You’re looking at a massive nursing shortage. Like, 200,000 openings a year kind of massive. Everyone tells you to just "go to nursing school," but they don't tell you where to go to actually survive the grind. If you want a program that doesn't just treat you like a number in a lecture hall of 500 people, you need to look at HBCU colleges for nursing.
Honestly, these schools are doing something the big PWIs (Predominantly White Institutions) often miss. They combine high-stakes medical training with a level of mentorship that feels more like family. It’s not just about passing the NCLEX; it’s about becoming a leader in a healthcare system that—let’s be real—isn't always fair to everyone.
The Heavy Hitters: Which HBCUs are Leading the Pack?
When people talk about top-tier nursing, names like Howard and North Carolina A&T usually jump to the front. And for good reason. These aren't just "historic" schools; they are powerhouses with tech that rivals any Ivy League.
Howard University (Washington, D.C.)
Howard is basically the "Bison" standard. Their College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences is intense. To even get into the Upper Division (the last two years), you need a 3.0 GPA minimum, but realistically, you want higher. They use the TEAS-VI exam and something called the Casper Assessment, which tests your "soft skills" like empathy and ethics.
NCLEX Pass Rate (2024): 85.71%
The Vibe: High pressure, high reward. You’re in the heart of D.C., training at the Howard University Hospital. It’s gritty, it’s fast-paced, and it prepares you for anything.
North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro, NC)
A&T is huge on research. Their School of Nursing was founded back in 1953, so they’ve had decades to perfect the "Aggie" nurse. They have this cool program called RIBN (Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses). Basically, you start at a community college for your associate degree and finish your BSN at A&T. It saves a ton of money.
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NCLEX Pass Rate (2024): 91.38%
The Vibe: Cutting-edge. They focus heavily on health information technology. If you’re a tech-head who wants to work with robots or advanced AI diagnostics, this is your spot.
Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, FL)
FAMU is home to the oldest continuing baccalaureate nursing program in Florida. Think about that. They were training Black nurses when most other schools wouldn't even let them through the door.
NCLEX Pass Rate (2024): 93.48%
The Vibe: Excellence is the only option. They have a rule: if you get two "U" (unsatisfactory) grades in your senior seminar, you’re out. They don’t play.
Why the Culture at an HBCU Actually Makes You a Better Nurse
Let’s talk about "Cultural Competence." It’s a buzzword in healthcare, but at HBCUs, it’s the air they breathe.
In most hospitals, Black patients still face higher mortality rates in things like maternal health. It’s a systemic issue. HBCU nursing programs tackle this head-on. They teach you how to advocate for patients who are often ignored. You aren't just learning how to hang an IV bag; you’re learning how to spot bias in a diagnosis.
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Many students find that the "soft" support—mentors who look like them, faculty who understand the unique stresses of being a minority in medicine—is what keeps them from burning out. Nursing school is hard. Like, "crying in your car at 2 AM" hard. Having a community that genuinely wants you to win makes a huge difference.
The Numbers Nobody Tells You
You've probably heard that HBCUs are more affordable. Sorta. It depends on where you go.
| School | In-State Tuition (Approx.) | NCLEX Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville State | $2,206 / semester | 96.15% |
| Southern University | $4,979 / semester | 85.59% |
| Bowie State | $9,529 / year | 85.71% |
| Winston-Salem State | $141 / credit | 94.37% |
Look at Fayetteville State. That pass rate is insane. Higher than many "elite" private universities that cost $60k a year. It proves you don't have to go into six-figure debt to get a world-class nursing education.
Surprising Partnerships: Xavier and Ochsner
Xavier University of Louisiana is famous for sending more Black students to medical school than almost anyone. But their nursing game is stepping up too. They’ve partnered with Ochsner Health to create the Ochsner-Xavier Institute for Health Equity and Research.
This isn't just a fancy name. They are literally rewriting how healthcare is delivered in the Gulf South. If you want to be on the front lines of clinical research while you get your degree, this partnership is a gold mine.
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How to Actually Get In (It’s Competitive)
Don't think that because these are HBCUs, they’re "easy" to get into. In 2026, the demand for HBCU colleges for nursing is at an all-time high.
- Science GPA is King: Most schools, like Howard and FAMU, look specifically at your grades in Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology. If you got a 'C' in Chem, you might want to retake it.
- The TEAS Exam: Start studying at least six months out. It’s not just a math test; it’s a "can you think like a nurse" test.
- The Essay: Don't just say "I want to help people." Everyone says that. Talk about health equity. Talk about why the HBCU mission matters to you.
Realities and Risks
I’m going to be honest with you: some HBCU nursing programs have struggled with accreditation in the past due to shifting state standards. Always, always check the ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) or CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) status before you apply.
For example, FAMU recently went through a rigorous "good cause" review to maintain their accreditation and came out swinging with a 93% pass rate. That’s the kind of transparency you want. If a school’s pass rate is below 75%, proceed with caution. You’re paying for a degree that leads to a license. If you can't pass the license exam, the degree is just a piece of paper.
Your Next Moves
If you’re serious about this path, don't just wait for the application deadline.
- Audit a class: Most HBCUs are welcoming. Call the department and ask if you can sit in on a lecture or tour the sim lab.
- Check the "Hidden" Costs: Nursing school has extra fees—scrubs, stethoscopes, background checks, and clinical insurance. Budget an extra $2,000 for your first year.
- Look into the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF): They have specific scholarships for nursing students at public HBCUs like North Carolina A&T and Winston-Salem State.
The world needs nurses who are smart, tough, and empathetic. HBCUs have been producing those nurses for over a century. If you want to be part of that legacy, start your FAFSA now and get those prerequisites out of the way.