Grambling State University

Grambling, Louisiana, United States · Est. 1901 · HBCU

Historic HBCU in rural Louisiana offering 43+ programs with strong emphasis on teacher education and emerging tech fields.

  • Founded 1901 as Colored Industrial and Agricultural School; became university in 1974
  • Public historically Black university in Grambling, Louisiana; part of University of Louisiana System
  • Enrollment: ~5,010 students (fall 2023); 93% Black, 65% female, 40% from outside Louisiana
  • Four colleges: Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Professional Studies; E.L. Cole Honors College
  • First Louisiana institution to offer cybersecurity and cloud computing bachelor's degrees (2020)
  • NCAA Division I athletics (SWAC); World Famed Tiger Marching Band performed at two consecutive presidential inaugurations

Academics

Grambling State offers undergraduate and graduate degrees through four colleges and an honors college, with more than 43 programs available. Top majors include nursing, criminal justice, sociology, psychology, and social work. The university offers two doctoral programs in Developmental Education and Criminology and Justice Administration. In 2020, Grambling became the first collegiate institution in Louisiana to offer bachelor's degrees in cybersecurity and cloud computing, positioning graduates for high-demand careers in technology infrastructure and cybersecurity.

Campus & Student Life

The 384-acre rural campus features modern facilities including a digital library (completed 2024, $16.6 million project), business and computer science building, nursing school, stadium, and intramural sports center. Student life centers on the historic World Famed Tiger Marching Band (founded 1926), student newspaper The Gramblinite, and KGRM Tiger Radio 91.5 FM. Athletics compete in NCAA Division I FCS within the Southwestern Athletic Conference, with teams in football, basketball, baseball, track, softball, golf, soccer, tennis, bowling, and volleyball.

Admissions

Grambling State accepts both undergraduate and graduate applications. The university offers dual enrollment, a High Ability Program, and orientation services. Approximately 40% of the student body comes from outside Louisiana, with Texas, California, and Illinois as top feeder states. Financial aid, scholarships, and fee waivers are available to support student access.

Outcomes & Recognition

Grambling State alumni include MLB, NBA, and NFL players, public officials, lawyers, doctors, scholars, and artists. Notable graduates include Willis Reed (NBA Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (Super Bowl XXII MVP), Buck Buchanan (NFL Hall of Famer), and Charles M. Blow (New York Times columnist). The university is listed on the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail and houses the Eddie G. Robinson Museum. U.S. News ranks it 99th among regional universities; Washington Monthly ranks it 125th among master's universities.

Founded
1901
Type
HBCU
Courses
15
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationUniversity of Louisiana System; Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Websitehttp://www.gram.edu
HousingAvailable
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
15
Avg career outcomes
$41.1K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
Yes
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources