What Alcorn State University does

Alcorn State University is a public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and 1890 land-grant institution founded in 1871, recognized as the nation's first public HBCU land-grant university. It delivers undergraduate and graduate education, agricultural research, and cooperative extension services through a main campus in Lorman, Mississippi, and additional campuses in Natchez and Vicksburg. The institution serves a student body spanning multiple academic disciplines while operating statewide extension programs that extend its reach into rural and underserved Mississippi communities.

The university operates an academic technology stack built on Canvas (learning management), Banner 9 (enterprise resource planning), Microsoft 365 (productivity), Handshake (career services), and WCOnline (tutoring/scheduling). Its research portfolio includes AI-applied biological sciences work, with 37 students and 3 faculty presenting at an HBCU biology symposium, and applied research participation in a Cornell-led vertical farming AI survey coalition. The institution holds recognitions including U.S. News No. 51 Regional Universities South (2025), Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader designation, and selection in the Macy's Parade.

The revenue model is characteristic of a public land-grant HBCU, combining tuition and fees, Mississippi state legislative appropriations, federal land-grant capacity funding, competitive grants (e.g., $1.15M Mississippi AI Talent Accelerator Program, prior US DOE and USDA awards), philanthropic donations (including a $42M MacKenzie Scott gift, the largest single gift in university history, with $67M cumulative), and auxiliary services. Under the leadership of its 21st President, Dr. Tracy M. Cook (inaugurated October 4, 2024) and CIO Donna Hayden, the university is investing in AI workforce development, international research partnerships, and brand-building initiatives (13 CPRAM awards, AASCU faculty recognition).

Name

Alcorn State University

Legal name

Alcorn State University

Website

https://alcorn.edu

Company type

Public

Founded year

1871

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Alcorn State University is a public HBCU and 1890 land-grant institution, founded 1871, operating three Mississippi campuses and statewide extension services. It delivers undergraduate and graduate education, agricultural research, and AI workforce development to students and rural communities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Historically Black Land-Grant Universities (1862/1890) (EDAHAMAD)

Keywords

• Higher education services
• Undergraduate degree programs
• Graduate degree programs
• Cooperative extension programs
• Academic research services

Headquarters

HQ city

Lorman

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Recurring tuition revenue from undergraduate, graduate, and online programs, with the Bursar's Office managing payments. Includes a graduate application fee waiver campaign.
2. Government and Land-Grant Funding: Public funding as a state-assisted 1890 land-grant institution, including extension program funding and federal/state appropriations supporting research, teaching, and Cooperative Extension.
3. Philanthropic Donations: Major gifts from individual philanthropists and foundations (e.g., MacKenzie Scott's $42 million gift, the largest single gift in university history, contributing to total Scott donations of $67 million).
4. Grants and Sponsored Programs: Research and program grants from external organizations (e.g., $15,000 from VentureWell for innovation/entrepreneurship; 1890 Center of Excellence for Nutrition grant funding workshops).
5. Auxiliary Services: Revenue from residence life, dining services, campus union, parking services, athletic venues, RV park, season tickets, and ASU Gold Card campus merchant program.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Alcorn State University is a public, historically Black land-grant university that delivers undergraduate and graduate degree programs across five academic units (College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Education and Psychology, School of Nursing), supported by online programs, continuing education, and the Vicksburg Expansion Program. It also operates a Cooperative Extension service, research centers (Biotechnology/Genomics, Conservation, Mississippi River Research, Alcorn Experiment Station), student-support services (Writing Center, Math Center, Counseling, Career Services, Residence Life), and the Alcorn Family Clinic, while administering 4-H and SNAP-Ed programming across Mississippi.

Product overview

Alcorn State University operates as a comprehensive public, historically Black land-grant institution offering a platform of academic, research, and student-life products. The core academic platform is delivered through Canvas LMS (the central learning management system) and Banner Online Services (the student information system), supported institution-wide by CITS (Computing and Information Technology Services). On top of this core, Alcorn delivers five academic units — the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Education and Psychology, and the School of Nursing — supplemented by University College, the Myrlie Evers-Williams Honors Program, the Gulf Scholars Program, and the Vicksburg Expansion Program. Research and extension offerings (CAAS Land-Grant Programs) include the Alcorn Experiment Station, Center for Biotechnology and Genomics, Center for Conservation Research, Mississippi River Research Center, plus four outreach centers (Product Development, Small Farm Incubator, Technology Transfer, Vegetable Processing), the Mississippi Small Farm and Agribusiness Center, and the ASU Extension Program with 4-H and SNAP-Ed. Student services include the Alcorn Writing Center, University Math Center, Counseling Services (with Telehealth Mental Health Care), Career Services (Handshake), Residence Life, the Student Employment Center, the James L. Bolden Campus Union, Be Brave Teach STEM, and Global and Multicultural Programs. Media assets include ASU-13 Television, WPRL 91.7 FM Radio, and The Campus Chronicle, with marketing handled by the Division of Marketing and Communication and the 'Alcorn In Motion' brand campaign. Library and clinical resources include the J.D. Boyd Library, the Natchez Library Learning Resource Center, and the Alcorn Family Clinic. Philanthropy and advancement are managed through the ASU Foundation, Inc.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite: Alcorn State University marching band, selected to perform in the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
• ASU Foundation, Inc.
• Braves

Products and services

• Undergraduate Degree Programs Baccalaureate degree programs across five academic units (College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Education and Psychology, School of Nursing) for first-time freshmen and transfer students, including the President's and Dean's Scholars programs, SOAR, and First Year Experience.
• Graduate Degree Programs Master's, Education Specialist, Doctor of Nursing Practice, MBA (Traditional and STEM), MS in Computer and Information Science, MS in Biology (online), and Post-Master Certificate programs across business, education, agriculture, nursing, technology, and liberal arts.
• Online Degree Programs Distance-learning degree programs delivered via Canvas LMS, including the MS in Biology (online) and STEM MBA, supporting flexible access for working professionals and non-traditional learners.
• ASU Extension Program Cooperative Extension service offering 4-H and Youth Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Childhood Obesity, Climate Change, Community Resource Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, Food Safety, and Global Food Security programming across 19+ Mississippi counties.
• SNAP-Ed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education offering nutrition education and obesity prevention services through the Department of Human Sciences, delivered via the Extension Program to Mississippi communities.
• Alcorn Writing Center Title III Program offering one-on-one writing consultations staffed by undergraduate peer consultants, with online scheduling via WCOnline for academic, professional, and creative writing support.
• University Math Center Mathematics tutoring and support service operated by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, providing academic support to students across mathematics courses.
• Career Services (Handshake-powered) Career services unit including Pre-Professional Program, MCAT Prep, employer partners, internship support, and Handshake integration for job/internship searches, career fairs, and professional development events.
• Counseling Services Student counseling offering in-person appointments, telehealth mental health care, mental health resources, and the Alcorn Substance Abuse Prevention Program (ASAPP).
• Residence Life On-campus housing services including application, living options, residence life team, and resident assistant programs for Fall 2026/Spring 2027 academic terms.
• Student Employment Center (SEC) Centralized student employment office coordinating on-campus jobs in research, administration, agricultural sciences, athletics, and tutoring; integrates with Federal Work Study and Schooljobs.com / NeoEd platforms.
• Alcorn Family Clinic Family clinic operated by the School of Nursing providing patient care experiences for nursing students and health services to the community.
• School of Nursing Programs Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science (Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator), and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs; operates the ASU Family Clinic.
• School of Business Programs Undergraduate Accounting and Business Administration programs plus Traditional and STEM MBA tracks, delivered through the School of Business.
• School of Education and Psychology Programs Teacher preparation programs, Health/PE/Recreation programs, TRIO Talent Search, and Be Brave Teach STEM (NSF Robert Noyce Scholarship Program).
• College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences (CAAS) Programs Academic programs in Agriculture, Advanced Technologies, Human Sciences, and Land-Grant programs including ASU Extension, 4-H, biotechnology research, and the Alcorn Experiment Station.
• College of Arts and Sciences Programs Academic programs in Biological Sciences, Chemistry & Physics, English/Languages/Mass Communication, Fine Arts, Mathematics and Computer Science, Military Science, Social Sciences, and Social Work.
• Myrlie Evers-Williams Honors Program University honors program offering enhanced curriculum and enrichment activities for high-achieving undergraduate students.
• Gulf Scholars Program Academic program with dedicated leadership, mission, and contact structure supporting student scholars engaged in Gulf-region research and learning.
• University College Academic support unit providing advising, corporate scholars programs, new student orientation, placement testing, student support services (including TRIO programs like Upward Bound and SOAR), and a summer developmental program.
• Vicksburg Expansion Program Off-campus continuing education and academic youth programs in Vicksburg, including SHRM Learning System Certification Prep.
• Global and Multicultural Programs Programs offering study abroad, international student services, scholarships, and cooperative agreements (University of Buea-Cameroon and University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez Summer Program).
• Be Brave Teach STEM (Robert Noyce Scholarship Program) NSF Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program supporting STEM teacher preparation at Alcorn State University, with eligibility criteria, program benefits, and application procedures for STEM teacher candidates.
• ASU Summer Programs (Grades 4 through College) Summer enrichment programs including the AgDiscovery Summer Enrichment Program, summer music camp, ASU Summer Programs (grades 4 through college), and Upward Bound.
• Small Farm and Agribusiness Center Programs Center offering marketing, produce safety, and small farm loan programs along with fact sheets and a radio show for Mississippi small farmers and agribusinesses.
• Product Development Center Outreach center under ASU Extension supporting product development activities, including a campus store, available to Mississippi entrepreneurs and small businesses.
• Small Farm Incubator Center Outreach center under ASU Extension supporting small farm development and incubation for Mississippi farmers.
• Technology Transfer Center Outreach center under ASU Extension focused on agricultural technology transfer to Mississippi farming communities.
• Vegetable Processing Center Outreach center under ASU Extension supporting vegetable processing activities for Mississippi producers.
• Center for Biotechnology and Genomics Research center under CAAS Land-Grant Programs supporting biotechnology and genomics research, including AI-related biology research presented at the 2026 HBCU Biology Symposium.
• Center for Conservation Research Research center supporting conservation research within CAAS Land-Grant Programs.
• Mississippi River Research Center Research center within CAAS Land-Grant Programs focused on Mississippi River-related research.
• Alcorn Experiment Station Agricultural experiment station supporting research, including the Beef Research Project and Swine Development Center.
• J.D. Boyd Library Main university library with departments including Acquisitions, Archives/Special Collections, Catalog, Circulation, Government Documents, Instructional Media Center, Reference, and Serials; provides 56 years of free federal depository access.
• ASU Foundation, Inc. Foundation supporting the university through annual fund, scholarships, donor relations, and the Giving Day and Champions Fund campaigns.
• James L. Bolden Campus Union Campus community center providing cultural, social, and recreational space and co-curricular programming for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests.
• CITS (Computing and Information Technology Services) Campus IT department offering Help Desk, Knowledge Base, hardware standards, accessible technology, ASU Canvas Help, Wi-Fi services, tech orientation, and IT policies.
• Graduate Application Fee Waiver Campaign Month-long graduate application fee waiver campaign lowering enrollment barriers for prospective graduate students.
• ASU-13 Television Campus television station operated by the Department of English, Languages, and Mass Communication, providing hands-on broadcasting experience.
• WPRL 91.7 FM Radio University radio station operated by the Department of English, Languages, and Mass Communication.
• The Campus Chronicle Student-run campus newspaper associated with the Department of English, Languages, and Mass Communication.

Quantifiable outcome

• $42 million largest single gift in university history from MacKenzie Scott
• +4 more outcomes

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration16 records

AI capability6 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Cornell University (and coalition of six U.S. universities)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA coalition of six U.S. universities has launched a joint survey targeting indoor vertical farming operators to understand the industry's current challenges and guide future research priorities. The initiative, led by Cornell University professor Neil Mattson, spans geographic and climatic diversity across participating institutions and focuses on key areas including energy use, pest management, crop development, and AI automation. Survey results will be used to align university research programs with operational needs.
• University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlcorn State University faculty and students participated in UAPB's Department of Human Sciences "Feeding Brighter Futures Workshop," a two-day event focused on nutrition education, sensory plants, and healthy cooking techniques. Funded by the 1890 Center of Excellence grant.
• University of Puerto Rico at MayaguezminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSummer Program partnership housed within the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences (CAAS) Global Programs. Provides a study abroad option for Alcorn students at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez.
• University of Buea / University of Dschang (Cameroon)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudy abroad affiliation/cooperative agreement listed under CAAS Global Programs at Alcorn State University, providing international academic exposure opportunities.
• Mississippi Association of Staff Council Organizations (MASCO)minorOthersAlcorn State University is a member of MASCO, a coalition of Mississippi public universities' staff council organizations that includes Delta State, Jackson State, Mississippi State, Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi Valley State, University of Mississippi, and the University of Southern Mississippi.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Prairie View A&M University: Texas-based 1890 land-grant HBCU offering matching colleges of agriculture, business, education, and nursing. Direct peer in the 1890 land-grant funding coalition.
• Jackson State University: Public HBCU in Mississippi offering comparable undergraduate, graduate, and research programs in the same state system as Alcorn. Direct competitor for in-state students, faculty, and Mississippi appropriations.
• Mississippi Valley State University: Another Mississippi public HBCU with overlapping academic offerings and similar student demographics. Competes directly with Alcorn for Mississippi HBCU-bound students and state funding.
• Tougaloo College: Private HBCU in Mississippi with comparable liberal-arts and pre-professional programs; competes for the same pool of Mississippi minority students and alumni donors.
• Southern University and A&M College: 1890 land-grant HBCU in Louisiana offering matching agriculture, nursing, business, and education programs. Closest analog in mission and land-grant funding structure outside Mississippi.
• Florida A&M University: 1890 land-grant HBCU with comparable colleges of agriculture, business, education, and nursing. Competes with Alcorn for graduate enrollment, federal 1890 grants, and top faculty.
• Tuskegee University: Private HBCU with deep land-grant heritage in agriculture, engineering, and veterinary sciences. Comparable peer for research output, agricultural extension, and STEM scholarship programs.
• Tennessee State University: 1890 land-grant HBCU with parallel colleges of agriculture, business, education, and nursing. Shares 1890 federal funding pool and competes for extension programming and STEM talent.
• University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff: 1890 land-grant HBCU co-located in the Delta region with shared Cooperative Extension mission; co-participant in 1890 Center of Excellence nutrition grants with Alcorn.

Broad incumbents

• North Carolina A&T State University: Largest HBCU in the U.S. and a fellow 1890 land-grant institution; sets the upper benchmark for agricultural research, engineering enrollment, and donor pipelines among HBCU land-grants.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutu.be/EJi1aXQ7SbI
• Xx.com/AlcornStateU
• Facebookfacebook.com/179796430719
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/alcorn-state-university

Compliance10 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors3 records

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Alcorn State University