SPC Recognized as the Nation’s Largest HBCU

St. Philip’s College has been recognized by The Root as the nation’s largest historically Black colleges or university by enrollment in the publication’s June 29 web article, “The Rising HBCU Enrollment: 15 Largest Black Schools Ranked by Size.”

The Root, founded in 2008 by renowned scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. and former Washington Post publisher Donald E. Graham, is a leading digital publication focused on African American news, culture and commentary. The publication is known for its reporting on issues affecting Black communities and its coverage of education, politics and social issues.

The publication ranked St. Philip’s College alongside institutions including North Carolina A&T State University, Howard University, Morgan State University, Prairie View A&M University, North Carolina Central University, Florida A&M University, Texas Southern University, Hinds Community College, Alabama A&M University, Fayetteville State University, Southern University and A&M College, Jackson State University, Albany State University and Norfolk State University.

St. Philip’s College's record enrollment follows several years of significant growth. Between 2021 and 2024, the college added nearly 5,000 students, pushing enrollment to over 18,000. Last year alone, the college experienced a 21% increase in enrollment, nearly four times the national community college growth rate of 5.4%, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

St. Philip’s College reached a historic enrollment of approximately 21,000 students in Fall 2025, marking the first time in the college’s 128-year history.

St. Philip’s College President Dr. Adena Williams Loston said the increase is the result of intentional planning and a campus-wide commitment to student success.

“This incredible milestone is a direct reflection of the hard work, dedication and passion our employees bring to our mission every day,” she said. “Whether they are supporting students behind the scenes or keeping the campus running smoothly through operations, every faculty member, staff member and administrator plays a vital role in student success.”

Part of the Alamo Colleges District, St. Philip’s College is designated as both a historically Black college and a Hispanic-Serving Institution, making it one of the few colleges in the nation to hold both distinctions.