Every year, Forbes magazine ranks the top 500 higher education institutions in America based on each school’s educational, financial, and career outcomes for its students. This year, six historically Black colleges and universities made the list, an increase from only three last year.
Out of the 500 listed schools, Howard University in Washington, D.C. was the highest-performing HBCU, receiving the designation as the 273rd best higher education institution in the country. Spelman College, a historically Black women’s college in Atlanta, took second place at 338th, followed by its brother school, Morehouse College at 367th. Florida A&M University, North Carolina A&T State University, and Hampton University in Virginia were also listed at 397th, 434th, and 469th place, respectively.
“Howard University’s top ranking among HBCUs adds momentum to our march into the upper tier of the nation’s research institutions,” said Howard University President Ben Vinson III. “Howard’s singular influence at the nexus of intellectual discovery and global culture cannot be overstated, and we will continue to push the boundaries of knowledge to help the world solve its most pressing challenges.”
The full list of Forbes‘ top 500 schools in the United States can be accessed here.
Once again, this is nothing more than another failed attempt on behalf of subpar magazine Forbes to make it appears as being inclusive along with uniquely concerned about HBCUs. Unfortunately, too many of these status quo neoliberal HBCU Presidents feel validated by the White establishment with this embarrassing ranking.
If Forbes magazine was really concerned about HBCUs, they would launch a substantive investigation in the historical and current underfunding of HBCUs from respective states where they’re located. Until HBCUs are made fiscally whole, they will continue to be on the receiving end of incessant attacks questioning their relevancy and need. In order for this to occur it will require bold Black bold leadership from native born Black Americans leading HBCUs and not African/Caribbean immigrants.