By Claire Moraa
- Black men account for only 26% of HBCUs down from 38% five decades ago
- Female at HBCUs has been increasing and was at 64% in three years ago
The number of Black men attending four-year colleges is declining, particularly at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The male to female ratio is widening as it currently stands at 1:1.75. And it’s not just Black men, men in general cannot match up to their women counterparts in HBCUs. Howard University for instance only has 19% of men and only 25% of Black men. The male to female ratio gets worse at 1:3.
Why This Matters: Black men now constitute a smaller percentage of the student population in HBCUs compared to previous decades and the persistence of this gap could have far-reaching implications for the academic experiences and opportunities available to Black male students, as well as the overall diversity and inclusivity of these institutions. HBCUs were established to increase education opportunities for Black students who were denied access elsewhere but we are recently witnessing shrinking enrolment rates–26%, the lowest in five decades.
Of course for a Black male and the Black family at large, the economic challenges are far more significant compared to their White counterparts. Take a look at the median wealth for both families. Whites get $189,100 while a Black family has to make do with $24,100. With such start disparities, it is almost impossible for a Black male student to adequately cover the high college costs. Away from financial challenges, the retention rates at HBCUs for male students is also a case of major concern. Black males are three times more likely to be suspended compared to White males at HBCUs.
What’s Next: Tough times lie ahead for Black males with the DEI initiatives scrapped in the new Trump administration. However, the change needs to start from within. If HBCUs can work on the retention rates, the enrollment rates could see an improvement. If other students are encouraged by the success of their predecessors, it can serve as a pivotal point to boost enrollment and slowly bridge the gap.
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