Forbes Names Top 10 HBCU's For Success

Forbes is shining a spotlight on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the results highlight just how powerful these institutions can be in preparing students for life after graduation.

In its inaugural ranking of HBCUs that do the best job of setting their graduates up for success, Forbes looked beyond traditional measures of college prestige. The ranking focuses on outcomes that matter to students and families, including graduation rates, alumni earnings, retention and the overall financial picture facing graduates.

And Atlanta is well represented.

Two Atlanta institutions -Spelman College and Morehouse College- landed in the top three, while Clark Atlanta University also made the top 10.

Here are the 10 private HBCUs Forbes ranked highest for graduate success:

1. Howard University — Washington, D.C.

Taking the No. 1 spot is Howard University, one of the nation’s most prominent HBCUs. Forbes highlights Howard’s strong academic reputation and its long history of producing leaders across business, politics, science, journalism and the arts.

2. Spelman College — Atlanta, Georgia

Spelman College comes in at No. 2. The historically Black women’s college continues to stand out for its academic achievement and impressive graduation outcomes. Forbes reports that Spelman has a 76% six-year graduation rate- the highest among the HBCUs on the list.

3. Morehouse College — Atlanta, Georgia

Morehouse College takes the No. 3 spot, giving Atlanta two schools in the top three. The all-male liberal arts college is particularly notable for the earning power of its graduates. Forbes reports that Morehouse alumni have the highest median pay among the schools ranked, with median early-career pay of $71,800 and median mid-career pay of $126,700.

4. Xavier University of Louisiana — New Orleans, Louisiana

Xavier University of Louisiana ranks fourth. The New Orleans institution has built a strong reputation for preparing students for careers in fields including medicine, science and other professional disciplines.

5. Hampton University — Hampton, Virginia

Hampton University comes in at No. 5. The Virginia HBCU continues its tradition of combining academic preparation with career opportunities and a strong alumni network.

6. Tuskegee University — Tuskegee, Alabama

Tuskegee University ranks sixth. Forbes reports a 57% six-year graduation rate, with alumni earning a median of $70,700 early in their careers and $103,800 at mid-career.

7. Fisk University — Nashville, Tennessee

Fisk University lands at No. 7. The Nashville institution is especially recognized for its academic programs and its Fisk-Vanderbilt Master’s-to-PhD Bridge Program, which has helped create pathways for Black students pursuing advanced degrees in the sciences.

8. Talladega College — Talladega, Alabama

Talladega College takes the No. 8 spot. With a 65% six-year graduation rate, the historic Alabama college stands out for its student outcomes while also offering career-focused programs, including business and computer information studies.

9. Clark Atlanta University — Atlanta, Georgia

Clark Atlanta University rounds out Atlanta’s impressive showing at No. 9. The university is recognized for programs ranging from business and mass media to biology, chemistry and cybersecurity.

10. Tougaloo College — Tougaloo, Mississippi

Tougaloo College completes the top 10. The Mississippi HBCU is known for programs in areas such as pre-health, natural sciences, business, education and the social sciences.