Baltimore HBCU Coppin State recently announced new provisions that will increase rates of higher education by offering more affordable tuition.
From the fall of 2024, the HBCU will provide undergraduate students from more than 30 states and other U.S. territories with the option to enroll with in-state tuition.
Approved earlier this year by the Maryland Board of Regents, the in-state tuition rate will apply to the students’ tenure throughout their four years at Coppin State and will be in effect as soon as they enroll.
The new opportunity for students will only apply to incoming students who are on course to pursue an undergraduate degree.
Per the press release, the HBCU hopes to enlarge its enrollment footprint as 85% of Coppin State University students are residents of Maryland; only 15% of the total enrolled students are residents of another U.S. state or territory.
According to the president of Coppin State University, Anthony L. Jenkins, the purpose of this change to tuition costs for incoming students is also to increase access to affordable education and reduce barriers for students who might not be able to afford out-of-state higher education.
“Coppin State gives our students a transformative educational experience in an environment that nurtures, challenges, and empowers them, regardless of their racial or socioeconomic background,” said President Jenkins in a press release. “Although our students graduate with student loan debt below the national average, with this initiative, we are demonstrating the return on investment for degree-seekers by further reducing the financial cost and allowing students to enjoy the holistic experience of their college years.”
The announcement by Coppin State comes amidst an increase in enrollments amongst HBCUs across the nation.
According to information by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, while college and university enrollment rates have been on the decline in recent years, Black American students are enrolling in HBCUs in larger numbers, increasing from eight percent to nine percent after an 18 percent decrease from 1976 to 2014.
At certain HBCUs, enrollment rates, in general, have skyrocketed. According to Data USA, at HBCU Morehouse College, there was a 60% increase in the number of applications in 2020 when compared to 2019.
Overall, HBCU enrollment increased by 57%, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Amongst the reasons for increased enrollment are diverse leaders, faculty and staff, a more inclusive campus and affordability when it comes to tuition for students.
