HBCUs Expand Support as Black Male Enrollment Declines

Historically Black Colleges and Universities are strengthening efforts to recruit, retain and graduate Black Men as institutions confront a significant decline in Black Male College Enrollment.

Black Male Undergraduate Enrollment across U.S. colleges and universities declined approximately 22 percent between 2010 and 2022, according to the American Institute for Boys and Men. The decline has been even greater at HBCUs, where Black Male Enrollment fell approximately 25 percent during the same period. Black Men now represent roughly 26 percent of HBCU Enrollment, compared with 38 percent in 1976, when Black Male Enrollment peaked.

The numbers point to a larger challenge facing higher education and Black communities. Financial difficulties, family responsibilities, mental health concerns and a lack of belonging have been identified among the factors contributing to the decline. In response, several HBCUs are developing programs that provide Black Male Students with stronger academic, social and financial support.

Creating a Culture of Belonging

Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, has experienced a different trend. Men make up more than 54 percent of its student body this year, compared with at least 42 percent in previous decades. The institution has maintained a Black Male Enrollment rate above the national average for nearly a decade.

Benedict recently launched its B.E.S.T. Men initiative—Belonging, Excellence, Service and Thoughtfulness—which provides mentorship, academic support and activities for male students. All incoming first-year men are required to participate. The initiative is supported by a $100,000 grant from Sigma Pi Phi, the oldest Black Greek-letter professional fraternity.

Howard University is taking a similar approach through its Men of the Mecca Initiative, which uses community-building activities to connect male students with one another and campus resources, including counseling. Outside organizations are also addressing retention. InsideTrack provided retention coaching to more than 11,000 enrolled students and re-enrollment coaching to more than 23,000 students who had left college between Fall 2021 and Spring 2026.

Beyond Enrollment

For HBCUs, the challenge is not simply getting more Black Men through the college doors. The larger goal is ensuring they remain enrolled, graduate and leave prepared for successful careers and leadership.

The enrollment decline demonstrates why mentorship, financial assistance, academic intervention and a genuine sense of belonging matter. As HBCUs develop new strategies, their success may ultimately be measured not simply by how many Black Men enroll, but by how many are supported all the way to graduation.