Skip to content
CollegeRanker

Rankings / HBCU

Best HBCUs for Civil Engineering

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 16 schools · Agent Insights
16
Schools Analyzed
$45,310
Avg. Earnings (10yr)
42%
Avg. Graduation Rate
$19,967
Avg. Net Price

Find Your Program

Explore Accredited Programs in This Field

Find accredited programs in this field accepting applicants.

✓ Accredited programs ✓ 100% free ✓ No obligation

When it comes to pursuing a degree in civil engineering, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) offer a unique blend of community and academic rigor. These institutions not only produce skilled engineers but also serve as essential pathways for many students from underrepresented backgrounds. With an average earning potential of $45,310 for graduates, these schools play a crucial role in shaping the future workforce in the engineering sector.

The schools featured in this list stand out based on several key metrics, including graduation rates, post-graduate earnings, and student debt levels. A degree from an HBCU can lead to meaningful job opportunities, but understanding each institution's outcomes is vital. For example, while the average graduation rate for these schools is 42%, some institutions exceed this significantly, indicating a stronger support system and student engagement.

Take North Carolina A&T State University and Tuskegee University, for instance. While both schools have solid graduation rates of 56%, their financial contexts differ. Tuskegee has a much higher net price of $35,013 compared to North Carolina A&T's $10,846, which means students at Tuskegee may face more significant financial burdens. This contrast highlights the need for students to consider both academic quality and financial implications when making their decisions.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 16
Avg. earnings at 10yr $45,310
Avg. graduation rate 42%
Avg. net price $19,967
Avg. median debt $27,740

How We Ranked

HBCUs ranked by outcomes and program concentration in Engineering

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

$15K$68K$120K$0$51KNET PRICENorth CarolinaTuskegee UniversityFlorida AgriculturalHampton UniversityTennessee State

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

North Carolina A & T Sta…56%Tuskegee University56%Florida Agricultural and…53%Hampton University56%Tennessee State Universi…33%Howard University69%Prairie View A & M Unive…43%South Carolina State Uni…33%University of the Distri…30%Claflin University50%Morgan State University41%Jackson State University41%University of Maryland E…35%Southern University and …28%Alabama A & M University26%Benedict College23%

Top 3

#1

North Carolina A & T State University

Greensboro, NC

Graduation56%
Earnings$44,440
Net Price$10,846

View full profile →
#2

Tuskegee University

Tuskegee, AL

Graduation56%
Earnings$49,641
Net Price$35,013

View full profile →
#3

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Tallahassee, FL

Graduation53%
Earnings$44,349
Net Price$13,739

View full profile →

Sponsored

Featured Programs From Accredited Schools

Accredited schools accepting applicants in this field.

Ad

Full Rankings

#1

North Carolina A & T State University

Greensboro, NC · 12,182 students · Public

With over 12,000 students, North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro is a hub for aspiring engineers and agricultural professionals. The school has a noteworthy 50% acceptance rate, reflecting its commitment to welcoming diverse talents while fostering an inclusive community among its 52% Pell Grant recipients.
50% accepted 56% graduate $44,440 earnings
North's full profile
#2

Tuskegee University

Tuskegee, AL · 2,630 students · Private nonprofit

Tuskegee University, located in the heart of Alabama, has a rich legacy as a historically Black university. With a diverse student body of 2,630, it emphasizes academic excellence and community engagement, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a supportive environment focused on personal and professional growth.
49% accepted 56% graduate $49,641 earnings
Tuskegee's full profile
#3

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Tallahassee, FL · 7,582 students · Public

Florida A&M University in Tallahassee is known for its vibrant campus life and strong focus on community engagement. With a 21% acceptance rate, it attracts students who are passionate about making a difference and who value the rich cultural heritage and academic rigor the university promotes, especially among its 54% Pell Grant recipients.
21% accepted 53% graduate $44,349 earnings
Florida's full profile
#4

Hampton University

Hampton, VA · 3,727 students · Private nonprofit

Hampton University, situated in Virginia, has built a reputation for cultivating leaders through its commitment to academic rigor and cultural heritage. With a student population of 3,727, the university fosters an environment where students engage in meaningful discussions and develop lifelong connections.
62% accepted 56% graduate $59,159 earnings
Hampton's full profile
#5

Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN · 4,848 students · Public

Tennessee State University is a hub for aspiring leaders, with a welcoming environment for nearly 5,000 students. Located in Nashville, the university emphasizes accessibility and inclusion, with a notable acceptance rate of 70%. Graduates earn a median of $42,730 at 10 years, showcasing the potential for solid job placement in a variety of industries.
70% accepted 33% graduate $42,730 earnings
Tennessee's full profile
#6

Howard University

Washington, DC · 10,108 students · Private nonprofit

With a vibrant campus in Washington, DC, Howard University serves over 10,000 students and has a rich legacy of academic excellence and social activism. The median earnings for graduates at 10 years post-degree reach $63,066, reflecting the strong career outcomes for its alumni in various fields, especially in public service and the arts.
41% accepted 69% graduate $63,066 earnings
Howard's full profile
#7

Prairie View A & M University

Prairie View, TX · 8,877 students · Public

Located in Prairie View, Texas, this university is a strong choice for students who thrive in a close-knit community. The campus has 8,877 students and an acceptance rate of 79%, indicating a welcoming atmosphere for those interested in agriculture and engineering, particularly among the 66% of students receiving Pell Grants who often benefit from targeted support services.
79% accepted 43% graduate $45,411 earnings
Prairie's full profile
#8

South Carolina State University

Orangeburg, SC · 2,934 students · Public

South Carolina State University, located in Orangeburg, SC, plays a vital role in the community with its inclusive atmosphere and an acceptance rate of 83%. This public university is a hub for students from various backgrounds, particularly attractive for those who thrive in a supportive environment that encourages participation and engagement.
83% accepted 33% graduate $38,262 earnings
South's full profile
#9

University of the District of Columbia

Washington, DC · 3,351 students · Public

Located in Washington, DC, the University of the District of Columbia provides a unique urban experience for its 3,351 students. Its commitment to community service and engagement makes it a compelling choice for those interested in making a difference in diverse environments while pursuing their education.
30% graduate $44,236 earnings
University's full profile
#10

Claflin University

Orangeburg, SC · 1,706 students · Private nonprofit

With a 65% acceptance rate, Claflin University welcomes a diverse group of students to its vibrant campus in Orangeburg, SC. The school has a strong commitment to supporting its community, evident in its 73% of students receiving Pell Grants, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a nurturing environment focused on personal and academic growth.
65% accepted 50% graduate $40,304 earnings
Claflin's full profile
#11

Morgan State University

Baltimore, MD · 9,019 students · Public

In Baltimore, Morgan State University is an accessible choice for many students, accepting 82% of applicants who seek an affordable education in a supportive environment. With a focus on preparing students for success in various fields, it has become a valued institution among its 57% Pell Grant recipients, offering a nurturing community that encourages personal growth.
82% accepted 41% graduate $50,698 earnings
Morgan's full profile
#12

Jackson State University

Jackson, MS · 4,600 students · Public

Jackson State University in Jackson, MS, is a hub for 4,600 students pursuing their academic dreams in a supportive environment. With a 93% acceptance rate, it welcomes many aspiring learners, particularly those who value community involvement and cultural engagement, essential components of the student experience here.
93% accepted 41% graduate $39,060 earnings
Jackson's full profile
#13

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Princess Anne, MD · 2,391 students · Public

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore, located in Princess Anne, offers a vibrant mix of academic opportunities and campus life. With a smaller student body of 2,391, this public institution emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity for all students, making it an inviting place for those seeking connection and support in their educational journey.
96% accepted 35% graduate $47,697 earnings
University's full profile
#14

Southern University and A & M College

Baton Rouge, LA · 5,519 students · Public

Southern University and A & M College, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, serves a diverse student body of over 5,500. The school is dedicated to enhancing the lives of its students, and while its graduation rate is 28%, the community atmosphere can foster resilience and growth. Graduates earn a median salary of $43,371 after 10 years, indicative of the opportunities available in various fields.
35% accepted 28% graduate $43,371 earnings
Southern's full profile
#15

Alabama A & M University

Normal, AL · 6,124 students · Public

Alabama A & M University offers a unique experience in Normal, Alabama, with a focus on student development and academic growth. With 6,124 students enrolled, the university fosters a nurturing environment, though it faces challenges with a graduation rate of 26%. Median earnings for graduates at 10 years stand at $40,628, indicating the potential for a stable career path for its alumni.
58% accepted 26% graduate $40,628 earnings
Alabama's full profile
#16

Benedict College

Columbia, SC · 1,536 students · Private nonprofit

Benedict College in Columbia, SC, presents a unique option for students seeking a close-knit community with a high acceptance rate of 96%. This private nonprofit institution is particularly well-suited for those who thrive in smaller settings and value personal attention from faculty and staff, fostering an environment of support and camaraderie.
96% accepted 23% graduate $31,902 earnings
Benedict's full profile

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

DK

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

Related Rankings

All Rankings Methodology Best Colleges Social Mobility Highest Mobility