Recent developments regarding federal spending priorities have again put Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) at the center of national debate. The Trump administration’s brief pause—and subsequent reversal—of federal grants and loans sowed unnecessary confusion and concern for institutions that serve as pillars of academic excellence. While the immediate crisis was averted, this episode underscores a more significant issue: the urgent need for unwavering investment in HBCUs from federal, state, and local governments.
UNCF data affirm that HBCUs play an indispensable role in American higher education. They enroll nearly 300,000 students annually, many first-generation college students from low-income backgrounds. Despite representing only 3% of all U.S. colleges and universities, HBCUs produce nearly 20% of all Black graduates and 25% of Black STEM degree holders. Additionally, over 80% of Black judges and 50% of Black doctors and lawyers earned their degrees from these institutions. These statistics are not mere numbers; they reflect HBCUs’ enduring legacy of equipping professionals with the skills to uplift their communities and contribute to the broader economy.
UNCF research further reveals that in Florida alone, the state’s four HBCUs—Bethune-Cookman University, Edward Waters College, Florida A&M University, and Florida Memorial University—generate an astounding $833 million in total economic impact, support 7,817 jobs, and contribute to lifetime earnings of $8.6 billion for their graduates. Though they comprise only 4% of Florida’s four-year colleges, they enroll 9% of all Black undergraduates and award 18% of all bachelor’s degrees earned by Black students. These institutions are essential to workforce development and economic sustainability like their national counterparts.
However, despite their significant contributions, HBCUs remain underfunded compared to their better-funded counterparts. An Austin, Texas-based think tank found that public HBCUs receive nearly $2,500 less per-student funding than non-HBCUs. The disparity is even more pronounced at private HBCUs, which struggle to compete with the endowments of wealthier institutions. This funding gap results from decades of systemic inequities, including disproportionate funding formulas and historically underwhelming philanthropic support.
The economic argument for sustained investment in HBCUs is compelling. HBCUs generate over $14.8 billion in economic impact annually and support more than 134,000 jobs nationwide. Graduates of these institutions contribute significantly to the workforce, earning nearly $130 billion over their lifetimes, which translates into increased tax revenue and economic growth. Furthermore, HBCUs are at the forefront of addressing national workforce shortages in critical fields such as healthcare, education, and technology.
With immigration policies in flux and a potential labor shortage on the horizon, America must maximize its existing talent pool. HBCUs are uniquely positioned to help fill workforce gaps in critical industries, ensuring economic stability and growth. Yet, instead of recognizing the immense return on investment that HBCUs provide, recent developments subject these institutions to uncertainty. Even if short-lived, the recent pause on federal funding reminds us how fragile financial support for HBCUs can be. Uncertainty hampers institutional planning, disrupts student financial aid, and erodes trust in government commitments to higher education equity. For HBCUs to continue fulfilling their mission, funding must be robust, consistent, and protected from political shifts.
To that end, it is imperative we continue lobbying federal, state, and local leaders to support HBCUs further fiscally. First, Congress can strengthen Title III funding, which provides direct financial support to HBCUs. Second, states could rectify funding disparities, ensuring that public HBCUs receive equitable resources. Third, local governments and the private sector can invest in infrastructure and innovation at HBCUs, particularly in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and renewable energy.
America cannot afford to treat HBCUs as an afterthought. These institutions have stood the test of time despite chronic underfunding, producing generations of leaders. The commitment to HBCUs must be clear, unwavering, and, above all, backed by tangible financial support from individuals, governments, and philanthropic organizations. Investing in HBCUs is not just an investment in Black America but an investment in America’s future.
Jaffus Hardrick is a transformational academic executive, former university president, visionary, and author.
