Online Colleges
By Carol Katarsky
Updated On
if you've been considering a degree or certificate from an Historically Black College or University (HBCU), you're not alone. During the pandemic, applications to these schools increased as much 60% even as most other schools found applications dropping.The reasons vary, but for many, the ongoing discussion of issues of diversity and equity likely play a role. Maybe you've dreamed of graduating from a HBCU, but you can't find a way to go full-time right now. Or maybe your preferred school is too far away, and it would be too expensive to relocate or commute. You can still earn your degree and participate in the HBCU experience by earning your degree online. With an online degree, you may not have the same on-campus experience, but you'll still enjoy many of the benefits of attending an HBCU, including specialized courses of study, the name recognition of your alma mater, and access to strong alumni networks. Howard University, based in Washington DC, is one of the best-known HBCUs. As a research university, Howard is a leader in STEM fields and has several nationally ranked science programs. The school also has noted programs in social work, cinematography, business, and communication sciences and disorders. The university offers a wide range of degrees,with a small but significant handful that can be completed online. Those include: RN to BSN — This program is for registered nurses (RNs) who have completed their associate degree and want to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The program can be completed in 12 months for students who are able to take a full-time class load. There are also part-time programs available. Learn more here. Online MBA — This program is for early- and mid-career professionals who want to grow as business leaders while completing the MBA program in a flexible way. Applicants should have at least two years of professional experience and already hold a BA or BS. Learn more about Howard's Online MBAhere. Executive MBA— Howard's ExecutiveMaster of Business Administration can be completed 100% online in only 18 months. This program is geared toward working professionals with at least seven years of professional experience who want to expand their career prospects to the executive level. Bonus: No GMATs required for admission. Get more details on the EMBA program here.1. Howard University
2. Albany State University
Albany State University, in Albany, GA,is the largest HBCU in Georgia. It was founded byJoseph Winthrop Holley, the son of formerly enslaved people. The school became part of the university system of Georgia in 1932.
ASU has an extremely wide selection of online programs including computer science, health sciences and criminal justice. Depending on your goals, you can choose from professional certificate, undergraduate, or graduate courses of study.
For a complete list of all the online programs the school has to offer, click here.
3. Hampton University
Hampton University in Hampton, VA, was founded after the Civil War to provide educational opportunities for freedmen and women. Booker T. Washington attended the school in 1872, when it was known as Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute.
Today, the school offers an extensive list of online programs at all levels, including doctoral, master's, bachelor's and associate degrees.Hampton also offers certificate programs in disciplines such as human resource management and paralegal studies.
Click here for a complete list of degree programs that can be completed online, through the Hampton Online U portal.
4. Spelman College
Founded in 1881 as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary, the school now known as Spelman College is an internationally known leader in the education of women of African descent. The school is just launching its first online certificate programs. Starting in the Spring 2022 semester, Spelman introduced three programs: Business Essentials; Project Management; and Leading Self, Leading Others.
The college said it will continue to launch new programs in upcoming semesters, in the following study areas:diverse leadership, teacher certification prep, conversational Spanish, cosmetic science, urban education, and more.
5. Morgan State University
Morgan State University inBaltimore is the largest HBCU in Maryland. It was founded in1867 as the Centenary Biblical Institute. In 2017, it was designated as Maryland's preeminent public urban research university.
Online degree programs range from post-bac certificates to doctoral degrees in the following areas of study:
community college L\leadership
business administration
project management
sustainable urban communities
social work
MSU also has noncredit online programs focusing on business and technology.Learn more about all of MSUs online programs here.
6. Lincoln University
Lincoln University is located in Jefferson City, MO. According to its website, the schoolwas founded in 1866 by the men of the 62ndand 65thUnited States Colored Infantries and their white officers, for the special benefit of freed African Americans.
Throughout its history, the school has been known for offering innovative programs that serve a diverse student body.
It currentlyhas twoonline MBA programs — one with an emphasis in management; the other with an emphasis in public administration/policy. Learn more here.
7. Xavier University of Louisiana
Xavier University of Louisiana, in New Orleans, is the only historically Black and Catholic university in the United States. Though small, it's particularly noted for its STEM programs, especially its School of Pharmacy.
XULA has a flexible approach to online education, with classes available in its schools of biological and applied sciences, public health sciences, speech pathology, business, education & consulting, and fine arts & humanities. The school even offers a fully online Ed.D in educational leadership. You can learn more about the options or a specific program here.
8. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, NC, has one of the largest offerings in terms of online degrees and certificates. It also happens to have one of the largest enrollments among HBCUs.
Students can earn online bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees, as well as professional certificates. The school has been particularly noted for its STEM offerings, including electronics technology, information technology, and business information technology. Explore their many program options here.
9. Tuskegee University
Tuskegee Universityin Tuskegee,AL, was cofounded by distinguished author, orator, and presidential advisor, Booker T. Washington.
The school has two online-only options for grad degrees. Working professionals can earn a master's in environmental science or environmental management. Note that these programs are specifically designed to be completed by people who are already working full-time. Learn more here.
10. Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical A&M University
Alabama A&M University, located near Huntsville, AL, was originally called theHuntsville State Normal School for Negroes when it was founded in 1875. Along with six other universities, AAMU participates in a joint venture with NASA to promote collaboration between academia, research, and industry.
AAMU currently has one undergrad degree option in management as well as graduate programs in computer science, early childhood education, and educational leadership.
You can learn more about the optionshere.
11. Delaware State University
Delaware State University is located in Dover, DE. The school's origins date back to 1891, when it was founded as the State College for Colored Students. The current student body consists of about 63% black students. The school reports increasing enrollment among white, Hispanic, Asian, and international students as well. DSU offers a variety of online programs, both undergraduate and graduate, including: accounting, business administration, public health, social work, sports administration, and a certificate in drug & alcohol counseling.
12. University of the Virgin Islands
The University of the Virgin Islands is located on the island of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Founded in 1962, the school is designated an as HBCU. Its slogan is "Historically American. Uniquely Caribbean. Globally Interactive."
With an impressive array of online programs, UVI is living up to its goal of appealing to a global population. The University offers 100% online associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees in the following programs in several fields, including accounting, criminal justice, computer sciences, financial planning, and more.
Other options to consider
There are two other schools, both located in West Virginia, with online programs that may be of interest. While designated as HBCUs and serving to provide racially diverse educational opportunities for local students, both schools currently have a majority white student body.
13. Bluefield State College
Bluefield State College in Bluefield, WV, is West Virginia's only nonresidential four-year college. It was founded as the Bluefield Colored Institute. Bluefield offers fully online degree programs in several disciplines, including engineering technology and business administration, and more.
14. West Virginia StateUniversity
West Virginia State University, located near Charleston, WV, prides itself on being one of the most-affordable institutions in the region and its heritage as an HBCU.
WVSU has an impressive selection of online degree programs. Undergrad offerings include:
- business accounting
- business management
- criminal justice
- health sciences
- English/technical writing
- Regents (bachelor of arts) degree — designed for adult learners, this program allows students to receive academic credit for work and other life experience.
It also has online grad programs including aMaster of Education in instructional leadership.Learn more about WVSU's online degree programs here.
What's your next step?
If you're considering investing in your future with an online degree, learn more about how to pay for college.
Published in: Online Colleges
FAQs
Can you get an online degree from an HBCU? ›
There are a growing number of HBCU online programs currently available to you. Online learning or 'distance learning' can be a great education option that offers many benefits including: convenience, flexibility, time-savings and affordability.
What is the easiest HBCU to get into? ›- Albany State University with 91% rate of acceptance.
- Clark Atlanta University with 71% rate of acceptance.
- Fort Valley State University with 61% rate of acceptance, and.
- Morehouse College with 58% rate of acceptance.
Howard University is the hardest HBCU to get into, with an acceptance rate of just 39%. If you're looking for a challenge, Howard is the school for you. Other hard-to-get-into HBCUs include Spelman College (53%), Philander Smith College (21%), and Wiley College (15%).
What is the cheapest HBCU? ›Coahoma Community College in Mississippi is the cheapest HBCU, while Spelman College in Atlanta is the least affordable, according to the findings. Here's more about the cost of HBCUs.
Are online college degrees taken seriously? ›In many cases, online graduates receive the same exact diploma as on-campus students. There's also no real need for you to reveal the online nature of your credentials on a job application, unless you just want to. If the school you attend is close to your home, it may be assumed that you attended classes in person.
Are online college degrees respected? ›As many as 83% of business leaders see an online degree at a “well-known” institution as having the same value as an on-campus degree. If they are not familiar with a school, however, or the institution isn't known for producing prepared graduates from its programs, your degree may not be seen as having the same value.
What is the #1 private HBCU? ›1. Howard University. Howard University is a private co-educational college in Washington DC. It is categorised by the Carnegie Foundation as a research university with high research activity.
What HBCU accepts 2.5 GPA? ›Southern University at New Orleans is a historically black college or university (HBCU) that accepts students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
What GPA do HBCU accept? ›What GPA do you need to get into an HBCU? The typical GPAs for students accepted into many HBCUs schools range from 2.5-3.0. Other HBCUs may require higher GPAs. For example, students accepted at Hampton University and Florida A&M had average GPAs above 3.25.
What is the #1 Public HBCU in the US? ›Florida A&M University
#1 Best HBCU Schools in America.
Which HBCU is majority white? ›
...
10 Most Diverse Historically Black Colleges.
School name (state) | West Virginia State University |
---|---|
Hispanic | 0.5% |
White | 60.8% |
American Indian | 0.5% |
International | 0.5% |
- Howard University: $806.4 million.
- Spelman College: $570.8 million.
- Hampton University: $379.9 million.
- Morehouse College: $278 million.
- Meharry Medical College: $199.4 million.
- Xavier University of Louisiana: $191 million.
- North Carolina A&T State University: $174.6 million.
Washington, DC's Howard University is a private Black Ivy League institution that offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. With over 120 academic programs, Howard is one of the most academically diverse HBCUs.
What is the safest HBCU? ›Alarms.org has named its safest college campuses in the nation and Fayetteville State University (FSU) is on the list. FSU is the safest historically black college and university (HBCU) in North Carolina, the fourth safest in the state, and ranks 119 out of 500 schools in the nation.
What is the smallest HBCU in the US? ›Institute, West Virginia. West Virginia State University was established in 1891. Established in 1891 as the West Virginia Colored Institute, West Virginia State University is an HBCU and the smallest land-grant institution in the country.
Do employers dislike online degrees? ›Do employers accept online degrees? In general, employers should treat an online degree the same as they would a campus-based degree. Most employers care far more about the quality of the school than the delivery format of the degree.
What are the disadvantages of online degree? ›- Online Learning May Create a Sense of Isolation. Everyone learns in their own manner. ...
- Online Learning Requires Self-Discipline. ...
- Online Learning Requires Additional Training for Instructors. ...
- Online Classes Are Prone to Technical Issues. ...
- Online Learning means more screen-time.
One of the most common questions asked on this topic is, "Are online classes easier?" Put simply, the answer is no. Opting for online courses over traditional courses is not the easy route for your education. It's true that online courses offer more flexibility, but that doesn't change the amount of work you put in.
What is the best college for online degrees? ›- University of Florida.
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University--Worldwide.
- University of Illinois--Chicago.
- Medical University of South Carolina.
- Texas A&M University--College Station.
- University of North Carolina--Charlotte.
- Arizona State University.
- Oregon State University.
- Computer Science. Virtually every industry relies on computer scientists in some form or another. ...
- Business Administration. ...
- Nursing. ...
- Marketing. ...
- Finance. ...
- Engineering. ...
- Human Resources. ...
- Education.
Do online degrees say online on them? ›
Employers prefer to see online distance learning diplomas from non-profit universities. Most students are typically worried that the term “online” will be printed on their diploma. Generally, your diploma will not reflect the word “online” on it.
What is the most elite HBCU? ›RANK | UNIVERSITY | LOCATION |
---|---|---|
4 | Morehouse College | Atlanta, GA |
3 | Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL |
2 | Howard University | Washington, DC |
1 | Spelman College | Atlanta, GA |
Established in 1856 in Ohio, Wilberforce University is the nation's oldest, private HBCU owned and operated by African Americans.
Do HBCU accept white students? ›HBCUs were created to support higher education for Black students nationwide. HBCUs account for 3% of colleges and universities across the country. Some HBCUs enroll up to 40% white students. Black culture and traditions continue to play an important role at HBCUs.
Do colleges accept 1.5 GPA? ›The answer is No. The national average for a GPA is around 3.0 and a 1.5 GPA puts you below that average. A 1.5 GPA means that you've gotten only C-s and D+s in your high school classes so far. Since this GPA is significantly below a 2.0, it will make things very difficult for you in the college application process.
What is the lowest GPA colleges accept? ›Unofficially, 2.0 is the lowest GPA accepted into a standard college, so while there's a chance that college admission is possible, it's not likely at more than a few institutions.
Can you pass college with a 2.0 GPA? ›Maintaining a minimum 2.0 GPA is often necessary to participate in sports, extracurricular activities, and selected classes. A 2.0 GPA meets high school graduation requirements but most colleges—and some trade schools—expect a high school GPA of at least 3.0 (B) or better.
What is the Harvard of HBCUs? ›District of Columbia
Often called "The Harvard of HBCUs," Howard boasts the largest endowment of black colleges and continues to lead in research and innovation among historically black institutions.
The average high school student graduates with a 3.0 GPA, which offers eligibility at a wide range of colleges, making it ideal for students looking to continue their education. Despite that, though, a 2.7 is still eligible for acceptance at a fair number of 4-year universities, so get started on those applications!
Can you get into Howard with a 2.5 GPA? ›A: The Exchange Program is open to all undergraduate students with a minimum 2.5 GPA (some schools require a 3.0 GPA). You must be a sophomore (at the time of application). One year in residence at Howard is required.
What HBCU is 90% white? ›
It opened in the late 19th century as the Bluefield Colored Institute, created to educate the children of black coal miners in segregated West Virginia. Although it still receives the federal funding that comes with its designation as a historically black institution, today Bluefield State College is 90 percent white.
What is the oldest black college? ›The First of Its Kind
On February 25, 1837, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania became the nation's first Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
Former names | Atlanta Baptist Seminary, Atlanta Baptist College |
---|---|
Motto | Latin: "Et Facta Est Lux" |
Motto in English | And there was light |
Type | Private historically black men's liberal arts college |
Established | 1867 |
Students can earn online bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees, as well as professional certificates. The school has been particularly noted for its STEM offerings, including electronics technology, information technology, and business information technology.
Can you do a university degree online? ›Yes, you can achieve the exact same qualification through studying a degree course online, that you would if you studied on campus. But as we've explained above, you should thoroughly research a distance learning degree course before applying.
Is Howard College Online? ›Howard College offers a big variety of courses online and hybrid.
Does Spelman College offer online degrees? ›Launched in 2021, the program delivers online education and certificates that support the upskilling and career exploration of working adult learners.
Can I be white and go to a HBCU? ›HBCUs were created to support higher education for Black students nationwide. HBCUs account for 3% of colleges and universities across the country. Some HBCUs enroll up to 40% white students. Black culture and traditions continue to play an important role at HBCUs.
Which of the 7 HBCUs are known as the Ivy League HBCUs? ›The North Star News described Fisk, Hampton, Howard, Morehouse, Tuskegee as well as Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and Morgan State University as the equivalent of a Black Ivy League.
Does Harvard accept Online degrees? ›As we said above, Harvard does not award degrees purely through online programs at the moment. However, if you're interested in a Harvard MBA and you can't commit to a full-time, on-campus course load, Harvard does have other options.
What is a good degree to get online? ›
- Biotechnology.
- Computer Forensics.
- Computer Science.
- Cybersecurity.
- Data Science.
- Database Management.
- Educational Technology.
- Information Systems and Technology.
- Data Science.
- Artificial Intelligence.
- Graphic Design.
- Cyber Security.
- Data Analytics.
- Digital Marketing.
- Social Media Marketing.
- Programming.