Livingstone College Welcomes its Largest Freshman Class

Livingstone College, a UNCF-member institution, has welcomed its largest ever freshman class.

Livingstone College—one of the nation’s fastest-rising private historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs)—has seen a more than 70% increase in enrollment over the last four years. An increasing number of students and families are choosing Livingstone for its exceptional educational experience, personalized learning environment and unwavering commitment to student success.

“The arrival of our largest freshman class ever is a testament to the confidence students and families have placed in Livingstone College,” said Dr. Anthony J. Davis, president and CEO, Livingstone College. “Our continued enrollment growth reflects the strength of our academic programs, the dedication of our faculty and staff and our commitment to preparing graduates who will lead with purpose, integrity and excellence.”

As the College welcomes this historic Class of 2030, campus departments have worked collaboratively to enhance the student experience through expanded academic support, student engagement initiatives, residence life programming and wellness resources designed to help every Blue Bear thrive from the moment they arrive.

At the recent Delta Sigma Theta South Atlantic Regional Conference in Charlotte, NC, Livingstone College Vice President for Student Affairs Rashanda Lowery accepted a donation of health and wellness kits from South Atlantic Regional Director Pamela Murphy Lewis on behalf of the College. The kits included personal hygiene essentials, healthy snacks and messages of encouragement designed to help students begin the academic year with confidence and care.

“We are grateful to the women of the South Atlantic Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated for demonstrating what service in action looks like,” Lowery said. “Their generosity will have an immediate impact on our students and reflects the power of community partnerships that place student success and wellness at the forefront.”

Why This Matters

Livingstone College’s Fall 2026 entering class represents two historic firsts: record first-year enrollment and the strongest academic profile of an incoming class in the College’s history.

Together, these milestones demonstrate that Livingstone’s continued growth is being matched by increased academic promise. The entering class reflects a growing number of students and families choosing Livingstone College for its commitment to academic excellence, personalized educational experience, sense of belonging and preparation for lifelong success.

The milestone also reflects the College’s intentional focus on raising expectations and strengthening the academic experience. Livingstone College continues to invest in academic support, student engagement, residence life programming, wellness resources and other initiatives designed to help students persist, achieve and graduate prepared to lead.

“The arrival of our largest freshman class ever is a testament to the confidence students and families have placed in Livingstone College,” said Dr. Anthony J. Davis, President of Livingstone College. “Our continued enrollment growth reflects the strength of our academic programs, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and our commitment to preparing graduates who will lead with purpose, integrity, and excellence.”

By The Numbers

• Nearly 575 new students poised to enroll for Fall 2026
• 3.35 current average GPA of the entering first-year class—the highest in College history
• 70%+ Increase in enrollment over the last four years
• 2 Historic Firsts Largest first-year enrollment and most academically accomplished entering class in Livingstone College history

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