Examining the Role of HBCUs in the Production of STEM Graduates: A National Study

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 9:45 am - Gold 4
  In Roundtable Session: Black Liberatory STEM: Belonging, Wellness, and Resistance in Science Education

Abstract

This study analyzes the role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in awarding STEM bachelor’s degrees to African American students from 2014 to 2023, using IPEDS data. Of the 248,409 STEM degrees earned by African Americans, 47,405 (19%) came from HBCUs. While their share declined from 24% in 2014 to 17% in 2023, HBCUs maintained strong absolute output. They conferred disproportionately high percentages of degrees in biomedical sciences, engineering technology, mathematics, and physical sciences. Top-producing HBCUs included North Carolina A&T, Xavier University of Louisiana, Howard University, and Jackson State University. The findings underscore the enduring importance of HBCUs in advancing African American representation in STEM disciplines.

Authors

• Emiel W. Owens, Texas Southern University

• Collette M. Bloom, Texas Southern University

• Andrea Tyler

• Holim Song, Texas Southern University

• Kimberly McLeod, Abilene Christian University