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Harvard reported a sharp fall in Black and Hispanic first-year enrollment this fall, even as Asian American representation rose, underscoring the impact of the Supreme Court’s 2023 affirmative action ban. Black students make up 11.5% of the class, down from 14% last year and 18% in 2023; Hispanic students fell to 11% from 16%. Asian Americans rose to 41% from 37%. Princeton also saw Black enrollment slide to 5%. Harvard reinstated test-score requirements and saw fewer applicants, though levels remain 10% above pre-pandemic. Financial aid expanded; international enrollment edged down.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.