Rankings / HBCU

Best HBCUs for 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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Choosing the right college is a crucial step for students pursuing engineering, especially at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Each of these schools shares a commitment to providing quality education while fostering an inclusive environment. With engineering degrees often leading to higher earnings, families are weighing their options carefully.

The best HBCUs for engineering stand out based on key outcomes. We look at earnings, graduation rates, debt levels, and the concentration of engineering programs to help students understand their options. For instance, the average earnings for graduates from these institutions is $45,310, but the variation in debt and graduation rates can significantly impact a graduate's financial future.

Consider North Carolina A & T State University and Morgan State University. Both schools have strong engineering programs, but North Carolina A & T graduates earn an average of $44,440 compared to Morgan State's $50,698. However, Morgan State has a lower graduation rate at 41%, while North Carolina A & T has 56%. These differences illustrate the trade-offs students must consider when evaluating their options.

Key Findings

North Carolina A & T graduates earn an average of $44,440.

Morgan State has a graduation rate of just 41%.

Tuskegee University has the highest net price at $35,013.

Florida A&M graduates carry an average debt of $23,548.

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

At North Carolina A & T State University, students find a vibrant campus with a strong commitment to research and community engagement. With over 12,000 students, it's one of the largest historically Black colleges in the country, providing a diverse environment that fosters personal and academic growth.

50% accepted 56% graduate $44,440 earnings

Tuskegee University

Tuskegee, AL · 2,630 students · Private nonprofit

Tuskegee University, located in the historic town of Tuskegee, Alabama, has a rich legacy of fostering academic excellence and empowerment. With a diverse student body of 2,630, it provides a close-knit community where students can pursue various fields of study, especially in areas like engineering, agriculture, and health sciences. The 56% graduation rate reflects the school's commitment to supporting students through their college journey, ensuring they have the tools to succeed.

49% accepted 56% graduate $49,641 earnings

Tuskegee's full profile

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Tallahassee, FL · 7,582 students · Public

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is a cornerstone of education in Tallahassee, offering a rich legacy in public service and leadership. With around 7,600 students, it provides an intimate setting where faculty and students can build strong connections, essential for educational success and career readiness.

21% accepted 53% graduate $44,349 earnings

Florida's full profile

Hampton University

Hampton, VA · 3,727 students · Private nonprofit

Hampton University, set in the vibrant coastal city of Hampton, Virginia, is known for its vibrant campus life and commitment to nurturing leadership among its students. With a student population of 3,727, Hampton emphasizes not just academic growth but also personal development, with a graduation rate of 56%. Students here often thrive in a culture that values community engagement and academic achievement, preparing them for diverse career paths.

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 Nashville, TN, welcomes nearly 5,000 students into a community focused on accessibility and empowerment. With a 70% acceptance rate, it draws a diverse student body, although it faces challenges with a graduation rate of just 33%, highlighting the need for strong support systems for students on their academic journeys.

70% accepted 33% graduate $42,730 earnings

Tennessee's full profile

Howard University

Washington, DC · 10,108 students · Private nonprofit

Howard University in Washington, DC, is a vibrant hub for over 10,000 students, cultivating a rich academic and cultural environment. With a graduation rate of 69%, it reflects a strong commitment to student success, fostering an atmosphere where diverse voices thrive and contribute to a collective experience.

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 offers a unique campus experience in Texas, where tradition meets modern education. With nearly 9,000 students, it emphasizes a strong sense of community and cultural pride, creating an environment ripe for personal growth and academic achievement.

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 a public institution that champions a diverse student body, with an impressive 83% acceptance rate. Located in the same city as Claflin, this university has a vibrant community where many students, especially those receiving Pell Grants, can find support and resources to succeed in their studies.

83% accepted 33% graduate $38,262 earnings

University of the District of Columbia

Washington, DC · 3,351 students · Public

Situated in dynamic Washington, D.C., the University of the District of Columbia offers a unique urban experience to its 3,351 students. The university’s focus on accessibility is evident in its 96% acceptance rate, welcoming a diverse array of students, although the graduation rate of 30% indicates that many may face challenges in completing their degrees. The urban setting provides ample opportunities for internships and networking, particularly for those interested in public service and policy.

30% graduate $44,236 earnings

University's full profile

#10

Claflin University

Orangeburg, SC · 1,706 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Claflin University is a private nonprofit institution with a strong commitment to supporting its students, reflected in its 65% acceptance rate. With 73% of students receiving Pell Grants, the school focuses on making education accessible, fostering a diverse environment where students can thrive academically and socially.

65% accepted 50% graduate $40,304 earnings

Claflin's full profile

#11

Morgan State University

Baltimore, MD · 9,019 students · Public

Morgan State University is nestled in the heart of Baltimore, serving as a vibrant hub for aspiring leaders and innovators. With a diverse student population of over 9,000, it emphasizes social justice and community empowerment, making it an ideal setting for students looking to make a difference in their communities while pursuing their education.

82% accepted 41% graduate $50,698 earnings

Morgan's full profile

#12

Jackson State University

Jackson, MS · 4,600 students · Public

Jackson State University in Mississippi draws attention not just for its size, with 4,600 students, but also for its welcoming environment, boasting a 93% acceptance rate. This public university focuses on creating opportunities for its students, especially those receiving Pell Grants, helping them build connections and succeed in their chosen fields.

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 a welcoming public institution in Princess Anne, Maryland, with a focus on providing accessible education to a diverse student body of 2,391. While the graduation rate sits at 35%, the university offers a unique environment that supports students from various backgrounds, especially those who thrive in a setting that prioritizes hands-on learning and community engagement.

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

Nestled in Baton Rouge, LA, Southern University and A&M College offers a welcoming environment for over 5,500 students, emphasizing community and cultural heritage. Although the graduation rate is lower at 28%, the school fosters a strong sense of belonging among its students, many of whom are first-generation college attendees seeking to uplift their families and communities.

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, located in Normal, AL, serves around 6,124 students in a supportive environment that encourages personal and academic growth. While the graduation rate is only 26%, the university aims to empower students, particularly those from historically underserved backgrounds, to overcome challenges and find their place in the workforce.

58% accepted 26% graduate $40,628 earnings

Alabama's full profile

#16

Benedict College

Columbia, SC · 1,536 students · Private nonprofit

Benedict College, a private nonprofit institution in Columbia, South Carolina, has a strong commitment to inclusivity with a remarkable acceptance rate of 96%. However, its graduation rate of only 23% raises concerns about student retention and support. For those who thrive in a close-knit community and seek personalized attention, this college could be a fitting choice.

96% accepted 23% graduate $31,902 earnings

Benedict's full profile

The data reveals that earnings and graduation rates are critical indicators of success among HBCUs. For example, Morgan State University boasts the highest earnings at $50,698, but its graduation rate of 41% falls below the average of 42% for these institutions. In contrast, North Carolina A & T State University has a higher graduation rate of 56% but slightly lower earnings. This suggests that while some schools may lead in income, their graduation rates may reflect different challenges in student support or engagement.

As you consider these rankings, weigh them against your personal priorities. Think about factors like location, specific engineering programs offered, and campus culture. A school with slightly lower earnings might provide an environment where you feel more at home, which can lead to better long-term success. Assess how the financial aspects, such as net price and debt, align with your family’s financial situation and goals.

Ultimately, the choice of an engineering program at an HBCU can shape your financial future and career path. Graduating from these programs can lead to stable, well-paying jobs, but the journey varies significantly between schools. For one family, choosing the right school means ensuring their child has the best chance of success—financially and academically—while navigating the exciting path ahead.

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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