Colleges and universities across the U.S., including historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) offer MBAs. During legal segregation in the U.S., HBCUs offered an education to Black Americans when most other institutions excluded them. These institutions continue providing educational experiences to Black Americans and other students.
HBCUs host at least 23 MBA programs with accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs or Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. MBA applicants can find graduate business programs at HBCUs in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and other states.
This page discusses the benefits of choosing an HBCU online MBA program. Further below, find our ranking list of the best HBCU online MBAs.
History of HBCUs
People, like the Quakers and the Episcopal church, started founding historically Black colleges and universities in the 19th century. The first three recognized HBCUs existed before the Civil War. Richard Humphreys established the first HBCU, the African Institute (later Cheyney University), in Pennsylvania in 1837.
After the Civil War, southern and border states would not admit Black students into universities.
HBCUs invited Black students and learners of other races to earn college degrees when other institutions of higher learning often denied people of color access. HBCUs became centers of Black cultural, political, and economic activity and influence.
HBCUs still play an important role in educating Black students in a supportive environment that fosters community and leadership. Historically Black colleges and universities make up 3% of all American colleges and universities, yet nearly 20% of Black graduates attend an HBCU.
Traditional programs at early HBCUs focused on basic education and training that prepared students for trades or to become teachers. Business programs started at HBCUs in the 1930s.
Historically Black colleges and universities make up 3% of all American colleges and universities, yet nearly 20% of Black graduates attend an HBCU.
The U.S. Department of Education identifies 107 HBCUs in the country, with three currently closed. Most HBCUs are located in the southern U.S. states. Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina have the highest numbers of HBCUs.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best HBCU Online MBA Programs in HBCUs of 2023
The best online MBAs for 2023 offered at HCBUs sit at the top of our ranking based on our four-part methodology. We assess the top HBCUs for business based on cost, curricula, availability, and reputation.
This list of top HBCU online MBAs applies nonpartisan data from federally reported sources to provide an unbiased and comprehensive assessment of each program. The link below offers more information about the data.
#1 The Best HBCU Online MBA Programs of 2023
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Based in Tallahassee, FAMU provides academic opportunities throughout Florida and online. Since 1887, FAMU has grown from an initial class of 15 enrollees to a student body of over 10,000 learners.
School of Business & Industry
FAMU's online MBA includes 44 credits of cohort-based coursework, which students complete over five semesters. Courses cover organizational theory and behavior, global logistics, and market research methods.
The online MBA at FAMU blends lectures with team projects to hone enrollees' business knowledge and skills. Online MBA students benefit from FAMU's extensive network of corporate partnerships.
FAMU's online MBA provides students with laptops during the first semester, with program costs also covering textbooks and other course materials. Online MBA students participate in short-term international residencies, which are also covered by tuition.
Applying to FAMU
Each applicant for FAMU's online MBA must have a bachelor's degree, at least five years of professional experience (two years in management), and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Candidates also submit GMAT or GRE scores for consideration.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Tuition: $792/credit
- Required Credits: 44
- Delivery Format: Online (synchronous)
Percent Online Enrollment
98%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 The Best HBCU Online MBA Programs of 2023
North Carolina A & T State University
- Greensboro, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
N.C. A&T, established in Greensboro in 1891, awarded its first degrees in 1899. Now home to more than 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the university offers more than 150 academic programs through nine colleges and its online platform.
Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics
N.C. A&T's online MBA includes a general management curriculum with optional concentrations in human resource management and supply chain management. The human resource management MBA aligns with Society for Human Resource Management guidelines.
All online MBA students at N.C. A&T complete 36 credit hours of coursework, including 24 hours of core classes. Students who lack business prerequisites may need to take additional foundations coursework.
The online program includes a required practicum or internship for general management students. All MBA learners complete corporate strategy and policy capstone projects, which integrate in-depth case studies from real-world managerial scenarios.
N.C. A&T's MBA Specializations
Human Resource Management | Supply Chain Systems
Applying to N.C. A&T
Each applicant must submit a resume and transcripts attesting to a minimum 3.3 undergraduate GPA. Individuals with lower GPAs must provide GRE or GMAT scores for consideration. Additional documentation includes two letters of recommendation, a resume, and a writing sample.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: SACSCOC; AACSB
- Tuition: $147/credit (in state); $128/credit (out of state)
- Required Credits: 36
- Program Length: Two years
- Delivery Format: Online (asynchronous); on campus
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 The Best HBCU Online MBA Programs of 2023
North Carolina Central University
- Durham, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Established in Durham in 1910, NCCU now offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in more than 140 fields of study. The university operates in North Carolina's thriving Research Triangle and enrolls nearly 8,000 students each year.
NCCU School of Business
NCCU's online MBA integrates 24 credit hours of core classes with three available concentrations. Individuals without previous business coursework may be required to take additional foundation courses.
Students explore business essentials like accounting, information systems, statistics, and behavioral theory. The curriculum integrates specialized coursework in data analytics, marketing, or hospitality management into a concentration-based capstone requirement.
The data analytics concentration emphasizes statistical computing, while the marketing specialization focuses on customer relations, using new technology and digital capabilities, and contemporary topics in marketing. The hospitality management curriculum builds expertise in global services and hospitality and tourism in the modern world.
NCCU's MBA Specializations
Data Analytics | Marketing | Hospitality Management
Applying to NCCU
Each applicant submits two letters of recommendation, official transcripts, a personal statement, and a resume. Candidates must have minimum cumulative GPAs of 3.0 and provide either GRE or GMAT scores. Individuals may be invited to complete interviews.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: SACSCOC; AACSB
- Tuition: $298/credit (in state); $727/credit (out of state)
- Required Credits: 36
- Program Length: 18-24 months
- Delivery Format: Online (asynchronous)
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 The Best HBCU Online MBA Programs of 2023
Howard University
- Washington, DC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
With facilities throughout greater Washington, D.C., Howard traces its origins to 1867. Home to more than 9,500 enrollees, Howard takes pride in serving as "the leading producer of African American students" in the United States.
Howard University School of Business
Howard offers two online MBAs. Its traditional program suits current business professionals with 48 credit hours of coursework, and the executive MBA integrates 42 credits for experienced managers and business leaders.
Both online MBAs allow students to engage in interactive discussions with faculty and peers, hands-on projects with classmates, and asynchronous assignments offered through numerous platforms.
This HBCU's online MBA learners complete strategic management capstone requirements. At the end of the capstone, students present solutions for complex business problems to industry professionals and faculty.
Applying to Howard
Each applicant must have at least two years of professional experience for the traditional MBA. Admission for the executive online MBA includes at least seven years of professional experience with a minimum of five years of managerial experience.
To apply, a candidate must submit a resume, transcripts, a personal statement, GMAT or GRE scores, and two letters of recommendation.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: MSCHE; AACSB
- Tuition: $1,570/credit (executive MBA); $1,896 (traditional MBA)
- Required Credits: 42 (executive MBA); 48 (traditional MBA)
- Program Length: 18-36 months
- Delivery Format: Online (asynchronous and synchronous)
Percent Online Enrollment
33%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 The Best HBCU Online MBA Programs of 2023
Fayetteville State University
- Fayetteville, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1867, FSU occupies a main campus spanning nearly 160 acres in the heart of Fayetteville, North Carolina. More than 6,500 students enroll in FSU's over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs each year.
Broadwell College of Business and Economics
FSU's general business online MBA includes 36 credit hours of coursework. The university offers foundational classes for students without previous business coursework and experience. Learners can take three courses at campuses within the University of North Carolina System during the program.
Each enrollee completes 27 credit hours of core classes with nine hours of elective and capstone requirements. Individuals who want to specialize their degrees take elective classes in that subset alongside core classes and their capstone.
As the culminating course of the online MBA, the capstone allows learners to apply knowledge and skills from throughout the program, work in teams, and gain valuable real-world experience.
FSU's MBA Specializations
Business Intelligence And Data Analytics | Digital Enterprise And Cloud Management | Entrepreneurship | Finance | Healthcare Management | Health Informatic | International Business | Marketing | Management | Project Management | Supply Chain Management
Applying to FSU
Each applicant must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA. Previous graduate coursework must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Individuals submit GRE or GMAT scores, transcripts, and letters of recommendation for consideration.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: SACSCOC; AACSB
- Tuition: $191/credit (in state); $478/credit (out of state)
- Required Credits: 36
- Program Length: 24 months
- Delivery Format: Online (asynchronous)
Percent Online Enrollment
91%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Training Diverse Business Leaders
Minority populations are underrepresented in entrepreneurship. According to the 2019 Annual Business Survey, minority-owned businesses make up only 18.3% of all businesses with paid employees in the country.
HBCU online MBA programs help increase diversity in business by preparing Black students and other people of color for business careers in a safe, supportive school environment.
By contrast, the 2020 census shows people who identified themselves as a race other than white alone made up 38.4% of the U.S. population, demonstrating a clear imbalance between populations and entrepreneurship.
Economic conditions like the racial wealth gap and discriminatory financing practices can make it harder for Black entrepreneurs to start companies. These conditions also mean Black business owners in the U.S. often operate with less capital than their white counterparts.
HBCU online MBA programs help increase diversity in business by preparing Black students and other people of color for business careers in a safe, supportive school environment. Students get valuable networking opportunities, mentorship, and access to alumni databases.
The more affordable tuition typical at HBCUs means that students may be able to graduate with less debt, another potential stumbling block for starting a career in business. A 2011 article in The Network Journal, a publication focused on Black professionals and small business, reports that 12.5% of Black CEOs attended an HBCU.
Explore some benefits of diversity in business at the link below.
Why Enroll in an HBCU MBA Program?
Enrolling in an HBCU online MBA program can be a good option for any business major, not just Black students. Attending an HBCU can expose learners to diverse perspectives. This can expand learners' understanding of the world and teach them how to work more effectively with people from different backgrounds after graduation.
Other benefits of attending an HBCU MBA program include a positive student experience, strong alumni network, and improved affordability. We explore some of these benefits below.
Diversity: Although historically created to serve Black Americans, HBCUs value diversity. Attending a diverse college offers educational benefits and prepares students for success in a multicultural, global world after graduation. Diversity is increasing at HBCUs: In 2020, non-Black students comprised 24% of HBCU enrollment, compared to 15% in 1976.
Student Experience: HBCUs offer a student experience rooted in their important role in the history and culture of Black America, and resistance to racism and inequality. Black students, and those of other races, can expect HBCUs to offer supportive, respectful learning environments.
Strong Alumni Network: HBCUs often boast robust alumni networks that offer great value to students during school and after graduation. Alumni offer mentorship, provide career assistance, and encourage their employers to recruit at HBCUs for interns and employees.
Affordability: Students looking for an affordable online MBA program may want to consider an HBCU. Historically Black colleges and universities often cost less to attend than other traditional universities and colleges, with tuition 30% less on average compared to other schools. Over 70% of HBCU students qualify for federal Pell grants.
Why You Should Get Your MBA Online
Earning an MBA degree online offers convenience, especially for working professionals. Instead of committing to attend class at a specific time and place, online students can learn anytime and anywhere. Other potential benefits include flexibility, networking, affordability, and global opportunities.
Flexibility: An online MBA provides greater flexibility than an on-campus program. Instead of adjusting work schedules or family life to fit class times, online MBA candidates can complete most coursework around their other obligations from the comfort of their own home.
Networking: Many online MBA programs attract students from different states and other countries. The geographic diversity found in many online MBA cohorts makes networking opportunities particularly beneficial. Some programs offer in-person intensives that foster fast bonding with classmates and instructors.
Affordability: Students seeking an affordable MBA can sometimes save money by choosing an online degree. Distance programs that offer accelerated tracks and let students graduate more quickly sometimes cost less than in-person MBAs. Online learners can also save money by continuing to work while in school.
Global Opportunities: Online MBA programs may offer global opportunities like study abroad trips, international business internships, and fieldwork projects in foreign countries. Schools that offer MBAs through distance education sometimes enroll students from around the world, which also allows for global perspectives in class discussions.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Common Questions About Online HBCU MBA Programs
Can anyone go to an HBCU?
Yes. Anyone who meets the institution's admission requirements can apply to an HBCU. Enrollment of learners from diverse backgrounds is growing. In 2020, non-Black students comprised 24% of HBCU enrollment, compared to 15% in 1976.
Do most HBCUs have online programs?
Almost one-third of HBCUs offer online degree programs. Historically Black colleges and universities with online programs include Hampton University, St. Philip's College, and North Carolina Central University.
What is unique about an HBCU?
Historically, HBCUs ensured that Black students could receive a quality education during segregation, and even before the Civil War. They contributed substantially to improving the lives of Black Americans and continue to make a lasting impact on American cultural, political, and social life.
Which HBCUs have MBA programs?
Historically Black colleges and universities offer 23 accredited MBA programs. Some HBCUs with MBA programs include Howard University, Alabama A&M University, North Carolina Central University, and Jackson State University.
