Alabama A&M Sets Record Freshman Enrollment; 42% of the Class Are Male Students – HBCU Buzz

HUNTSVILLE, AL — August 21, 2025 — Alabama A&M University (AAMU) is kicking off its 150th year with a milestone freshman class and a notable surge in male enrollment. The university introduced 2,157 preliminarily registered first-time freshmen at its annual Torch Lighting Ceremony—surpassing last year’s mark and signaling momentum for the Bulldogs heading into the fall. According to the university, 42% of the incoming class are male students, bucking a decades-long national slide in Black male college enrollment.

Record numbers and wider reach

AAMU says the Class of 2029 represents 40 states and five countries, with most first-years planning to live on campus as part of a more immersive experience. The growth highlights Huntsville’s growing appeal as a tech-forward city and AAMU’s positioning within Alabama’s higher-ed landscape.

Coverage of the announcement has also appeared across national outlets, including Black Enterprise, which underscored the significance of the university’s male enrollment milestone this fall.

Addressing the male enrollment gap

For years, colleges nationwide—and HBCUs in particular—have grappled with a persistent gender gap in undergraduate education. That’s why the 42% male share in AAMU’s freshman cohort stands out: it suggests targeted recruitment, community engagement, and campus-life investments are reaching prospective male students and their families. Black Enterprise’s report frames the increase as meaningful progress amid longer-term declines in Black male enrollment in higher education.

What’s driving interest at AAMU

AAMU’s enrollment momentum builds on recent growth trends and a campus experience that emphasizes community and belonging. The university’s Torch Lighting Ceremony—a tradition that welcomes first-year students into the AAMU family—set the tone for this fall’s record class. As AAMU elevates residential life and academic support, more students are choosing to begin their college journey “on the Hill” in Huntsville.

The university has also consistently communicated progress on overall enrollment and retention in recent years, positioning AAMU as a competitive destination in the state and across the region.

Why it matters for HBCUs

• Momentum in STEM and workforce pathways: With Huntsville’s innovation economy, AAMU is well-placed to channel students into internships, research, and early career roles, strengthening HBCU pipelines into high-demand fields.
• A recruitment blueprint: The male enrollment gain offers a case study for peer HBCUs seeking to close gender gaps through purposeful outreach, campus life, and student success initiatives.
• Scaling belonging: Traditions like Torch Lighting and a strong residential experience help drive persistence—key to improving graduation rates and long-term outcomes for first-gen and underrepresented students.

The bottom line

Alabama A&M’s record freshman class—and the jump in male enrollment—reflects a strategic push to grow, retain, and graduate more students as the university marks 150 years. It’s an encouraging signal for HBCUs nationally and a timely win for the Bulldog community.