# Best HBCUs for Mechanical Engineering

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 16 | Category: HBCU
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-hbcu-mechanical-engineering

## Methodology

HBCUs ranked by outcomes and program concentration in Engineering

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [North Carolina A & T State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/north-carolina-a-t-state-university) | Greensboro, NC | 56% | $44,440 | $10,846 | $27,000 | 0.61x |
| 2 | [Tuskegee University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/tuskegee-university) | Tuskegee, AL | 56% | $49,641 | $35,013 | $27,000 | 0.54x |
| 3 | [Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-agricultural-and-mechanical-university) | Tallahassee, FL | 53% | $44,349 | $13,739 | $23,548 | 0.53x |
| 4 | [Hampton University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hampton-university) | Hampton, VA | 56% | $59,159 | $25,319 | $25,442 | 0.43x |
| 5 | [Tennessee State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/tennessee-state-university) | Nashville, TN | 33% | $42,730 | $15,796 | $27,000 | 0.63x |
| 6 | [Howard University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/howard-university) | Washington, DC | 69% | $63,066 | $50,539 | $24,500 | 0.39x |
| 7 | [Prairie View A & M University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/prairie-view-a-m-university) | Prairie View, TX | 43% | $45,411 | $13,570 | $27,000 | 0.59x |
| 8 | [South Carolina State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/south-carolina-state-university) | Orangeburg, SC | 33% | $38,262 | $18,097 | $31,000 | 0.81x |
| 9 | [University of the District of Columbia](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-the-district-of-columbia) | Washington, DC | 30% | $44,236 | $10,648 | $24,872 | 0.56x |
| 10 | [Claflin University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/claflin-university) | Orangeburg, SC | 50% | $40,304 | $17,800 | $29,000 | 0.72x |
| 11 | [Morgan State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/morgan-state-university) | Baltimore, MD | 41% | $50,698 | $14,985 | $27,250 | 0.54x |
| 12 | [Jackson State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/jackson-state-university) | Jackson, MS | 41% | $39,060 | $23,836 | $30,470 | 0.78x |
| 13 | [University of Maryland Eastern Shore](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-maryland-eastern-shore) | Princess Anne, MD | 35% | $47,697 | $13,338 | $27,000 | 0.57x |
| 14 | [Southern University and A & M College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southern-university-and-a-m-college) | Baton Rouge, LA | 28% | $43,371 | $20,077 | $29,251 | 0.67x |
| 15 | [Alabama A & M University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/alabama-a-m-university) | Normal, AL | 26% | $40,628 | $17,621 | $31,000 | 0.76x |
| 16 | [Benedict College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/benedict-college) | Columbia, SC | 23% | $31,902 | $18,250 | $32,500 | 1.02x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best HBCUs for Mechanical Engineering." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-hbcu-mechanical-engineering

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.