FAMU sees a decline in Pell Grant students amid rising academic standards

The number of Pell Grant recipients at FAMU has seen a 10 percent decline over the past decade, dropping from 67 percent in Fall 2012 to 57 percent in Fall 2022. This trend coincides with the university's efforts to raise academic standards and recruit a higher percentage of top-performing students.

Percentage of FAMU undergrad students receiving Pell Grants.

Known for its commitment to providing educational opportunities for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, FAMU has been increasingly focused on enhancing its academic profile.  As part of this initiative, the university has targeted more freshmen in the top 10 percent of their high school class.  Although this strategy has improved overall academic performance, it has also inadvertently led to a decrease in the number of students from lower-income families, who are often Pell Grant eligible.

 

Despite the decrease, FAMU has reported a significant improvement in the academic success of those Pell students it does enroll. The six-year graduation rate for Pell recipients has risen from 39 percent for the 2010-16 cohort to 50 percent for the 2017-23 cohort. This increase reflects the university's ongoing efforts to support its students through enhanced academic resources and support services.

 

According to a report by the Brookings Institution, FAMU’s six-year graduation for Pell students slightly lagged the national average of 51.4 percent. Although, the Brookings average wasn’t broken down by Black and White Pell recipients. 

 

The shift in the demographic composition of FAMU's student body highlights a broader trend in higher education, where institutions are balancing the goals of inclusivity and academic excellence. By raising admission standards and attracting high-achieving students, FAMU aims to elevate its academic reputation while still providing access to higher education for students from varied economic backgrounds.