Jan 1, 2025 Story by: Editor
Auburn University and Auburn University at Montgomery are the only predominantly white colleges in Alabama that have seen a decline in Black student enrollment over the past five years, despite overall increases in total enrollment.
An analysis of 12 predominantly white, four-year colleges and universities in Alabama reveals that Black student enrollment trends diverged over the last five years. While six institutions experienced growth in Black student numbers, five saw declines.
Institutions with Increased Black Student Enrollment (2019–2024)
The following six universities reported increases in Black student enrollment across undergraduate and graduate programs:
- Athens State University
- Jacksonville State University
- University of Alabama
- University of Montevallo
- University of North Alabama
- University of South Alabama
In general, trends in Black student enrollment aligned with overall enrollment changes. Schools with higher total enrollment gains typically saw increases in Black student enrollment, and those with overall declines experienced similar decreases among Black students.
Key Findings
- Auburn University: Overall enrollment increased by 3,600 students (a 12% rise), but Black student enrollment dropped by 2% (31 students).
- Auburn University at Montgomery: Total enrollment grew by 31 students (10%), but Black student numbers fell by 18% (389 students).
- University of Alabama: Enrollment rose by 2,700 students (7%), with a 22% increase (885 students) in Black student enrollment.
- University of South Alabama: Despite losing 394 students overall (2.7% decrease), Black student enrollment grew by 6% (165 students).
- University of North Alabama: Total enrollment surged by 2,500 students (32%), with Black student enrollment increasing by 23% (232 students).
The University of West Alabama did not provide fall 2024 enrollment data and was excluded from this analysis. Preliminary fall 2024 data will be finalized in February 2025.
Factors Behind Auburn’s Decline in Black Student Enrollment
Auburn University’s decline in Black student enrollment may be linked to stricter admissions criteria, particularly higher standardized test score requirements. Jim Purcell, executive director of the Alabama Commission for Higher Education, noted Auburn’s push toward greater selectivity to improve its rankings.
Auburn’s acceptance rate is currently the lowest in Alabama, at approximately 46% for freshmen. Historically, Black students have made up only about 5% of Auburn’s student body.
In contrast, the University of Alabama’s efforts to increase accessibility for underrepresented groups, including scholarships, may explain its growth in Black student enrollment. “The University of Alabama has made strides to support underrepresented groups due to its historical legacy with integration,” Purcell said.
Broader Context
Nationwide, college enrollment saw a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic but has begun to recover. Undergraduate enrollment across U.S. colleges grew by 1.2% in early 2024, according to Inside Higher Ed.
However, the long-term effects of recent legal and policy changes remain uncertain. The Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to end affirmative action, coupled with Alabama’s 2024 anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) law, may significantly impact Black and other underrepresented students. Following the passage of the law, six Alabama universities, including Auburn and Alabama, dissolved their diversity departments.
Excluded Institutions
This analysis focuses on predominantly white institutions and excludes historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), many of which have reported record enrollment numbers in recent years. Source: AL
