The 5 Fastest-Growing HBCUs in the Country 2025

The acronym HBCU stands for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. There are many such institutions across the country, with the highest concentration being in the southern United States.

Enrollment at HBCUs has grown in recent years, and the White House has recently reestablished an initiative to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

In this article, we will explore the fastest-growing HBCUs in the country. You can learn more about each college and how much its enrollment has grown in recent years. We will also take a look at the answers to some frequently asked questions.

Fastest Growing Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Here are the top five fastest-growing Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the United States in 2024.

1. Central State University

Central State University is a historically Black public college that is located in Wilberforce, Ohio, and it is the only public HBCU in the state. The school has a history that spans over 135 years. It is also among the most affordable universities in Ohio.

Central State University has both undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as certificate programs. There are also degrees that at the school that can be completed entirely online and/or by international students.

Just a few of the areas of study available at Central State University include things like:

• creative writing
• business administration
• computer science
• political science
• sociology

Central State University has seen the largest student body growth of an HBCU in the country, with an enrollment increase of 131% over five years.

2. Albany State University

Albany State University is another public HBCU, and it is located in the city of Albany, Georgia. This institution has been in operation since 1903 and is a highly nationally-ranked HBCU. Today, the college is the result of the consolidation of two previously separate colleges.

Albany State University has associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees, as well as several certificate programs. There are a wide range of fields of study like computer science, early childhood education, social work, and more.

Albany State University has also seen an enormous growth in student enrollment, with a 114% enrollment increase over a five-year period, making it the second fastest-growing HBCU.

3. Talladega College

Talladega College is a private college that is located in the city of Talladega, Alabama. It is the oldest private HBCU in the state. The college has a history than spans over 150 years.

The college has several bachelor's degree programs, alongside one associate degree program and two graduate programs. The fields of study available at Talladega College include:

• business administration
• humanities and fine art
• natural sciences and mathematics
• social sciences and education

Over a five-year period, Talladega College has seen an enrollment increase of 71%.

4. Southern University Law Center

Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the Southern University Law Center is a public law school and is also an HBCU. The school has been in operation since the mid-1900s and is committed to providing high-quality legal education to a diverse student body.

As a law school, the Southern University Law Center is focused on legal training, and it offers several high-level degrees in legal studies, such as master's and doctorate programs. The university also offers some certificate programs.

The Southern University Law Center has seen a student enrollment increase of 50% over five years.

5. Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City State University is a public HBCU located in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The school was founded in 1891 to bring high-quality education to African-American students. Today, the school provides education to a diverse student body.

Elizabeth City State University offers bachelor's and master's degree programs, as well as minors. Programs can be complete in-person, online, or in a hybrid format. Some of the school's departments include:

• education
• health human studies
• natural sciences
• social sciences

This university has also seen strong growth, with an enrollment increase of 48% across a five year period.

Are HBCUs on the Rise?

Enrollment at Historically Black Colleges and Universities has risen by large amount in just a few short years. From 2020 to 2023, HBCUs saw an enrollment increase of 7%. For just three years, this percentage represents an enormous growth.

Student numbers at HBCUs are expected to continue rising as various organizations work to support these institutions, as well as government initiatives designed to support them.

What Are the Top Three Largest HBCUs?

The top three from the list of largest HBCU's in the country are:

• North Carolina Agriculture & Technical State University
• Howard University
• Prairie View A&M University

These colleges are respectively located in North Carolina, Washington D.C., and Texas.

Find the Perfect HBCU Today

Now that you know more about HBCUs and some of the different options, find the perfect HBCU for you today.