Spelman experiences surge in applications, defying trend of declining college enrollments

Applications to Spelman College, a historically Black women’s college in Atlanta, have seen a significant increase, rising by nearly a third between 2020 and 2024. This growth, which includes a 13 percent increase in the past year, defies the national trend of declining enrollments that has led to the closure of some small colleges.

Spelman President Helene Gayle attributes the rise in applications to a growing interest in students attending historically Black colleges, or HBCUs, following the events of 2020, notably the murder of George Floyd.

Gayle emphasizes that this shift reflects young people’s desire for a nurturing environment where they feel valued, see representation that mirrors their own identities, and appreciate diverse cultural perspectives.

While the recent Supreme Court decision has limited the use of race in college admissions, its practical impact is still unfolding. Colleges are currently notifying applicants of their admissions decisions during the first application season post the Supreme Court ruling, amidst financial challenges stemming from enrollment declines and demographic shifts. For instance, Birmingham-Southern College, a private institution in Alabama with under 1,000 students, announced its closure in May.

In contrast, Spelman College, home to approximately 2,500 students, received a landmark US$100 million donation from longtime trustee Ronda Stryker, granddaughter of the founder of Stryker Corp., a medical device company based in Michigan. The majority of this gift, provided by Stryker and her husband William Johnston, will establish endowed scholarships for future students, marking the largest donation in Spelman’s history.