It’s that time of year again. The U.S. News & World Report has released its annual College Rankings lists. Included in these lists is the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Ranking for 2013 (To see the 2014 ranking list visit our 2014 Top 25 HBCU Rankings by US News post). In this list HBCUs are compared against one another, based on the publication’s ranking methodology. The ranking data includes enrollment, retention, graduation rate, college admission test scores, and class size. There were 80 HBCUs in total that were analyzed in this comparison. Only 39 HBCUs made the actual ranking list, all of which are currently part of the 2013 Best Colleges rankings. The remaining schools were unranked.
As an HBCU alum, it’s nice to see my alma mater in the ranking. Many current and former students will see their universities and claim bragging rights, and rightfully so. For college bound high school students, these type of lists shouldn’t carry a lot of weight. There are so many great HBCUs that did not make the list. Ultimately, students should choose a college that is the right fit for them based on academic, social, and financial factors. Don’t depend on a list for answers. Start by connecting with the alumni of your potential colleges, both locally and on social media. The next step is to visit the college, talk to the faculty, staff and students. Be sure to stop by the cafeteria too.
| // RANK | // UNIVERSITY | // LOCATION |
| 1 | Spelman College | Atlanta, GA |
| 2 | Howard University | Washington, DC |
| 3 | Morehouse College | Atlanta, GA |
| 4 | Hampton University | Hampton, VA |
| 5 | Fisk University | Nashville, TN |
| 6 | Xavier University of Louisiana | New Orleans, LA |
| 7 | Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL |
| 8 | Claflin University | Orangeburg, SC |
| 9 | Dillard University | New Orleans, LA |
| 10 | Florida A&M University | Tallahassee, FL |
| 11 | North Carolina A&T State University | Greensboro, NC |
| 12 | North Carolina Central University | Durham, NC |
| 13 | Delaware State University | Dover, DE |
| 14 | South Carolina State University | Orangeburg, SC |
| 15 | Bennett College | Greensboro, NC |
| 16 | Clark Atlanta University | Atlanta, GA |
| 17 | Johnson C. Smith University | Charlotte, NC |
| 18 | Tougaloo College | Tougaloo, MS |
| 19 | Tennessee State University | Nashville, TN |
| 20 | Elizabeth City State University | Elizabeth City, NC |
| 21 | Morgan State University | Baltimore, MD |
| 22 | Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University | Normal, AL |
| 23 | Winston-Salem State University | Winston-Salem, NC |
| 24 | Oakwood University | Huntsville, AL |
| 25 | Lincoln University | Lincoln University, PA |
Source: U.S. News & World Report, 2013 Historically Black Colleges and Universities Ranking. For the full list of HBCU rankings and all other lists visit: http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings.
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Mr. Gibson,
I teach at Tougaloo College and did not see our fine college on any of your tour lists. Have we been included in these past tours, and if not, how could we be added?
Thanks!
Dr. Wilder, Thank you for your comments! I promise to show some love to your fine institution Tougaloo College. The tours mentioned are just sample lists. I will look into providing an update with additional tour listings that include Tougaloo.
It amazes me that FAMU continues to rank as the top public HBCU in the country – over NCCU and NCAT – yet in continues to struggle. This school is about to lose its accreditation people. It is struggling financially. Has a leadership vacuum and is facing a multi-million lawsuit over the hazing death of a student. Just this week, the school shut down the student newspaper in a blatant attack on the press and free speech. Does any of that even matter in how these rankings are conducted?
I don’t see Alabama State University recognized,
or did I miss something?
FAMU is fine. FAMU faces adversity ALL the daggone time and they pull through. At the end of the day, there are way too many FAMU alum in high places with boatloads of money who will step up if they have to. The campus looks so much better than it did ten years ago and believe it or not, the staff and faculty have improved a hundred percent. The internet has become a major player for the school—-FAMU was so late on integrating a functioning network, but they have it going good now. I am proud of FAMUs progress, despite the hazing fiasco. That will work itself out too. I couldnt believe it was number 10 on this list to be honest. But who cares for real? Everyone still knows its the best, with the best schools, best alum, and the most fun of all the HBCU’s.
I constantly see these TOP 25 HBCU List and my alma mater ‘NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY’ never seems to make the list. Why is that? We had the best damn year in sports any HBCU could ask for. What is used to to determine the “Best”?
Where is Langston University. Did I miss something?
Sir, I don’t know from where you glean your information, but FAMU is not about to lose its accreditation (in fact it was just renewed), is a member of the Florida Public University System and therefore could no more be in financial trouble than Florida State or U of F could, has at its helm an excellent administrator who is expertly navigating the University through what is admittedly a tragic situation with compassion, discipline,dignity and grace. You should be proud that any HBCU be so continually recognized, as when one shines we a shine.
Its always some blacks who attended prominantly white colleges attacking hbcu schools ….because they to tight ass to attend….