Top HBCUs in Florida: A Comprehensive Ranking and Guide
The best HBCUs in Florida happen to be some of the best colleges in Florida. For Black and African American students, in particular, HBCUs provide many benefits. In Florida, students have four HBCUs to choose from. This article explores these schools in more detail, providing a ranking and answering frequently asked questions.
Ranking the Best HBCUs in Florida
Determining the "best" HBCU is a multifaceted process. Rankings are receipts, but the real story is vibe: homecoming energy, cafeteria culture, professors who look out for you, and the community you’ll build for life. The 2026 rankings remind us of what HBCUs have always been: launchpads for Black brilliance. Several publications offer their rankings, each using different metrics. This article will reference rankings from U.S. News & World Report and Niche, alongside other factors like affordability, program offerings, and student reviews.
U.S. News & World Report’s “2025-2026 Best Colleges" rankings placed FAMU No. 92 this year, which drops the university 11 spots from No. 81 last year. This comes after it jumped 10 spots from 91st place in 2023. This year's No. 92 placement ties FAMU with five other universities - Louisiana State University of Baton Rouge, Rowan University, the University of Alabama, University of Hawaii at Manoa and the University of Mississippi.
Here’s a glimpse of U.S. News & World Report’s “2025-2026 Best Colleges” rankings for HBCUs nationwide:
- Spelman College, private
- Howard University, private
- Morehouse College, private
- Tuskegee University, private
- Florida A&M University, public
- Xavier University of Louisiana, private
- Hampton University, private
- North Carolina A&T University, public
- Morgan State University, public
- Delaware State University, public
Niche, another publication that ranks the nation’s universities - FAMU was the No. 1 HBCU in its 2026 Best HBCU Schools in America rankings.
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Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU)
Florida A&M University (FAMU) remains a prominent HBCU in Florida. With just under 10,000 students, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) has the largest student body among all HBCUs in Florida. In fact, FAMU enrolls more than the other three HBCUs combined. As a result, FAMU also has the most program offerings, the most student organizations, and the largest HBCU athletics program.
FAMU is a public, historically Black university located in Tallahassee, Florida. FAMU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. In addition to its main Tallahassee campus, FAMU has several satellite campuses across Florida.
Despite the drop, FAMU continues to be ranked the No. 1 public HBCU in the nation for the seventh consecutive year, all while coming in fifth place among both public and private HBCUs after being third in the overall category for the past two years. FAMU landing in fifth place among public and private universities comes as the No. News and World Report, we continue to make progress on our graduation rates, including among our Pell Grant recipients,” FAMU President Marva Johnson said in a statement sent to the Tallahassee Democrat. “Our mission of helping students from various socio-economic backgrounds remains a priority, which is reflected in our position as the No. 1 public HBCU for the seventh consecutive year in a row.”
This year, FAMU’s four-year graduation rate is 41%, which is a 6% increase compared to last year.
While social mobility is a key category of focus at FAMU, the university moved down two spots from No. 20 to No. 22 among all national universities on the Social Mobility Index, which measures the ability of universities to alter the economic trajectory of students and their families. This comes as the university’s access rate - the percentage of undergraduate students with Pell Grant - slightly dropped by 0.7% to 56.6% this year. Although the university dropped a few spots in social mobility, it’s currently among the state’s top three universities in the category, following Florida International University - which is ranked No. 1 in the nation - and the University of South Florida at No. 21.
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“As the No. 1 public HBCU, we remain steadfast in expanding access, strengthening our academic programs and driving student success,” FAMU’s Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Allyson Watson said in a statement sent to the Democrat. “These rankings affirm that FAMU is preparing graduates not only to achieve social mobility, but to lead at the highest levels and solve the challenges of the future as we advance toward R1 status.”
When it comes to Niche - another publication that ranks the nation’s universities - FAMU was the No. 1 HBCU in its 2026 Best HBCU Schools in America rankings. In a Sept. 16 release, the university highlighted this achievement as a “historical and inspiring milestone” as it places FAMU above over 100 HBCUs nationwide, including Alcorn State University, which Niche ranked No. 2, and Howard University as it came in third place.
“This recognition, based on student reviews, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing a high-quality student experience and living out our motto: Excellence with Caring,” Johnson said in the university release. The publication also placed FAMU in second place for Best Greek Life Colleges in Florida and 11th place in Best Greek Life Colleges overall while ranking it No.
FAMU Housing received an overall grade of A-, the highest among all HBCUs in the nation. FAMU is increasing housing capacity from 2,684 to 3,379 beds. “We are proud to see FAMU Housing recognized for the progress we’ve made. said Herbert Johnson, University Housing Director. our facilities, services, and communities support student success at the highest level.”
FAMU Greek Life is also highly ranked. “We are incredibly proud to see Florida A&M University ranked No. across all 27 Florida colleges and institutions, and securing No. of 743 schools for Best Greek Life Colleges in America,” said Edward Kincheon, Jr., assistant director, Fraternity & Sorority Life and Volunteer Programs. “The FAMU standard is excellence, and our FSL community is no exception.
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Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU)
Bethune-Cookman University is located in Daytona Beach. B-CU has a BSN program.
Edward Waters University (EWU)
Edward Waters University is located in Jacksonville. EWU has a nursing pathway program with the University of Florida.
Florida Memorial University (FMU)
Florida Memorial University is located in Miami Gardens. Florida Memorial has a joint nursing program with Florida International University (FIU) and the University of Miami (UM).
Key Considerations for Prospective Students
When evaluating HBCUs, several factors beyond rankings should influence your decision:
- Academic Programs: Does the university offer the specific major or program you're interested in?
- Campus Culture: Does the environment feel welcoming and supportive? Consider visiting the campus, attending events, and talking to current students.
- Location: Do you prefer a rural or urban setting? Is the university located near resources and opportunities relevant to your field of study?
- Cost and Financial Aid: What is the total cost of attendance, and what financial aid options are available? A promising HBCU statistic shows that, on average, HBCUs awarded $9,738 in grants in 2020-2021.
- Student Life: What extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations are available?
Frequently Asked Questions About HBCUs in Florida
- How many HBCUs does Florida have? Florida has four HBCUs: Edward Waters University, Bethune-Cookman University, Florida Memorial University, and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. According to the UNCF, these four schools have an economic impact of over $800 million in Florida.
- Which cities in Florida are home to HBCUs? The four HBCUs in Florida are located in the following cities: Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens, and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee.
- What is the largest HBCU in Florida? With just under 10,000 students, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) has the largest student body among all HBCUs in Florida. In fact, FAMU enrolls more than the other three HBCUs combined. As a result, FAMU also has the most program offerings, the most student organizations, and the largest HBCU athletics program.
- What is the most affordable HBCU in Florida? While most of the HBCUs in Florida have similar tuition rates, FAMU has the lowest for in-state undergraduate students. Learners pay $2,277 per semester, compared to over $6,000 for the other schools.
- Which HBCUs in Florida have nursing programs? Both FAMU and B-CU have nursing programs. B-CU has a BSN program, while FAMU has pre-nursing, BSN, and RN-to-BSN programs. FAMU’s nursing program is the oldest HBCU nursing program in Florida. The other two schools do not have standalone nursing programs. Florida Memorial has a joint nursing program with Florida International University (FIU) and the University of Miami (UM). EWU has a nursing pathway program with the University of Florida.
Additional Resources for Florida HBCU Students
- United Negro College Fund (UNCF): The UNCF is a leader in providing HBCU student scholarships, supporting HBCUs financially, and advocating for African American students.
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF): TMCF represents HBCUs, Predominantly Black Institutions, and African American students. The organization has provided over $300 million to support students and schools and developed a nationally recognized internship program.
- Common Black College Application (CBCA): The CBCA helps students complete their college and scholarship applications.
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