🎓 The Surging Ambition of HBCUs in American Research

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have long been pillars of education, particularly for Black students seeking higher learning opportunities since their founding mostly after the Civil War in 1865. These institutions, numbering around 100 across the United States, enroll a significant portion of Black undergraduates—about 8.5%—and produce 18% of Black bachelor's degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Despite chronic underfunding, HBCUs are now aggressively pursuing top-tier research designations, aiming to elevate their status in national rankings and attract more resources.

This research push is fueled by strategic investments, federal support, and a desire to match the prestige of predominantly white institutions (PWIs). The focal point is the Carnegie Classification system, where R1 status represents the pinnacle of research activity. With one HBCU already achieving this milestone and others close behind, the movement signals a transformative era for these storied campuses.

Leaders at HBCUs emphasize that gaining elite research credentials isn't just about rankings; it's about unlocking doors to major grants, top faculty, and innovative partnerships that benefit students and communities. For prospective students and faculty exploring higher ed jobs, this evolution means more opportunities in cutting-edge fields.

Decoding the Carnegie R1 Classification

The Carnegie Classifications, managed by the American Council on Education, categorize U.S. higher education institutions based on research activity among other factors. Updated in 2025, the system now clearly defines tiers: R1 for "very high research spending and doctorate production," requiring at least $50 million in annual research expenditures and 70 research doctoral degrees conferred each year. R2 demands $5 million and 20 doctorates, while a new "Research Colleges and Universities" tier covers those spending over $2.5 million.

In 2025, 187 institutions earned R1 status, but only one HBCU: Howard University. This classification influences federal funding, prestige, and recruitment. For HBCUs, historically receiving just 0.91% of federal R&D dollars despite comprising 3.2% of four-year colleges, R1 status acts as a "gravity well" pulling in opportunities, as described by North Carolina A&T State University Chancellor James Martin.Learn more about Carnegie Classifications.

Achieving these benchmarks involves expanding PhD programs, boosting grant applications, and modernizing labs—efforts that demand sustained investment but promise long-term payoffs in innovation and student outcomes.

📈 Howard University: Pioneering R1 Status for HBCUs

Howard University in Washington, DC, made history in February 2025 as the first HBCU to regain R1 status since briefly holding it decades ago. With nearly $85 million in research expenditures for fiscal year 2023 and 96 doctoral degrees awarded—the most to Black students at any U.S. university—Howard exceeded thresholds handily.

The university hosts unique centers, including a Department of Defense University Affiliated Research Center for AI and human-machine teaming, the nation's only HBCU cancer center offering full treatment, and the largest repository on the global Black experience. Interim President Wayne Frederick noted that R1 makes Howard more attractive to funders, faculty, and students, enhancing national competitiveness.

Howard's success stems from interdisciplinary approaches tackling health disparities, sickle cell disease, and African studies. Faculty and students engage in high-impact projects, from electro-thermal systems to AI ethics, positioning the institution as a leader.

Emerging Leaders: HBCUs on the Cusp of R1

Several HBCUs are hot on Howard's heels. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T) in Greensboro boasts $82 million in 2024 research spending and produces more Black engineering PhDs than any other university. It missed R1 last cycle by just three doctorates and added PhD programs in agriculture, targeting 2028 success.

Morgan State University in Baltimore doubled its research budget to $56 million from 2021 to 2024 through faculty grant incentives and PhD support. It tracks progress via an internal dashboard and excels in cybersecurity, stormwater management, and skin cancer imaging, securing 13 patents in 2023.

Others like Florida A&M University (FAMU), which led HBCUs with $54.3 million in federal R&D in 2023, and top-ranked Spelman, Howard, and Morehouse per U.S. News 2026 HBCU rankings, are investing heavily. These efforts highlight a competitive yet collaborative spirit among HBCUs.

• NC A&T: Engineering powerhouse, high public research spend relative to resources.
• Morgan State: Doubled funding, patent leader.
• FAMU: Top federal R&D recipient among HBCUs.

💰 Federal Funding Fuels the Research Surge

Federal support has accelerated this push. In fiscal year 2025, HBCUs received $1.38 billion via Title III programs—a 48% increase including a $435 million one-time boost from the Department of Education. This funds construction, labs, faculty, and student services.UNCF praises the funding.

The Trump administration allocated over $100 million for HBCU scholarships, research, and centers of excellence. Programs like Research and Development Infrastructure (RDI) grants address lab and library needs. Recommendations from the Center for American Progress urge parity in R&D allocation, cluster hires, and bias training for reviewers.Read CAP recommendations.

These dollars enable infrastructure upgrades, vital since HBCUs often lag in facilities despite outsized STEM impacts.

Navigating Challenges in the Quest for Excellence

Despite progress, hurdles persist. HBCUs get less than 1% of federal R&D despite enrolling 76% Black students at these schools. Agencies like HHS (0.54%) and DOD (0.40%) allocate minimally, with 17 giving nothing. Infrastructure gaps—outdated labs—hinder competitiveness.

Solutions include simplifying grant processes, HBCU faculty on review panels, and endowments like the proposed IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act. Internally, incentives for grants and PhD recruitment are key. As consultant Jaret Riddick notes, HBCUs achieve "outsized results" on a "penny on the dollar."

Broader Impacts: Students, Careers, and Economy

R1 pursuits transform campuses. Students gain hands-on research, boosting resumes for university jobs and grad school. Faculty access major grants, fostering mentorship. Economically, HBCU research in environmental justice, health disparities, and AI drives innovation in underserved communities.

Alumni from top HBCUs like those ranked by LinkedIn and Forbes (Howard #1) excel in careers. For those rating experiences, Rate My Professor offers insights into faculty quality.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for HBCU Research

With the next Carnegie update in 2028, multiple HBCUs could join Howard in R1 ranks. Sustained funding, partnerships, and advocacy will be crucial. This push not only elevates rankings but reaffirms HBCUs' role in American higher education.

Explore academic career advice or browse faculty positions to join this exciting landscape. Share your thoughts in the comments—what does R1 mean for HBCU futures?

In summary, the US HBCU research push is reshaping higher education. Visit Rate My Professor for campus insights, search higher ed jobs, or check higher ed career advice and university jobs to get involved. Post a job at our recruitment page.