Trump administration announces $174 million investment in HBCUs

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Education announced last month a one-time investment of more than $174 million in additional funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, part of the Trump administration’s efforts to provide additional resources to institutions serving generations of American students.

Dig deeper:

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced the funding during the HBCU Summit at the White House, where dozens of administration officials, university presidents and other stakeholders gathered to discuss the role of HBCUs in higher education and the nation’s workforce.

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The new funding builds on a $438 million one-time investment announced last year. Combined, the two investments bring the total amount of new funding directed to HBCUs by the Trump administration to more than $612 million for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, according to the Education Department.

What they're saying:

"For nearly 200 years, HBCUs have been engines of opportunity in communities, advancing critical innovations and uplifting local industries across the nation," said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. "This new investment will help ensure these vital institutions have the resources they need to continue delivering world-class education and to prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving economy."

Big picture view:

The administration said the latest investment is intended to help HBCUs continue their longstanding missions while strengthening their ability to support students, workforce development and economic activity in their communities.

"HBCUs have helped shape the story of American education, and they will undoubtedly shape the future," said Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent. "These institutions of higher education remain central to our nation’s higher education ecosystem, fueling workforce development, driving economic growth in their communities, and cultivating leaders across sectors including STEM, education, public service, and business."

The Education Department also announced that the administration will provide a one-time award of more than $61 million in additional funding to Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities.

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