance rate is 96%, and the school has a robust Engineering college accredited by the ABET. The Computer Science program and Computer Engineering Program (B.S.) produce graduates dominating the various field.
VSU offers over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs. In fall 2020, there is an enrollment of over 5,000 students. It uses a semester-based academic calendar.
Students can participate in athletics through National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), Eastern Intercollegiate Basketball League (EIBL), and East Coast Athletic Conference member organizations (ECAC).
Virginia State University ranks as the #84 Best Regional Universities South and also listed as the HBCUs with high acceptance rates.
Bluefield State College
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- Location: Bluefield, West Virginia
- Undergraduates enrolled in 2020: 1,243
- Graduation rate: 30%
Bluefield State College is part of West Virginia’s public education system with a four-year academic system. Founded in 1895 as the Bluefield Colored Institute – for African-Americans living west of the Allegheny Mountains providing access to higher education after slavery.
Since its inception, Bluefield State College has maintained its commitment to providing high-quality, open-access education that is not limited to people of a particular race or ethnicity. More than 60 undergraduate degree programs and 7 graduate degree programs are available at the institution.
According to recent rankings from U.S. News & World Report, Bluefield State College is among the top HBCUs with high acceptance rates in the nation. The university consistently produces teachers, lawyers, engineers, physicians, and other professionals.
The university is less selective with an acceptance rate of 90%. Its Engineering college is accredited by ABET. If you are looking for an HBCU for quality education, Bluefield State College is a great option!
Lincoln University of Pennsylvania
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- Location: Chester County, Pennsylvania
- Undergraduates enrolled in 2020: 2,000
- Graduation rate: 46%
Founded in 1854, as a private, co-educational institution in Chester County, Pennsylvania. However, it became a public historically black university in 1972 and was the first degree-granting HBCU in the United States.
Lincoln offers undergraduate and graduate degrees through its four colleges: The College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Management, the College of Education and Human Services, and the College of Graduate Studies.
With an undergraduate enrollment of over 2,000 students, Lincoln is one of the smaller HBCUs on this list. While tuition can be expensive for out-of-state students, there are many scholarships available for those who qualify.
To help offset the cost of tuition, Lincoln also provides grants, work-study programs, and student loans. These resources support the undergraduate and graduate students pursuing their degrees at Lincoln.
The best part about applying at Lincoln? It is part of the HBCUs with high acceptance rates. All you have to do is fill out a short application form online and voila, you are in!
Jackson State University
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- Location: Jackson, Mississippi
- Undergraduates enrolled in 2020: 4,668
- Graduation rate: 45%
Jackson State University is a historic black college located in Jackson, Mississippi. The school was founded in 1877 and is the largest of the eight state-funded universities in Mississippi.
Jackson State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees. The university is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
JSU’s Computer Engineering (B.S) degree and Computer Science (B.S) degree is accredited by the ABET.
The school is less selective with an acceptance rate of 90%, and operates an open admissions policy, meaning students applying for admission are mostly enrolled. The school reported an undergraduate enrollment of 4,668 in the fall of 2020.
Jackson State University is a great choice for students looking for quality education at an affordable price. The school’s diverse range of programs and commitment to research make it a top choice for students seeking an HBCU education.
If you’re looking for an HBCU with high acceptance rate, then Jackson State University is your choice!
Which is The Hardest HBCU to Get into?
Howard University is the hardest HBCU to get into, with an acceptance rate of just 39%. If you’re looking for a challenge, Howard is the school for you. Other hard-to-get-into HBCUs include Spelman College (53%), Philander Smith College (21%), and Wiley College (15%).
But if you don’t get into the school of your choice, don’t lose hope. There are several more excellent HBCUs out there that will warmly welcome you.
Which School is the Best HBCU?
Howard University is widely regarded as the best historically black college in the country. With an acceptance rate of just below 40%, it’s also one of the most selective. Located in Washington, D.C., Howard is known for its strong programs in business, law, and medicine.
A noteworthy alumnus is the Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshal. It has more than 200 student organizations on campus that cover everything from athletics to academics. All freshmen live on campus in residence halls and can complete a bachelor’s degree in four years by taking a combination of daytime coursework and evening courses developed exclusively for workers.
Other top HBCUs include:
- Spelman College
- Xavier University of Louisiana
- Hampton University
- Morehouse College
- Tuskegee University
- Florida A&M University, etc.
What HBCU Gives the Most Scholarships?
HBCUs are well-known for their generous scholarship programs, and many of them have programs specifically for students interested in attending an HBCU. Here are some of the schools that offer the most money in student scholarships.
1. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
- Location: Cheyney, PA
- Scholarship per Student: $6,756
2. South Carolina State University
- Location: Orangeburg, SC
- Scholarship per Student: $6,571
3. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
- Location: Pine Bluff, AR
- Scholarship per Student: $5,862
4. Central State University
- Location: Wilberforce, OH
- Scholarship per Student: $5,447
5. Elizabeth City State University
- Location: Elizabeth City, NC
- Scholarship per Student: $5,321
What GPA is required for HBCU?
The GPA requirements for HBCUs differ depending on the institution. Most HBCUs require a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher, but some will accept students with lower GPAs on an individual basis.
Even if your GPA is less than 2.5, you should research and apply to HBCUs that interest you. Many HBCUs have programs that can assist you in improving your GPA while you are enrolled.
Which HBCU is the cheapest?
It’s no secret that historically black colleges and universities are among the most affordable in the country. But which one is the cheapest to attend? According to recent data, that would be Coahoma Community College. Coahoma is the most affordable HBCU in the country, with annual tuition of just over $1,004.
Other very affordable HBCUs include:
- Elizabeth City State University ($2,350)
- Simmons College of Kentucky ($3,394)
- J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College ($3,589)
- Gadsden State Community College ($4,427)
- Fayetteville State University ($5,899)
- Kentucky State University ($7,076)
Conclusion on HBCUs with High Acceptance Rates
If you’re looking for a school that will give you a good chance of being accepted, look no further than these HBCUs with high acceptance rates and strong programs. These schools are worth your time and effort. Plus, they offer a unique college experience that you won’t find at other schools. So what are you waiting? Start applying today!
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