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. Professors at these schools may also have an understanding of personal obligations and a similar relationship to finances.
Learn more about accounting programs at HBCUs, some of which rank within the top in the U.S.
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. So that was very important."
What Counts as an HBCU?
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 pressured the U.S. 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?
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One benefit of earning an accounting degree at an HBCU is community support, as HBCUs have a high enrollment of Black and African American students. Being around members of their own racial and ethnic groups, including accounting professors, tutors, and other leaders, can give students a strong sense of belonging.
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Another benefit of earning an accounting degree at an HBCU is student diversity. Although founded specifically for Black students, HBCUs also enroll students of other races and ethnicities at high levels. Learners can also benefit from being taught by accounting instructors of different racial backgrounds.
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The next benefit of earning an accounting degree at an HBCU is the alumni network. Most HBCU accounting programs provide large alumni networks for Black students, ones that include Black CPAs. These networks serve to guide those who wish to advance their careers in accounting.
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Those who earn accounting degrees at HBCUs also often accumulate less debt. Historically Black colleges and universities tend to offer students much cheaper tuition rates compared to predominantly white institutions. Tuition varies across institutions and their respective programs, but HBCU students graduate with less debt on average.
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Lastly, a benefit of earning an accounting degree at an HBCU is access to scholarships. More than half of HBCU students qualify for federal Pell Grants. Historically Black colleges and universities also host internal programs to help students pay for their education and receive funds from outside organizations like UNCF.
Representation of Black CPAs
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. Find out more about diversity among accounting staff and C-suites from the articles below.
Top HBCU Accounting Programs
The best accounting programs have strong curricula, faculty, and support services. To help students on their educational journeys, we applied our ranking methodology to find the top accounting programs, then refined our list to include HBCU programs only. Discover five best HBCU accounting programs of 2023.
#1 Best HBCUs for Accounting 2023
Central State University
- Wilberforce, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The only public HBCU in Ohio, CSU started as a teacher training and industrial department in Wilberforce University in 1877. More than a century later, the school offers over 40 programs..
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
One of three programs in its business college, Central State University's BS in accounting combines business and accounting training. Students take courses in advanced accounting, financial statement analysis, and spreadsheets for business analysis. The program features a considerable amount of technology-based instruction.
During the second half of the program, students can complete an internship for up to six credits. CSU has an accelerated three-year option for eligible students. To qualify, applicants may need Advanced Placement, College Level Examination credit, or transfer credits.
Applying to CSU
For admission, applicants need a high school diploma or GED certificate, plus a minimum 2.2 GPA. They also need to pay the $35 application fee. Test scores are optional.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Tuition: $7,596/year
- Required Credits: 121
- Program Length: 3-4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best HBCUs for Accounting 2023
Benedict College
- Columbia, SC
- 4 years
- Campus
Founded in 1870, Benedict Colleges began as a teacher and preacher school set on an 80-acre plantation. More than 150 years later, the school enrolls about 1,700 students and runs over 26 bachelor's programs.
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Benedict College has a BS in accounting that prepares students for many postgraduate pathways, including CPA credential. The program includes accounting information systems, internal auditing, and CPA review courses. Students also complete a 150-hour internship towards the end of the program.
Prior to graduation, learners need to complete a significant project, which can include a research paper, a business plan, or a case study and oral defense. Benedict students have access to the school's alumni network and support group. They can also take part in the department's Business Week.
Applying to Benedict
Applicants need a high school diploma with a minimum 2.0 GPA for admission. Benedict currently waives the $25 application fee. SAT and ACT scores are also waived currently.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Tuition: $7,700/semester
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best HBCUs for Accounting 2023
Virginia Union University
- Richmond, VA
- 4 years
- Campus
VUU was founded in 1865 by the American Baptist Home Mission Society. The school had the first HBCU academic library and now offers over 25 academic programs.
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
At Virginia Union University, all business programs feature core courses in operations management, strategic management, and managerial accounting. The BS in accounting adds required courses in cost accounting, federal personal taxes, and auditing. There's also an internship that 85% of students complete.
Along with the accounting major, VUU offers an accounting minor. VUU students can access the Ruth Coles Harris Leadership Institute's lecture series, plus community workshops and seminars. The school also hosts an internship and career fair.
Applying to VUU
Applicants need a high school diploma with a minimum 2.0 GPA or a GED certificate. SAT or ACT scores may also be required.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Tuition: $5,265/semester
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On- campus
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best HBCUs for Accounting 2023
Voorhees College
- Denmark, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Formerly Voorhees College, Voorhees University was founded in 1897. The school enrolls less than 500 students and offers 24 degrees.
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Voorhees University's school of business and entrepreneurship offers a BS in accounting degree. The program helps students meet the requirements for certified public accountant and certified internal auditor examinations and credentials. Along with business core courses, learners study cost accounting, forensic accounting, and auditing.
Courses run online in eight-week sessions. Students can accelerate their program by taking two classes each session. They can complete an internship in the second half of the program.
Applying to Voorhees University
Admission requires a high school diploma with a minimum 2.0 GPA or a GED certificate. Applicants must submit a $25 application fee, and SAT or ACT scores are recommended.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Tuition: $11,630/year
- Required Credits: 121
- Program Length: 3-4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous and synchronous)
Out-of-state
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best HBCUs for Accounting 2023
Tuskegee University
- Tuskegee, AL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Designated a national historic site, TU was founded in 1881. Just over a century later, the school was awarded university status and now offers over 60 programs.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Concentration in Accounting
Tuskegee University has a BS in business administration with a concentration in accounting. This program explores accounting applications in a business setting. Students take courses in investments, financial management, and corporate survival skills.
TU's accounting program also offers internship and co-op experiences. Students have access to professional development opportunities, including case competitions and on-campus conferences. There's also a career fair with about 100 local employers participating.
Applying to TU
When applying to TU, applicants need a high school diploma, preferably with a 3.0 GPA. Applicants also need to submit SAT or ACT scores if applying with a lower GPA. TU has a $25 application fee.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $9,797/semester
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
0%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Common Questions About HBCUs
Which HBCU has the best accounting program?
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.
What is the hardest HBCU to get into?
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%.
Do HBCUs offer online degrees?
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.
What does the National Association of Black Accountants strive for?
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.
Page last reviewed May 11, 2023.
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