Students attending HBCUs today rely on comprehensive campus resources to stay enrolled. A new coaching framework provides insight into boosting enrollment, persistence and completion.
One-on-one coaching helped stopped-out adult learners return to an HBCU at more than two times the national average and ensured that nearly 84% of students enrolled in the fall returned in the spring, according to a new report from InsideTrack.
Over a five-year pilot across 39 HBCUs, the nonprofit coached more than 43,800 learners, focusing on stopped out adults, Black male students and individuals balancing work and family.
The colleges involved in the pilot face tremendous pressure to assist students— HBCUs produce nearly 20% of all Black graduates despite making up just 3% of the nation’s colleges and universities. Beyond the HBCU, non-white, working adult learners are vital prospects for colleges and universities navigating smaller recruitment pools.
Finances, health and academics are among the top reasons adults originally stopped out, according to the report. Those barriers also presented the highest flight risks for enrolled learners.
This summer’s admission cycle has provided a reminder of students’ financial challenges. Howard University, an HBCU in Washington, D.C., unenrolled more than 500 incoming students for failing to pay tuition on time.
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Why student success coaching offers big advantages
From Fall 2021 to Spring 2022, coaches connected most often with students navigating academic obstacles but also worked with learners facing financial and administrative barriers. Nearly all coaches were HBCU alumni.
“I’ve worked closely with first-year students and have seen how coaching can really help them stay on track,” said Denise Vaughn, director of academic labs and first and second year experience at Alabama State University. “By having honest conversations, setting goals, and truly listening, students become more aware of their actions and started making better choices to help them gain confidence.”
Among 13 public HBCUs, Black male students who worked with a coach re-enrolled at a rate of 15.1%, outperforming their peers who did not receive coaching by 10.8 percentage points. Thirty-one schools realized a combined $26.9 million in total tuition revenue from students who re-enrolled or persisted.
Staff across 21 of the colleges are developing in-house coaches following the pilot’s conclusion. The report identified three tips for any institution wishing to strengthen personalized student support:
- Align communication with major student deadlines: Student guidance and reminders should be provided before important academic or enrollment decisions need to be made.
- Clarify next steps: Help students understand what comes after they complete financial and administrative requirements.
- Point students to existing campus resources: Boosting awareness around in-house academic, financial and social support resources can support student well-being.
The photo above was created with AI.
