Spelman College, which has a stellar reputation for the best and brightest, has been ranked the No. 1 HBCU for the 20th year in a row.
Its reputation of focusing on academic excellence, creativity, character, and leadership development has continued to cement its ranking, according to U.S. News & World Report.
In its 2027 Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities rankings, released Sept. 22, Spelman also ranked No. 2 among Top Performers in Social Mobility and No. 34 among the Best National Liberal Arts institutions, according to a university news release.
“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,” Spelman President Dr. Ayanna Howard said. “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.”
Spelman Retains Top HBCU Ranking Amid Leadership Transition
Spelman named Howard, an AI pioneer and former NASA engineer, as its 12th president in June, AFROTECH™ previously reported.
Her extensive résumé includes serving on several boards and being elected to several technology-focused societies, nonprofits, and organizations. She is also the founder of the award-winning educational company Zyrobotics, launched to help children with differing abilities through smart technologies designed to improve social, cognitive, and motor skills.
Additionally, Howard is a co-founder of Blacks in Robotics, an organization driven by a desire to increase representation in the field.
“I am deeply honored and excited to join Spelman College and the amazing faculty, staff, and trustees that have shaped generations of Black women,” Howard said in a news release, per AFROTECH™. “Students choose Spelman because they want to make a difference in the world, and as the world changes, we must equip them to thrive. At a time when technology, the workforce, and society are evolving rapidly, Spelman’s mission has never been more important. I look forward to building on the College’s legacy while honoring its tradition, values, and sisterhood.”
A Closer Look At Spelman College
The latest U.S. News Best Colleges rankings examine more than 1,700 colleges and universities across the country, looking at a range of measures tied to academic quality and student outcomes, Spelman shared in its news release. The annual rankings give prospective students and their families information to help them compare institutions, including data on graduation rates, student debt after graduation, and postgraduate earnings.
Other institutions on the list included Howard University, Tuskegee University, Morehouse College, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, and Morgan State University.
Established in 1881, Spelman enrolls about 2,700 students and has built a reputation for educating Black women. The college holds the title as the nation’s top producer of Black women who go on to earn PhDs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the news release states.
The college has continued to expand its academic offerings in recent years, adding majors and minors in areas including documentary filmmaking and photography, data science, refugee studies, and gaming.
“Higher education is an investment in a student’s future, and we’re proud to recognize the institutions that continue to raise the bar for academic excellence,” said LaMont Jones, U.S. News’ managing editor for education. “The Best Colleges rankings celebrate schools that demonstrate outstanding commitment to student success, providing prospective families with a roadmap to discover high-performing institutions that align with their specific academic, career, and personal goals.”