Benedict College and Philander Smith College are among the first historically black colleges to check in this fall with announcements on historic enrollment increases.
BC this week announced an incoming class of 750 students, the school’s largest class since 2015.“I applaud the efforts of the staff and faculty of who are committed to demonstrating the BESTof BC in all that we do. This new cohort is one example of their excellent work, said Dr. Roslyn C. Artis, President and CEO. “In the past year, we engaged our campus and the community in our efforts to formulate a competitive, yet, affordable tuition price, partnered with industry to align our academic programs to ensure consistency with industry expectations, and completed a strategic planning process that emphasizes customer service, technology innovation and increased academic standards, including in our student admissions. We are not only excited about the future of our new students at Benedict, but also for our returning students who play a key role in the great things happening at BC!”
Philander Smith College also announced that its total student enrollment has doubled over the last three years, surpassing more than 1,000 students.
“This growth is not by chance,” says Philander Smith College President Dr. Roderick L. Smothers, Sr. “It is the direct result of our concentrated efforts to provide educational opportunities to a broader range of students. Our admissions and enrollment management teams work diligently to expose students across the country to the unique opportunities that exist as part of the Philander experience.”
The announcements are a continuing sign of potential enrollment stabilization at HBCUs following years of steep declines. In 2016, sector enrollment losses decreased to just over 1,000 students for all 100+ historically black institutions, the third consecutive year student losses were just over 1,000 following several years of enrollment decline exceeding 10,000 students.
PVAMU class of 2022 is the largest in school history. Numbering 2369
SUBR Freshman enrollment is over 1,400 students. The largest Freshman class in over 10 years. Also SU Law Center had one of its largest enrollment as well. Don’t sleep on the fact that PWIs are treating these kids like crap. So the black conscious of kids is much better now and our kids have more opportunities for jobs and participate in activities and culture that expresses themselves. That has helped increase enrollment, hell kids just have to look at today’s social and political environment. They can feel the racism. So why experience that during the best years of your life. HBCUs give our kids a nurturing environment where it’s ok to be BLACK.
Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis, Missouri has record enrollment this year. Check out http://www.hssu.edu or follow us on Instagram at hssu_studentaffairs…I LOVE MY HSSU… HBCU love…..
As a proud NCCU Eagle (and supporter of HBCU’s) I am very pleased to hear these success stories!
Stillman College has the largest incoming class in several years also! Congratulations to all HBCUs showing evidence of growth but more especially to those who have been struggling to continue their missions and live up to their purposes!