2019 List Of The Top Tennessee HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges/Universities)

Before the Civil Rights Era, in the south in particular, most colleges did not admit blacks.  African-American leaders founded private institutions to completely support the educational needs of African Americans students. Historically Black Colleges/Universities (HBCUs) provide a connection to black history, celebrating the culture and black trailblazers, while also offering outstanding educational programs. If you are thinking about attending a four-year HBCU in Tennessee and wondering what the top schools are, read on below.

 Today, within the great State of Tennessee, there are seven 4-year HBCU colleges in the state. Top Tennessee HBCU are ranked from #1 (best) to #6. The criterion for this ranking algorithm is based on The U.S. Department of Education (SDOE) issued public and unbiased information. From each school they collect data regarding 66 academic, financial and organization evaluation factors.  

If you want to get a head start on researching, choosing and affording to attend your ideal Tennessee HBCU, read on below for the essential information regarding location, type and rating of all six of Tennessee’s 4-year HBCU colleges and universities. Whether you are looking to attend a public or private university, searching for a specific degree program of interest, or looking for the best valued HBCU in Tennessee, we can help you compare the top seven Tennessee HBCUs and find one to fit your needs.

In no particular order, the top 6 HBCU schools in Tennessee are:

American Baptist College

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, American Baptist College is an HBCU founded in 1924, with a liberal arts emphasis for Christian leadership, service, and social justice.  American Baptist College is affectionately called “The Holy Hill” as it began as a seminary for the training of Black Baptist ministers. The college has approximately 159 undergraduates and offers bachelor degrees. The average annual costs to attend the college are around $18,000 per year.

Fisk University

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Fisk University is the oldest institution of higher learning in Nashville, Tennessee.  Founded in 1865 just 3 months after the civil war ended, Fisk was sponsored by the American Missionary Association — later part of the United Church of Christ. Fisk University has approximately 738 undergraduate students. The university offers baccalaureate degrees. The cost to attend the university annually is around $29,000 per year.  Fisk University was rated the #605 HBCU by Forbes.

Lane College

Located in Jackson, Tennessee, Lane College is small, private, co-educational, church-related HBCU college. Founded in 1882 by early Black Church denominations, Lane College educated the newly freed Negroes following the Civil War. The college now offers bachelor degrees in the arts and sciences. The total number of undergraduates attending the college is approximately 1,376. The cost to attend the college annually is around $12,500 per year.

Le Moyne-Owen College

Located in Memphis, Tennessee, Le Moyne-Owen College is Memphis’ only HBCU. The college is a liberal arts college offering a 4-year degree. The total number of undergraduate students is approximately 1,104. The annual cost to attend the college is around $8,000 per year. Located in the heart of Memphis, this offers a rich cultural vibrancy to the institution.

Meharry Medical College

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Meharry Medical College is a medical HBCU college offering M.D./Ph.D. programs. It was founded in 1876, by Samuel Meharry and his four brothers in response to an Act of Kindness they received when a family helped their wagon out of the mud. The purpose of the college is to offer education and training so that minority and underserved communities can be helped.

Tennessee State University

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Tennessee State University is comprehensive, urban, coeducational, land-grant institution. Founded in 1912, as “Agricultural and Industrial State Normal College”, the name changed and so the school grew to include School of Agriculture & Home Economics, the Graduate School, Department of Aerospace Studies, the School of Allied Health Professions, School of Business and the School of Nursing. The total number of undergraduate students is approximately 8,000. The annual cost to attend the college is around $7,200 (in state) to $20,000 (out of state) per year.  Tennessee State University is located in Nashville, with a 500-acre main campus along the Cumberland River, and the downtown Avon Williams campus near Nashville’s business district. Tennessee State University was rated the #658 HBCU by Forbes.

Why Attend an HBCU in the State of Tennessee?

The mission of all six Tennessee HBCUs are to provide education and leadership opportunities for African American students (and all students), embrace and celebrate black culture, and provide a top notch education. Currently there are 11,389 Students attending one of the 4-year HBCU colleges in Tennessee. These students are learning a variety of majors, including courses on African American history, which students cannot typically receive at non-HBCU colleges, so this is a bonus for those looking to study black history. Also, these Tennessee HBCU schools have very strong alumni connections, and alumni connections can lead to job opportunities.

All things considered, Tennessee HBCUs have great reputations in African American history, empowering leadership and strong academia. Average tuitions ranges from $12,000-$14,000 per year, so begin saving for college if this is important to you. Students looking for a Tennessee HBCU to fit their needs, whether they require public or private school, small or large class size, and price range with scholarships, will find one in Tennessee. Apply today to begin your future at a Tennessee HBCU!