Featured Report · 2026
Powered by Gallup, the 2026 edition of the annual index tracks economic mobility, educational attainment, health, and civic participation for Black Americans — measuring how communities are thriving and where gaps persist.
The Archive
Reports, policy briefs, and monographs from the Payne Research Center.
Report · July 2026
The Lasting Value and Impact of an HBCU Education
Produced in partnership with Gallup, Proof of Promise draws on the nation's largest study of HBCU alumni to show what an HBCU education delivers — examining thriving, work, and worth among recent graduates.
Report · June 2026
HBCU AI Readiness
HBCUs are emerging as leaders in the AI era. Ready to Scale, Poised to Lead highlights how institutions across the HBCU landscape are adopting artificial intelligence, exceeding national benchmarks, and preparing students to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce.
Report · May 2026
A definitive analysis of HBCU research capacity, federal appropriations gaps, and the policy levers required to strengthen the nation's higher-education research pipeline.
Report · March 2026
A National Strategy for Resilient HBCU Presidential Leadership
A national strategy for cultivating, supporting, and sustaining resilient presidential leadership at historically Black colleges and universities.