Florida Memorial University Reaches Largest Enrollment in School History

The Miami Gardens HBCU reports 2,556 students enrolled for Fall 2026, marking a 100% increase from last year

Florida Memorial University is entering the 2026-27 academic year with its largest student population in school history.

The Miami Gardens HBCU announced that 2,556 students are enrolled for Fall 2026, marking the highest enrollment in the university’s 147-year history. The figure represents a 100% increase from Fall 2025, according to the university.

The enrollment milestone comes as Florida Memorial continues an ongoing push to expand recruitment, strengthen community partnerships and invest in its academic and campus offerings.

University officials said the increase reflects renewed interest from students and families as well as growing confidence in the institution following a period of increased public scrutiny.

“This historic enrollment milestone is a powerful affirmation that students and families are choosing Florida Memorial University because they see a clear pathway to opportunity, excellence, and success,” said Dr. Tymon M. Graham, vice president for student affairs, in a press release. “Our enrollment growth reflects the impact of a focused recruitment strategy, stronger community partnerships, and an unwavering university-wide commitment to student success.”

University President William Cullen McCormick Jr. also pointed to the record enrollment as evidence of the university’s broader transformation.

“Let history record this moment,” McCormick said in a press statement. “In 147 years, no enrollment has ever been larger than this one.”

McCormick, who serves as FMU’s 15th president, is also the university’s first alumnus to hold the position.

The university said its enrollment growth is part of a broader effort to expand opportunities while maintaining academic standards and institutional stability.

“At Florida Memorial University, our growth strengthens while preserving the quality and rigor of the FMU academic experience,” McCormick said in a press statement. “We are demonstrating that scale and standards can advance together, with student success and academic excellence remaining at the center of our mission.”

FMU officials attributed the enrollment increase to expanded recruitment efforts, stronger community partnerships and renewed institutional stability.

The university’s latest numbers come at a significant point in its history. Founded in 1879, Florida Memorial is a private, four-year HBCU and South Florida’s only Historically Black College or University.

With 2,556 students now enrolled, the university enters its 148th year with its largest student population to date.

This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.

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