Category: Partners

In the 2024-2025 academic year, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have experienced a significant increase in applications and enrollments. Following the Supreme Court’s June 2023 ruling to end race-sensitive admissions, many Black students are choosing HBCUs for their inclusive educational environment. FocusQuest recognizes the growing importance of these institutions as they continue to provide crucial opportunities for Black students.

Why the Surge?

Several factors are driving this rise in HBCU enrollments:

1. Supreme Court’s Affirmative Action Decision: The end of race-sensitive admissions at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) has led many Black students to seek a supportive environment at HBCUs, where their identity and culture are celebrated.

2. Financial Support: Recent multimillion-dollar donations have boosted academic programs and resources at many HBCUs, making them even more appealing.

3. Safe and Inclusive Environments: Amid social unrest at PWIs, many students are gravitating towards HBCUs for their sense of community and inclusivity.

Notable Enrollment Increases

Several HBCUs have seen notable growth this year, including:

• Bethune-Cookman University (Florida): Enrollment grew by 24%, reaching over 3,100 students.

• Hampton University (Virginia): 17,000+ applications for the 2024-2025 academic year.

• Shaw University (North Carolina): A 36% increase in new student enrollment.

• Spelman College (Georgia): Welcomed 700 new students, with a lower acceptance rate reflecting growing competition.

The Future of HBCUs

FocusQuest understands the crucial role HBCUs play in shaping the educational and professional success of Black students. These institutions not only provide high-quality academic programs but also foster a sense of belonging and cultural pride. As interest in HBCUs continues to rise, their significance in the higher education landscape grows stronger.

As more students choose HBCUs, FocusQuest remains committed to supporting these institutions and ensuring that students have access to the information they need to make informed decisions about their future.

Sources:

• Inside Higher Ed

• JBHE

• Journeyed

• Insight into Diversity

In a bold and controversial proposal, federal lawmakers are considering closing the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and transferring the management of federal student loans to the Small Business Administration (SBA). If you’re currently enrolled in an online degree program—or considering starting one—this development could significantly impact your financial aid options. At FocusQuest, we want to ensure you have the information and support you need to navigate this transition with confidence.

What’s Changing?

The proposal would dissolve the ED—long responsible for overseeing federal student aid programs—and move the entire $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio under the SBA. While the SBA has experience in managing large-scale loan programs, its focus has traditionally been on small business financing, not higher education.

Key Concerns for Students

1. Disruptions in Loan Processing The SBA’s unfamiliarity with student loan infrastructure could result in delays or errors in processing federal aid. As adult learners balancing work and family commitments, any delay in financial aid could disrupt your course enrollment or ability to purchase learning materials.
2. Uncertainty Around Income-Driven Repayment Plans Federal programs such as Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) may undergo revisions—or potentially face elimination. These programs are especially important for adult learners who often juggle education alongside full-time employment or public service roles.
3. Pell Grants and Financial Support Pell Grants, a key source of non-repayable aid for many online students, are currently managed by the ED. It’s unclear whether the SBA would continue offering such grants, or under what terms.
4. Record-Keeping and Servicing Issues Transferring millions of loan records from one agency to another could lead to data loss or servicing errors. Students may face challenges in accessing accurate payment histories or applying for deferments.

What You Can Do Now

Current Students

• Stay Updated
  Follow credible news sources and official government communications. Check updates directly from studentaid.gov for the latest.
• Download and Store Your Records
  Keep digital and hard copies of your financial aid documents, loan agreements, and repayment history.
• Consider Contingency Plans
  If you’re close to graduation, assess how possible delays might affect your final semester. Explore whether your institution offers emergency financial support.
• Engage With Your Institution
  Many online universities, including FocusQuest, are preparing to support students during this potential transition. Reach out to your advisor for personalized guidance.

Prospective Students

• If you’re considering enrolling in a degree program, now is the time to act.
• Changes to federal financial aid may impact future eligibility and funding availability.
• FocusQuest encourages all prospective students to take advantage of current aid programs while they are still in place.
• Don’t wait until uncertainty affects your educational plan
• Contact FocusQuest today to speak with an advisor and take the next step toward your degree.

In today’s fast-paced world, where automation and efficiency dominate nearly every industry, one timeless truth remains—relationships matter. While résumés and credentials play a role in career success, personal connections often open doors and create lasting opportunities. This is especially true at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), where the strength of relationships has been a defining factor in student success for generations.

The Relationship Advantage at HBCUs

For decades, HBCUs have cultivated a unique educational experience that prioritizes mentorship, community, and personal investment. Unlike larger institutions where students may feel like just another number, HBCUs excel at fostering meaningful connections between students, faculty, and alumni. These bonds extend beyond the classroom, shaping careers and empowering students to navigate the professional world with confidence.

At FocusQuest, we recognize that innovation in online education must complement, not replace, the deeply rooted traditions of mentorship and connection at HBCUs. As a student acquisition and success partner (SSP) firm exclusively dedicated to assisting HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), we help develop online educational programs that expand access while maintaining the personal relationships that set these institutions apart.

Faculty members at HBCUs don’t just teach—they invest in their students’ futures. They take the time to understand their ambitions, guide them through challenges, and advocate for their success. When a student needs a letter of recommendation, it’s not a generic formality—it’s a deeply personal endorsement based on years of mentorship and encouragement.

This emphasis on relationships is especially critical for first-generation college students, who often face unique challenges in higher education. Many are navigating systems that weren’t originally designed with them in mind, making mentorship and advocacy essential components of their success. HBCUs provide a supportive environment where students receive not just academic instruction but also the confidence and network they need to thrive.

Beyond the Classroom: A Lifelong Network

The strength of HBCU relationships doesn’t end at graduation. Alumni remain deeply connected to their institutions, often returning as mentors, donors, and recruiters. This commitment to community creates an intergenerational support system that continues to uplift students long after they leave campus.

HBCU homecomings, for example, are more than just celebrations—they are reunions of a family bonded by shared experiences and a commitment to collective progress. These gatherings reinforce the idea that success is not just about individual achievement but about lifting others as we climb.

For students, this network is invaluable. Whether it’s securing internships, job opportunities, or professional mentorship, the relationships formed at HBCUs create pathways to success that extend well beyond a degree. These personal connections ensure that students don’t just enter the workforce but do so with confidence, support, and a built-in network of advocates.

Preserving What Makes HBCUs Special

In an era where higher education faces increasing pressure to scale up and streamline processes, HBCUs must resist the urge to conform to a one-size-fits-all model. While affordability and access are crucial, they should never come at the cost of the personal connections that make these institutions unique. HBCUs are not simply degree-granting institutions—they are incubators of leadership, innovation, and community.

As conversations about the future of higher education continue, it is essential to highlight the unparalleled value of HBCUs. These institutions are not relics of the past but blueprints for the future—demonstrating that education is most impactful when built on relationships.

At FocusQuest, we understand that student success is about more than coursework and credentials—it’s about connections. By leveraging innovative online programs without sacrificing the personal touch, we ensure that students have the mentorship, resources, and relationships they need to succeed in an evolving educational landscape.

In the end, it’s not just about résumés. It’s about relationships. And at HBCUs, those relationships are changing lives every single day.