Rankings / HBCU

Best HBCUs for Electrical Engineering

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 16 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$45,310

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

42%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$19,967

Avg. Net Price

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When considering a degree in electrical engineering, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) offer unique opportunities. These schools share a commitment to diversity and access, providing pathways for students to enter a vital field where they can make an impact.

The strongest programs stand out through a combination of key metrics: earnings after graduation, graduation rates, student debt, and overall mobility. These factors illustrate not just how well students perform academically, but also how prepared they are for the workforce and financial stability after college. The list below ranks HBCUs based on these outcomes, giving families a clearer picture of what to expect.

For example, North Carolina A & T State University leads this list, with earnings of $44,440 and a graduation rate of 56%. In contrast, Morgan State University has higher earnings at $50,698 but a lower graduation rate of 41%. This highlights a common trade-off: while some schools may yield higher salaries, they may also present challenges in completing the degree.

Key Findings

North Carolina A & T State University has a graduation rate of 56% and average earnings of $44,440.

Morgan State University graduates earn an average of $50,698, but only 41% complete their degree.

The average graduation rate for the top HBCUs in electrical engineering is 42%.

Tuskegee University has the highest net price at $35,013, despite a graduation rate of 56%.

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.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

North Carolina A & T State University

Greensboro, NC

Graduation56%

Earnings$44,440

Net Price$10,846

View full profile →

Tuskegee University

Tuskegee, AL

Graduation56%

Earnings$49,641

Net Price$35,013

View full profile →

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Tallahassee, FL

Graduation53%

Earnings$44,349

Net Price$13,739

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

North Carolina A & T State University

Greensboro, NC · 12,182 students · Public

Located in Greensboro, North Carolina, this university serves over 12,000 students and prides itself on a rich history of producing leaders in various fields. With a strong commitment to diversity, over half of its student body are Pell Grant recipients, reflecting a supportive environment for students from different financial backgrounds.

50% accepted 56% graduate $44,440 earnings

Tuskegee University

Tuskegee, AL · 2,630 students · Private nonprofit

Tuskegee University in Alabama has a rich history and a strong commitment to education, particularly for Black students. With around 2,630 students, it embodies a close-knit community where students can thrive academically and socially.

49% accepted 56% graduate $49,641 earnings

Tuskegee's full profile

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Tallahassee, FL · 7,582 students · Public

In Tallahassee, Florida, this university welcomes about 7,500 students and is known for its vibrant campus life and commitment to community engagement. The strong presence of Pell Grant recipients, at 54%, indicates that the school plays a crucial role in empowering students from diverse economic backgrounds to succeed academically and professionally.

21% accepted 53% graduate $44,349 earnings

Florida's full profile

Hampton University

Hampton, VA · 3,727 students · Private nonprofit

Hampton University in Virginia has a proud legacy of producing leaders and innovators, particularly in the fields of science, engineering, and the arts. With 3,727 students, the campus offers a vibrant atmosphere where diversity and academic achievement are celebrated.

62% accepted 56% graduate $59,159 earnings

Hampton's full profile

Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN · 4,848 students · Public

Tennessee State University, located in the heart of Nashville, welcomes nearly 5,000 students to its dynamic academic environment. With a strong acceptance rate of 70% and a focus on community engagement, it's a great choice for students who want to feel connected to their peers while pursuing their education.

70% accepted 33% graduate $42,730 earnings

Tennessee's full profile

Howard University

Washington, DC · 10,108 students · Private nonprofit

With a vibrant campus located in Washington, DC, Howard University hosts over 10,000 students who come together to embrace a rich legacy of leadership and excellence. The school has a graduation rate of 69%, suggesting that many students thrive here, drawing on the supportive community and diverse academic programs available to them.

41% accepted 69% graduate $63,066 earnings

Howard's full profile

Prairie View A & M University

Prairie View, TX · 8,877 students · Public

Prairie View A&M University, located in Prairie View, Texas, serves nearly 9,000 students and has a strong commitment to education and community involvement. Although the graduation rate is 43%, the university supports a diverse population, with 66% of students receiving Pell Grants, reflecting its dedication to inclusivity and accessibility for all learners.

79% accepted 43% graduate $45,411 earnings

Prairie's full profile

South Carolina State University

Orangeburg, SC · 2,934 students · Public

South Carolina State University is another excellent option in Orangeburg, SC, with an inviting campus that serves a diverse population of 2,934 students. Although the graduation rate is lower at 33%, the university has an impressive acceptance rate of 83%, making it accessible for many. It’s a place where students can find a sense of belonging and community, especially among those seeking a supportive environment.

83% accepted 33% graduate $38,262 earnings

University of the District of Columbia

Washington, DC · 3,351 students · Public

Located in the heart of Washington, DC, the University of the District of Columbia serves as an accessible option for students looking to make a difference in urban communities. With a diverse enrollment of 3,351 students, it offers unique opportunities for those interested in public service and community engagement.

30% graduate $44,236 earnings

University's full profile

#10

Claflin University

Orangeburg, SC · 1,706 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Orangeburg, SC, Claflin University has a rich history and a vibrant campus community that offers a supportive environment for its 1,706 students. With a graduation rate of 50%, the university fosters a diverse student body, with 73% of students receiving Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to accessibility and support for those from low-income families.

65% accepted 50% graduate $40,304 earnings

Claflin's full profile

#11

Morgan State University

Baltimore, MD · 9,019 students · Public

Morgan State University, nestled in Baltimore, Maryland, caters to nearly 9,000 students and serves as a hub for those seeking to make a difference in their communities. Despite a graduation rate of 41%, the university is dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment for its diverse student body, including 57% of whom receive Pell Grants, indicating a strong commitment to accessibility and support.

82% accepted 41% graduate $50,698 earnings

Morgan's full profile

#12

Jackson State University

Jackson, MS · 4,600 students · Public

Jackson State University, located in Mississippi's capital, offers a dynamic environment for its 4,600 students. With a graduation rate of 41% and an acceptance rate of 93%, the university creates an open and welcoming atmosphere for those eager to learn and grow. The community here is vibrant, often attracting students who are ready to embrace a diverse and engaging campus life.

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 is an inviting public university located in Princess Anne, Maryland, with a focus on creating opportunities for underrepresented students. With a student body of 2,391, it maintains a small college feel that can foster personal connections and support.

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 in Baton Rouge enrolls over 5,500 students, creating a vibrant community with a focus on education and empowerment. Despite a graduation rate of 28%, many students are drawn to the university for its supportive environment and commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices in higher education.

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 in Normal cultivates a close-knit community of around 6,124 students, focused on fostering personal and academic growth. While the graduation rate sits at 26%, the university is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment for students from various backgrounds to thrive academically and socially.

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, has a unique charm with a smaller student body of 1,536. Though the graduation rate is low at 23%, the college's high acceptance rate of 96% reflects its commitment to inclusivity. This school is geared toward students who thrive in close-knit communities and are looking for personalized attention from faculty and staff.

96% accepted 23% graduate $31,902 earnings

Benedict's full profile

North Carolina A & T State University and Morgan State University provide a clear example of varying outcomes in this ranking. While North Carolina A & T has a graduation rate of 56% and earnings of $44,440, Morgan State offers higher earnings of $50,698 but only graduates 41% of its students. This suggests that while earnings are important, completion rates also play a significant role in a student's long-term success.

As you sift through these options, consider your priorities. Are you looking for a school with a higher graduation rate, or is potential earnings your main concern? Additionally, think about factors like location and campus culture. These elements can greatly influence your experience and satisfaction during college.

Ultimately, this data reflects broader trends about stability and success after graduation. Families face a pivotal decision when choosing a college, and understanding these metrics can help guide that choice. The path from college to a secure future requires careful thought, and the right HBCU can set students on the right trajectory.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

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). →

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.

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