Admin
Virginia Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Is There a Hbcu in Virginia? – Yes, Virginia is home to 5 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), with these schools contributing immersively to the state’s economic activity, resulting in more jobs and more vibrant communities. These HBCUs in Virginia have played a crucial role in providing higher education opportunities to black students excluded from white colleges during the era of legal segregation and continue to do so today, with students from all races attending these schools.
Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are accredited institutions established before 1964 with the primary mission of educating Black Americans. These higher education institutions were established specifically to serve the African American community and provide educational opportunities for black students during a time when many other colleges and universities were segregationist and excluded black students.
HBCUs have a long and important history in the United States and have played a vital role in the education and advancement of African Americans. Before the Civil War, public policies prohibited teaching blacks in various parts of the country.
A significant part of the HBCU’s mission in the early years was to provide elementary and secondary schooling for newly freed slaves who had no previous education. It was not until the early 1900s that HBCUs began to offer courses and programs at the postsecondary level. Today, there are more than 100 HBCUs in the United States, including public and private institutions offering four-year and two-year degree programs across the united states.
HBCU Colleges In Virginia
HBCUs in Virginia offer a wide range of academic programs and are strongly committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. As HBCUs continue to be an important part of the higher education landscape for Virginians, let’s look at the state’s five historically black colleges and universities.
| Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Virginia | Type | Program Length | Acceptance Rate | Location |
| Hampton University | Private | 4-year | 36% | Hampton, VA |
| Virginia Union University | Private | 4-year | 75% | Richmond, VA |
| Virginia State University | Public | 4-year | 96% | Petersburg, VA |
| Norfolk State University | Public | 4-year | 91% | Norfolk, VA |
| Virginia University of Lynchburg | Private | 2-year | 100% | Lynchburg, VA |
Hampton University
Hampton University is a private, historically black University in Hampton, Virginia. Founded on April 1, 1868, as Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, it is one of the oldest historically black universities in the United States. The prestigious private college in Virginia is known for its stellar academics, 314 acres campus size, strong athletics program, and its programs in engineering, sciences, and technology.
The institution which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates and degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, professional, and doctoral levels, has a student body of appr. 3,500 students.
With a graduate rate of 50%, an acceptance rate of 36%, and the average cost of attendance after financial aid standing at appr. $26,000 yearly, Hampton University is one of Virginia’s most competitive and sought-after HBCUs.
Virginia Union University
Virginia Union University is a private, historically black University located in Richmond, Virginia. It was founded in 1865 to educate newly freed African Americans and has a long history of involvement in the civil rights movement.
The unUniversityffers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in fields such as business, education, engineering, and the liberal arts. It is known for its strong programs in the sciences, particularly biology and chemistry. It has a reputation for producing successful graduates who go on to pursue careers in a variety of fields.
Virginia Union University has an acceptance rate of 75% and an average cost of attendance after financial aid, standing at just over $19,000 a year. The private HBCU offers a unique educational experience with a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1 and a total undergraduate enrollment of just appr. 1,140 students.
Virginia State University
Virginia State University (VSU) is a public, historically black university located in Ettrick, Virginia. It was founded in 1882 as the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute and became a state-supported institution in 1902. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees.
Virginia State University offers 36 undergraduate programs, 16 graduate programs, two doctoral programs, and eight certificate programs through its six colleges. With a current student population of approximately 4,000 students, the University sits atop a rolling landscape overlooking the AppomattoUniversityth expansive views of Petersburg.
With a graduate rate of 50%, an acceptance rate of 91%, and the average cost of attendance after financial aid standing at appr. $17,000 yearly, Virginia State University is one of the cheapest HBCUs in Virginia. The University’s diverse student body and its strong commitment to public service put the school as one of the top universities in Virginia.
Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University is a historically black public university located in Norfolk, Virginia. It was founded in 1935 as the Norfolk Unit of Virginia Union University and became an independent institution in 1969. Norfolk State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees.
The University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as business, education, engineering, and liberal arts through its five academic colleges & schools. The University ranked #63 in the 2022-2023 edition of US News & World ReUniversityest Colleges is Regional Universities South.
With a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,977 students, Norfolk State University has an acceptance rate of 96%, and the average attendance cost after financial aid is over $15,000 yearly.
Virginia University of Lynchburg
Virginia University of Lynchburg (VUL) is a private, historically black Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. It was founded in 1886 as the Virginia Theological Seminary and College and has a long history of providing education to African Americans.
The University is accredited by the Transnational Association of ChristiaUniversity and Schools and offers instruction and degrees, primarily in religious studies, including a Doctorate of Ministry program.
With 122 undergraduate students, Virginia University of Lynchburg has an open admission policy (acceptance rate of 100%), and the average attendance cost after financial aid is over $18,000 yearly.
Best HBCUs in Virginia
There are always a lot of factors to consider when ranking the best colleges. Our list of best HBCUs in Virginia below is based on some of these factors, including academic reputation, student outcomes, faculty resources, financial resources, and student diversity.
| Ranking | Best HBCUs in Virginia |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hampton University |
| 2 | Norfolk State University |
| 3 | Virginia State University |
| 4 | Virginia Union University |
| 5 | Virginia University of Lynchburg |
FAQ About HBCUs In Virginia
How Many HBCUs are in Virginia?
Hampton University
Virginia Union University
Virginia State University
Norfolk State University
Virginia University of Lynchburg
Which is the Oldest HBCU in Virginia?
Virginia Union University was founded in 1865, shortly after the end of the Civil War. It was established as the Richmond Theological Institute and was created to educate newly freed slaves. In 1899, the school merged with Wayland Seminary and became Virginia Union University.
What is the #1 HBCU in Virginia?
All 5 Virginia Historically Black Colleges and Universities are considered high-quality institutions, but based on this ranking methodology, the #1 HBCU in Virginia is Hampton University.
Public Hbcu in Virginia
1. Virginia State University
2. Norfolk State University
The Largest HBCU in Virginia
Norfolk State University is the largest HBCU in Virginia in terms of enrollment, with a population of 5,786 students (2022).
Norfolk State University’s 134-acre campus near downtown Norfolk, VA includes a state-of-the-art applied research building, a brand new 154,000 square-foot classroom and office building and a recently built 84,500 square-foot student centre, 56,000 square-foot student services building, a 140,000 square-foot nursing and general education classroom building and a 135,000 square-foot library.
Is Old Dominion University an HBCU?
Old Dominion University is a public research university located in Norfolk, Virginia. It was founded in 1930 as the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary and became an independent institution in 1962.
Private Hbcu in Virginia
1. Hampton University
2. Virginia Union University
3. Virginia University of Lynchburg
