College Completion: Top 10 HBCUs by Graduation Rate

Last Updated on September 16, 2014

College graduation rates offer valuable information for the prospective student. They indicate how many students enrolled at a particular college actually graduate from that college. While low college graduation rates aren't necessarily a negative sign, students often want to surround themselves with like-minded individuals who are dedicated to obtaining a degree from their chosen school. For these students, choosing a school with high graduation rates is an excellent step. The following are 10 HBCUs with the highest college graduation rates based on the latest available data.

10. Claflin University – Orangeburg, South Carolina

Claflin is a smaller, private college offering Bachelors and Masters degrees. They graduate 44% of students.

9. Jackson State University – Jackson, Mississippi

Jackson State offers Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees. They are located in a city setting on a midsize campus and have a graduation rate of 45%.

8. Tuskegee University – Tuskegee, Alabama

Tuskegee University is located in a town setting on a distant campus. They offer Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees and have a graduation rate of 46%.

7. Xavier University of Louisiana – New Orleans, Louisiana

Located in the heart of New Orleans, Xavier University offers Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees. Xavier's graduation rate is also 51%.

6. Tougaloo College – Tougaloo, Mississippi

Tougaloo College offers both Associates degrees and Bachelor’s degrees. They are located in a city/urban environment on a midsize campus and graduate 51% of students.

5. Fisk University – Nashville, Tennessee

Fisk is situated on a large campus in a city/urban environment. Fisk offers Bachelors and Masters degrees as well as Post-Baccalaureate certificates, and graduates 54% of students.

4. Morehouse College – Atlanta, Georgia

Morehouse is located on a large campus in a city/urban environment. They offer certificates which take less than one year to complete, as well as four-year Bachelor’s degrees. Their graduation rate is 55%.

3. Hampton University – Hampton, Virginia

Located in a city/urban environment on a midsize campus, Hampton University's graduation rate is 59%. They offer certificates as well as Associates, Bachelors, Masters, Professional and Doctoral degrees.

2. Howard University – Washington, D.C.

Howard University offers a city/urban experience on large campus. With a graduation rate of 63%, Howard offers a broad range of certificates, Associates, Bachelors, Masters, Post-Masters and Doctoral degrees.

1. Wilberforce University – Wilberforce, Ohio

Wilberforce, a small, private college in a rural setting, has a graduation rate of 83%. This ranks it 20% higher than the next-highest school. Wilberforce offers both Bachelors and Masters degrees.

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Source: National Center for Education Statistics. The above schools had the highest percentage of full-time, first-time students who graduated or transferred out within 150% of “Normal Time” to completion for their program. The data is based on students who started in fall 2006 over a six year period.

Stephanie Gallardo

Hey everyone, I'm Stephanie! With 15 years under my belt as a dedicated freelance writer, I've found a special place here at HBCU Lifestyle where I can merge my writing expertise with my love for the vibrant world of HBCUs. Beyond the campus buzz, I'm a huge travel enthusiast and an animal lover at heart. Whether I'm exploring new destinations or hanging out with my furry friends, these experiences enrich my storytelling. Here, I dive into topics close to my heart – diversity, inclusion, and the dynamic life at HBCUs – and bring a unique perspective shaped by my journeys and adventures. Join me in celebrating the spirit of HBCUs and the diverse stories that make our community so special!