Rankings / HBCU
Best HBCUs for Data 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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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $30,614 at the low end to $63,066 at the top. That 2.1× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Fayetteville State University offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $40,144 against $7,892 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is Le Moyne-Owen College, at $7,099 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: Howard University graduates 69% of its students, well above the 36% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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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 North Carolina A & T State University ($44,440 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. Le Moyne-Owen College ($7,099/yr) and Howard University ($50,539/yr) produce graduates earning $35,594 and $63,066 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $43,440 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Fayetteville State University outperforms Howard University: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with Fayetteville State University and Howard University. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
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 data scientist roles are projected to grow 36%. 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 Data 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
Data Insight
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
Technology hiring rewards ability over credentials more than any other field on this site. Toolchains turn over every few years, so computing and data-science programs compete on employer connections, project-based learning, and curriculum currency. The programs that teach fundamentals and learning agility produce the graduates who last.
Across the 47 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $39,463 ten years after they first enrolled. The median graduation rate is 35%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $15,282 a year, with about $28,250 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 64% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 2.7%.
In tech, what you can do matters more than where you studied. Graduates on this list earn a median of $39,463 ten years after enrollment. Programs with industry partnerships, co-op placements, and current curricula keep delivering through a cyclical hiring market.
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 Data Scientists and related roles — a field with $108,020 median pay and 36% projected growth.
See the Data Scientist career guide →The best historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) for data science are more than just places to earn a degree; they represent communities and opportunities for many students. With a growing demand for data professionals, these institutions are stepping up to prepare graduates for a competitive job market. The average earnings for graduates in this field across our list is around $40,015, highlighting the potential for solid financial returns.
What sets the top HBCUs apart from the rest is their performance in key areas such as graduation rates, earnings, and student debt. For example, some schools on this list have graduation rates as high as 56%, while others hover around 28%. As you review the rankings below, pay attention to these metrics—they indicate not just the quality of education, but also the long-term financial health of graduates.
Consider the University of the Virgin Islands and Bowie State University. The University of the Virgin Islands has an average earning of $38,681, along with a lower graduation rate of 28%. In contrast, Bowie State University graduates earn significantly more at $54,537, even though its graduation rate is 38%. This difference highlights the trade-off students may face between earning potential and completion rates, making it essential to weigh these factors carefully.
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
One notable pattern emerges when comparing North Carolina A & T State University and Elizabeth City State University. North Carolina A & T boasts a graduation rate of 56%, the highest in our top five, and earnings of $44,440. Meanwhile, Elizabeth City State University has a lower graduation rate of 46% but slightly higher earnings at $40,026. This indicates that while graduation rates are essential, earning potential can still be competitive even with lower completion rates.
After reviewing the data, consider what matters most to you or your student. Are you prioritizing location, campus culture, or the specific data science curriculum? Look beyond the numbers and think critically about how each school aligns with your personal or financial situation. For instance, a lower net price may be appealing, but if it comes with a significantly lower graduation rate, you’ll want to weigh that carefully.
This data illustrates the journey from college to a stable career can be complex. One family's decision to send their child to Bowie State University could lead to higher earnings and better job prospects, while another family might opt for the University of the Virgin Islands for its lower debt. Each choice carries unique implications for future stability, making it crucial to look at both immediate and long-term outcomes.
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 Data Science: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best HBCUs for Data Science ranking? +
North Carolina A & T State University in Greensboro, NC ranks #1 in our 2026 Best HBCUs for Data 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 Data 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
