U.S. Department of Education Makes Significant Investment in America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Today, the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) announced a significant, one-time investment of more than $174 million in additional funding to strengthen America's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This funding commitment reflects the Trump Administration's ongoing pledge to support institutions that have played a foundational role in advancing opportunity and economic mobility for generations of American students.

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced this major investment at the HBCU Summit at the White House, which convened dozens of senior Administration leaders, university presidents, and stakeholders to discuss the transformative role HBCUs play in higher education and in strengthening our nation.

Today's announcement builds on last year's record one-time investment of $438 million in additional funding for HBCUs to support the sector's mission and its students. In total, the Trump Administration will have directed more than $612 million in new funding to HBCUs in fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

"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."

"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."

Today's significant investment reinforces the Trump Administration's commitment to expanding HBCUs' impact by ensuring they can continue their historic mission with the resources necessary to thrive.

In addition to the investment in HBCUs, the Trump Administration will also make a one-time award of more than $61 million in additional funding for Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities.

Background:

On April 23, 2025, President Trump created the White House Initiative to Promote Excellence and Innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, reinforcing the Administration's commitment to supporting and elevating these institutions of higher education.