Only 18% of 105 HBCUs offer online degrees (Salvo, Shelton & Welch, 2017).

The U.S. Department of Education (National Center for Education Statistics, 2011) reported that Blacks are more likely to enroll and complete their entire academic undergraduate coursework online (Moore, 2014). This was more than any other demographic group. However, others are jumping on the online education movement as well. A recent Forbes article stated that "Even before the pandemic, Research and Markets forecasted the online education market as $350 Billion by 2025."

Although Blacks are increasingly accessing online education programs, many Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) still don't have programs. Salvo, Shelton and Walsh (2017) says that only 18% of 105 HBCUs offer online degrees.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many schools online, it is feasible that this could change.  HBCUs have had to invest heavily in the technology that would facilitate online education. This could help them connect with working professionals both nationally and internationally. 

As more highly ranked universities make online certificate programming available, you don't have to look hard to find a 6-8 week certificate program for the same cost as an annual professional conference. HBCUs can do that too. Given the current racial climate, more students might be seeking education from HBCU faculty.

Additionally, in an uncertain economy and an evolving future of work, we are all looking to enhance our resumes and professional lives with new skills. Online certificate programs from accredited HBCU universities could be a way to get those skills.

Explore online education at Black colleges

We have listed some of the HBCU institutions offering online education programs here. If you are looking at programs, why not start your research with these schools?

Albany State University

Bethune Cookman University

Bluefield State College

Bowie State University

Claflin University

Delaware State University

Dillard University

Elizabeth City State University

Fayetteville State University

Fisk University

Florida A & M University

Hampton University

Howard University

Jackson State University 

Lincoln University

Morgan State University

North Carolina A & T University

North Carolina Central University

Tougaloo College

Tuskegee University

Xavier University of Louisiana

Another resource for online education at Black colleges is HBCUGuide.com.

Updated 8/30/2020

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