Top HBCU Online MBA Programs
Contributing Writer
Editor, Business Education
Reviewer & Writer
Contributing Writer
Editor, Business Education
Reviewer & Writer
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Around the turn of the 19th century, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) began to focus on business education. The goal was to train and prepare the Black community for entrepreneurial and leadership pursuits.
HBCUs play a critical role in Black business education. These schools not only provide Black students with a high-quality education but also surround them with inspiration, motivation, and support. The next generation watches as HBCU-grown executives like Oprah Winfrey and Rosalind Brewer achieve huge success and blaze a trail for others to follow.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), of the 48,800 degrees conferred at HBCUs in the 2021-2022 academic year, 16% were master's degrees. If you’re considering attending an HBCU for an online MBA, follow this guide to learn about the best schools and how to choose your program.
We have highlighted some of the best online MBA degrees offered at historically Black institutions. Online MBA programs can be flexible, more affordable pathways to career success. Typically, these programs require students to complete 30-36 credit hours and last 12-24 months.
Best HBCU Online MBA Programs: Highlights
Prairie View A&M University, Texas
This 36-credit-hour online MBA program requires applicants to hold a four-year degree, preferably in business, and have a GPA of at least 2.5. If a prospective student's undergraduate degree is in a different discipline, they may need to take some prerequisite courses before being admitted. Prairie View A&M's MBA program offers concentrations in accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, management information systems, and general management.
Southern University A&M College Louisiana
The online MBA at Southern University offers five areas of concentration, including accounting, entrepreneurship, human resources management, supply chain management, and healthcare management. This 30-credit-hour program is unique in that there is an optional two-week study abroad program opportunity.
Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Howard University offers both an online MBA and an online executive MBA. The MBA program takes 2.5 years and 48 credit hours to complete. This program is designed for early- to mid-career professionals. The executive MBA requires at least five years of professional senior management and leadership experience and can be completed in 18 months and 42 credit hours. The program allows students to pursue one of many concentrations, including statistics and business analytics.
North Carolina Central University
This unique online MBA program offers a dual program with the option to also obtain a Juris Doctor or a master of information science. The MBA at North Carolina Central University is designed for applicants with at least five years of working experience, requires 24 credit hours of coursework, and can take from 18-24 months to complete. North Carolina Central offers many concentrations, including cyberspace, data analytics, real estate, and wealth management.
Tennessee State University
TSU offers an accelerated online MBA, which consists of 36 credit hours and can be completed in 12 months. This program is ideal for any professional who is eager to complete a quality MBA in a short amount of time
These are simply a few of the top online MBA programs offered at HBCUs. When considering programs, applicants should think about the specific area of concentration they are interested in, as well as the time frame it takes to complete the program.
Featured Online MBA Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best HBCU Online MBA Programs
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Prairie View A & M University
Prairie View, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The second-oldest public university in Texas, PVAMU was founded in 1876. The school offers a traditional MBA with online and evening classes. The HBCU online MBA has a general track and four concentration options, including accounting, finance, entrepreneurship, and management information systems.
PVAMU welcomes applicants from all disciplines and has no GMAT requirements. Tuition prices for Texas residents come in below $900 per credit. If you're a more experienced professional, you might consider the school's hybrid executive MBA.
Texas Southern University
Houston, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
TSU has a reputation as a leader in educating Black graduate students. The school designed its online executive MBA specifically for mid-career business professionals and offers two tracks: general business and energy finance. You can work full time and still complete the 36-credit program in less than two years.
To make its online MBA more accessible for business professionals, TSU emphasizes professional experience. You need five years of business leadership experience to apply, but TSU has no GMAT requirement. The $1,000 per-credit tuition rate covers all books and class materials
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Tallahassee, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Since its founding in 1887, FAMU has focused on improving opportunities for its students. Its online MBA program does just that. The program boasts a high employment rate, with 85% of graduates landing jobs and 15% going on to pursue another degree.
FAMU connects MBA students and graduates with a network of over 100 corporate partners. The school also offers tuition rates that cover textbooks, laptops, and an international residency.
Delaware State University
Dover, DE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
When founded in 1891, DSU became one of the first land-grant schools in the country. DSU's online MBA offers part-time, full-time, and accelerated paths. As an accelerated student, you can complete the program in as little as 12 months.
Any executive experience you have may qualify you for a GMAT waiver during the admissions process. The MBA program's evening and weekend classes provide flexibility if you choose to continue working while in the program.
North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
As the largest HBCU in the nation, N.C. A&T awards more degrees to Black students than any other institution in North Carolina. The online MBA helps graduates succeed in the workforce, boasting a 90% placement rate in 2016 and 2017. You can choose from three online MBA concentrations. Options include human resources management, supply chain management, and general management.
While the admissions department considers GPA and test scores, your community engagement and personal ethics will also factor into the decision. N.C. A&T also has low tuition rates, charging below $400 per credit.
Morgan State University
Baltimore, MD - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Morgan was founded in 1867 and has grown into one of Maryland's leading research universities. The online MBA combines business fundamentals with specialized track opportunities in accounting, finance, and business administration. You can also specialize in marketing or information systems.
Morgan's MBA program includes two professional development courses to help prepare you for your postgraduate career. You can earn the degree in less than two years, and the online MBA program costs $30,000 as of February 2023.
Howard University
Washington, DC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1867, Howard is one of the country's largest and most reputable HBCUs. The online MBA develops the next generation of ethical leaders with strategic management and executive problem-solving training and skills.
As an MBA student, you'll gain access to Howard's extensive alumni network, international study opportunities, and a recruitment program from school partners. The online program pairs well with a busy work schedule, while small synchronous classes provide interaction and engagement opportunities.
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
JSU's original mission in 1877 was to develop Black leaders. The school's online MBA carries on that tradition by preparing you for various business management roles. The advanced curriculum includes courses in business policy, organizational behavior, and statistics for business decisions.
To apply to JSU, you need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA. You also need at least a 950 GMAT score. The $462 per-credit tuition rate and 30 credit minimum also make for one of the most affordable HBCU online MBA programs.
Lincoln University
Jefferson City, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Lincoln was founded in 1854, making it the oldest degree-granting HBCU in the country. Through its accelerated online MBA, you can earn your degree in one year. The program offers finance and human resources management specializations, along with an integrated capstone research project.
You can also attend optional MBA seminars to enhance your education. These sessions cover global financial management, human resources management, and organizational ethics. To apply to Lincoln, you need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.7 GPA. The school has no GMAT or experience minimums.
Albany State University
Albany, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
ASU began as a Bible and teacher training school in 1903. Since then, the school has introduced many more programs, including the online MBA. Along with a general track, you can specialize your MBA in accounting, healthcare, supply chain and logistics, or public administration.
The online MBA takes only one year to complete, and the entire program costs less than $10,000. You can apply to ASU with a degree from any discipline as long as you have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
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The Importance of Diversity in Leadership
Diverse leadership groups bring different perspectives to an organization. Diversity changes the way leadership communicates, relates, and solves problems. Top-down diversity can lead to more inclusivity and opportunities within an organization. However, underrepresentation still needs to improve in the business world.
McKinsey & Company reported in 2019 that only 5% of Black Americans had business ownership, compared to 15% of white Americans.
With equal representation in the corporate world, there would be at least 60 Black CEOs in Fortune 500 companies. In 2021, there were only four, according to another report by McKinsey & Company.
HBCU online MBA programs work to correct these disparities. They improve access to higher education for Black students, develop them into leaders, and increase their socioeconomic mobility.
Choosing an HBCU for Your Online MBA
There are many reasons to attend an online HBCU MBA program. You'll benefit from diversity, alumni support, and lower-than-average tuition rates in these schools.
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Diverse Community
Diverse student bodies create more inclusive and engaging classroom discussions, extracurricular activities, and student clubs and organizations. Diverse faculties mean more role models and mentors for people of color. Diverse MBA programs produce business leaders who understand and value multicultural perspectives. -
Alumni Network
Alumni from online HBCU MBA programs give back to their school communities by offering internships, mentorships, funding, and job opportunities to students. A diverse alumni network also provides unique perspectives, passionate advocacy, and personalized support for diverse students. -
Cost
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) reports that HBCUs feature tuition rates 30% lower than comparable schools. The lower costs help accommodate the disproportionate number of low-income learners in HBCUs. According to NCES, more than 55% of HBCU students received Pell Grants in 2020-2021, nearly double the national average. -
Positive Outcomes
A 2019 UNCF report states that Black students achieve much stronger results in HBCUs than in other schools. Despite enrolling just 10% of the nation's Black students, HBCUs awarded 17% of all Black students' bachelor's degrees and 24% of all STEM degrees in 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online MBAs at HBCUs
Are MBA programs at HBCUs hard to get into?
While the guidelines vary by school, HBCUs typically have similar admission requirements as other schools. However, the top HBCU online MBA programs still have strict demands. For example, Howard University requires a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, two years of relevant experience, and above-average GMAT scores.
Fayetteville State University only requires a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and GMAT scores.
Is an online MBA worth it?
Yes. An online MBA has plenty of value, particularly if you need a flexible program to keep your current job.
Online MBAs also allow you to apply to distant schools. This advantage lets you choose from more programs and may lead to lower tuition rates and a curriculum that better suits your needs. While mostly online, these programs may have on-campus or internship requirements, so research programs before applying.
Be sure to ask questions about MBA programs to determine if they're right for you.
What classes will I take during an online MBA program?
Every curriculum looks a little different, but most online MBA programs feature foundational courses in the following areas:
- Leadership
- Marketing management
- Statistical analysis
- Accounting
- Economics
You might get to choose a specialization in your MBA program. Some possible concentrations include business intelligence, finance, and human resources management.
What jobs can I get with an online MBA?
You can access leadership positions in many businesses and industries with an MBA. According to the 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey, the top MBA jobs are typically in the consulting, finance and accounting, healthcare, products and services, and technology industries.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed May 5, 2024.