Elite Universities Tackle Post-Ruling Enrollment Changes

Following the Supreme Court's 2023 decision to end race-based affirmative action in college admissions, several elite universities, including Harvard, Boston University, Northeastern, and Brown, have reported significant declines in Black student enrollment. Harvard saw a decrease from 18% to 14%, Boston University from 9% to 3%, and Columbia from 20% to 12%. Conversely, Asian American enrollments have generally remained steady or increased, as seen at Brown University where it rose from 29% to 33%. In response, institutions like Boston University and Harvard are establishing task forces and adjusting outreach and financial aid strategies to attract diverse applicants. This trend reflects a broader national shift as colleges adapt to the new legal landscape regarding diversity in higher education.