Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are experiencing a national resurgence, with many schools reporting record or near-record enrollment in recent years alongside increased federal investment and philanthropic support. The growth points to a renewed interest in Black schools for their cultural legacy, academic opportunity and student support systems. But we can’t ignore the elephant in the room…
The growth trend is uneven. Some campuses continue to face declining enrollment pressures tied to affordability concerns, shifting demographics and broader competition in higher education. That’s all on top of political backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and historic uncertainty surrounding funding streams. But in the face of it all, these HBCUs have managed to enroll historic numbers of Black students. Now, we’re giving them their flowers!
Norfolk State University
Located in Virginia, Norfolk State University is one of five HBCUs in the area. In the 2024 school year, the university reported 6,053 total enrollment, with over 5,000 undergraduate students. The school offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, and the sciences.
The university is recognized for its strong HBCU heritage, research activity and commitment to community engagement and student success. With an enrollment of about 5,000 students, Norfolk State fosters a supportive campus environment focused on academic achievement, leadership development, and career readiness.
Related: Here’s All You Need to Know About Why Our HBCUs Are So Beloved
Albany State University
All the way in the deep South, Albany State University serves the city of Albany, Georgia, and the greater parts of the state. The NCAA Division II school reported an enrollment of 6,167 students last fall. Founded in 1903, it offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields including education, business, health sciences, and liberal arts.
The university is known for expanding access to higher education, community engagement, and workforce development across southwest Georgia.
Jackson State University
Jackson State University is a public HBCU in Jackson, Mississippi, with roots dating back to 1877. As part of the state’s higher education system, it offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs spanning business, education, science, engineering, and the arts.
Known for its vibrant HBCU culture, research activity, and commitment to community engagement, the university fosters academic excellence and leadership development. With an enrollment of approximately 6,375 students, it provides a dynamic yet close-knit campus environment focused on opportunity, achievement, and service.
Southern University and A&M College
Southern University and A&M College is a public, historically Black, land-grant institution in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Founded in 1880, it is part of the Southern University System and offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across multiple colleges.
As of fall 2024, enrollment is 6,713 undergraduates. The university emphasizes access, research, and student success while serving a diverse campus community rooted in HBCU tradition.
Fayetteville State University
Across North Carolina’s HBCU landscape, Fayetteville State University reported 6,726 enrolled students. The Fayetteville campus continues to anchor itself through programs in business, education, cybersecurity and health sciences, blending traditional academics with workforce-aligned training.
Recruitment efforts have also focused on accessibility and career outcomes, reflecting broader shifts in higher education priorities. The enrollment total highlights Fayetteville State’s continued relevance as both a regional access point and part of a national resurgence in HBCU interest, where institutions are balancing legacy with evolving professional pathways.
Texas Southern University
Texas Southern University enrolled 7,366 students, maintaining its status as a major HBCU in Houston. Enrollment is supported by strong programs in law, pharmacy, business and public administration, along with expanded student services and retention efforts.
Located in a major urban center, the university continues to attract students seeking an affordable, career-focused education and professional pathways.
Alabama A&M University
Alabama A&M University enrolls 7,808 students and continues to draw in more applicants through strong programs in engineering, agriculture, business and the sciences, alongside expanded student support services and campus investments. Alabama A&M’s enrollment underscores its ongoing role in providing affordable access, academic opportunity and pathways to professional careers.
Hinds Community College
Hinds Community College enrolled 8,412 students, maintaining its position as one of Mississippi’s largest public community colleges. The institution serves students across multiple campuses with a focus on workforce training, technical education and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
College leaders have emphasized student support services, dual enrollment opportunities and partnerships with local employers to meet regional workforce needs. The figure underscores the continued role of community colleges in expanding access and preparing students for both immediate employment and further academic study.
Florida A&M University
Florida A&M University enrolls just under 10,000 students, reflecting continued interest in one of the nation’s leading historically Black universities. Located in Tallahassee, FAMU has sustained steady enrollment through strong academic programs, especially in pharmacy, engineering and business. Growth has been supported by expanded recruitment, student success initiatives and renewed national attention on HBCUs.
North Carolina Central University
At North Carolina Central University, 9,281 students call it home. The university has seen enrollment stability and growth driven by expanded recruitment efforts, increased academic offerings and stronger visibility in high-demand fields such as law, business, health sciences and education.
The figure underscores the university’s role within the broader resurgence of HBCUs, as students increasingly seek institutions that blend affordability, cultural legacy and professional preparation.
Prairie View A&M University
Located northwest of Houston, Prairie View A&M University enrolled 9,922 students, expanding its reach through nationally recognized programs in engineering, nursing, agriculture, business and education while increasing investments in research and student support.
University leaders have attributed enrollment gains to stronger recruitment efforts, academic innovation and growing interest in HBCUs nationwide. As demand continues to rise, Prairie View A&M remains a leading destination for students seeking a combination of academic excellence, affordability and a rich tradition of leadership and service.
Morgan State University
In 2025, Morgan State University enrolled 11,559 students, continuing its steady growth as Maryland’s largest Black university. The Baltimore institution has expanded its enrollment through increased recruitment, new academic programs and investments in research, student housing and campus facilities.
The enrollment milestone reflects broader momentum among HBCUs, as more students seek institutions that combine academic opportunity, cultural heritage and strong pathways to graduate education and professional careers.
Howard University
Howard University enrolled approximately 14,500 students, reflecting the ongoing demand for one of the nation’s most prominent HBCUs. The Washington, D.C., university continues to attract record numbers of applicants, making admissions increasingly competitive.
As HBCUs experience renewed national interest, Howard has continued investing in student success, campus improvements and research opportunities, strengthening its position as a leading destination for students seeking academic excellence and cultural legacy.
North Carolina A&T State University
In 2025, North Carolina A&T State University enrolled a record 15,275 students, reinforcing its position as the nation’s largest public traditional HBCU. The enrollment milestone reflects sustained growth fueled by rising national interest in HBCUs, strong demand for the university’s engineering, agriculture, business and STEM programs, and expanded recruitment efforts.
University leaders have paired enrollment gains with investments in research, student housing and academic facilities to accommodate continued demand. The record student population underscores North Carolina A&T’s growing national profile and its longstanding role in preparing graduates for leadership in industry, government, education and the sciences.
St. Philip’s College
With a historic enrollment of about 20,000 students, St. Philip’s College is the nation’s largest HBCU, which also serves as a community college. The college reached that milestone in 2025 for the first time in its 127-year history, marking a record enrollment and continuing a period of sustained growth, according to the school.
The college has added nearly 5,000 students since 2021, outpacing national trends across community colleges. College leaders credit the increase to long-term strategic planning, expanded student support services and a campus-wide commitment to improving student access and success. St. Philip’s is one of the nation’s few institutions federally designated as both an HBCU and a Hispanic-Serving Institution, broadening its impact across diverse communities.
