Spelman College Named No. 2 Private HBCU on Forbes’ Inaugural “Top HBCUs” Ranking 

Forbes Recognizes Spelman for Academic Excellence, Student Success and the Highest Six-Year Graduation Rate Among HBCUs 

Spelman College has been ranked No. 2 among private Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Forbes’ inaugural “Top HBCUs” list.  The distinction recognizes the top 20 HBCUs in the country, divided evenly between private and public institutions. 

Forbes’ ranking celebrates Spelman’s strong record of academic achievement, upward economic mobility and student success. The College’s 76% six-year graduation rate -- the highest among HBCUs -- and 91% retention rate contributed to its high placement.  

Being recognized by Forbes among the nation’s leading HBCUs is a powerful affirmation of what we know to be true: Spelman prepares women to lead, innovate and create impact well beyond the classroom,” said Spelman President Dr. Ayanna Howard. “We are proud of this distinction and equally inspired by the opportunity it represents—to build on Spelman’s legacy of excellence and position the College for even greater impact in the future.” 

Forbes’ methodology considered graduation and retention rates, alumni earnings and student debt. Schools received additional consideration for producing positive results among students who receive federal Pell Grants. The ranking also considered performance in Forbes’ previous rankings, including the American Leaders List and America’s Top 500 Colleges List. Spelman is one of only two HBCUs included on the Top 500 Colleges List.  

The Forbes recognition adds to Spelman’s growing list of national distinctions. The College has been ranked the No. 1 HBCU in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 19 consecutive years and No. 2 in Social Mobility, recognizing Spelman’s success in advancing upward economic mobility for its students. Spelman was also ranked No. 1 in Newsweek’s inaugural America’s Best Colleges for Women ranking, recognizing the College’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, opportunity and student success. In addition, LinkedIn ranks Spelman No. 3 among HBCUs for alumni success, while Niche ranks the College No. 7 among the Best Women’s Colleges in America and No. 5 among the Best Colleges in Georgia. Spelman was also designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education as a Research College and University and has been recognized as a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader for exceptional international engagement. 

To view a complete list of Spelman’s rankings, please visit spelman.edu.