Morgan State Achieves Record Enrollment, Ranks Third Among HBCUs

Morgan State University in Baltimore has reached a significant milestone, announcing its fourth consecutive year of record enrollment. As of Fall 2024, the historically Black university has become the third-largest HBCU in the United States, with 10,739 students now enrolled — a 9.4 percent increase from the previous year.

This growth includes the largest freshman class in Morgan State's history, with 2,369 new students. Nearly 53 percent of the student body hails from Maryland, and a remarkable 96 percent of the 24,414 applications received were from first-time freshmen. The freshman class boasts an average high school GPA of 3.16, representing students from 41 states and seven countries.

In addition to record undergraduate enrollment, Morgan State is seeing unprecedented growth at the graduate level, with 1,712 graduate students — a 14 percent increase from 2023.

According to the university, North Carolina A&T remains the largest HBCU, with 14,311 students, followed by Howard University with over 13,500 students as of September 2024.

Morgan State President David K. Wilson attributed the record enrollment to the university’s increasing reputation for offering transformative educational opportunities. “Achieving four consecutive years of record new student growth, along with our highest-ever graduate school enrollment, reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, and alumni to making Morgan a top destination for students both nationally and globally,” Wilson said.

He also emphasized the significance of the application numbers, noting that the 24,000-plus applications speak to the growing strength of the university's brand and mission. "Morgan remains committed to empowering students to achieve academic excellence and make meaningful contributions to society," he added.

With its continued growth, Morgan State University is solidifying its place as a leading institution in higher education and a hub of opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds.