Howard rises in U.S. News Best College rankings

University is sole HBCU in the Top 100

by Kelvin Childs

Howard University proudly announced its highest-ever rating on the prestigious U.S. News and World Report Best College Rankings, coming in at No. 73 among national universities for 2026–2027.

This places Howard 15 positions higher than last year’s No. 88 rating, and seven above its previous-highest placement at No. 80 in 2021.

“This historic advancement reflects meaningful progress across several measures of institutional strength and student success,” said Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA, Howard’s interim president, president emeritus, and Charles R. Drew Professor of Surgery, in a media release.

“Howard’s six-year graduation rate increased from 70% to 74%, the graduation rate for Pell Grant recipients rose from 66% to 70%, and the graduation rate for non-Pell Grant recipients increased from 73% to 77%. The University also continues to outperform its predicted graduation rate,” Dr. Frederick added.

Howard is the only historically Black college or university in the Top 100 rankings and is No. 2 on the HBCU list, behind Spelman College. 

The No. 73 Best Colleges ranking for Howard ties it with Binghamton University–SUNY, Indiana University–Bloomington, North Carolina State University, Rutgers University–Newark, University of Connecticut, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. 

Howard also came in at No. 42 for Top Private Colleges and jumped six points over last year to tie at No. 11 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. The University also rated No. 141 in Best Value Schools, tied for No. 102 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs, tied for No. 83 in Business Programs, tied for No. 141 in Computer Science, tied for No. 94 in Nursing, tied for No. 110 in Economics, tied for 118 in Best Colleges for Veterans, tied for No. 25 in Best Undergraduate Teaching and tied for No. 34 in Most Innovative Schools.

“As I reflect on this milestone, I am reminded that Howard’s national standing is not defined by a single ranking. It is demonstrated through the excellence of our academic enterprise, the impact of our research and scholarship, the achievements of our students and alumni, and our enduring commitment to Truth and Service. Our legacy established the foundation. Our pursuit of excellence continues to strengthen it. And the opportunities we create ensure that Howard’s impact will extend far beyond the Hilltop for generations to come,” Dr. Frederick said.

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