Spelman College celebrates 20 consecutive years as No. 1 HBCU

The Atlanta-based college also ranked among the nation’s top liberal arts institutions and for social mobility in the latest rankings.

Spelman College has been named the nation’s No. 1 historically Black college and university for the 20th consecutive year. As per the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, extending a record that began when the publication first introduced its HBCU rankings.

According to Markets Business Insider, the Atlanta-based college also ranked No. 2 nationally for social mobility and moved three places to No. 34 among National Liberal Arts Colleges. The 2027 rankings evaluated more than 1,700 colleges and universities using factors including graduation outcomes, graduate indebtedness and post-graduation earnings.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Spelman College (@spelman_college)

For Spelman President Dr. Ayanna Howard, the 20-year milestone represents more than a position on a college ranking. “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,” Howard said in the college’s announcement.

She credited the students, faculty, staff and alumnae behind the institution’s continued recognition and said the college is looking toward its next chapter. “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,” Howard said.

Spelman also placed No. 13 for learning communities and No. 31 among top private National Liberal Arts Colleges. Founded in 1881, the institution has built a national reputation around educating women of African descent. Its alumni include civil rights and children’s advocate Marian Wright Edelman, former Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO Rosalind Brewer and authors Pearl Cleage and Tayari Jones.