Thurgood Marshall College Fund unveils landmark HBCU alumni study

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s Dr. N. Joyce Payne Research Center released Part One of “Proof of Promise: The Lasting Value and Impact of an HBCU Education,” the nation’s largest study of historically Black college and university (HBCU) alumni. Conducted across 64 four‑year HBCUs with more than 500,000 documented alumni contacts, the research surveyed graduates from the classes of 2010‑2025.

Key findings show 70% of recent HBCU alumni report thriving in everyday life, compared with 46% of Black adults nationwide. Eighty‑three percent say they experienced a strong sense of belonging on campus, versus a 65% average among all college graduates. Seventy‑two percent would enthusiastically recommend their alma mater, while 79% believe their HBCU education was worth the cost, even among those who borrowed over $40,000. At work, 46% of alumni are highly engaged, far above the 31% U.S. worker average, and 94% cite at least one professor who inspired their learning.

The study was unveiled at an invitation‑only event on July 31 in West Tisbury, attended by leaders from higher education, business, philanthropy, government and media. The research will expand over the next two years with a second installment planned.