Top Florida HBCUs in 2019

Before the Civil Rights Era, in the south in particular, many colleges did not admit blacks. African-American leaders founded private institutions so black students could attend school as well.

Thinking about attending a four-year HBCU (Historically Black Colleges/Universities) in Florida and wondering what the top schools are? Today, within the great State of Florida are four HBCUs. Top Florida HBCU are ranked from #1 (best) to #4, based on 66 academic, financial and organization evaluation factors. The formula ranking algorithm is based on The U.S. Department of Education (SDOE) issued public and unbiased information, collected from each school.  You can get a head start on choosing and affording to attend your dream Florida HBCU. Read on for essential information regarding location, type and rating of all four of Florida’s 4-year HBCU colleges and universities. Whether you are deciding between attending a public or private university, searching for a specific degree program, or looking for the best values, we can help you compare the top Florida HBCUs and find an excellent quality HBCU to fit your needs.

HBCU schools in Florida:

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is a small, public HBCU college.  In fact, it is Florida’s only public HBCU. Florida A&M was founded in 1887. This university offers 62 bachelors, 36 masters, numerous certificates and 11 doctoral degrees in 64 programs, with 99 majors, not just specific to agriculture and mechanic topics of study. In 2018, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University was ranked “The Best HBCU School in Florida”, “The Third Best HBCU School in The South”, and “The Third Best HBCU School in USA”. Tuition to Florida A&M is approximately $17,000 per year. Florida A&M, being a research institution, receives around $54 million in research grant funding every year.  You can visit Florida A&M University online at famu.edu or call 850-599-3000 to learn more.

Florida Memorial University

Located in Miami Gardens, FL, Florida Memorial University is a very small, accredited, not-for-profit Baptist HBCU college. Florida Memorial University is one of the 39 original member institutions of The United Negro College Fund. Florida Memorial was founded in 1879. The university offers 44 bachelors and 4 masters degrees, with 35 majors. In 2018, Florida Memorial University was ranked “The Second Best HBCU School in Florida”, #26 “HBCU School in the South”, and #26 “HBCU School in USA”. Tuition to Florida Memorial University is approximately $16,000 per year. You can visit fmuniv.edu or call 305-626-3600 to learn more.

Bethune Cookman University

Located in Daytona Beach, FL, Bethune Cookman University is a small, not-for-profit HBCU college.  Bethune Cookman was founded in 1904 under the original name “The Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls”. The now co-ed university is currently offering bachelors and masters degrees in 38 programs, with 45 majors. In 2018, Bethune Cookman University was ranked “The Third Best HBCU School in Florida”, #45 “HBCU School in The South” and #47 “HBCU School in USA”. Tuition to Bethune Cookman University is approximately $16,000 per year. You can visit www.bethune.cookman.edu or call 386-481-2000 to learn more.

Edward Waters College

Located in Jacksonville, Edward Waters College is a small, not-for-profit HBCU college that was established to educate freed slaves. Edward Waters was founded in 1866. The college offers bachelors degrees in 9 programs, each as their own major. Edward Waters College was ranked #4 “HBCU School in Florida”, #83 “HBCU School in The South”, and #89 “HBCU School in USA”. The tuition for Edward Waters College is approximately $15,000 a year. You can visit ewc.edu or call 904-470-8000 to learn more.  

Why Attend an HBCU in the State of Florida?

The mission of Florida HBCUs are to provide educational opportunities for African American students, and all students, no matter their race. Florida HBCUs have great reputations in academia, particularly since the #1 rated HBCU in Florida is rated #3 in the entire United States. Students looking for a Florida HBCU to fit their needs, whether they require public or private school, small or large class size, will find one. Florida HBCUs offer courses on African American history, which is typically not offered at non-HBCU colleges. Also, Florida HBCU schools boast close knit campus communities and strong alumni connections.  Many scholarships are available to students looking to attend Florida HBCUs, so apply today to attend a Florida HBCU!