The U.S. Department of Education recently announced a one-time investment of more than $174 million in additional funding to strengthen the country’s historically Black colleges and universities.
The latest round of funding follows the Trump Administration’s $435 million investment in HBCUs in September 2025. These funds were initially allocated for programs supporting Minority-Serving Institutions, which include Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Predominately Black Institutions.
“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.”
In response to this announcement, UNCF President Michael L. Lomax said, “I want to commend the president and the secretary of education for prioritizing HBCUs. All year long, I have worked with our team at UNCF to make the case that the first year of one-time funding was not enough. The needs on HBCU campuses are too severe; but this investment will surely yield a great return. Our grateful community is appreciative, and we look forward to investing the funds well into our campuses, programs, and most importantly, our students.”
Alongside this additional support for HBCUs, the Department of Education will also make a one-time award of more than $61 million in additional funding for Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities.
