Five consecutive years of record enrollment fuel historic graduation outcomes
By Morgan State University
BALTIMORE — Morgan State University, Maryland’s preeminent public urban research university, is attracting, retaining and graduating more students than at any other point in its 158-year history. This spring, the University celebrates the largest academic‑year degree completion since its founding, conferring a record number of degrees. The milestone reflects sustained enrollment growth and student retention, expansion of Morgan’s academic enterprise, a strengthened graduate education pipeline and the University’s continued rise as one of the nation’s leading public impact research institutions.
During the 2025–26 academic year, Morgan produced 1,876 graduates, including 1,335 bachelor’s degree recipients, 426 master’s degree recipients and 115 doctoral degree recipients. The total marks a dramatic increase from the 946 graduates Morgan produced in 2010, an approximately 98 percent increase in annual degree production over 16 years. Morgan is now producing nearly twice as many graduates annually as it did at the start of the last decade.
The spring 2026 commencement was especially significant, with Morgan conferring degrees to 1,268 graduates, including 897 undergraduate degree recipients, 292 master’s degree recipients and 81 doctoral degree recipients. Compared with spring 2025, the spring 2026 class represents a 24 percent year-over-year increase in degree earners, including:
- 18 percent growth in undergraduate degrees,
- 45 percent growth in master’s degrees, and
- 35 percent growth in doctoral degrees.
“This year’s degree production is a powerful indicator of Morgan’s trajectory,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University. “It reflects the intentional work we have undertaken to grow enrollment, expand academic pathways, invest in our physical and research infrastructure and govern the institution with a future-focused strategy that keeps student success and public impact at the center of our mission. Morgan’s momentum reflects the collective commitment to fulfilling our promise to grow the future by preparing Morgan graduates to lead the world.”
Processional of degree candidates at Morgan State University’s 149th Spring Commencement enters Hughes Memorial Stadium for the beginning of the graduation ceremony. Credit: Images Courtesy of Morgan State University 
Morgan State University President David K. Wilson congratulates a degree recipient with a handshake at spring commencement. Credit: Images Courtesy of Morgan State University 
Morgan State University President David K. Wilson addresses the Class of 2026 at Morgan State University’s 149th Spring Commencement Exercises. Credit: Images Courtesy of Morgan State University 
Morgan State doctoral degree recipient being hooded at the 2026 Spring Commencement Exercises. Credit: Images Courtesy of Morgan State University 
Morgan State degree candidates prepare on the Academic Quad for the processional into Hughes Memorial Stadium at the spring 2026 commencement ceremony. Credit: Images Courtesy of Morgan State University
Morgan’s record output comes as the University continues to experience sustained enrollment growth during a period when many higher education institutions nationwide are confronting enrollment declines, budget pressures and increasing competition for students. Morgan has achieved five consecutive years of record enrollment, now approaching 12,000 students — the highest enrollment in University history. Morgan also enrolls nearly 50 percent of all students enrolled at Maryland’s four historically Black colleges and universities, reinforcing its position as the state’s largest HBCU.