Florida A&M’s campus. [Dylan Johnson/FAMUAN]
The 2026 edition of the U.S. News & World Report college rankings are out, and Florida A&M University’s national ranking took a slight dip from the previous year.
FAMU ranked No. 92 out of all public universities, marking an 11-spot decline from last year’s ranking at No. 81. The university shares this ranking with five other institutions: Louisiana State University, the University of Alabama, the University of Mississippi, the University of Hawaii and Rowan University.
FAMU extended its streak of being the nation’s No. 1 public historically Black college or university for the seventh consecutive year.
“I am encouraged that Florida A&M University remains in the Top 100 in the U.S,” President Marva Johnson said in a statement. “Among the 17 metrics reviewed, we continue to make progress on our graduation rates, including our Pell Grant recipients.
Many factors contribute to a university’s rankings, ranging from graduation rates, academic resources, alumni outcomes and social mobility. FAMU’s four-year graduation rate increased 6% compared to last year, reaching 41%.
FAMU also performed well in the social mobility category, which measures a university’s effectiveness in elevating low-income students into higher earning potential after graduation. The school tied at No. 22, two spots lower than the previous year at No. 20.
Third-year animal science student Taraya Nickerson expressed delight when learning the university’s position within the rankings.
“It feels validating to know that FAMU is being acknowledged as a top school in the nation,” she said. “It makes us students feel empowered.”
Students feel that these rankings are a badge of pride, promoting a positive image of their university. For them, this recognition is an inspiration and a reflection of the university’s dedication to being a highly renowned institution.
William Hudson, the vice president of student affairs and enrollment management, explained that students’ and others’ opinions matter regarding FAMU’s ranking.
“We need everyone, all students, faculty and alumni to show their support of the university and dispel any negatives that go out about the institution,” Hudson said.
The public outlook of a university is important to the faculty and administration of FAMU. The public’s perception of the school impacts rankings, but also the assets and funds that a school receives.
“We have the skillset, faculty, staff and students to compete nationally,” Hudson said. “If we can get the resources to match that energy that we provide through our FAMUly, we can have an even higher ranking.”
Other Florida universities that ranked in the top 100 for public universities are Florida Atlantic University, the University of Central Florida, Florida International University, the University of South Florida, Florida State University, and the University of Florida, with the highest ranking of No. 7. going to the University of Florida.
FAMU administrators are looking forward to using these rankings as recognition, but also as a chance to pinpoint specific areas that need improvement.