HBCUs Are Preparing for a Future Without Federal Funding

As colleges across the United States face federal funding challenges, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) may be among the hardest hit – with some schools already bracing for a future with reduced or no government support.

In March, Florida A&M University’s College of Pharmacy lost a US$16.3 million federal grant, amid broader threats to higher education funding tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. These developments are prompting HBCUs to rethink their financial strategies.

“We know our ancestors didn’t depend on federal money to get the work done,” said Fatima Brunson, assistant professor of education at Spelman College.

Still, the stakes are high. A 2022 Forbes analysis found that HBCUs have been underfunded by more than US$12 billion over the past three decades compared to their non-HBCU counterparts.

For many of the country’s 100 HBCUs, further federal cuts could mean program eliminations, staff reductions, and decreased enrollment, according to two administrators who spoke anonymously.

“There’s a culture of concern,” one HBCU leader said, describing a shared sense of unease across Black colleges. Despite the challenges, HBCUs remain vital economic engines, contributing approximately US$15 billion to local economies and supporting tens of thousands of jobs.