Auburn to strengthen graduate school opportunities for students at Alabama HBCUs

Beginning this month, Auburn University is waiving admission application fees for students from eight of Alabama’s Historically Black College and Universities, or HBCUs, interested in pursuing post-graduate studies in one of the university’s more than 190 graduate degree programs.

Designed to encourage enrollment in graduate school, the waiver program is one of several efforts the university is undertaking to strengthen its academic partnerships with HBCUs and encourage diversity in graduate education across the state. The waiver program follows Auburn’s recent initiatives with students at HBCUs, including a partnership with Tuskegee University and The Future Scholars Summer Research Bridge Program.

Alabama maintains more HBCUs than any other state in the U.S., providing a critical role in educating the next generation of diverse professionals. On average, 70 percent of America’s Black doctors earned a degree from an HBCU, with 50 percent of Black engineers and teachers and 35 percent of Black lawyers pursing undergraduate and graduate degrees. By creating additional opportunities for academically talented students, the waiver incentivizes students to remain in Alabama and consider Auburn University for graduate school.

“Creating more pathways for students to attend Auburn graduate programs will strengthen our university and add incredible value to our community,” said George Flowers, dean of the Graduate School. “We need the state’s top talent in our programs and are looking forward to deepening our relationships with HBCUs to better identify, open doors and welcome students who are interested in continuing their education here at Auburn.”

Eligible HBCUs include Alabama A&M University in Huntsville; Alabama State University in Montgomery; Concordia University in Selma; Miles College in Fairfield; Oakwood University in Huntsville; Stillman College in Tuscaloosa; Talladega College in Talladega; and Tuskegee University in Tuskegee.

“We are excited to work with the Graduate School on such a meaningful initiative to incentivize students from HBCUs in our own backyard to consider Auburn for post-graduate programs,” said Taffye Benson Clayton, associate provost and vice president for inclusion and diversity. “This partnership is one of a number of ways we are working to advance Auburn’s commitment to proactively work to eliminate barriers facing underrepresented community members and build a diverse campus community.”

For general questions about Auburn’s Graduate School, applicants can visit the official Graduate School website or email gradadm@auburn.edu. For more information on Auburn’s commitment, initiatives and progress toward building a diverse, equitable and inclusive campus, visit the Office of Inclusion and Diversity site and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion page.