10 HBCUs With Strong Business Programs
If you’re looking for talented candidates to fill your business-focused roles, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are a great place to look. HBCUs make up around 20% of all degrees awarded to Black graduates every year, and are particularly helpful for preparing students for the workforce. One survey found that 55% of students who attended HBCUs felt they were adequately prepared for life after graduation, compared to 30% of students who attended non-HBCUs. For business preparedness specifically, HBCUs produce more African-American & Black CPAs and Wall Street associates than any other non-HBCU institutions. With all this considered, any company hoping to fill a role that requires business competencies should include HBCUs in their search. These 10 HBCUs have especially strong business programs and are a great place to look:
Bowie State University
Location: Bowie, MD
Size of undergraduate student body: 5,381
School type: Public
Bowie State offers a flexible and holistic approach in their business program. With classes being available online, in-person, and in a hybrid format Bowie makes it easy for students to work in getting their degree around the rest of their life. Around 21% of Bowie’s graduating students are business majors, one of the most popular programs at the school. They also provide a Business Innovation Center where students can have direct access to entrepreneurs and other mentors.
Fayetteville State University
Location: Fayetteville, NC
Size of undergraduate student body: 5,563
School type: Public
At Fayetteville, around 15% of graduates come from the Broadwell College of Business and Economics. Students are able to test their skills through the University-Industry Collaboration Initiative every semester where they pitch solutions to real-world business problems. There are also plenty of funded research opportunities for students to get involved in hands-on learning experiences.
Florida A&M University
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Size of undergraduate student body: 7,301
School type: Public
The FAMU School of Business and Industry provides an interactive learning experience and connected alumni network. Some highlights of their business program include internship opportunities, professional leadership training, and international exposure. They’ve been ranked #7 best HBCU by U.S News and around 9% of their graduates are business majors.
Hampton University
Location: Hampton, VA
Size of undergraduate student body: 2,863
School type: Private
Hampton University has been ranked the #6 HBCU overall by U.S. News, and business majors make up around 14% of their total graduates. Alumni go on to succeed at the highest levels of corporations, firms, and agencies. The business school also offers a rigorous five year undergraduate/graduate program leading to a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Students in the program acquire competencies in accounting, technology, and engineering-based backgrounds as well as strong interpersonal and critical thinking skills.
Howard University
Location: Washington D.C.
Size of undergraduate student body: 8,964
School type: Private
Howard provides a strong alumni network, state-of-the-art resources, and business majors make up for around 15% of their graduates. The School of Business has been named the #1 “greatest opportunity for minority students,” by the Princeton Review, and U.S. News ranked it #2 in their list of top HBCUs. The business school also features specialized centers with additional resources in areas like cybersecurity, global business, insurance education, and supply chain management. One standout aspect of Howard’s business education is their 21st Century Advantage Program— a series of competitive, experience-based learning opportunities. This program provides leadership development and networking opportunities, a partnership with a corporate sponsor, and a sophomore team leader for students to have a resource early on.
Morehouse College
Location: Atlanta, GA
Size of undergraduate student body: 2,554
School type: Private
Business majors make up an impressive 25% of the graduates from Morehouse every year. Their business administration program offers four concentrations: accounting, finance, management, and marketing. Morehouse was also named #4 HBCU overall by U.S. News. On top of the traditional coursework in business, Morehouse puts emphasis on training its students early on to give back to the community through their entrepreneurial endeavors.
North Carolina A&T State University
Location: Greensboro, NC
Size of undergraduate student body: 10,011
School type: Public
North Carolina A&T’s College of Business and Economics shapes its students to be innovative thinkers and ethical leaders with strong academic skillsets. The school has a Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation to provide a space where students can cultivate their business ideas as they’re learning. They also keep students updated on current trends in the industry by hosting a Closing Bell Speaker Series featuring scholarly professionals. With 12% of their undergrads in business-related majors, U.S. News ranks North Carolina A&T as #9 for HBCUs overall.
North Carolina Central University
Location: Durham, NC
Size of undergraduate student body: 5,892
School type: Public
At NCCU business majors make up around 15% of graduates. The School of Business holds an impressive 85-95% job placement rate depending on specific major. Beginning freshman year, their career management program works to develop students into industry professionals through three main ways: experiential learning, leadership development, and business communication. Also, NCCU was ranked #10 in top performers for social mobility by U.S. News and #11 in HBCUs overall.
Tuskegee University
Location: Tuskegee, AL
Size of undergraduate student body: 2,184
School type: Private
The Tuskegee baccalaureate program in business focuses on balancing practical theory and real-world experience. Tuskegee also creates partnerships with top corporate entities in the industry. Through these partnerships, they provide opportunities for on-campus recruiting for students, as well as opportunities for partners to be involved in daily classroom activities.
Xavier University of Louisiana
Location: New Orleans, LA
Size of undergraduate student body: 2,755
School type: Private
Xavier’s business school gives students a unique opportunity through their Entrepreneurship Institute — a resource for students who want to start their own business. They receive guidance from a Business Advisory Council made up of executives from companies such as Procter & Gamble, 3M, and Entergy. Xavier has also been ranked #5 in most innovative schools and #5 in HBCUs overall by U.S. News.
All of these schools have standout business programs that prepare their students with all the skills they need to succeed after graduation. When planning your recruitment strategy, consider adding any or all of the schools featured on this list into your group of core schools.
Want more information on the top HBCUs? Download our guide to recruiting at HBCUs here.
