U.S. News & World Report recently issued its annual rankings of the best colleges and universities in the United States. In addition to its rankings of the best national universities and liberal arts colleges, the magazine ranks regional colleges and universities and also the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities.
For the twentieth consecutive year, Spelman College in Atlanta was ranked the best HBCU in the United States. Howard University in Washington, D.C., ranked second, the same rank as last year. Tuskegee University in Alabama was ranked third, up from fourth last year, while Morehouse College in Atlanta was ranked fourth, down one place from last year. North Carolina A&T State University was ranked fifth, up from eighth place last year.
“Celebrating 20 consecutive years as the nation’s No. 1 HBCU is both a tremendous honor and a meaningful reflection of Spelman College’s enduring excellence and distinction. Behind that metric are the remarkable students, faculty, staff and alumnae who have made this achievement possible,” said Ayanna Howard, president of Spelman College. “As we look toward the next 20 years, we will continue to raise the bar together, dream boldly and ensure that Spelman women are prepared to thrive, lead, and change the world.”
Other HBCUs in the top 10 are:
6. Tie between Florida A&M University (down from fifth last year) and Hampton University in Virginia (up from seventh last year)
8. Morgan State University in Baltimore (up from ninth last year)
9. Xavier University of Louisiana (down from sixth last year)
10. Claflin University in South Carolina (up from 13th last year)
Top-ranked Spelman College tied for the 34th-best liberal arts school in the country, up from 37th place last year and 40th place two years ago. Among women’s colleges, Spelman ranks sixth. Howard University achieved its highest-ever ranking among the country’s best national universities, rising 15 positions from 88th place last year to 73rd place this year. Three years ago, Howard was ranked as the 115th-best national university.
“While no ranking can fully capture Howard University’s impact, this historic advancement is an important reflection of the strength and trajectory of our institution,” said Wayne A. I. Frederick, interim president and president emeritus of Howard University. “Our legacy established the foundation for Howard’s national leadership. Our continued pursuit of excellence strengthens our academic and research enterprise, and the opportunities we create empower our students and graduates to transform their lives, their communities and society. This recognition reflects the collective work of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees and partners — and the increasingly consequential impact of Howard University as a national research institution.”
