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U.S. News & World Report Ranks Florida A&M University Amongst 2026 Best Colleges

Tue, Sep 23, 2025

September 23, 2025

Administration

By Alonda Thomas

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U.S. News & World Report Ranks Florida A&M University Amongst 2026 Best Colleges

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Sept. 23, 2025 – Florida A&M University (FAMU) remains in the Top 100 among the more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities ranked in the 2026 Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report. The 2026 edition of the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings uses up to 17 factors to measure academic quality and graduate success. In addition, FAMU remained the highest rated public Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and fifth among all private and public HBCUs.

FAMU is one of three Florida schools that rank in the Top 25 on the U.S. News Social Mobility Index. Tied at No. 22 with institutions such as the University of California, Davis and the University at Albany - SUNY, FAMU continues to deliver strongly on its mission of advancing education for Pell-eligible students. This      ranking is a reflection of FAMU’s ability—as Florida’s only public HBCU— to propel the economic trajectory of graduates forward, enhancing the financial outlook of their families for generations to come.

“I am encouraged that Florida A&M University remains in the Top 100 in the U.S.. Among the 17 metrics reviewed, we continue to make progress on our graduation rates, including our Pell Grant recipients,” said President Marva B. Johnson, J.D. “Our mission of helping students from various socio-economic backgrounds remains a priority, which is reflected in our position as the No. 1 public HBCU for the seventh consecutive year in a row.”

President Johnson and her leadership team have identified growth opportunities that will yield a significant impact on students, faculty, and staff in the coming year and beyond. As one of the 12 public universities in the nation’s top-ranked State University System, FAMU plays a critical role in ensuring the state of Florida continues to be number one in the country for higher education.

“We remain steadfast in expanding access, strengthening our academic programs, and driving student success,” said Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Allyson Watson, Ph.D. “These rankings affirm that FAMU is preparing graduates not only to achieve social mobility, but to lead at the highest levels and solve the challenges of the future as we advance toward R1 status.”    

U.S. News publishes the Best Colleges rankings each year to provide prospective students and their families with the comparative merits of the undergraduate programs at America’s colleges and universities. The rankings offer detailed information on the institutions and data on

factors

such as graduation rates, graduate indebtedness, and post-graduate earnings.

“U.S. News’ Best Colleges remains a reliable resource for prospective students and their families as they navigate the college selection process,” said LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for Education at U.S. News. “With over half of the ranking factors dedicated to student outcomes, the rankings and editorial content provide vital data, college advice, and informed reporting to every student pursuing higher education.”

Prospective students can see how Florida A&M University compares to other institutions and how the rankings are calculated on USNews.com.

About Florida A&M University

Founded October 3, 1887, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is a public, historically Black university located in Tallahassee, Florida. What distinguishes FAMU from other universities is its legacy of providing access to a high-quality, affordable education with programs and services that guide students toward successfully achieving their dreams. 

FAMU is part of the State University System of Florida and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. In addition to the main Tallahassee campus, FAMU has several satellite campuses across Florida. These include the College of Law in Orlando and the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, which has sites in Crestview, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers, and consumer products and services.

Media Contact:
Alonda Thomas, Ph.D.
VP / Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
Alonda.Thomas@FAMU.edu

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