🏆 2026 U.S. News & World Report — Top HBCUs

The latest U.S. News & World Report rankings highlight the top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the nation. These schools continue to excel in academics, leadership, culture, and legacy, while shaping the future for generations to come.

To see the full list, click here:
U.S. News HBCU Rankings (Table View)

Top 20 HBCUs (2026)

1. Spelman College — Atlanta, GA
2. Howard University — Washington, DC
3. Morehouse College — Atlanta, GA
4. Tuskegee University — Tuskegee, AL
5. Florida A&M University — Tallahassee, FL
6. Xavier University of Louisiana — New Orleans, LA
7. Hampton University — Hampton, VA
8. North Carolina A&T State University — Greensboro, NC
9. Morgan State University — Baltimore, MD
10. Delaware State University — Dover, DE
11. Bowie State University — Bowie, MD (tie)
12. Virginia State University — Petersburg, VA (tie)
13. Claflin University — Orangeburg, SC (tie)
14. North Carolina Central University — Durham, NC (tie)
15. Jackson State University — Jackson, MS
16. Clark Atlanta University — Atlanta, GA
17. Dillard University — New Orleans, LA
18. Elizabeth City State University — Elizabeth City, NC (tie)
19. Lincoln University (PA) — Lincoln University, PA (tie)
20. Prairie View A&M University — Prairie View, TX (tie)
21. University of the District of Columbia — Washington, DC (tie)

To see the full list, click here:
U.S. News HBCU Rankings (Table View)

📌 These rankings showcase the strength and resilience of HBCUs, institutions that have long been the backbone of higher education for African Americans and a source of pride for the Black community nationwide.

✨ At HBCU Original, we celebrate their excellence, legacy, and the impact they continue to make on society.

On Thursday morning, Mayor Eric Adams and Schools Chancellor Melissa Avilés-Ramos welcomed the start of a new school year by joining nearly one million New York City students and staff in celebration. The day began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the city’s first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Early College Prep High School, located at 88-15 182nd Street in Jamaica, Queens.

The new, tuition-free high school is the first of its kind in New York City. In partnership with Delaware State University, an HBCU, students can earn up to 64 college credits toward an associate degree in Liberal Arts while completing their high school studies.

The September 4 opening marked a milestone moment for the city’s public schools. More than 100 ninth graders made up the inaugural class, greeted with performances and words of encouragement. Mayor Adams highlighted the historic opening as part of a larger vision to strengthen educational opportunities across the five boroughs.

“We are ringing in the school year with more investments to prepare our students for bold futures,” said Mayor Adams. “Today, we’re opening seven new schools, including the first HBCU Early College Prep High School, expanding programs for students with autism, creating 5,000 new after-school seats, and so much more to invest in our students and families.”

Led by founding principal and HBCU alumna Dr. Asya Johnson, the school’s model is inspired by the traditions and culture of HBCUs. Students will not only take college-level courses but also experience signature events such as Greek life activities, Founder’s Day celebrations, Mr. and Miss Freshman competitions, and Homecoming.

Chancellor Avilés-Ramos, who also celebrated her own daughter’s first day of middle school, reflected on the responsibility schools hold for families across the city.

“The first day of school is my favorite day of the year,” she said. “Families place tremendous trust in us with their most precious gifts—their children. That’s why we are committed to delivering a world-class education that prepares every student for success.”

This year also brings major citywide initiatives, including the rollout of a new cell phone and electronic device policy, designed to minimize distractions and improve learning environments. NYC Reads and NYC Solves—programs focused on literacy and problem-solving—will expand to 186 additional schools.

“We’ve opened seven new, innovative schools, launched a device policy that will foster focus in the classroom, and expanded programs that have already shown incredible success,” Avilés-Ramos added. “I am proud to lead this system and excited to see our students thrive throughout the year.”

With more than 1,600 schools serving diverse communities, New York City Public Schools remain focused on innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence—ensuring every student is prepared for college, career, and life.

NEWARK, Del. – All eyes will be on Delaware Stadium Thursday night as Delaware State University, one of the MEAC’s proud HBCUs, takes the field against in-state rival Delaware in the season opener. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., with the Hornets aiming to make a statement against a Blue Hens program stepping onto the FBS stage for the first time.

The Hornets enter a new era under head coach DeSean Jackson, the three-time NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver making his college coaching debut. Jackson, who brings star power and energy to Dover, has also brought in big names to his staff, including former NFL running back Clinton Portis as RB coach.

On offense, Delaware State will look to transfer talent to spark a turnaround. Kaiden Bennett (Sacramento State) leads the quarterback competition, joined by Maryland transfer Jayden Sauray and veteran Marqui Adams. The Hornets’ challenge is steep—they’ve won just two games in the past two seasons—but with new leadership and fresh fire, this opener represents a chance to reset the program’s direction.

Meanwhile, Delaware’s Blue Hens have the spotlight as they begin life in Conference USA and at the FBS level. Head coach Ryan Carty has an impressive track record, going 22-1 in home openers as both a player and coach. The Hens return experience on both sides of the ball, including QB Nick Minicucci, WR Ja’Carree Kelly, and defensive standouts Jack Hall, Gavin Moul, and Hasson Manning Jr.

But make no mistake—the story Thursday night is bigger than a debut. It’s about Delaware State stepping onto the state’s biggest stage with new leadership, looking to shock their rival and show what HBCU football can do against an FBS opponent. For the Hornets, a win wouldn’t just be an upset—it would be a program-changing moment.

Fans can secure tickets at BlueHens.com/fbtickets to witness history unfold in Newark.

Tennessee State University (TSU), the state’s only publicly funded historically Black land-grant university, has signed a landmark agreement with the state of Tennessee to stabilize its financial future.

After months of uncertainty and scrutiny over budget shortfalls and rising operational costs, TSU and state officials finalized a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Tuesday that allows the university to redirect $96 million in previously earmarked capital improvement funds toward operations over the next three years.

This move comes just days after TSU’s Board of Trustees approved a 6% tuition and fee increase for the upcoming academic year, amounting to a $270 bump per semester for students.

The MOU, signed in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration and the State Comptroller’s Office, activates a new state law that permits TSU to repurpose unspent capital funds for operational costs—under strict conditions. Originally, the state allocated $250 million to TSU for campus infrastructure improvements, excluding dormitory projects, despite TSU’s well-documented student housing crisis.

Under the new agreement, $55 million of the original capital funds will still go toward much-needed campus improvements—such as upgrades to electrical grids and the construction of new buildings—while the remaining $96 million will help fund operational needs, including payroll, student services, and academic programming.

Interim TSU President Dwayne Tucker hailed the deal as a critical step forward.

“It not only provides crucial cash flow to ensure the university’s financial sustainability, but also allows us to invest in enriching the student experience and strengthening our capacity to attract both students and qualified employees,” said Tucker.

Last November, the State Building Commission already approved an emergency $43 million allocation from the capital funds to help TSU meet payroll and finish the budget year.

State Comptroller Jason Mumpower, who has been closely monitoring the university’s financial challenges, expressed confidence in TSU’s new leadership and supported the tuition hike.

“I believe in their ability to understand and navigate the institution’s challenges,” said Mumpower, who previously suggested controversial cost-cutting ideas like selling the university’s Avon Williams Campus and land at John Tune Airport—proposals that TSU firmly rejected.

Tensions between TSU and the state escalated last year after a spike in enrollment strained the university’s resources. At its peak in Fall 2022, enrollment surged to over 8,000 students. To accommodate them, TSU resorted to housing students in nearby hotels and churches, prompting state Senate hearings and eventually contributing to the resignation of then-President Glenda Glover.

The university’s aggressive scholarship program, funded by $37 million in COVID-era federal relief grants, had driven the enrollment boom. But once the federal money dried up, TSU struggled to maintain the same level of support. It relied on other sources, including $19.6 million in tornado insurance funds, to stay afloat.

Amid these financial strains, leadership changes followed. After Glover’s departure, an interim president stepped in but later resigned when it was revealed he had signed two $800,000 consulting contracts with Glover—further shaking confidence in the university’s governance.

Now, with a new agreement in place and fresh leadership at the helm, TSU is aiming for a reset. The university is also advocating for additional funding, pointing to long-standing underfunding issues. A federal study found TSU was shortchanged by $2.1 billion over the past 30 years, echoing a previous state report citing a $544 million gap over a century.

With the new deal, TSU looks to stabilize its finances, improve campus infrastructure, and continue its mission to serve as a vital educational institution for Tennessee’s Black community and beyond.

Just days after former President Donald Trump confidently told a national audience that historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) had “nothing to worry about” when it comes to federal funding, a new budget proposal from his team is telling a much different story.

At the heart of the controversy is Howard University — the only federally chartered HBCU and one of the most influential institutions in Black higher education. Under the proposed 2026 federal budget, Howard stands to lose $64 million in funding, a sharp reduction that has sent ripples through the HBCU community.

The White House claims this rollback reflects a return to “sustainable” funding levels from 2021, noting that the 2025 budget included a one-time, $300 million federal commitment for a new hospital on campus. But to many, including Howard’s administration, the proposed cut feels like more than just an accounting decision — it feels like a betrayal.

Words Don’t Match the Policy

At a recent NewsNation town hall, Trump responded to a question from media personality Stephen A. Smith — a known Trump sympathizer — about whether HBCUs should be worried about funding under his leadership. Trump assured viewers there was no threat, citing his past actions and framing himself as a champion for Black colleges.

However, the stark contrast between those words and this budget proposal is raising alarms, especially considering the broader pattern of attacks on educational equity and diversity initiatives coming from his political circle.

Howard Responds

In a formal statement, Howard University expressed disappointment while reaffirming its mission:

“The University is aware of the Trump Administration’s proposed funding recommendations… As a leading HBCU, Howard has since its founding in 1867 cultivated talent, unlocked opportunity, and contributed mightily to every sector of American life.”

Howard emphasized its ongoing role as a top-tier research institution and as a leader in economic mobility for Black students. “We look forward to engaging with policymakers to sustain the FY 2026 budget at least at the level of FY 2025,” the statement continued, underscoring the school’s readiness to advocate for its future.

A Pattern of Concern

This budget battle is bigger than Howard. HBCU leaders across the country are watching closely, especially amid ongoing concerns about potential threats to the Department of Education and federally supported diversity initiatives.

The deeper worry is that if a school as prominent as Howard can have its funding threatened, what might be in store for smaller HBCUs that don’t have the same level of visibility or federal status?

The Bottom Line

For HBCU advocates and alumni, the latest budget proposal is a sobering reminder that promises on the campaign trail don’t always survive in Washington. As this debate unfolds, HBCU Original will continue to follow the money — and the message — to ensure our community stays informed and empowered.