More Women Graduating from HBCUs than Men

(Oct. 5) Between 1996 and 2006 public HBCUs admitted, enrolled and matriculated a larger number of black females than males, according to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s (TMCF) Demographic Report.

Over the ten year period female undergraduate enrollment increased by 10.4% while male undergraduate enrollment only increased by 3.8%.

Of the 47 schools surveyed 8 reported a female undergraduate enrollment of at least 70%.  Only Central State University had more men than women (877 men, 870 women).  All other reporting institutions reported at least 53% female undergraduate enrollment.

Undergraduate degrees conferred increase by 6.4% for females yet decreased by 3.1% for males.

“There have been a number of support programs—leadership institutes and incentive programs– that specifically focused on increasing the numbers of African American males that enrolled in college and are supported through graduation,” said Dwayne Ashley, President and CEO of the TMCF.

Female enrollment in graduate school markedly outpaced male enrollment between 1996 and 2006.  Enrollment increased by 26.6% for women yet only 6.1% for men.

The total number of graduate students enrolled increased by 10% over the ten year period.

The annual report also tracked enrollment and graduation rates of other minority groups at HBCUs and found that HBCUs have become more diverse over the last 20 years. While white male undergraduate enrollment has decreased, Hispanic male enrollment has increased, and Hispanic and Asian female enrollment has doubled.

TMCF surveyed the 47 four-year public HBCUs that are members of the organization.