Rankings / HBCU

Best HBCUs for Mechanical 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 mechanical engineering, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) offer unique opportunities and a strong sense of community. These institutions not only foster engineering talent but also emphasize student success, making them an appealing choice for many aspiring engineers.

Success in engineering is often measured by a few key factors: graduate earnings, completion rates, student debt, and, importantly, post-graduation mobility. In this ranking, we highlight HBCUs that excel in these areas, allowing students to make informed decisions about their education and future. Below, you'll find a list of schools where you can pursue a mechanical engineering degree while considering their financial implications and student outcomes.

For instance, North Carolina A&T State University stands out with impressive 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 reflects a tradeoff between potential income and completion rates, inviting prospective students to weigh their priorities carefully as they explore their options.

Key Findings

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

Morgan State University has the highest reported earnings at $50,698, but a lower graduation rate of 41%.

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

The average graduation rate across these HBCUs is 42%, highlighting the challenges many students face.

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

With over 12,000 students, North Carolina A & T State University in Greensboro plays a vital role in the region's education landscape. The university is known for its commitment to producing graduates who are ready to make an impact, reflected in a median earning of $44,440 a decade after graduation, which is significant for a public institution.

50% accepted 56% graduate $44,440 earnings

Tuskegee University

Tuskegee, AL · 2,630 students · Private nonprofit

Tuskegee University is a historic institution with a rich legacy, situated in Alabama. With 58% of its students receiving Pell Grants, it serves a diverse population with a commitment to social mobility and community engagement.

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, located in Tallahassee, has a vibrant community of around 7,600 students. The school's focus on academic excellence is clear, with a strong support system for its 54% Pell Grant recipients, which fosters an inclusive environment for all students.

21% accepted 53% graduate $44,349 earnings

Florida's full profile

Hampton University

Hampton, VA · 3,727 students · Private nonprofit

Hampton University, located in Virginia, has a long-standing tradition of excellence and a close-knit campus community. It maintains a 62% acceptance rate, welcoming a diverse student body that thrives in a supportive atmosphere centered on academic success and personal growth.

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, serves as a gateway for many students aiming for a supportive and inclusive college experience. With a 70% acceptance rate, the university attracts a diverse body of students, and its median earnings of $42,730 within ten years post-graduation reflect a solid investment in education and skills.

70% accepted 33% graduate $42,730 earnings

Tennessee's full profile

Howard University

Washington, DC · 10,108 students · Private nonprofit

With a median earning of $63,066 just a decade after graduation, Howard University in Washington, DC, presents a strong case for students seeking a solid return on their education. The vibrant campus and rich history make it a nurturing environment for aspiring leaders and changemakers, especially among the 40% of students who receive Pell Grants.

41% accepted 69% graduate $63,066 earnings

Howard's full profile

Prairie View A & M University

Prairie View, TX · 8,877 students · Public

Nestled in Prairie View, Texas, Prairie View A & M University attracts about 8,900 students with its strong emphasis on education in various fields. With a graduation rate of 43%, the university successfully supports its diverse student body, evidenced by the high percentage of Pell Grant recipients at 66%, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging among 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, a public institution with an acceptance rate of 83%, fosters a welcoming atmosphere for a diverse range of students. With a graduation rate of 33%, the school is dedicated to improving educational outcomes and empowering its students, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds, as evidenced by the 70% of students receiving Pell Grants.

83% accepted 33% graduate $38,262 earnings

University of the District of Columbia

Washington, DC · 3,351 students · Public

In the heart of Washington, D.C., the University of the District of Columbia provides a vibrant urban campus experience. Although it has a graduation rate of only 30%, the university is committed to fostering inclusivity and access to higher education for all students in the area.

30% graduate $44,236 earnings

University's full profile

#10

Claflin University

Orangeburg, SC · 1,706 students · Private nonprofit

With a 50% graduation rate and a significant 73% of students receiving Pell Grants, Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC, is committed to supporting its students. The median earnings of $40,304 a decade after graduation suggest that many alumni find success in their careers, making it a compelling choice for those aiming for upward mobility.

65% accepted 50% graduate $40,304 earnings

Claflin's full profile

#11

Morgan State University

Baltimore, MD · 9,019 students · Public

Morgan State University in Baltimore serves as a hub for nearly 9,000 students, offering a distinctive educational experience characterized by its rich history and dedication to community engagement. Although the graduation rate stands at 41%, those who do complete their degrees earn a median income of $50,698 after ten years, suggesting that a Morgan State degree holds value in the job market.

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 Jackson, MS, embraces a vibrant and diverse student body with a 93% acceptance rate. The school has a graduation rate of 41%, indicating a solid commitment to student success. Many students here are beneficiaries of Pell Grants, with 72% receiving financial aid, highlighting the university's role in empowering economically disadvantaged individuals.

93% accepted 41% graduate $39,060 earnings

Jackson's full profile

#13

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Princess Anne, MD · 2,391 students · Public

Located in Princess Anne, Maryland, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore embraces a diverse student population with a focus on research and experiential learning. Despite a lower graduation rate of 35%, the university is dedicated to uplifting students through its comprehensive support services and community-focused initiatives.

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 is a hub for students seeking community and cultural engagement. With a 28% graduation rate, it may not be for everyone, but those who thrive here often find a strong sense of belonging, especially among the 68% of students who receive Pell Grants. The median earnings of $43,371 at ten years post-graduation suggest that graduates can achieve financial stability.

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 welcomes students into a supportive and nurturing environment. With a graduation rate of just 26%, it faces challenges, but many students find purpose and direction here, particularly among the 63% who receive Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median income of $40,628 in their first decade after school, showing that there’s potential for career growth.

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, is a community-oriented institution with a welcoming acceptance rate of 96%. However, it faces challenges with a graduation rate of just 23%, signaling that some students may struggle to complete their degrees. Despite this, the college is dedicated to fostering a strong sense of belonging among its 1,536 students, many of whom are recipients of Pell Grants (62%).

96% accepted 23% graduate $31,902 earnings

Benedict's full profile

When we look at the earnings and graduation rates of two standout schools, we see a significant difference. North Carolina A&T State University achieves a graduation rate of 56% with an average earning of $44,440, while Morgan State University, despite offering a higher earning potential of $50,698, has a graduation rate of just 41%. This pattern suggests that while higher earnings are attractive, they may come with challenges in completing the degree.

As you scroll through these rankings, think about what matters most to you. Are you looking for strong earnings after graduation, or is completing the program more important? Consider factors like location, campus culture, and financial aid packages. For example, Tuskegee University has a higher net price of $35,013, which may impact your debt load, but its graduation rate is also strong at 56%.

These data points emphasize the importance of making informed choices about college. A degree in mechanical engineering can lead to a stable career, but the path varies significantly from one institution to another. Each family faces a unique set of circumstances, and understanding these outcomes can help make the right choice for a secure future.

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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