Top HBCUs for Business and Entrepreneurship Programs

Are you an innovator looking to launch a diverse, cutting-edge business venture? Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) play an important role in equipping new Black entrepreneurs to succeed in business. Studying entrepreneurship at an HBCU can give you access to the training, networks, and partnerships that lead to a successful business launch. Explore the role of HBCUs in entrepreneurship and discover the best programs for aspiring entrepreneurs in the guide below.

Why Attend an HBCU for Entrepreneurship?

The schools listed below have invested heavily in training the next generation of Black entrepreneurs. HBCUs are promoting entrepreneurship education. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that HBCUs awarded 48,200 degrees in 2019 - 74% of them to Black students. And these schools are heavily promoting entrepreneurship education and graduating innovative leaders. For example, in 2018, half of Howard University’s business school graduates founded their own initiatives, according to Bloomberg.

HBCUs focus on shrinking the racial wealth gap. Entrepreneurship can be an effective wealth-building tool, but failed business ventures have an outsized effect on Black entrepreneurs, according to a Journal of Economics, Race, and Policy study. Therefore, ensuring that historically excluded entrepreneurs are successful is key to financial flourishing. To help ensure that Black entrepreneurs build successful enterprises, HBCUs are adding academic programs and research centers in entrepreneurship.

HBCUs offer diversity in contacts. Collaboration across identities helps promote a culture of learning and cooperation. HBCUs partner with organizations and corporations that are intentionally seeking to broaden their perspectives. Students have the opportunity to establish successful business relationships through these partnerships. HBCUs also foster deep roots within the Black community, giving students access to its executives, investors, and leaders.

How to Rank Schools

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Empowering Entrepreneurship Beyond the Classroom

Not every HBCU offers a major or minor in entrepreneurship. However, students on all HBCU campuses can access programs that empower aspiring entrepreneurs. They can visit entrepreneurship and innovation centers on their campuses or participate in programs like the HBCU Founders initiative. Learn more about the following programs:

PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship

Headquartered at Howard University, the National Center for Entrepreneurship empowers Black-owned businesses through capital, research, programming, and other resources. The center operates programs nationwide through four regional HBCU campuses - Howard, Morgan State University, Clark Atlanta University, and Texas Southern University.

Programs include the Black Commerce conference, an education innovation grant, a faculty fellowship, and a scholarship for HBCU student entrepreneurs. The center began through a $16.8 million grant from PNC.

The HBCU Founders Initiative

A partnership among 12 HBCUs, the HBCU Founders Initiative provides an eight-week program for early-stage founders ready to validate their problems and build a minimum viable product.

Participants will engage in weekly cohort sessions along with on-campus activities at one of the partner institutions. The program also provides regular one-on-one access to advisors. Aspiring entrepreneurs not attending one of the participating schools may still apply for the virtual-only program, which convenes in the fall.

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Additional Resources for Aspiring Entrepreneurs at HBCUs

Black Girl Ventures: Through partnerships, events, and training programs, Black Girl Ventures supports Brown/Black-identifying women entrepreneurs. The organization serves as the East Coast’s largest ecosystem for Black and Brown women founders.
OHUB: Located in Atlanta, OHUB owns a suite of businesses dedicated to racial equity. This diverse ecosystem offers masterclasses, talent placement programs, and capital formation assistance.
Startup Champions Network: The network connects entrepreneurial ecosystem founders in a system designed to share knowledge and create powerful networks. Members can take advantage of in-person gatherings, challenge programs, virtual courses, and regular summits.
The Black Upstart: The Black Upstart operates a traveling, pop-up school that teaches Black adults how to build wealth and scale their businesses. Students must either plan to start a business or own a business earning less than $50,000 in annual income. The Black Upstart also seeks faculty members.
Hustle Fund: A network of angel investors who train and invest in early-stage founders, Hustle Fun, has injected over $21 million into 50-plus companies. You can join the squad even if you have no investment experience.

Clark Atlanta University School of Business

Welcome to the Clark Atlanta University School of Business! For more than seven decades, the CAU School of Business has been committed to transforming learners into leaders who will continue to change the face and future of business for a better world. Clark Atlanta University offers several programs that prepare students for occupations requiring State licensure. While program curricula often meet the requirements of states outside of Georgia, statutes and regulations about licensure vary widely. Students should understand that educational requirements are just one part of licensure or certification in a profession. Applicants are often required to demonstrate passage of national exams, have applicable work or clinical experience, complete background checks, and pay required fees, etc.

Best HBCUs for Accounting

Black students interested in good accounting programs should consider enrollment in a top HBCU this year. Enrolling at one of these institutions can lead to a rewarding career in the industry. Choosing a historically Black college or university (HBCU) can allow students to experience a shared culture, form connections in their trade, and surround themselves with positive role models who resemble them. Black accounting majors can receive all of these benefits and more if they study at an HBCU.

There are many universities to consider if one decides to take this route. But the process of finding the best HBCU for accounting can be made simple by assessing a school’s background, customs, and qualities. The accounting programs at these schools are simultaneously comfortable and challenging spaces where students discuss topics in ways they can resonate with.

In HBCU accounting programs, students can build connections leading to internships, apprenticeships, and other entry-level roles, as well as network with Black CPAs.

History of Top HBCUs

Historically Black colleges and universities have a rich history, one that has shaped their academic culture. The need to create HBCUs was due to the injustices of segregation, during which Black people were denied access to safe and nurturing learning spaces. These schools allowed students to grow intellectually and build their communities.

Private Black colleges were established by Northern missionaries for the purpose of educating free people of color and newly freed enslaved Africans. The Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890 established public institutions and further mandated that states either admit Black students or establish separate and equal institutions to educate them.

The first institution of higher education established under the control of Black people, namely the African Methodist Episcopal Church, is Wilberforce University in Ohio, established in 1856 and named after William Wilberforce.

Some well-known HBCUs today are Howard University, Spelman College, and Florida A&M University. These institutions and others like them have helped the Black community and contributed to the success of Black Americans over the course of many generations. In an interview with NPR, Dr. Walter Kimbrough, former President of HBCUs Philander Smith College in Arkansas and Dillard University in Louisiana said, “HBCUs were the critical providers of Black professionals and particularly your teachers, your doctors, your lawyers, your ministers. They came out of that HBCU tradition. government to desegregate schools. HBCUs were established with the passing of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and are defined as institutions that were established before 1964 with the key mission of educating Black Americans. The legislation also states the institutions must be accredited by a nationally recognized agency or association determined by the Secretary of Education to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training.

Some of the unifying experiences of attending an HBCU are feeling supported by professors, feeling prepared for life after college, and being given the ability to become financially stable. These advantages go a long way in students’ careers, giving them the tools needed to prosper in their respective fields. The absence of stress is likely one of the main factors that make attending historically Black colleges and universities worthwhile. For the purposes of this ranking, we first looked at our top bachelor’s degrees in accounting and zeroed in on HBCUs.

Why Seek the Best HBCUs in Accounting?

While HBCUs can help students gain the skills necessary to pursue a career in accounting, attending such an institution isn’t a guarantee that they will secure a job immediately. There tends to be a lack of racial diversity at many accounting firms. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), of the 1,186 people employed in the accounting industry in 2022, only 6.9% were Black or African American, 10.3% were Asian American, and 10.5% were Hispanic or Latino/a. Societies like the National Association of Black Accountants can advance HBCU alumni by addressing barriers and providing resources and career connections.

Common Questions About HBCUs

The HBCU that has the best accounting program is Elizabeth City State University. ECSU offers a bachelor of science in accounting, a prestigious degree that prepares Black students for careers in the accounting field.
Of all the HBCUs in the country, the most difficult to get into is Howard University. As of this year, the renowned historically Black university has one of the lowest acceptance rates of just 35%.
Yes, HBCUs offer online degrees. By enrolling in an online HBCU accounting program, students can balance other responsibilities like work and family with schoolwork. Having a flexible schedule makes completing an accounting degree much easier.
As a nonprofit, the National Association of Black Accountants strives to provide lasting opportunities for Black accounting students and Black CPAs, educating them and enhancing their skills to attain success in the field of accounting.

Benedict College's Business Programs

Benedict College has been honored with a prestigious award for the 2024 Best Business Degree Programs Ranking in America by Research.com. As a leading university ranking platform, Research.com is dedicated to helping students make informed decisions about their education. The 2024 rankings by Research.com were compiled through an extensive analysis of data points from multiple sources, including Peterson, IPEDS and College Score Card.

Dr. Tracy Dunn, dean of the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Benedict College commented on the award, stating, “We are very excited to have been selected for this honor by Research.com. We appreciate that the organization is highlighting the value of our programs. Our mission at the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship is to develop world-class leaders who can positively impact their communities. Our school has committed faculty, strong relevant programs and clear career pathways that set us apart. Benedict College is a distinguished institution known for its commitment to academic excellence, has consistently earned recognition for its innovative programs and student success initiatives.

With a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate offerings, the college has developed a strong reputation for fostering leadership, critical thinking, and community engagement among its students. Founded in 1870 by a woman, Bathsheba A. Benedict, Benedict College is a private co-educational liberal arts institution offering 29 competitive baccalaureate degree programs and two master’s degree programs. The Midlands HBCU welcomes students from all several counties in South Carolina, states across America, and countries around the world. Benedict College has been highly regarded and exceptionally ranked for its programs by several academic and traditional publications. Benedict College is the recipient of the 2024 UNCF Institutional Excellence Award given by UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building Program in celebration of an HBCU that achieved next-level performance.

HBCUs and Entrepreneurship

Many HBCUs share a common mission to elevate Black students’ business education and provide valuable entrepreneurship opportunities. The median salary for professionals in this field is $79,050, and graduates with entrepreneurship degrees can pursue various careers. With an associate degree, sales and insurance agent positions are accessible. A bachelor’s degree with a minor or specialization in the appropriate field opens doors to roles such as HR specialist or financial analyst.

Attending an HBCU entrepreneurship program gives Black students access to a unique educational environment where their cultural heritage and entrepreneurial ambitions are celebrated and nurtured. With approximately 48,800 degrees awarded for the 2021-2022 academic year, HBCUs are committed to promoting entrepreneurship education to employ students and shrink the racial wealth gap. Lastly, HBCUs offer diverse networking opportunities, connecting students with successful Black business leaders, mentors, and peers, which can be invaluable in launching and sustaining a business.

Intelligent.com's Ranking Methodology

The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Their expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Their academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Their list features the best Entrepreneurship degree programs at top colleges nationwide. They evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students.

Entrepreneurship Degree Programs

Associate degrees offer foundational courses in business principles, focusing on skills like financial literacy, marketing, and management, preparing students for entry-level positions or further study. Bachelor’s programs aim to take that education up a notch, covering topics like business strategy, leadership, and startup creation, often including internships or hands-on projects. With this degree, you can start your own business or take on leadership roles in various industries. At the undergraduate level, opportunities abound as a small business owner, while specializations in marketing, human resources, and finance open doors to roles like marketing manager, financial analyst, or HR specialist.

Marketing Manager-Those with a graduate degree may be eligible for positions as marketing managers. Your first step in choosing the right program should be clarifying your career goals and education level. Determine whether you’re seeking an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree based on your background and intended career path. You’ll also want to consider any specializations that align with your interests, such as marketing, finance, or human resources. After assessing your needs and goals, you can research schools and programs by considering a few key factors and how they align with your objectives.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition is $14,688 for an undergraduate degree and $20,513 for a graduate degree. Start by submitting the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for federal aid, including grants, work-study, and loans. Apply for institutional and external scholarships and grants, which may be offered by the schools you’re considering or other sources - like non-profits and certain employers. Explore assistantships or work-study programs, which can offset costs while gaining resume-boosting work experience. The application process will vary depending on whether you’re applying for an undergraduate or graduate program. Don’t hesitate to contact an admissions counselor for further clarification on these requirements. The cost of an entrepreneurship degree largely depends on the degree level you’re seeking. On average, annual tuition is $14,688 for undergraduate programs and $20,513 for graduate programs. However, it’s important to note that tuition is just one part of the overall expense.

The time it takes you to complete this degree will vary by program level. An associate degree takes around two years to complete, while a bachelor’s degree usually takes four years of full-time study.

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