WASHINGTON – In its first web exclusive social mobility ranking, Howard University has been recognized as the top private institution for “how well schools graduated students who received federal Pell Grants (those typically coming from households whose family incomes are less than $50,000 annually).” Howard ranked overall No. 4 on the U.S. News & World Report social mobility ranking list, behind three public institutions. The University was again ranked No. 2 among top historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

“I continue to believe, as I’ve previously mentioned, that rankings provide a limited snapshot of an institution’s measure of success,” said President Wayne A. I. Frederick. “I commend U.S. News and World Report for incorporating the social mobility factor into its formula, which is a critically important consideration.  The social mobility factor is a validation that student success is often directly impacted by socio-economic factors. At Howard, it is our mission to help these students matriculate successfully. Our student achievement continues to speak for itself and the caliber of our faculty and staff make it all possible.” 

On the other new USNWR 2020 rankings, Howard was named an A+ School for B Students; the University placed No.119 on the Best Value list and No. 104 in a 13-way tie for the National Universities list. In the listing of the Best Undergraduate Business Programs, Howard placed in a 25-way tie to rank No. 128. In the listing of Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs, Howard jumped 22 spots to No. 108.

“Standing on the pillars of our Howard Forward 2024 strategic plan, we are continuing to position Howard for best possible outcomes. Howard’s standout recognition in this year’s ranking is yet the latest confirmation that our strategy is working. We remain committed to our mission, advancing black excellence and moving Howard Forward.” 

The U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings consider the following categories: Undergraduate Academic Reputation, Student Selectivity, Faculty Resources, Graduation and Retention Rates, Financial Resources, Alumni Giving, and Graduation Rate Performance. For more information about U.S. News & World Report’s national university rankings, visit https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges.

Howard recently received other notable national accolades. Howard moved up one spot to rank No. 117 out of 801 schools in the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings. Within the South region Howard was No. 27 of 209 institutions. Also, Howard University was recently named one of the “Best 385 Colleges,” and a “Best Northeastern” school by The Princeton Review.

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For media inquiries, contact Alonda Thomas at Alonda.thomas@howard.edu.