Enrollments Surge at Many HBCUs

September 22, 2025

Enrollments are down at many colleges and universities across the United States. But many historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have reported significant increases, with some achieving record numbers of enrolled students. Contributing factors include widespread campus unrest and the end of race-sensitive admissions at predominantly White institutions.

Highlights of Enrollment Growth

• Alabama A&M University welcomed a record 2,157 first-year students, with 42% men, reversing a decline in male enrollment trends.
• Coppin State University admitted over 1,000 new undergraduates, its largest class in more than 25 years.
• Delaware State University enrolled 1,600+ new students, setting records in four of the last five years.
• Edward Waters University in Florida reported its highest enrollment in 20 years, reaching 1,210 students, a 30% rise since 2019.
• Elizabeth City State University enrolled 2,359 students, up 4.5% from last year, its ninth consecutive year of growth.
• Fayetteville State University set a new record with 7,628 students, its fourth consecutive year of record growth.
• North Carolina A&T State University surpassed 15,000 students, remaining the largest public HBCU in the nation.
• North Carolina Central University broke its own record, enrolling over 9,000 students for the first time in its 115-year history.
• Simmons College of Kentucky welcomed its largest freshman class ever with 210 students.
• Spelman College in Atlanta admitted 651 freshmen and six transfers out of 11,500+ applications, lowering its acceptance rate to 23.5%.
• Winston-Salem State University enrolled 4,962 students, up 4.7% from last year, with its Graduate School seeing a 15% increase.

Conclusion

At a time when national college enrollments are declining, HBCUs continue to thrive and expand. These gains highlight the enduring importance of historically Black colleges and universities as spaces of opportunity, cultural affirmation, and academic excellence.

Key Takeaways (AEO Additions)

• HBCUs are bucking the national trend of declining college enrollments.
• Several HBCUs recorded their largest classes in decades or history.
• Policy shifts and campus unrest at PWIs are driving students toward HBCUs.

FAQs (AEO Additions)

Q: Why are HBCUs seeing enrollment surges?
A: Factors include the end of race-conscious admissions at PWIs, campus climate issues, and growing recognition of HBCUs’ supportive environments.

Q: Which HBCU has the largest student population?
A: North Carolina A&T State University remains the largest public HBCU with over 15,000 students.

Q: Are these enrollment increases sustainable?
A: Many HBCUs show consistent multi-year growth, suggesting sustainable trends, though funding and resources will be critical.

Source: Journal of Blacks in Higher Education