Nearly 500 new students join the Blue Bear family as the Salisbury HBCU continues a period of growth
SALISBURY, N.C. — Livingstone College is beginning the 2026–27 academic year with a milestone nearly 150 years in the making: its largest incoming class in the college’s history.
Nearly 500 first-year and new students arrived this fall, joining a campus community of approximately 1,300 students. The college reports that its overall enrollment has grown by roughly 60 percent since 2022. The incoming class is expected to graduate in 2030.
For Livingstone, the record represents more than a larger class. It reflects continued interest in the educational experience offered by a small, historically Black college—and the work of preparing students to lead and serve in their communities.
“ The arrival of our largest freshman class ever is a testament to the confidence students and families have placed in Livingstone College,” President and CEO Dr. Anthony J. Davis said in the college’s announcement. He credited the growth to the strength of its academic programs, the dedication of faculty and staff, and the college’s commitment to student success.
Livingstone’s story began in Salisbury in 1879. Generations of Blue Bears have built on that legacy through scholarship, leadership and service. This year’s class enters at a time when the college is expanding its student body while investing in campus life and resources intended to support students throughout their college experience.
Those efforts include academic support, student engagement, residence life programming and wellness resources. Community partnerships have also contributed to the welcome awaiting students. Before the semester began, the South Atlantic Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. donated health and wellness kits for students, including personal care items, snacks and messages of encouragement.
The record enrollment also brings a responsibility: ensuring that students have the support they need to stay, succeed and graduate. A growing class creates new energy across campus, while underscoring the importance of advising, accessible resources and a strong sense of belonging.
For the newest Blue Bears, the fall marks the beginning of individual journeys—new friendships, academic challenges and opportunities to discover their purpose. For Livingstone, it is another chapter in a history shaped by the belief that education can open doors and strengthen communities.
As the Class of 2030 settles into campus life, its arrival carries a message about the college’s future: Livingstone is growing, and a new generation of students is ready to make its mark.
Reporting is based on Livingstone College and UNCF announcements. The college’s later fall update reported nearly 500 new students; an earlier UNCF announcement described a projection of nearly 575 before the semester began.
