# Best HBCUs for Civil Engineering

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 16 | Category: HBCU
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-hbcu-civil-engineering

## Methodology

HBCUs ranked by outcomes and program concentration in Engineering

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [North Carolina A & T State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/north-carolina-a-t-state-university) | Greensboro, NC | 56% | $44,440 | $10,846 | $27,000 | 0.61x |
| 2 | [Tuskegee University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/tuskegee-university) | Tuskegee, AL | 56% | $49,641 | $35,013 | $27,000 | 0.54x |
| 3 | [Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-agricultural-and-mechanical-university) | Tallahassee, FL | 53% | $44,349 | $13,739 | $23,548 | 0.53x |
| 4 | [Hampton University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hampton-university) | Hampton, VA | 56% | $59,159 | $25,319 | $25,442 | 0.43x |
| 5 | [Tennessee State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/tennessee-state-university) | Nashville, TN | 33% | $42,730 | $15,796 | $27,000 | 0.63x |
| 6 | [Howard University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/howard-university) | Washington, DC | 69% | $63,066 | $50,539 | $24,500 | 0.39x |
| 7 | [Prairie View A & M University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/prairie-view-a-m-university) | Prairie View, TX | 43% | $45,411 | $13,570 | $27,000 | 0.59x |
| 8 | [South Carolina State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/south-carolina-state-university) | Orangeburg, SC | 33% | $38,262 | $18,097 | $31,000 | 0.81x |
| 9 | [University of the District of Columbia](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-the-district-of-columbia) | Washington, DC | 30% | $44,236 | $10,648 | $24,872 | 0.56x |
| 10 | [Claflin University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/claflin-university) | Orangeburg, SC | 50% | $40,304 | $17,800 | $29,000 | 0.72x |
| 11 | [Morgan State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/morgan-state-university) | Baltimore, MD | 41% | $50,698 | $14,985 | $27,250 | 0.54x |
| 12 | [Jackson State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/jackson-state-university) | Jackson, MS | 41% | $39,060 | $23,836 | $30,470 | 0.78x |
| 13 | [University of Maryland Eastern Shore](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-maryland-eastern-shore) | Princess Anne, MD | 35% | $47,697 | $13,338 | $27,000 | 0.57x |
| 14 | [Southern University and A & M College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southern-university-and-a-m-college) | Baton Rouge, LA | 28% | $43,371 | $20,077 | $29,251 | 0.67x |
| 15 | [Alabama A & M University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/alabama-a-m-university) | Normal, AL | 26% | $40,628 | $17,621 | $31,000 | 0.76x |
| 16 | [Benedict College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/benedict-college) | Columbia, SC | 23% | $31,902 | $18,250 | $32,500 | 1.02x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best HBCUs for Civil Engineering." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-hbcu-civil-engineering

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.