Alcorn State University: A Comprehensive Look at Student Enrollment

Introduction

Alcorn State University (ASU), a historically black land-grant research university located near Lorman, Mississippi, holds the distinction of being the first black land-grant college established in the United States in 1871. This article delves into the university's student enrollment statistics, providing a detailed analysis of recent trends, demographics, and factors influencing student population.

Historical Context and Overview

Founded on May 13, 1871, Alcorn State University initially operated as Alcorn University before being renamed Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College in 1878. The institution gained university status in 1974, reflecting the expansion and diversification of its academic programs. Alcorn State's athletic teams, known as the Braves, compete in NCAA Division I FCS, adding another dimension to the university's identity.

Recent Enrollment Trends

Alcorn State University has experienced fluctuations in its enrollment numbers. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the university welcomed over 100 new students. According to Dr. Tracy M. Cook, president of Alcorn State, this enrollment growth signifies "an enhanced focus on providing a quality education in a supportive learning environment."

However, more recent data indicates a possible decline in enrollment. Dr. Edward Rice, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management, noted that the Enrollment Management Team is "working diligently to expand Alcorn’s presence in new areas across the United States and abroad" in response to this decline.

Factors Influencing Enrollment

Several factors influence Alcorn State University's enrollment trends:

Read also: Alcorn State Fees Explained

Academic Programs: The university's commitment to providing a high-quality education is a significant draw for prospective students. Alcorn State offers undergraduate programs that prepare students for graduate studies, teaching careers, and other professions.
Supportive Learning Environment: The university fosters a supportive learning environment, which contributes to student success and retention.
Recruitment Initiatives: The university's recruitment initiatives, supported by alumni and current students, play a crucial role in attracting new students.
Dual Enrollment Program: The expansion of the dual enrollment program, which now serves 169 high school students, provides early access to college-level education and attracts students to Alcorn State.
Housing Capacity: Renovations have reduced the university's housing capacity, potentially impacting enrollment numbers. In the fall, over 270 beds were offline due to ongoing renovations.

Student Demographics

Alcorn State University boasts a diverse student community representing 36 states and 13 countries. The university's geographic reach extends across the nation, with students from Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, Illinois, Arkansas, and Wisconsin.

According to the most recent enrollment data, the student population is predominantly Black or African American. In 2023, the enrolled student population at Alcorn State University, both undergraduate and graduate, is 95.1% Black or African American, 2.14% White, 0.622% Hispanic or Latino, 0.311% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders, 0.173% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.0346% Asian.

Academic Profile

Alcorn State University's academic profile includes a student-faculty ratio of 16:1. The university utilizes a semester-based academic calendar and accepts the Common Application.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Alcorn State University's in-state tuition and fees are $8,785, the same as out-of-state tuition and fees. Seventy-nine percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $14,657.

Graduation and Retention Rates

The four-year graduation rate at Alcorn State University is 43%. The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Alcorn State University was 79%. Compared with the full-time retention rate at similar Masters Colleges and Universities (74%), Alcorn State University had a retention rate higher than its peers.

Read also: Alcorn State University Admissions

Degrees Awarded

In 2023, 648 degrees were awarded across all undergraduate and graduate programs at Alcorn State University. 72.4% of these degrees were awarded to women, and 27.6% awarded men. The most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients was black or african american (601 degrees), 22.3 times more than then the next closest race/ethnicity group, white (27 degrees).

Most Common Majors

In 2023, the most common bachelors degree concentration at Alcorn State University was General Biological Sciences with 108 degrees awarded.

Campus Life and Extracurricular Activities

Alcorn State University offers a vibrant campus life with various extracurricular activities. The "Sounds of Dyn-O-mite" (SOD), the university's marching band, has more than 190 members and is accompanied by the "World Renowned Golden Girls" (GGs) danceline. Alcorn State University has an Army host ROTC unit.

Rankings and Recognition

In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, Alcorn State University is ranked No. 45 in Regional Universities South and No. 21 in Top Public Schools.

Economic Impact

Six years after graduation, the median salary for Alcorn State University graduates is $27,752.

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