»Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ Ranked a U.S. News and World Report Top 10 Best HBCU for 13th Consecutive Year
Sep 18, 2023
Who says the Number 13 is unlucky? Not »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ. For the 13th consecutive year, »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ is ranked among the U.S. News and World Report’s Top 10 Best HBCUs. In the 2024 poll, the University retained its No. 9 ranking from 2023.
Founded in 1869, »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ is South Carolina’s oldest Historically Black College/University and the first to admit all students regardless of ethnic origin, gender, race, or religion.
“To be a U.S. News and World Report’s Top 10 HBCU for 13 consecutive years secures »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ’s place as a North Star in the constellation of the nation’s leading HBCUs,” said »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack. “Our rankings are a testament to the collective commitment of our world-class faculty, talented administrators and staff, and leal and loyal alumni. These rankings also reaffirm that »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ provides an exemplary academic experience that elevates and transforms our high-achieving scholars into globally engaged visionary leaders.”
»Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ made a noticeable improvement in the Top Performers on Social Mobility category as it moved up to No. 9 after being ranked at No. 20 in 2023.
The Social Mobility category is a measurement for colleges and universities that enroll and graduate a significant number of students who receive Pell Grants.
At »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ, these students earn degrees that prepare them for professional careers or to continue their education in graduate school.
»Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ was recently named 2023 Best College by Money.com. The rating offers a practical analysis of more than 700 four-year colleges using data in three main categories: quality, affordability, and student outcomes. »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ's annual alumni giving percentage of more than 40 percent is the highest for all HBCUs.
The University has a retention rate of 80 percent.
»Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ's other accomplishments during the past year include:
- Received a reaffirmation of accreditation from The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) following a rigorous evaluation of the University's on-campus and online academic programs. SACSCOC is the body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states.
- Ranked third on the U.S. News and World Report Short List of Top 10 HBCUs with the highest four-year graduation rates among first-time, full-time students who started in fall 2014.
- Launched Online Master of Science Degree in Biotechnology to Mitigate Climate Change.
- Launched Online Master of Science in Nursing Program and celebrated the program's inaugural graduates.
- Invested $670,000 to renovate and install more than 50 new ClearTouch Interactive Displays, and state-of-the-art cameras, microphones, and speakers to expand teaching and learning technology throughout the campus.
- »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ received more than $17.4 million to support the construction of a new Innovation Center for Biotechnology and Cybersecurity.
- The construction of the University's new ultra-modern Student Center is nearly completed, and the scheduled opening is later this fall. Features of the facility will include a movie theater, esports lounge, a food court, and other amenities.