U.S. News & World Report has published its annual rankings of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for the 2023-24 academic year, revealing the latest standings.

For the 18th consecutive year, Spelman College is ranked as the number one HBCU in the nation. The college maintains its forefront position with a 68% graduation rate — the highest in the country among HBCUs. Spelman also became the top HBCU for social mobility this year, while remaining among the top 40 Best National Liberal Arts colleges.

“We are honored to be recognized among the nation’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report,” said Spelman College President Helene D. Gayle in a statement released by the college. “We take pride in being the No. 1 HBCU for the 18th consecutive year … we are particularly proud of our commitment to enhancing social mobility for our students and their families, as well as our achievements in various academic program rankings.”

Howard University ranked as the number two HBCU for the third year in a row, and leaped 29 points this year to land at the overall top 100 universities in the nation. Howard also ranked twelfth for social mobility — the only university in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area to rank in the top 40 for this category — and is tied with Georgetown and Northwestern as number 21 for undergraduate teaching. 

Florida A&M University and Tuskegee University both rose significantly in this year’s rankings, where they are now tied for the third spot, pushing Tuskegee up from its previous fourth-place ranking. Morgan State University made strides this year as well, jumping into the top ten from its position at number 12 last year.

Peer evaluations from HBCU administrators contribute 20% to the rankings, and U.S. News & World Report evaluates colleges using these and a variety of measurables, like graduation rates, social mobility, student loan burden, faculty resources, alumni donations, and student preparedness, among others.

HBCUs offer crucial spaces and resources for higher education, and as students and families consider their options these annual rankings provide valuable insight into the academic quality and community support available at HBCUs across the country.

US News & World Report’s Top 10 HBCUs for 2023-24

1. Spelman College
2. Howard University

3 (tie). Florida A&M University

3 (tie). Tuskegee University

5. Morehouse College
6. Xavier University of Louisiana
7. Hampton University
8. North Carolina A&T State University
9. Delaware State University
10. Morgan State University