A master of business administration (MBA) is a postgraduate professional degree that has long functioned as the gold standard in the business world. MBA programs teach versatile business management and leadership skills. Accredited business schools also offer concentrated MBAs in targeted areas of professional practice.
Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are educational institutions specifically founded to serve the higher learning needs of Black students. Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965 defines HBCUs as Black-serving institutions established prior to 1964.
As of June 2024, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports 39 HBCUs offer graduate-level degrees in business administration and related areas. This degree guide and ranking profiles the top HBCU online programs in business administration for graduate students.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online MBA Programs at HBCUs
#1 The Best HBCU Online MBA Programs
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
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
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
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
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
At OnlineMBA.com, we rely on reputable sources to rank the best MBA programs. We use trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to find standout programs. We consider four metrics: affordability, reputation, academics, and program availability.
This list has not been updated for 2024. Visit our rankings methodology page to learn more about how we rank programs.
Why Get Your MBA at an HBCU?
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, which can expand learners' understanding of the world and teach them to work more effectively with people from different backgrounds.
We explore the benefits of attending an HBCU 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 world after graduation. Diversity is increasing at HBCUs: In 2022, non-Black students comprised 24% of HBCU enrollment, compared to 15% in 1976.
Student Experience: HBCUs offer a student experience rooted in the schools' role as part of the history and culture of Black America, including resistance to racism and inequality. Black students, as well as enrollees 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 learners. Alumni can offer mentorship, provide career assistance, and encourage their employers to recruit at HBCUs for interns and employees.
Affordability: According to a 2022 analysis from The Century Foundation, HBCUs cost an average of 28% less than non-HBCU institutions. The same analysis found that HBCUs provide nearly double the level of college access to low-income students as other higher education institutions. These factors heighten their appeal to students seeking an affordable online MBA program.
How Online HBCU Programs Diversify Business
Workplace diversity supports creativity by embracing a broader set of perspectives. It can also improve employee and customer engagement. Yet statistical data indicates persistent racial disparities in corporate leadership, small business ownership, and entrepreneurship.
According to 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Black people accounted for 12.8% of the total U.S. labor force. Despite this fact, they held only 8.4% of general and operations management roles and just 5.2% of chief executive positions.
Similarly, Pew Research Center data for 2021 found that Black-owned businesses accounted for only 2.8% of all enterprises that could be tracked according to the race or ethnicity of their primary owners. When calculating the total revenue that all surveyed companies earned that year, Black-owned businesses only accounted for 1.1% of that money.
However, trends are beginning to shift: A USA Today analysis from 2023 evaluated the number of Black professionals appointed to executive officer roles in companies on the Standard & Poor 100 list. The USA today report found that in 2022, Black executives secured these top-level appointments at rates more than one-third higher than they did in 2020.
A June 2023 Deloitte analysis reported similar findings — Deloitte noted an increase of more than three percentage points in the number of Fortune 500 board seats held by Black members from 2020 to 2022, growing from 8.7% to 11.9%.
By attracting promising students of color, HBCU online programs in business administration can help rectify these representational gaps. Continued progress holds the potential to uplift historically underrepresented communities and advance the goal of socioeconomic racial parity.
Why You Should Get Your HBCU MBA Online
Earning an MBA degree online offers convenience, especially for working professionals. Instead of attending classes at prescheduled times, online students can often learn anytime and anywhere, especially in asynchronous programs. We explore other benefits of distance education — including networking, affordability, and global opportunities — below.
Flexibility: An online MBA can provide greater flexibility than an on-campus program. Instead of adjusting work schedules or family life to fit class times, online MBA candidates can complete some or all of their coursework at their convenience from the comfort of their own home.
Networking: Many online MBA programs attract students from different states and other countries. This geographic diversity in online MBA cohorts means networking can span wider areas than on-campus programs that attract only local learners. Some online degrees also offer in-person intensives that foster connection between 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. Schools may also offer discounted tuition for online programs, including in-state rates for all enrollees. 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 online sometimes enroll students from around the world, which also allows for global perspectives in class discussions.
Source: NCES College Navigator
HBCUs Programs Then and Now
Groups like the Quakers and the Episcopal church started founding historically Black colleges and universities in the 19th century. Some of the earliest recognized HBCUs existed before the Civil War — Richard Humphreys established the first HBCU, the African Institute (later Cheyney University), in Pennsylvania in 1837.
Miner Normal School (now the University of the District of Columbia), the Ashmun Institute (today called Lincoln University), and Wilberforce College (the present-day Wilberforce University) followed suit in the decades after.
These schools and others like them served an important function: inviting Black students and learners of other races to earn college degrees when other institutions of higher learning across the country 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. Though HBCUs only make up 3% of all U.S. colleges and universities, nearly 20% of Black college graduates attend an HBCU. A 2023 Brown University study also found that Black HBCU students are 15% more likely to graduate from bachelor's programs than Black students who attend non-HBCU institutions.
Traditional programs at early HBCUs focused on basic education and training that prepared students for trades or to become teachers and ministers. Business programs started at HBCUs in the 1930s and now exist at a majority of these schools: Of the 102 historically Black institutions included in the NCES College Navigator database as of June 2024, 94% offered business education.
NCES identifies 102 HBCUs across the country, though three are currently closed. Most institutions are located in southern states, with Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina hosting the highest numbers of HBCUs.
Scholarship Resources for HBCU MBA Students
MBA Scholarships for Black Students
MBA Resources and Scholarships for Indigenous and Native American Students
Scholarships for Hispanic and Latino/a MBA Students
MBA Scholarships for Undocumented Students
FAQ About HBCU Online MBA Programs
Can I go to an HBCU online?
Yes, many HBCUs offer online programs. Like public and private schools throughout the United States, HBCUs have increased their support for online learning in recent years. HBCU students can pursue online and hybrid degrees in an array of academic disciplines.
What is unique about an HBCU?
Historically, HBCUs ensured that Black students could receive a quality education in the 19th and 20th centuries. 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 online MBA programs?
NCES data from June 2024 shows 33 HBCUs offer advanced degrees in general business administration. These schools include Alabama A&M University, Hampton University, Howard University, and Jackson State University.
Can anyone go to an HBCU?
Yes. HBCUs do not typically restrict admissions to students of a particular race. According to NCES data from 2022, about one-quarter (24%) of all HBCU students are not Black. Because HBCUs are designed as safe spaces for Black learners and academics, however, all enrollees should be respectful of this institutional culture.
The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by OnlineMBA.com. Page last reviewed June 13, 2024.
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