Last Updated on October 10, 2024
Uncover the top 25 HBCUs making waves in education, social mobility, and student success in the HBCU Rankings 2025.
Let’s be real—choosing the right college can feel like picking a Netflix show: overwhelming options, big decisions, and way too much pressure to “get it right.” Remember that time you watched a Netflix show just because it had your favorite actor? Choosing an HBCU can be like that—except this decision could change your life. But if you’ve been eyeing Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), then you’re already winning. These schools aren’t just about education; they’re about legacy, community, and giving you the tools to thrive in a world that doesn’t always want to see us win.
But with so many HBCUs making major moves, which ones are the best? Luckily, U.S. News just dropped its HBCU Rankings 2025, and we’ve got the lowdown on the top 25 HBCUs that are taking education to the next level. From Spelman’s reign at the top to up-and-comers like the University of the District of Columbia, we’ve got everything you need to know about where Black excellence is going down.
Rankings, Schmankings: What Do They Really Mean?
Okay, we all know rankings are a big deal—but what’s actually behind those numbers? When U.S. News ranks HBCUs, they look at things like how well schools retain students (no one wants to be stuck without a degree), graduation rates, affordability, and—here’s the kicker—social mobility. Social mobility is basically how well a school helps students from low-income backgrounds level up. It’s about making sure your degree means something, especially if you’re the first in your family to walk across that graduation stage.
Take Spelman College, for example. This Atlanta gem isn’t just the No. 1 HBCU for the 18th year in a row; it also ranks at the top for social mobility. That means Spelman is all about setting up its students for real-world success, no matter where they start. And as President Helene D. Gayle says, “We are particularly proud of our commitment to enhancing social mobility for our students and their families.” Spelman doesn’t just talk the talk—they walk the walk, sending Black women into the world ready to change the game in STEM, arts, and beyond.
HBCU Rankings 2025: The Top 25 List
Now that we’ve got the basics down, it’s time for the main event: the HBCU Rankings 2025. Whether you’re looking for the school with the best engineering program or the one with the dopest homecoming (yes, that matters), here’s the list that has it all. We’ve even thrown in a few fun facts to give you a sense of each school’s unique vibe:
| Rank | HBCU Name | Location | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | Virginia State University | Petersburg, VA | Hosts one of the largest on-campus agricultural research stations |
| 23 | University of the District of Columbia | Washington, DC | Located in the nation’s capital—networking central |
| 23 | Prairie View A&M University | Prairie View, TX | Has one of the best engineering programs |
| 23 | Norfolk State University | Norfolk, VA | Famous for its incredible basketball team |
| 21 | Jackson State University | Jackson, MS | Known for its legendary Sonic Boom of the South marching band |
| 21 | Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville, NC | Part of the prestigious UNC system |
| 20 | Lincoln University (PA) | Lincoln University, PA | Oldest degree-granting HBCU in the U.S. |
| 19 | Clark Atlanta University | Atlanta, GA | Located in the heart of Atlanta, a cultural hub |
| 16 | University of Maryland Eastern Shore | Princess Anne, MD | Offers a renowned hospitality and tourism management program |
| 16 | Fisk University | Nashville, TN | Home of the historic Fisk Jubilee Singers, pioneers in preserving African American spirituals |
| 16 | Dillard University | New Orleans, LA | Located in New Orleans—home of the best gumbo |
| 15 | North Carolina Central University | Durham, NC | Home to a leading law school |
| 14 | Elizabeth City State University | Elizabeth City, NC | Offers affordable aviation science programs |
| 12 | Winston-Salem State University | Winston-Salem, NC | Hosts the largest HBCU nursing program |
| 12 | Claflin University | Orangeburg, SC | Known for high student satisfaction rates |
| 11 | Bowie State University | Bowie, MD | One of the oldest HBCUs in Maryland, known for its strong focus on education and cybersecurity programs |
| 10 | Morgan State University | Baltimore, MD | Recently designated as Maryland’s preeminent public urban research university |
| 9 | Delaware State University | Dover, DE | Strong connections to NASA |
| 8 | North Carolina A&T State University | Greensboro, NC | Largest HBCU by enrollment |
| 7 | Hampton University | Hampton, VA | Offers a great marine science program |
| 6 | Xavier University of Louisiana | New Orleans, LA | Produces the most Black medical school graduates |
| 5 | Morehouse College | Atlanta, GA | All-male HBCU with a notable alumni network |
| 3 | Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | Known for its Tuskegee Airmen history |
| 3 | Florida A&M University | Tallahassee, FL | Hosts the best homecoming—period (we may be a little biased) |
| 2 | Howard University | Washington, DC | Dubbed “The Mecca” for Black scholars |
| 1 | Spelman College | Atlanta, GA | Empowering Black women since 1881 |
Note: Several schools share the same rank, reflecting ties in the HBCU Rankings 2025. Rankings are based on multiple factors, and ties indicate comparable performance across key metrics.
Is Your HBCU “Vibe Check” Complete?
Alright, you’ve seen the rankings. You know who’s bossing up (shoutout to Spelman, Howard, and FAMU). But here’s the thing: rankings only tell part of the story. When it comes down to it, picking an HBCU is about more than numbers—it’s about the vibe. What’s the campus culture like? How’s the food in the cafeteria? Is homecoming lit? These are the things that matter, too.
If you’re like me, you want a school that feels like family. Tuskegee University, for example, isn’t just No. 3 on the HBCU Rankings 2025 list—it’s also No. 1 in social mobility for the South. As Dr. Mark Brown, Tuskegee’s president, puts it, “Being named No. 1 in Social Mobility affirms our mission… we are making a tangible difference in the lives of our students.” And trust me, when your school lifts you up like that, you feel it in every classroom, every event, and every late-night study session in the library.
Social Mobility: What Does It Really Mean?
If there’s one term that’s been buzzing around these rankings, it’s “social mobility.” But what does it actually mean? Social mobility is all about how schools help students, especially from low-income backgrounds, move up the socioeconomic ladder. It’s why schools like North Carolina A&T and FAMU are climbing the HBCU Rankings 2025. They’re not just giving students degrees—they’re changing lives.
FAMU moved up 10 places to reach No. 81 among public universities, and Interim President Timothy L. Beard couldn’t be prouder. “These rankings are a reflection of the tireless efforts of our students, faculty, and staff,” he said, acknowledging the school’s mission to transform futures. So, if you’re looking for a school that doesn’t just want you to get a job, but wants you to thrive—FAMU’s got you.
The Future is Yours – Choose Wisely
At the end of the day, choosing the right HBCU is about finding the place where you feel like you belong. Whether you’re ready to flex your academic muscles in the sciences at Spelman, network your way through D.C. at Howard, or become a social mobility success story at Tuskegee, these HBCU Rankings 2025 are here to help you level up your college life.
So, what’s it going to be? Ready to join the ranks of Black excellence? Wherever you end up, just know that your future looks bright.
Jessica Fraser used to dream of becoming a journalist, and when she studied communication in college she realized that her passion for writing could become her career. As a full time freelance writer, Jessica enjoys helping other teenagers, college students, and young adults pursue their passions and follow their dreams.