Here’s Why Applications For Historically Black Colleges & Universities Are Surging

HBCUs have seen a dramatic increase in freshman applications in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There has been a recent surge in enrollment and applications at historically Black colleges and universities. According to HBCU Connect in a July 5 report, the rising trend in Black students seeking higher education from Black spaces has been driven by several factors.

Schools such as Hampton University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Howard University have been pillars exemplifying this new trend.

The most major and influential factor in the increase in applications to HBCUs has been their more salient reputation. They are known as “centers of academic excellence and supportive campus environments.” This makes them especially appealing to students who are searching for a higher education that also has an atmosphere of community and support.

Another factor has been the rise and fall of the COVID-19 pandemic. HBCUs tend to emphasize maintaining a high level of education while also providing a safe environment in an institution well adapted to maintaining an effective learning environment during uncertain times.

According to reports, this “has positioned HBCUs favorably among prospective students and families reevaluating their college choices.”

Thirdly, HBCUs focus on affording students scholarship opportunities and offering financial aid. By increasing their pool to draw from scholarship offerings, HBCUs have helped make higher education more attainable and accessible to students with financial barriers.

Not only are the individual universities’ practices drawing in students, but the surrounding broader recognition of their unique historical and educational contributions has also played a role. Applicants are drawn to HBCUs’ well-established network of alums and sponsors.

Vice President of Student Affairs at Florida A&M University, Dr. William E. Hudson, said “With influential figures showcasing the success of HBCUs, it’s no surprise that students are drawn in.”

According to reports compiled by the White House, HBCU schools have “educated 40% of all Black engineers in the country, 50% of all Black lawyers, 70% of Black doctors, and an astonishing 80% of Black judges.”

These factors, and others, have helped increase students’ motivation to attend HBCUs.

For example, Howard received 37,000 applications in the past school year, which marks a 12% increase for its incoming freshman class. FAMU has seen its incoming applications nearly double in the past two years. As of June, FAMU—considered the top public HBCU—received an influx of 21,939 applications for the incoming freshman class and concluded its application season with an admissions rate of 18%.