Spelman College Rankings

U.S. News &  World Report ranked Spelman College No. 1 HBCU

Spelman College, a global leader in the education of women of African descent, continues to rank high among the best colleges in the nation, according to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Report. For the 19th year in a row, Spelman has once again been named the No. 1 Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the nation.

Additional U.S. News & World Report Rankings

Ranked #2 in Social Mobility 

Spelman College has been recognized with the prestigious Social Mobility Award by U.S. News & World Report, highlighting its exceptional commitment to fostering upward economic mobility for its students. This honor reflects the college's success in enrolling and graduating a high proportion of economically disadvantaged students who receive federal Pell Grants. As a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), Spelman College is providing access to quality education and life-changing opportunities for first-generation and low-income students. This award underscores Spelman College's dedication to equity, academic excellence, and community impact.

Ranked #7 in Learning Communities

Recognized by U.S. News & World Report for excellence in Learning Communities, Spelman College has demonstrated a strong commitment to student success through its dynamic residential learning environments. These Learning Communities bring students together around shared interests or academic disciplines, often supported by dedicated faculty and staff who engage with students beyond the classroom. The program integrates academic and co-curricular support, offering smaller class sizes, cohort-based models, and shared courses that foster deeper learning and collaboration. Students benefit from consistent mentorship and meaningful interaction with peers and educators, helping to create a strong sense of belonging. Especially impactful for first-year students, these communities play a critical role in easing the transition to college, building inclusive support networks, and improving retention rates.

 
Ranked #33 in Undergraduate Teaching Programs – National Liberal Arts Colleges (tied) 

Named by U.S. News & World Report as a top institution for Undergraduate Teaching among National Liberal Arts Colleges, Spelman College stands out for its unwavering commitment to student-centered education. At the heart of this recognition is a faculty known for its deep engagement with students—prioritizing teaching excellence over research output. With small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratios, students benefit from personalized attention, interactive learning environments, and strong academic mentorship. Dedicated mentoring programs further support students' academic and personal growth, while consistently positive feedback from students reflects the impact of meaningful relationships with faculty and the value placed on teaching quality across campus.

Ranked #34 in Most Innovative Schools - National Liberal Arts Colleges (tied) 

Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Most Innovative Schools among National Liberal Arts Colleges, Spelman College is recognized in the way it is reimagining higher education. From cutting-edge academic programs and forward-thinking faculty to a dynamic, student-driven campus culture, innovation is embedded in every aspect of the institution. The curriculum is designed to be both relevant and responsive; integrating emerging technologies, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world problem-solving. Spelman College's state-of-the-art facilities and digital resources enhance both in-person and virtual learning experiences, while Spelman's campus life reflects a vibrant community that encourages creativity, leadership, and collaboration.

Ranked #37 in National Liberal Arts College

Spelman College has earned national recognition from U.S. News & World Report as a top-ranked National Liberal Arts College, a distinction that highlights the institution's strong commitment to academic excellence and a well-rounded, student-centered education. Spelman College stands out for a rigorous liberal arts curriculum that fosters leadership, critical thinking, and global awareness. This ranking affirms Spelman College's role in promoting diversity,  cultivating intellectual growth, and preparing its graduates for success in a wide range of fields.

This recognition reflects our strong tradition of attracting exceptional students, outstanding faculty, dedicated staff, and strong leadership. We take pride in being the No. 1 HBCU for the 19th consecutive year and ranking among the top 40 liberal arts institutions. Additionally, we are particularly proud of our commitment to enhancing social mobility for our students and their families, as well as our achievements in various academic program rankings.

Carnegie Classifications in Opportunity College & University

The Carnegie Foundation has recognized Spelman College with the following accolades:

• Higher Access
• Higher Earnings and Special Focus – Art & Social Sciences 

The designation recognizes Spelman as an institution that can serve as a model for studying how campuses can foster student success. The Opportunity Colleges and Universities classification examines the extent to which institutions foster opportunities for student success by measuring whether institutions are enrolling students reflective of the communities they serve and how the earnings of those students compare to peers in their area.

Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader for Exceptional International Engagement 

Spelman College has been proudly recognized as a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader for its exceptional commitment to international engagement and global learning. This prestigious honor highlights Spelman College's exemplary involvement with the Fulbright Program and its dedication to expanding international exchange opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. By actively promoting global education and cross-cultural collaboration on campus.

Money Magazine for Best Colleges in America

Money Magazine has selected Spelman College for its Best Colleges in America list, which includes the top 732 institutions in the U.S. based on graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, alumni salaries and more.

Spelman also received notable recognition in other recent rankings including:

• The Best Colleges in the South
• The Top 25 Most Active Student Government
• The Top 25 Most Engaged in Community Service

• #55 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America List
• #7 Best Women’s Colleges in America List
• #5 Best Colleges in Georgia 

LinkedIn ranked Spelman #3 among HBCU’s for alumni success