Rankings / HBCU
Best HBCUs for Accounting
- 50
- Schools
- $41,524
- Avg. Earnings
- 38%
- Avg. Graduation
- $16,871
- Avg. Net Price
- $26,720
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
-
Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $29,288 at the low end to $63,066 at the top. That 2.2× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
-
Elizabeth City State University offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $40,026 against $6,364 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
-
Cost and quality are not at odds here. The most affordable school, Elizabeth City State University at $6,364 a year in net price, delivers earnings of $40,026, matching or exceeding the list average.
-
Completion rates separate this field: Spelman College graduates 77% of its students, well above the 38% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
-
Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Howard University: graduates owe only 0.39× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Spelman College ($59,993 earnings), not the highest earner, Howard University ($63,066). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Elizabeth City State University ($6,364/yr) and Howard University ($50,539/yr) produce graduates earning $40,026 and $63,066 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $44,175 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Elizabeth City State University outperforms Howard University: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with Elizabeth City State University and Spelman College. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
Business is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $40K within a decade, and accountant roles are projected to grow 5%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Spelman College #1 overall | $59,993 ▲ +44% vs avg | $38,967 | 77% | 78 |
| 2 Fayetteville State University #2 overall | $40,144 ▼ -3% vs avg | $7,892 | 37% | 75 |
| 3 Virginia State University #3 overall | $45,543 ▲ +10% vs avg | $15,840 | 40% | 75 |
| $52,889 ▲ +27% vs avg | $39,013 | 56% | 74 | |
| $33,267 ▼ -20% vs avg | $13,096 | 24% | 74 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best HBCUs for Accounting
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $41,524 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 38% and an average net price of $16,871.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Elizabeth City State University — Net Price: $6,364 | Graduation Rate: 46%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Spelman College — 77% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Howard University — Median alumni earnings: $63,066
Data Insight
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Finance & Accounting Careers Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the future of finance, accounting, and compliance careers?
$40,085
Median earnings (10yr)
36%
Median graduation rate
$14,894
Median net price
2.9%
Avg. mobility rate
Two forces are reshaping finance and accounting careers, and they pull in opposite directions. Automation keeps eliminating routine transaction work. Meanwhile a deepening CPA shortage has intensified competition for graduates who can handle audit, controls, compliance, and strategic analysis. Programs that build those higher-order skills hold their value best.
Start with the medians across these 50 schools. Graduates earn a median of $40,085 ten years after enrollment. The median graduation rate is 36%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $14,894 a year with about $27,000 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 60% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 2.9%.
The programs that pair professional credentialing (CPA and CFA pathways) with strong employer placement deliver the most reliable returns. Graduates post a median of $40,085 ten years after enrollment, with typical debt of $27,000. As automation raises the floor, the credential plus the network is what separates a good program from the rest.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Spelman College lands at #1 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $59,993 a decade after enrolling, 44% above this list's average, and net price runs $38,967 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Fayetteville State University lands at #2 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (56/100). Graduates earn a median $40,144 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,892 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Virginia State University lands at #3 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $45,543 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,840 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Morehouse College lands at #4 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (28/100). Graduates earn a median $52,889 a decade after enrolling, 27% above this list's average, and net price runs $39,013 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Central State University lands at #5 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (46/100). Graduates earn a median $33,267 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,096 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Philander Smith University lands at #6 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (54/100). Graduates earn a median $38,427 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,224 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Hampton University lands at #7 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $59,159 a decade after enrolling, 42% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,319 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Kentucky State University lands at #8 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $36,382 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,040 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Elizabeth City State University lands at #9 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (56/100). Graduates earn a median $40,026 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,364 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
West Virginia State University lands at #10 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $40,492 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,139 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Charlotte Amalie, VI · 99% accepted · $7,469 net
Why it ranks #11
University of the Virgin Islands lands at #11 with a 73/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $38,681 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,469 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Tallahassee, FL · 21% accepted · $13,739 net
Why it ranks #12
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University lands at #12 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (59/100). Graduates earn a median $44,349 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,739 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Greensboro, NC · 50% accepted · $10,846 net
Why it ranks #13
North Carolina A & T State University lands at #13 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $44,440 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,846 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Clark Atlanta University lands at #14 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (23/100). Graduates earn a median $42,712 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $37,702 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Savannah State University lands at #15 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $37,981 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,172 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Lincoln University lands at #16 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $43,167 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,977 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Bluefield State University lands at #17 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $38,217 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,684 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Shaw University lands at #18 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $34,409 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,512 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
North Carolina Central University lands at #19 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $42,968 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,359 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Tennessee State University lands at #20 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $42,730 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,796 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Texas Southern University lands at #21 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (44/100). Graduates earn a median $38,924 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,590 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Winston-Salem State University lands at #22 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $45,344 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,479 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Norfolk State University lands at #23 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $44,666 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,282 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Xavier University of Louisiana lands at #24 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $52,184 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,127 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania lands at #25 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $37,837 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,265 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Rust College lands at #26 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (47/100). Graduates earn a median $32,275 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,587 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Howard University lands at #27 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (22/100). Graduates earn a median $63,066 a decade after enrolling, 52% above this list's average, and net price runs $50,539 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Tuskegee University lands at #28 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (29/100). Graduates earn a median $49,641 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $35,013 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Stillman College lands at #29 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $35,421 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,258 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
South Carolina State University lands at #30 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $38,262 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,097 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Virginia Union University lands at #31 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (67/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (51/100). Graduates earn a median $38,275 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,235 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Florida Memorial University lands at #32 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $36,624 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,238 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Pine Bluff, AR · 41% accepted · $12,653 net
Why it ranks #33
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff lands at #33 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (52/100). Graduates earn a median $35,550 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,653 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Mississippi Valley State University lands at #34 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (76/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $31,919 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,686 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Fort Valley State University lands at #35 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (49/100). Graduates earn a median $36,666 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,338 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Claflin University lands at #36 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $40,304 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,800 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
University of the District of Columbia lands at #37 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (74/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $44,236 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,648 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Dillard University lands at #38 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $39,196 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,094 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
Morgan State University lands at #39 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (62/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $50,698 a decade after enrolling, 22% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,985 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Paine College lands at #40 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (35/100). Graduates earn a median $33,338 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,670 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Prairie View A & M University lands at #41 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (68/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $45,411 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,570 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
Le Moyne-Owen College lands at #42 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (65/100) and pulled down by academic quality (35/100). Graduates earn a median $35,594 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,099 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
Jackson State University lands at #43 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (35/100). Graduates earn a median $39,060 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,836 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #44
Bowie State University lands at #44 with a 64/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (64/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $54,537 a decade after enrolling, 31% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,298 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #45
Paul Quinn College lands at #45 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (64/100) and pulled down by academic quality (39/100). Graduates earn a median $29,288 a decade after enrolling, 29% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,709 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #46
Albany State University lands at #46 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $40,674 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,898 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #47
Wiley University lands at #47 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (68/100) and pulled down by academic quality (38/100). Graduates earn a median $33,159 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,092 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #48
Southern University at New Orleans lands at #48 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $34,042 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,810 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #49
Huston-Tillotson University lands at #49 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (65/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $42,937 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,719 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #50
Grambling State University lands at #50 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $41,109 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,809 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Top states on this list
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become Accountants and related roles — a field with $81,680 median pay and 5% projected growth.
See the Accountant career guide →Choosing the right college is a significant decision, especially for students interested in accounting. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have long provided essential pathways to success in various fields, including business and marketing. With an average earning potential of $41,414 for graduates in accounting, these institutions offer not just education but also opportunities for upward mobility.
The best HBCUs for accounting are distinguished by their graduation rates, earnings potential, and manageable debt levels. Schools on this list have demonstrated strong outcomes, such as a graduation rate of 37% on average and varying net prices that can significantly affect a student's financial future. Understanding these metrics helps families evaluate which schools align best with their financial and career aspirations.
Take Hampton University, for example, with impressive earnings at $59,159 and a graduation rate of 56%. In contrast, while Fayetteville State University has slightly lower earnings at $40,144, its graduation rate is still commendable at 37%. This highlights the tradeoff between higher potential earnings and the challenges of completing a degree, which is crucial for students and families considering their options.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 41 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.9%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Xavier University of Louisiana leads the group at 5.3%, with Tuskegee University (5.2%) and Dillard University (5%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 23.4% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Mississippi Valley State University enrolls the most, at 45.5%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 14.8% across the list, peaking at 37.1% at Howard University.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.12, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Hampton University is highest at 1.62.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
In examining the data, we see a clear distinction between Hampton University and Fayetteville State University when it comes to earnings and graduation outcomes. Hampton's graduates earn $59,159, significantly higher than Fayetteville's $40,144. However, Fayetteville's net price of $7,892 is lower than Hampton's $25,319, illustrating a tradeoff between initial cost and potential return on investment.
As you sift through this list of 50 schools, think about what matters most for you. Are you prioritizing low debt and net price, or are you more focused on graduation rates and earning potential after graduation? The right school should align with your financial situation, preferred location, and specific program fit. Take the time to visit campuses, reach out to current students, and assess the overall environment to see where you feel most at home.
The path from college to a stable career is critical. This data underscores the importance of making informed choices about higher education. Families must weigh potential earnings against debt and the likelihood of graduation. One decision can shape a family's financial future, reinforcing the need for careful consideration and planning.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best HBCUs for Accounting: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best HBCUs for Accounting ranking? +
Spelman College in Atlanta, GA ranks #1 in our 2026 Best HBCUs for Accounting ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $59,993 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 77% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Howard University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $63,066 ten years after enrollment, well above the $41,524 average across the 50 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Elizabeth City State University leads: graduates earn a median $40,026 against net price of about $6,364 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Spelman College has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 77%, compared with a 38% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $16,871 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. Elizabeth City State University is among the most affordable at roughly $6,364. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best HBCUs for Accounting ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 50 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
Related Rankings
