Unlocking Transformation: How Historic Federal Funding Empowers HBCUs Through Technology

Executive Summary

The U.S. Department of Education has announced a landmark $495 million increase for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) federal funding in FY25—a 48.4% surge, lifting total support to over $1.34 billion^1. These funds are eligible to be used for modernization, student success, and technology investments, with platforms like Mapademics and Coursedog qualifying under federal guidelines. HBCUs can access the new funding immediately after October 1st, launching a unique window to invest in solutions that drive operational efficiency, enrollment, and graduation outcomes.

Historic Funding Opportunity for HBCUs

The $495 million one-time boost increases HBCU funding by 48.4%, with tribal institutions seeing an even greater increase. Combined with prior appropriations, HBCUs receive over $1.34 billion in 2025 funding. This initiative corrects decades of systemic underfunding and arrives at a critical moment when HBCUs are facing rising enrollment, increased infrastructure needs, and a greater demand for career-ready curricula.

Federal investment details and context can be found in the U.S. Department of Education's press release and coverage from CNN.

Fast Facts

• 48.4% increase ($495M) for HBCUs, 109.3% increase for tribal colleges
• Title III funding eligible for student services and tech modernization
• Immediate spending authority after October 1st; awards by September 30th

Strategic Investment: Technology and Student Success

Allowable Federal Funding Uses

Title III of the Higher Education Act permits spending on student service programs, technology infrastructure, administrative management, and academic operations platforms. Solutions like Mapademics and Coursedog fully qualify:

• Student service programs: Degree planning, skills mapping, guided pathways
• Technology upgrades: Scheduling, catalog management, automation
• Data and analytics: Evidence-based support for learning and retention

See official federal guidance: 34 CFR § 608.10 – Allowable Activities for HBCUs

Why Technology Matters for HBCUs

Academic technology platforms directly support the mission of access, student retention, and economic mobility—areas where HBCUs perform above national averages despite historic resource gaps. Investing now delivers:

• Streamlined academic operations
• Modern, student-centered registration and advising
• Data for grant applications and accreditation
• Workforce-aligned curriculum via skills mapping (Mapademics)

Additional data and background: ACE Brief Illustrates HBCU Funding Inequities, NCES Fast Facts on HBCUs

The Case for Mapademics and Coursedog

Both Mapademics and Coursedog serve as eligible investments under federal guidelines:

• Mapademics bridges curriculum to labor market needs with advanced skills mapping
• Coursedog unifies catalog, scheduling, curriculum management for holistic student success

Documented Results

Institutions using these platforms report:

• Up to 580+ staff hours saved per year on administrative tasks
• Higher application/enrollment rates
• Increased student engagement and retention

Mapademics helps HBCUs deliver the skills aligned to workforce needs, preparing students for post-graduate success and supporting accreditation and grant-readiness.

Recommendations for Leadership

With immediate fund availability, HBCUs should:

1. Prioritize investment in student success and technology platforms
2. Select proven, Title III-eligible solutions like Mapademics and Coursedog
3. Implement by Q1 2026 to maximize funding impact

Strategic technology investments not only satisfy federal guidelines—they set the foundation for institutional excellence, competitive position, and measurable student outcomes.