Spelman College has once again made history, earning the No. 1 spot among the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities for the 20th consecutive year in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings. The Atlanta-based liberal arts college has held the top position every year since U.S. News began publishing its HBCU rankings.
The recognition comes as part of the 2027 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings, released September 22. Beyond its HBCU ranking, Spelman also placed No. 2 nationally for social mobility and climbed three spots to No. 34 among National Liberal Arts Colleges.
Spelman President Dr. Ayanna Howard described the 20-year milestone as a reflection of the contributions of the college’s students, faculty, staff and alumnae. She said the institution plans to build on its legacy while preparing Spelman women for an evolving world.
The 2027 U.S. News rankings evaluated more than 1,700 colleges and universities using multiple measures connected to academic quality and student outcomes, including graduation rates, graduate indebtedness and post-graduation earnings.
Founded in 1881, Spelman is a historically Black liberal arts college in Atlanta dedicated to the education of women of African descent. The college has continued expanding its academic offerings, with recent additions including documentary filmmaking and photography, data science, refugee studies and gaming.
Spelman has also expanded its work in science and technology. The college says it is the nation’s leading producer of Black women who earn Ph.D.s in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, while its collaborations have included initiatives involving artificial intelligence and machine learning.
The latest rankings arrive during a new chapter for the institution, following Howard’s appointment as Spelman’s 12th president earlier this year. Her background includes work in artificial intelligence and engineering, adding another dimension to the college’s ongoing focus on preparing students for emerging fields.
For Spelman, the 20th consecutive No. 1 HBCU ranking represents a notable milestone in the institution’s long history and keeps the Atlanta college at the center of the national conversation surrounding HBCU education and student outcomes.
