History
In 2008, Congress formally recognized PBIs as an important subset of the U.S. higher education system when it authorized a program of support for these institutions. It defined PBIs as having: at least 1,000 undergraduate students; an undergraduate enrollment that is at least 50% low-income or first-generation; an undergraduate enrollment that is at least 50% degree-seeking; a low expenditure per full-time undergraduate student in comparison with other institutions offering similar instruction; and at least 40% of enrolled students identifying as Black Americans. To be eligible to receive a grant, a PBI must submit data that allows the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to designate it as such. Currently, there is no independent designation of PBIs. Only those institutions awarded grants or that apply to be recognized under the eligibility criteria are included on the official PBI list.
Federal Funding
- PBIs are federally funded under Title III, Parts A and F, and Title VII of the HEA.
- Title VII funding for PBIs was last awarded in FY11.
- Title III, Part A funding for FY23 was $22.3M.
- Title III, Part F funding for FY23 was $12.7M.
- Title VII funding for FY11 was $2.5M to improve STEM graduate education.
