Spring 2026 Commencement is 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% year-over-year increase in degree earners, including:

• 18% growth in undergraduate degrees,
• 45% growth in master’s degrees, and
• 35% 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.”

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% of all students enrolled at Maryland’s four Historically Black Colleges and Universities, reinforcing its position as the state’s largest HBCU. 

These outcomes demonstrate that Morgan’s momentum is increasing not only in enrollment but also in University’s expanding capacity to successfully move students through degree completion and into the workforce, graduate study, research and public service.

The University’s growth is also evident at the graduate level, where Morgan continues to expand its academic and research profile. This spring, Morgan conferred 292 master’s degrees and 81 doctoral degrees — both the highest totals in University history. Combined with the 34 doctoral degrees awarded during Fall 2025 Commencement, Morgan will have produced 115 doctorates during the academic year, further advancing the University toward Carnegie R1 designation for “very high research activity.” 

Morgan’s expanded degree production aligns with its broadening portfolio of high-demand academic programs designed to meet evolving workforce needs in Maryland and beyond. Graduates are entering critical fields supporting regional and national priorities, including STEM, business, education, health care, public service, infrastructure and research. As demand for highly trained talent continues to grow, Morgan’s increased graduate output represents an expanding contribution to workforce development, economic mobility and innovation.

The Spring 2026 graduating class is also marked by several milestone achievements and firsts, including:

• The Actuarial Science program, housed in the Department of Mathematics within the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, graduating nine future actuaries — the largest class since the program’s inception in 2008;
• The conferral of 17 inaugural Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degrees; and
• The first cohort of graduates earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre through the Department of Fine and Performing Arts in the College of Liberal Arts.

Morgan’s academic growth has been reinforced by significant campus investment and infrastructure development. More than $1.6 billion in new and modernized facilities, expanded research capacity, upgraded student-centered spaces and long-term campus planning have strengthened the University’s ability to accommodate larger student cohorts, deepen the student experience and support degree completion.

The University’s 2026 outcomes also reflect sustained strategic planning, operational alignment and investment in student success. An assessment of Morgan’s graduation data reveals three distinct growth phases:

• Foundation Years – 2010 to 2016
• Expansion and Stabilization Years – 2017 to 2025
• Accelerated Growth Years – 2026 and beyond

“As we celebrate our Spring 2026 graduates, we recognize these milestones as both a defining institutional achievement and a powerful statement about Morgan’s future,” Wilson added. “The University’s historic degree output demonstrates that our enrollment growth, academic expansion, capital investments and strategic governance are producing measurable results. Morgan is graduating more students, more advanced-degree holders and more research-trained professionals than at any point in its history.”

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