Nation’s Largest Assessment of HBCU Alumni Finds Graduates Report Stronger Well-Being, Workplace Engagement and College Belonging
A landmark national study of historically Black college and university graduates found recent HBCU alumni outperforming several national benchmarks, including measures of well-being, workplace engagement, institutional belonging and satisfaction with the value of their education.
Per Black Enterprise, the findings come from “Proof of Promise: The Lasting Value and Impact of an HBCU Education,” a research project developed by the Dr. N. Joyce Payne Research Center, the research arm of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, in partnership with Gallup.
The first installment was released in late July and unveiled July 31 during a TMCF event on Martha’s Vineyard.
The project is being described by TMCF as the most comprehensive examination of HBCU alumni experiences and outcomes conducted to date. The broader research spans 64 four-year HBCUs and more than 500,000 documented alumni contacts. Part One focuses on graduates from 2010 through 2025 across 40 four-year HBCUs with usable data.
HBCU Graduates Report Higher Well-Being and Belonging
Among the study’s strongest findings, 70% of recent HBCU alumni were classified as thriving in their everyday lives, compared with 46% of Black adults nationwide.
The research also found that 83% of HBCU alumni reported a strong sense of belonging at their institution, significantly higher than the 65% reported among college graduates nationally.
That connection appears to continue long after graduation. Seventy-two percent of respondents were considered promoters of their alma mater — meaning they were highly likely to recommend their institution to others — compared with 44% of college graduates nationwide.
The findings also point to strong perceptions of value. Seventy-nine percent of recent HBCU graduates said their education was worth the cost, including 70% of alumni who borrowed more than $40,000 to attend.
Researchers found particularly strong relationships between students and faculty as well. Ninety-four percent of respondents said they had a professor who inspired enthusiasm for learning.
HBCU Alumni Also Show Strong Workplace Results
HBCU graduates also exceeded national benchmarks once they entered the workforce.
The study found 46% of recent HBCU alumni were engaged at work, compared with 31% of U.S. workers overall.
Fifty-two percent of respondents said they secured a good job within two months of graduating, including 39% who already had a job waiting for them when they finished college. Engineering graduates posted an especially strong placement rate, with 70% reporting that they secured a good job within two months.
The results come as broader Gallup research continues to show graduates generally see significant career value in higher education. A separate 2026 Gallup study found most recent bachelor’s degree graduates secured a good job within six months of leaving college.
The HBCU study also asked graduates where they would like additional professional development. Networking topped the list at 46%, followed by public speaking at 35% and generative artificial intelligence at 34%.
One notable generational difference emerged among the newest alumni. Graduates from 2021 through 2025 reported a lower sense of belonging than earlier graduating groups — 72% compared with 85% — although the newer graduates still remained above the 65% national benchmark.
Dr. M.C. Brown II, executive director of the Payne Center, said the findings provide new evidence of HBCUs’ long-term impact at a time when colleges and universities face increasing pressure to demonstrate their value.
“The proof is here. HBCUs are delivering on their promise to their students, their communities and the nation,” Brown said.
The study is only the first phase of a three-part project.
Part Two is expected in summer 2027 and will expand the analysis to earlier graduating classes using the full dataset. A third installment planned for summer 2028 will incorporate focus groups and interviews designed to provide a deeper look at the experiences behind the numbers.
