A recent study on tuition costs and fees using data from the National Center for Education Statistics has found that HBCUs are typically more affordable than non-HBCUs. Annual tuition and fees at one of the more expensive HBCUs – Spelman College – are $28,181. Yet, this is still below the national average for a four-year private college, which stands at $32,410.
The following is a list of the five most affordable public HBCUs according to the study.
- Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, North Carolina (In-state: $4,986, Out-of-state: $18,130)
- Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, North Carolina (In-state: $5,183, Out-of-state: $16,791)
- University of the Virgin Islands, Virgin Islands (In-state: $5,235, Out-of-state: $14,496)
- Harris-Stowe State University: St. Louis, Missouri (In-state: $5,340, Out-of-state: $9,973)
- Albany State University, Albany, Georgia (In-state: $5,675, Out-of-state: $16,136)
The following is a list of the five most affordable private HBCUs according to the study.
- Simmons College of Kentucky, Louisville, Kentucky ($5,310)
- Selma University, Selma, Alabama ($7,115)
- Clinton College, Rock Hill, South Carolina ($7,949)
- Southwestern Christian College, Terrell, Texas ($8,136)
- Paul Quinn College, Dallas, Texas ($8,495)
With the exception of Paul Quinn, the other schools on this list have not often appeared on the list of HBCUs. I know, too, that Southwest Christian is a two-year school. Are others on this list also two year schools?