Harvard College Reports Enrollment Changes for Class of 2028

Harvard University has reported a decline in Black student enrollment for the Class of 2028, with 14% identifying as African American, down from 18% the previous year. This drop follows the Supreme Court's ruling that banned race-conscious admissions, resulting in significant demographic shifts at many elite institutions. While Harvard's percentage of Asian students remained steady at 37%, Hispanic or Latino enrollment increased by 2 percentage points to 16%. The overall implications of these trends have sparked discussions among experts about the need for a reevaluation of admissions strategies to foster diversity and inclusivity. As colleges face these challenges, several trends are emerging, including holistic admissions processes and increased focus on community engagement. The data release has drawn scrutiny regarding its methodology, particularly the 8% of students who did not specify their race, which complicates the interpretation of the results.