Skip to main content
$9,558Tuition
338Students
100%Grad Rate (6-yr)
#7 in GeorgiaPrivate nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24African Methodist Episcopal

About Morris Brown College

Morris Brown College has rebuilt itself from near-collapse to serve 338 students in the heart of Atlanta. This historically Black private institution traces its African Methodist Episcopal roots back to 1881. The college offers an intimate academic environment with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. Morris Brown is known for its commitment to second chances and providing pathways for students who might not succeed elsewhere.

The financial picture reflects the college's mission to serve low-income students. With 62% of students receiving Pell Grants, Morris Brown primarily enrolls those who need the most support. The average net price of $18,898 remains significant for families earning under $30,000, who pay $17,824 after aid. Only 4% of students receive institutional grants, averaging $13,380. Most students rely on federal loans, with 70% borrowing to fund their education.

The student body is 94% Black and 55% women, creating a supportive community for underrepresented students. The 100% six-year graduation rate sounds impressive, but the 30% four-year rate and 64% retention rate tell the real story. Students often take longer to finish or transfer elsewhere. The Wolverines compete in athletics, though the focus remains on academic recovery and personal growth.

Academics & Faculty

Morris Brown College operates as a historically Black liberal arts institution that emphasizes close mentorship and personal attention. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures students work directly with professors in small classes. However, academic support systems face challenges, as reflected in the 63.64% retention rate and 30% four-year graduation rate. The college traditionally focused on teacher education, business, and the liberal arts before losing accreditation in 2002. Morris Brown regained accreditation in 2022 and now rebuilds its academic programs with renewed emphasis on student success. The 100% six-year graduation rate suggests that students who persist ultimately complete their degrees, though many take longer than four years to finish.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
14:1
Full-Time Faculty
1.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
30.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
100.0%
Retention Rate
63.6%

Campus Life

Morris Brown's 338 students experience college life in the heart of Atlanta, surrounded by the energy of the nation's largest HBCU consortium. The historically Black college sits minutes from downtown, where students easily access internships, cultural events, and Atlanta's active nightlife scene. With Georgia's mild climate, you'll need light jackets for winter but can expect warm, humid summers perfect for outdoor activities.

The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate campus where professors know students by name. Morris Brown's small enrollment means tight-knit friendships and close connections across all four class years. Students often spend weekends exploring Atlanta's rich civil rights history, attending concerts at nearby venues, or gathering with friends from other Atlanta HBCUs. The campus maintains strong African Methodist Episcopal traditions while embracing modern college life. With 94% of students identifying as Black, the college provides a supportive environment celebrating African American culture and academic achievement. Atlanta's MARTA system connects students to the broader metropolitan area's 6 million residents.
Setting
City-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1881

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
33°–53°F
July Avg
70°–90°F
Annual Precipitation
48.1"
Annual Snowfall
0.5"

Student Demographics

Morris Brown draws primarily Black students who represent the college's mission as a historically Black institution founded by the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1881. With 62% of students receiving Pell Grants, the college serves families who need financial support to access higher education. Women make up 55% of enrollment, reflecting the school's appeal to female students seeking opportunities in a supportive HBCU environment. The small student body of 338 creates an intimate community where students from working-class backgrounds can pursue degrees in Atlanta's thriving educational corridor.
Men
44.7%
Women
55.3%
White
0.0%
Black
94.1%
Hispanic
3.6%
Asian
0.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
62.5%

Location

Morris Brown College sits in Atlanta, Georgia's active urban center. The campus occupies space in one of the South's most active metropolitan areas, home to over 6 million residents. Atlanta serves as a major center for historically Black colleges and universities, with several HBCUs within the city limits. The city offers extensive internship and job opportunities across Fortune 500 companies, entertainment industry giants, and tech startups. Students have access to Atlanta's rich civil rights history, including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park just miles away. The urban setting provides cultural venues, professional sports teams, and a thriving music scene. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Morris Brown College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Atlanta, Georgia 30314-4140
Morris Brown College, Atlanta
Morris Brown College, Atlanta

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body composition at Morris Brown College?

The college enrolls just 338 students, making it one of the smallest HBCUs in the country. Women make up 55.33% of the student body while men comprise 44.67%. The institution serves a predominantly African American student population at 94.08%, staying true to its HBCU mission established in 1881.

How much does Morris Brown College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $18,898 annually regardless of residency status. Over 62% of students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need among the student body. The college has worked to rebuild its financial aid programs after regaining accreditation in recent years.

What are the academic conditions like at Morris Brown College?

Classes average 14 students per faculty member, providing intimate learning environments typical of small liberal arts colleges. The college operates on a semester calendar system. Morris Brown has been rebuilding its academic programs since losing and then regaining accreditation, focusing on providing quality education within the African Methodist Episcopal tradition.

What are the graduation rates at Morris Brown College?

The four-year graduation rate stands at 30%, while the six-year rate reaches 100%. The retention rate of 63.64% reflects the challenges many students face in completing their education. These outcomes reflect the college's ongoing recovery efforts as it rebuilds from past institutional difficulties.

Where is Morris Brown College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Atlanta, one of the most active cities for African American culture and business. Students have access to internships and cultural opportunities throughout the metropolitan area. The Wolverines compete in athletics as the college continues rebuilding its campus programs and traditions.

Is Morris Brown College known for its comeback story?

Morris Brown lost its accreditation in 2002 due to financial mismanagement but regained it in 2022 after two decades of rebuilding. The college now serves as a symbol of resilience within the HBCU community. Federal loan availability has returned with 70.36% of students now receiving federal loans, marking a significant milestone in the institution's recovery.