12 Best HBCU Nursing Programs | 2024

Receiving an education in nursing at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) provides students with top academic training, cultivating the next generation of healthcare professionals.

These institutions offer a range of programs from BSN to DNP, each designed to prepare students for the multifaceted demands of the field.

Learn more about these programs as we navigate through the essentials of the best, including prerequisites, coursework, and the critical hands-on clinical training that shapes competent nurses. Additionally, we provide a realistic look at the financial investment required for these programs and the potential return in terms of salary expectations. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your nursing career, discover everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your education at an HBCU.

What Is an HBCU Nursing School?

HBCU nursing schools are institutions that were established primarily to serve the Black community during a time in U.S. history when most colleges and universities were segregated, and they were denied admission to predominantly white institutions. Now that those barriers are eradicated, HBCU schools continue, offering a variety of nursing programs from undergraduate to graduate, as well as educational opportunities that promote leadership, technical skills, and professional practice.

The nursing programs at HBCUs are accredited and aim to prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become registered nurses (RNs) and for advanced practice, research, and faculty roles.

HBCU nursing schools are known for their supportive environments and the promotion of diversity in the workforce. They play a crucial role in educating Black nurses and other minority students, although they are open to students of all races and backgrounds.

The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most, with the addition of NCLEX pass rates, graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rates of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.

Best HBCU BSN Programs

1. Bethune-Cookman Univeristy

Bethune-Cookman University offers a BSN program through its School of Nursing, which is a part of the College of Nursing & Health Sciences. The program is designed to educate individuals to become professional nurse leaders who are advocates for health and wellness, aiming to eliminate health disparities in both immediate and global communities.

The BSN program at Bethune-Cookman University is a 120-credit hour program intended to be completed over eight semesters, or four academic years. It prepares graduates to be competent, visionary professional nurse leaders at the forefront of innovative and culturally sensitive healthcare practices. The curriculum is faith-based and integrates knowledge from liberal arts, biological sciences, physical sciences, behavioral sciences, and nursing to prepare a nurse generalist for professional practice.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The program boasts a high NCLEX-RN pass rate of 91.67%, a job placement rate of 100%, and a program completion rate of 82%.

The BSN Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) and is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing (FBON).

2. Albany State University

Albany State University (ASU) offers a comprehensive BSN program designed for students who aim to pursue a career in nursing. The program is structured to cater to a variety of students, including high school graduates, transfer students, and those changing their major to nursing.

The BSN curriculum at ASU provides exposure to various fields and specializations within the nursing profession, such as Women's Health, Pediatrics, Adult Medical-Surgical, and more. Graduates of the program are academically prepared to take the NCLEX-RN state licensing examination to become RNs. The program emphasizes the preparation of nurses to function as generalists, leaders, client advocates, change agents, healthcare providers, health educators, and consumers of research. Furthermore, the program sets a foundation for graduates to pursue advanced nursing degrees.

ASU offers two primary tracks for the BSN degree:

• Generic BSN Program (2+2 Format): This track is designed as a "2+2 program," where students spend the first two years completing core curriculum courses and the last two years focusing exclusively on nursing courses. Admission to this program is currently available in the Fall semester, with courses primarily held on-campus and some potentially offered online or in a hybrid format. Clinical experiences are conducted in various healthcare settings in the surrounding area.
• Accelerated BSN Program: This track is tailored for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. It is an expedited program that spans five consecutive semesters, including a required Summer semester, leading to a BSN degree. Similar to the generic program, courses are mainly on-campus with potential online or hybrid options, and clinical experiences are conducted in healthcare facilities in the area.

3. Grambling State University

The School of Nursing at Grambling State University offers a BSN program that is designed to prepare students for a career in healthcare. The program emphasizes the growth of healthcare providers through cutting-edge education and is structured to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the nursing profession.

Program Highlights: 

• The program requires 120 credit hours of study.
• Students will engage in pre-nursing coursework and must complete specific requirements before advancing.
• The curriculum includes subject matter study in Adult Health, Nursing Practice, Community Health, Management, and more.

Best HBCU RN to BSN Programs

1. Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University offers an RN to BSN program that is available online, providing a flexible and tailored educational experience for RNs looking to advance their careers. The program emphasizes the development of communication skills, leadership abilities, and critical thinking, which are essential for higher-paying jobs in the nursing field.

Program Highlights:

• The program is designed to build upon the coursework already completed by RNs.
• It includes instruction in health assessment, evidence-based practices, community health, issues and trends in nursing, and emergency care.
• The RN to BSN program at FSU can be completed in one year online while continuing to work.

2. Albany State University

Albany State University offers an RN to BSN completion program that is designed for RNs who have already earned an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN or ASN) from an accredited program and wish to pursue their BSN. The program is fully online and can be completed in as few as two consecutive semesters, depending on the student's entry semester and the amount of outstanding baccalaureate Core curriculum.

Program Highlights:

• Collaborative Delivery: Starting in Spring 2022, the program is part of the University System of Georgia's (USG) eMajor Nurse Collaborative, allowing students to take select courses with other USG institutions.
• Online Format: Courses are offered through USG's eCampus GoVIEW and Albany State University's GeorgiaVIEW learning management systems.
• Credit for Previous Education: RNs articulating to the baccalaureate level are awarded up to 33 semester hours from their previous ASN/ADN degree, held in escrow until they complete at least 8 semester hours of nursing credit at ASU.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: The program expands on the associate degree curriculum, preparing graduates for roles in leadership, health promotion, disease prevention, community health, and research.
• Advanced Education Preparation: Graduates are also prepared to enter graduate nursing programs to further advance their careers.

3. Southern University and A&M College

Southern University and A&M College offers a 100% online RN to BSN program designed for RNs who have completed an ADN from a nationally accredited program. This program is ideal for nurses seeking to advance their careers without disrupting their current work and personal lives.

Program Highlights:

• Online Flexibility: The program is entirely online, allowing practicing nurses to earn their BSN at their convenience.
• Experienced Faculty: Instructors with real-world nursing experience provide expert teaching and training through the online platform, offering support and guidance to ensure a high-quality education.
• Affiliation Agreements: The program has established agreements with several community colleges to facilitate the seamless transfer of academic credit from associate degree programs to the BSN program at Southern University.
• Admission Criteria: Applicants must have an associate degree from an ACEN or CCNE-accredited nursing program, hold an active and unencumbered RN license, and have earned a "C" or better in all nursing and required prerequisite courses.
• Plan of Study: The RN to BSN Plan of Study is available online, and all prerequisite courses must be completed before starting the program.

Best HBCU MSN Programs

1. Albany State University

Albany State University offers an MSN program with specializations designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice roles and leadership positions in healthcare. The MSN program builds on the baccalaureate nursing foundation and extends the theoretical and clinical foundations of nursing practice. Graduates are prepared to lead collaborative efforts with other healthcare professionals, conduct research, and improve practice environments.

Specializations Offered:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Nurse Educator
• Nursing Informatics

2. Grambling State University

The Graduate Nursing Program at Grambling State University's School of Nursing encourages students to engage in critical thinking, foster healthy habits, understand the impact of social institutions and health policy, and integrate advanced practice nursing roles knowledge. The program's faculty utilizes Patricia Benner's theoretical framework from "Novice to Expert" to develop course content that prepares graduates to progress from novice advanced practice nurses to competent practitioners.

Program Tracks:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
• Nurse Educator

3. Alcorn University

Alcorn University's Graduate Nursing Program offers two primary options for nurses with a baccalaureate degree, aiming to advance their careers with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

Program Options:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Nurse Educator

Best HBCU DNP Programs

1. Southern University and A&M College

The DNP program at Southern University and A&M College is a practice-focused doctorate designed to prepare advanced nurse practitioners for leadership roles in the healthcare field. The program is aimed at those who wish to engage in advanced clinical nursing practice and achieve the rank of nurse executive leadership.

Program Highlights:

• The DNP program focuses on translating research into practice, evaluating evidence, applying research in decision-making, and implementing clinical innovations to change nursing practice.
• It is tailored for nurses who are looking to take on significant roles in healthcare settings, leading the way in applying research findings to real-world practice.
• The curriculum is designed to enhance the leadership skills of nurses, preparing them to make impactful decisions and implement evidence-based practices.

2. Alcorn University

Alcorn University's DNP program is tailored for FNPs seeking a Post-Master's DNP degree. The program is structured as a full-time progression option and is aimed at preparing FNPs for the highest level of clinical nursing practice.

Program Objectives:

• Evidence-Based Practice: The DNP program places a strong emphasis on evaluating and applying evidence that supports nursing practice.
• Quality Improvement and Health Care Systems: Students will learn about creating practice delivery systems to improve client outcomes.
• Health Policy: The program includes education on the evaluation of practice models and health policy.
• DNP Project: A significant component of the program is the DNP Project, which demonstrates mastery of an advanced practice specialty area and is a requirement for the DNP degree.
• Clinical Practicum Hours: These are required to assist in the development and completion of the DNP Project and to ensure that students have mastered the DNP Essentials for doctoral-level advanced nursing practice.

3. Prairie View A&M University

The DNP program at Prairie View A&M University is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in both direct patient care and system-based care settings. The program is structured for post-master's entry and aims to enhance the professional nurse's knowledge and expertise in information management and evidence-based science application.

Program Objectives:

• Leadership in Care: The DNP program prepares nurses to lead in the improvement of care quality and management of information and organizations for individual and population health outcomes.
• Expertise Development: Graduates will become experts in directing care, championing accountability, and delivering care that improves population outcomes.
• Transformational Leadership: The program emphasizes the development of transformational leaders who can influence health policy, practice, and evaluation in collaboration with inter-professional teams and partnerships.

HBCU Nursing Programs Costs & Salary Expectations

The expected costs of HBCU nursing programs can vary widely based on several factors, including the degree level, the state in which the HBCU is located, whether the student is attending full-time or part-time, and more. Here are some general considerations regarding the costs:

• Tuition Fees: This is typically the largest expense. Tuition can vary significantly between institutions. Public HBCUs generally have lower tuition rates for in-state students compared to out-of-state students, while private HBCUs may have higher tuition rates but potentially more scholarship opportunities.
• Degree Level:
  • ADN programs are usually less expensive than BSN programs due to the shorter duration and fewer credit hours required.
  • BSN programs are more costly than ADN programs, reflecting the longer duration and comprehensive nature of the coursework.
  • MSN and DNP programs often have higher tuition rates due to the advanced level of study and the faculty expertise required. However, these programs may also offer more opportunities for funding through grants, fellowships, and assistantships.
• Additional Fees: Beyond tuition, students may need to pay for lab fees, technology fees, student activity fees, and other campus-specific fees.
• Financial Aid and Scholarships: Many HBCUs offer scholarships, grants, and work-study programs to help offset the cost of nursing programs. Students should also explore external scholarships and financial aid opportunities.

Salary Expectations

Salary expectations in 2024 are based on geography, experience level, education, type of nursing specialties, and the types of industry that the nurse works in.

According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national mean annual wage for an RN is $89,010, with the lowest 10th percentile making $61,250, and the 90th percentile making $129,400 annually. The highest employment levels were nurses in general medicine and surgical hospitals, making an annual $90,600. This location's typical hourly wage would be $43.56.

The highest salary states include:

• California: $133,340
• Hawaii: $113,220
• Oregon: $106,610
• Massachusetts: $104,150
• Alaska: $103,310

Moreover, for APRNs who become nurse practitioners (NPs), the most recent data from the BLS reports they earn an annual salary of:

• Median: $121,610 or $58.47 per hour
• Lowest 10%: $87,340 or $41.99 per hour
• Highest 10%: $165,240 or $79.44 per hour

The BLS doesn't specify between NP specialties, however, according to ZipRecruiter, the average salaries for NP specialties are:

• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): $124,024.00
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): $128,141.00
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP): $125,190.00
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP): $139,590.00
• Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP): $130,333.00
• Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP): $223,503.00

Other APRN specialties will vary in salary expectations, with nurse midwives expecting to earn $110,128 on average, and clinical nurse specialists at an average of $87,539.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What accreditation should I look for in an HBCU nursing program?

When researching HBCU nursing programs, look for accreditation from either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). These accreditations ensure that the program meets high standards of quality and academic excellence in nursing education.

Q: Are there online RN to BSN programs available at HBCUs?

Many HBCUs offer online RN to BSN programs designed to provide flexibility for working nurses. These programs allow for the continuation of professional patient care while pursuing higher education. They maintain the same standards as on-campus programs and are often accredited by the same institutions.

Q: What kind of undergraduate programs in nursing do HBCUs offer?

HBCUs offer a variety of undergraduate nursing programs, including traditional BSN programs, accelerated BSN programs for students with a previous bachelor's degree in another field, and RN to BSN programs for current RNs looking to advance their education.

Q: How do HBCU nursing programs prepare students for a nursing career?

HBCU nursing programs prepare students for a nursing career by providing a strong foundation in health sciences, patient care, and community health. They emphasize cultural competence, leadership, and research, preparing graduates for diverse roles in the healthcare system.

Q: What should I consider when looking at enrollment for an HBCU nursing program?

When considering enrollment in an HBCU nursing program, evaluate the program's accreditation status, the faculty's expertise, the availability of clinical placements, the school's graduation and NCLEX pass rates, and the support services available to nursing students. Additionally, consider the program's cost, the availability of financial aid, and the flexibility of the program to accommodate your personal and professional commitments.