U.S. News 2026 HBCU Rankings Reveal Top 25 Historically Black Colleges

U.S. News & World Report released its 2026 ranking of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), evaluating institutions on retention, graduation rates, social mobility and affordability. The list highlights schools that are driving Black excellence, with Howard University, Morehouse College and Spelman College noted among the leaders.

The top‑25 includes Howard University (Washington, DC), Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA), Tuskegee University (Tuskegee, AL), Xavier University of Louisiana (New Orleans, LA), Hampton University (Hampton, VA), North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro, NC), Delaware State University (Dover, DE), Bowie State University (Bowie, MD), Virginia State University (Petersburg, VA), Claflin University (Orangeburg, SC), North Carolina Central University (Durham, NC), Jackson State University (Jackson, MS), Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA), Dillard University (New Orleans, LA), Elizabeth City State University (Elizabeth City, NC), Lincoln University (Lincoln, PA), Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View, TX), University of the District of Columbia (Washington, DC), Fisk University (Nashville, TN), University of Maryland Eastern Shore (Princess Anne, MD), Winston‑Salem State University (Winston‑Salem, NC) and Fayetteville State University (Fayetteville, NC). The ranking underscores each school's role in advancing educational outcomes and community impact for students from lower‑income backgrounds.