Rankings / HBCU
Best HBCUs for Computer Science
- 47
- Schools
- $40,298
- Avg. Earnings
- 36%
- Avg. Graduation
- $16,944
- Avg. Net Price
- $28,211
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 47 schools run from $30,614 to $63,066, a 2.1× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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Fayetteville State University delivers the most for the money: roughly $40,144 in median earnings against $7,892 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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Le Moyne-Owen College is the lowest-cost school here at $7,099 a year in net price.
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Howard University graduates 69% of its students, versus a 36% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Howard University carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.39× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 North Carolina A & T State University ($44,440 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Howard University ($63,066), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- Le Moyne-Owen College costs $7,099 a year and Howard University costs $50,539. Yet their graduates earn $35,594 and $63,066, nowhere near the $43,440 price gap.
- On value, Fayetteville State University beats Howard University: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the 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 Fayetteville State University and Howard University. 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
Technology 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 $39K within a decade, and software developer roles are projected to grow 25%. 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 North Carolina A & T State University #1 overall | $44,440 ▲ +10% vs avg | $10,846 | 56% | 70 |
| 2 | $44,349 ▲ +10% vs avg | $13,739 | 53% | 68 |
| 3 Virginia State University #3 overall | $45,543 ▲ +13% vs avg | $15,840 | 40% | 67 |
| $40,144 ▲ +0% vs avg | $7,892 | 37% | 67 | |
| $43,167 ▲ +7% vs avg | $14,977 | 48% | 66 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best HBCUs for Computer Science
This analysis ranks 47 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $40,298 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 36% and an average net price of $16,944.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Fayetteville State University — Net Price: $7,892 | Graduation Rate: 37%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Howard University — 69% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Howard University — Median alumni earnings: $63,066
Research Note
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Technology Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the technology workforce?
$39,463
Median earnings (10yr)
35%
Median graduation rate
$15,282
Median net price
2.7%
Avg. mobility rate
Computing, data, and information-systems programs train for one of the highest-paying and fastest-moving corners of the labor market. Starting salaries are strong, and hiring increasingly rewards demonstrable skill over pedigree. The field is cyclical, though, and specific tools age quickly. What endures is fundamentals and the habit of learning new ones.
Start with the medians across these 47 schools. Graduates earn a median of $39,463 ten years after enrollment. The median graduation rate is 35%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $15,282 a year with about $28,250 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 64% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 2.7%.
What we’re seeing: employers reward programs with strong industry ties, co-ops, and project portfolios over brand alone. Graduates here post median earnings of $39,463 ten years after enrollment. That premium holds as long as graduates keep their skills current against a fast-shifting stack.
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
Greensboro, NC · 50% accepted · $10,846 net
Why it ranks #1
North Carolina A & T State University lands at #1 with a 70/100 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, 10% 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 puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Tallahassee, FL · 21% accepted · $13,739 net
Why it ranks #2
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University lands at #2 with a 68/100 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, 10% 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 puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Virginia State University lands at #3 with a 67/100 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, 13% 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
Fayetteville State University lands at #4 with a 67/100 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, 0% above 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Lincoln University lands at #5 with a 66/100 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, 7% 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 puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
West Virginia State University lands at #6 with a 66/100 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, 0% above 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Kentucky State University lands at #7 with a 65/100 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, 10% 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 #8
Fisk University lands at #8 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (65/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (34/100). Graduates earn a median $45,454 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $32,020 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 #9
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff lands at #9 with a 65/100 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, 12% 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 puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
North Carolina Central University lands at #10 with a 64/100 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, 7% 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 puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Norfolk State University lands at #11 with a 64/100 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, 11% 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 #12
Rust College lands at #12 with a 64/100 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, 20% 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 #13
Fort Valley State University lands at #13 with a 63/100 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, 9% 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 #14
Howard University lands at #14 with a 63/100 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, 56% 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 #15
University of the District of Columbia lands at #15 with a 63/100 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, 10% 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 #16
Bowie State University lands at #16 with a 62/100 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, 35% 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 #17
Philander Smith University lands at #17 with a 62/100 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, 5% 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 carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Dillard University lands at #18 with a 62/100 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, 3% 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 #19
Morehouse College lands at #19 with a 62/100 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, 31% 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 carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
South Carolina State University lands at #20 with a 61/100 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, 5% 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 #21
Claflin University lands at #21 with a 61/100 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, 0% above 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Florida Memorial University lands at #22 with a 60/100 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, 9% 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
Why it ranks #23
Morgan State University lands at #23 with a 60/100 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, 26% 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 #24
Shaw University lands at #24 with a 60/100 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, 15% 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 #25
Prairie View A & M University lands at #25 with a 59/100 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, 13% 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 #26
Grambling State University lands at #26 with a 59/100 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, 2% above 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Delaware State University lands at #27 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (61/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $49,307 a decade after enrolling, 22% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,910 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 #28
Virginia Union University lands at #28 with a 58/100 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, 5% 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 #29
Jackson State University lands at #29 with a 58/100 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, 3% 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
Princess Anne, MD · 96% accepted · $13,338 net
Why it ranks #30
University of Maryland Eastern Shore lands at #30 with a 57/100 composite, led by social mobility (62/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $47,697 a decade after enrolling, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,338 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Johnson C Smith University lands at #31 with a 56/100 composite, led by social mobility (65/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $42,680 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,894 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 #32
Huston-Tillotson University lands at #32 with a 55/100 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, 7% 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 #33
Tougaloo College lands at #33 with a 54/100 composite, led by academic quality (60/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $34,724 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,043 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Voorhees University lands at #34 with a 54/100 composite, led by social mobility (62/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $35,339 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,335 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
Baton Rouge, LA · 35% accepted · $20,077 net
Why it ranks #35
Southern University and A & M College lands at #35 with a 53/100 composite, led by social mobility (62/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $43,371 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,077 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 #36
Le Moyne-Owen College lands at #36 with a 53/100 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, 12% 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 #37
Harris-Stowe State University lands at #37 with a 53/100 composite, led by social mobility (61/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (49/100). Graduates earn a median $31,088 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,922 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 #38
Livingstone College lands at #38 with a 52/100 composite, led by social mobility (64/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (45/100). Graduates earn a median $32,600 a decade after enrolling, 19% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
Alcorn State University lands at #39 with a 52/100 composite, led by academic quality (54/100) and pulled down by social mobility (52/100). Graduates earn a median $36,421 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,265 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Talladega College lands at #40 with a 51/100 composite, led by value per dollar (52/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (47/100). Graduates earn a median $32,229 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,560 a year. 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 #41
Lane College lands at #41 with a 51/100 composite, led by social mobility (63/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (45/100). Graduates earn a median $31,670 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,904 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 #42
Alabama A & M University lands at #42 with a 50/100 composite, led by social mobility (54/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $40,628 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,621 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 #43
Alabama State University lands at #43 with a 50/100 composite, led by social mobility (56/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $34,502 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,435 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
Lincoln University lands at #44 with a 47/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (53/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $39,463 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,092 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
Benedict College lands at #45 with a 46/100 composite, led by social mobility (55/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (44/100). Graduates earn a median $31,902 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,250 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 #46
Miles College lands at #46 with a 46/100 composite, led by social mobility (57/100) and pulled down by academic quality (35/100). Graduates earn a median $32,627 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,271 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
Morris College lands at #47 with a 42/100 composite, led by social mobility (57/100) and pulled down by academic quality (32/100). Graduates earn a median $30,614 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,555 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 47 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 Software Developers and related roles — a field with $132,270 median pay and 25% projected growth.
See the Software Developer career guide →When considering a computer science degree, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) present unique opportunities. These institutions are not just about education; they foster a community that supports diversity in tech fields. With an average earning of $40,015 for graduates, they offer a pathway to stable careers in a growing industry.
The best schools on this list are distinguished by their strong outcomes in key areas like earnings, graduation rates, and manageable debt. For instance, schools with higher graduation rates tend to provide better career support and networking opportunities, which can significantly affect a graduate's earning potential. The schools below have been ranked based on their performance in these metrics, helping you identify which institutions might align with your goals.
Take the University of the Virgin Islands and Bowie State University. While the Virgin Islands school has an average earning of $38,681, Bowie State graduates earn significantly more at $54,537. However, Bowie has a lower graduation rate at 38% compared to the Virgin Islands' 28%. This contrast illustrates the trade-off between potential earnings and the likelihood of graduating, highlighting how important it is to consider both factors in your decision-making process.
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 23 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.7%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Dillard University leads the group at 5%, with Grambling State University (4.6%) and Howard University (4%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 22.8% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Rust College enrolls the most, at 35.5%, 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 14.5% 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 1.11, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Howard 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
When we look closely at the data, we see distinct differences between schools like North Carolina A & T State University and Elizabeth City State University. North Carolina A & T graduates earn $44,440, while Elizabeth City graduates earn $40,026. However, North Carolina A & T boasts a 56% graduation rate, significantly higher than Elizabeth City's 46%. This suggests that while both schools provide solid earning potential, North Carolina A & T may offer more robust support for students to complete their degrees.
After reviewing these schools, it's crucial to weigh this data against what matters most to you. Consider your financial situation and what kind of debt you’re willing to take on—Bowie State, for example, has a net price of $19,298, which is higher than some other options. Additionally, think about your preferred campus environment and location. Each of these factors can greatly influence your overall college experience and future career.
Ultimately, this data highlights the importance of making informed choices that can shape your future. A degree in computer science can be a strong foundation for a stable career, but understanding the nuances of each school’s offerings can help your family find the right fit. One decision here can lead to a pathway that significantly improves long-term financial security and overall quality of life.
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 Computer Science: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best HBCUs for Computer Science ranking? +
North Carolina A & T State University in Greensboro, NC ranks #1 in our 2026 Best HBCUs for Computer Science ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $44,440 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 56% 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 $40,298 average across the 47 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, Fayetteville State University leads: graduates earn a median $40,144 against net price of about $7,892 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? +
Howard University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 69%, compared with a 36% 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 $16,944 a year across the 47 ranked schools with cost data. Le Moyne-Owen College is among the most affordable at roughly $7,099. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best HBCUs for Computer Science 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 47 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
