HBCU Enrollment Rises as Many Colleges Face Declines
While many colleges struggle with enrollment, numerous Historically Black Colleges and Universities report significant growth, driven by increased student
Many colleges are struggling to enroll students, but numerous Historically Black Colleges and Universities are seeing record interest and growth. 42 of 101 HBCUs increased their enrollment between 2019 and 2024, with several institutions posting major gains.
Leslie U. Ekpe, a professor of higher education at East Texas A&M University, links the trend to a search for belonging. We talk about belonging in higher education and how critical it is to one’s well-being and success, and I think HBCUs have paved the way to show that Black students are welcome, they’re celebrated, Ekpe said. Experts cite greater awareness through prominent alumni and social media, alongside reactions to racial violence and policy shifts at predominantly white institutions, as key factors.
Enrollment Growth Figures
Federal data shows significant enrollment increases at several HBCUs from 2019 to 2024. Inside Higher Ed notes continued growth since then.
| Institution | Enrollment Growth (2019-2024) |
|---|---|
| Howard University | 50 percent |
| Morgan State University | 42 percent |
| Virginia State University | 27 percent |
| Elizabeth City State University | 23 percent |
Not all HBCUs have grown. Some have stable numbers, while others like St. Augustine’s University in North Carolina face major declines and financial trouble.
Managing the Surge in Students
Rising enrollment creates pressure on campus resources. Jorge Burmicky, a professor at Howard University, warns that growth must be matched with investment in capacity. He points to the strain on faculty and staff to provide advising, tutoring, class access, financial aid, and mental health services.
"It’s fine for us to celebrate growing enrollment-for a lot of HBCUs that’s been a blessing." Burmicky said. His research interviews with staff at six HBCUs revealed struggles to meet student demand.
Morgan State University's enrollment jumped from 7,151 students in 2019 to 12,477 in 2026. Kara Turner, the university's senior vice president for enrollment, credits virtual recruitment and a dedicated Midwest recruiter. This rapid growth required new housing solutions.
The university built three new residence halls and remodeled others. It also leased nearby apartments and used hotels for temporary student housing. "Of course there are growing pains when you grow and you grow fast. But the university has been nimble," Turner said.
Institutional Responses and Strategies
Other HBCUs are adapting in different ways. North Carolina A&T University grew from 13,300 students in 2021 to 15,713 this fall. It also housed students in hotels during construction. The university consolidated its treasurer, registrar, and financial aid offices into one building to streamline processes.
At Howard University, resource pressures led to the disenrollment of 502 students over the summer for missing a payment deadline; about 200 were later re-enrolled. A university spokesperson cited reduced resources and declined to comment further for the article.
For some institutions, popularity is reflected in selectivity, not size. Spelman College in Atlanta saw its admissions rate drop from 51 percent to 19 percent over five years due to a surge in applications. The college is building two new residence halls but intends to keep enrollment stable.
Our goal isn’t to become huge, said Chelsea Holley, Spelman’s director of admissions. We’re a small liberal arts college, and we want to expand the resources that support students throughout their time here, not the number of seats.
