Spelman College ranked as top HBCU for 18th consecutive year

Spelman College has once again been named the nation’s No. 1 Historically Black College and University (HBCU) by U.S. News & World Report, holding the top spot for the 18th consecutive year.

“We are honored to be the No. 1 HBCU for the 18th year in a row and to be ranked among the top 40 liberal arts colleges”, said Spelman College President Helene D. Gayle.

In addition to this recognition, Spelman was ranked No. 1 for Top Performers in Social Mobility, an indicator of the college’s success in helping students from low-income backgrounds improve their economic standing. The institution has consistently been ranked among the top National Liberal Arts Colleges by the same publication.

Earlier this year, Spelman received a historic US$100 million donation from trustee Ronda Stryker, the largest single gift ever given to an HBCU. The donation will be used to support student scholarships, housing, academic programs, and other flexible funding needs.

Founded in 1881 as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary, Spelman College is part of the Atlanta University Center Consortium, which also includes Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Morehouse School of Medicine.

Other Atlanta-based HBCUs were also featured in the U.S. News & World Report rankings. Morehouse College secured the No. 5 spot, while Clark Atlanta University was ranked No. 19 out of 79 institutions.