Morgan’s Enrollment Surpasses 11,500 Students, Extending Record Growth Streak to Fifth Consecutive Year

With Significant Gains in Graduate, Transfer, and Black Male Student Enrollment, Morgan State Solidifies Its Position as One of the Nation’s Fastest-Growing HBCUs

BALTIMORE — Morgan State University’s steady rise in national prominence and student demand shows no signs of slowing. For the fifth consecutive year, the University has set a new all-time enrollment record—this time welcoming 11,559 students for the 2025–26 academic year, as officially reported to the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). The growth marks another milestone in Morgan’s ascent as a premier destination for higher learning and advancement, positioning it firmly as the third largest among all Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs).

The University recorded significant increases in graduate, transfer, and international student populations. The School of Graduate Studies reached a new high of 2,005 students, while new transfer enrollment climbed to 403, a 10% increase over last fall. The number of Black male students enrolled also rose by an impressive 10% over the previous year, underscoring early success as Morgan looks to address one of higher education’s most pressing challenges.

“Morgan’s growth story is not one of happenstance but of intentionality, strategy, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of higher education,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University. “While higher education as a whole grapples with enrollment stagnation, Morgan continues to defy national trends—expanding access, attracting exceptional talent, and reaffirming our standing as a top choice for students pursuing excellence. Our vision is bold, and the numbers confirm that the world is taking notice.”

A Record-Breaking Year in Context

In 2024, Morgan enrolled 10,739 students and received 24,414 applications. This year, applications surged to 26,516, a 9% increase, reflecting the University’s growing reach and appeal. Overall, the majority of Morgan’s students originate from Maryland; however, of the new students entering Morgan, 51% hail from outside Maryland, representing 32 states, reaffirming Morgan’s expanding national footprint. International enrollment climbed to 1,130 students, further enhancing campus diversity and the University’s global engagement.

Among new undergraduate students, Nursing, Management and Business Administration, and Psychology emerged as the top declared majors, while graduate students most often pursued Social Work, Business Administration, and Public Health. The School of Community Health and Policy, James H. Gilliam, Jr. College of Liberal Arts, and Graves School of Business and Management saw the largest influxes of new freshmen, signaling strong interest in high-impact fields aligned with community advancement and leadership.

A Targeted Focus on Black Male Enrollment

Morgan’s rise in Black male student enrollment, from 2,653 undergraduates in Fall 2024 to 2,885 in Fall 2025, represents one of the University’s most meaningful outcomes this year. The increase coincides with the work of President Wilson’s Presidential Task Force on the State of Black Male Enrollment, launched in early 2025 to address the national decline in Black male participation in higher education.

“This upward trend shows that focused attention works,” said President Wilson. “We recognized a crisis and moved swiftly to be part of the solution—not only for Morgan, but for HBCUs and the nation as a whole.”

The School of Graduate Studies also reported a 24% increase in Black male enrollment, growing from 314 to 388 students pursuing advanced degrees. Collectively, these gains signal progress toward closing persistent educational gaps and expanding representation in graduate and professional pathways.

Morgan’s enrollment success comes as higher education begins to rebound from a decade-long national decline. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, undergraduate enrollment nationwide rose by approximately 3% in 2024—the second consecutive year of growth—while projections from the National Center for Education Statistics anticipate continued increases through 2031. Among HBCUs, enrollment gains have also begun to strengthen following years of uneven recovery.

“Morgan’s results reflect both the strength of our brand and the power of our mission,” said Kara Turner, Ph.D., senior vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Success. “Students are choosing Morgan because they see outcomes—academic rigor, career readiness, and a supportive environment that fosters belonging and success. Our strategic investments in recruitment, marketing, institutional financial aid, and student services are paying measurable dividends.”

Strategic Investment, Rising Recognition

Much of Morgan’s sustained enrollment momentum stems from strategic planning and enhanced outreach made possible through state investment. Thanks to the Maryland Legislative HBCU Settlement, which required a portion of funds be dedicated to marketing and academic program creation, has helped elevate Morgan’s national visibility and strengthen its recruitment infrastructure. Over the past five years, Morgan’s brand recognition has grown exponentially, as evidenced by its recognition by LinkedIn as one of the Top 10 HBCUs in America and by U.S. News & World Report as the #9 Best HBCU nationally.

When surveyed, new undergraduates cited campus visits, the University’s online visibility, and family legacy connections as the top reasons they applied to Morgan. Once admitted, students reported choosing Morgan primarily because they wanted to attend an HBCU, valued the available financial aid and affordability, and were drawn to the University’s beautiful campus and facilities—elements that reflect both the tangible and emotional appeal of the Morgan experience. Graduate students were attracted to Morgan's innovative academic degree programs and affordability.

“Morgan’s trajectory is the result of careful stewardship and a deep commitment to student success,” said Dr. Turner. “Our data show that students are arriving stronger, staying longer, and achieving more. We’re not just growing in numbers—we’re growing in impact.”

Looking Ahead

Morgan’s expansion in both undergraduate and graduate education reflects a deliberate strategy to serve a broader, more diverse student population while maintaining academic excellence and community relevance.

President Wilson summarized the moment succinctly:

“We are in the business of transformation—of lives, of communities, of expectations. Every student who chooses Morgan validates our belief that the best is yet to come.”

About Morgan

 Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering more than 150 baccalaureate, master’s degree, doctorate and certificate programs. As Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu. 

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Media Contacts:

Larry Jones, or Dell Jackson, for Morgan State University PR
443-885-3022