Dr. HBCU › Guides › How to Pay for an HBCU
How to Pay for an HBCU
On average, HBCUs offer a more affordable path to a degree than many comparable institutions, and financial aid can lower the price further.
Start with the FAFSA
Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov as soon as it opens each year. It determines eligibility for federal Pell Grants, work-study, and federal loans, and many colleges use it for their own aid.
Stack grants and scholarships
Grants and scholarships do not have to be repaid. Combine federal and state grants, institutional scholarships from each HBCU, and national scholarships. See scholarships for HBCU students.
Compare offers by net price
Look at the total cost of attendance (tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and travel) minus grants and scholarships. That number, your net price, is what you will actually pay. Count loans separately, because they must be repaid.
Earn college credit early
Programs like Building Bridges Education's College Summer Institute let high school students earn college credit at no cost to families. Since 2024, participating students have saved families an estimated $371,008 in tuition.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to attend an HBCU?
Costs vary widely by school and by whether it is public or private. Compare each school's cost of attendance and net price after grants and scholarships.
Can I use Pell Grants at an HBCU?
Yes. Federal Pell Grants can be used at accredited HBCUs, just like other eligible colleges.
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ASK DR. HBCULast updated October 2026. Information can change; always confirm details with each institution.