FAMU finishes FYE 2014 with 12,002 students

FAMU’s enrollment fell for the third consecutive fiscal year in 2014. The university’s 12-month unduplicated headcount for July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014 was 12,002. That was a decline of 1,254 from the previous fiscal year, when the total enrollment was 13,256.

FAMU’s enrollment increased between the fiscal years that ended in 2009 and 2011. But FAMU and many other historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were hurt by stricter eligibility requirements for the federal PLUS Loan program that went into effect in October of 2011 and Pell Grant changes that began that same year. Those changes resulted in thousands of low-income HBCU students being denied this critical source of financial aid and either having to withdraw from school or delay their entry into college.

The federal financial aid program overhaul led FAMU to lose about 2,000 students. Declining state support and rising fees have made the situation even worse for many potential FAMU students.

FAMU’s unduplicated headcount could slide even more during by the end of this fiscal year. The university enrolled 10,231 students during Fall 2014. That is 503 fewer students than the 10,734 FAMU enrolled in Fall 2013.