Florida A&M University just earned a powerful new title: the No. 1 HBCU in the country, according to Forbes Advisor’s 2025 rankings. But beyond the headline, it’s a win that speaks volumes about equity, affordability, and the undeniable excellence flourishing at America’s Black colleges and universities.

Florida A&M’s Moment in the Spotlight

Nestled in the heart of Tallahassee, Florida A&M—affectionately known as FAMU—has long held a special place in the hearts of students, alumni, and Black families across the nation. Now, with tuition under $6,000, an impressive 86% student retention rate, and a forward-thinking approach to online education, the school isn’t just making headlines—it’s making history.

At a time when college costs are soaring and digital learning is redefining the classroom, FAMU is showing how it’s possible to do both: honor tradition and lean into innovation. The university didn’t just check the boxes—it reshaped the conversation about what makes a college truly great.

Why This Win Feels So Personal

For many, FAMU isn’t just a university. It’s a legacy. It’s a beacon of possibility. And this latest ranking feels like a well-earned acknowledgment of what students, parents, and graduates have always known: that Black excellence isn’t rare—it’s just rarely recognized this loudly.

What set FAMU apart?

• An annual in-state tuition of around $5,785, one of the most affordable in the country
• A powerful student retention rate, proving students are thriving
• Dynamic online programs that expand access to learners everywhere
• A long-standing commitment to academic and cultural impact

For families making hard choices about college and career paths, affordability paired with real outcomes makes all the difference. And that’s where FAMU is leading—not just with prestige, but with purpose.

Florida A&M and the HBCU Shift

Traditionally, HBCU rankings have been dominated by a few familiar names: Spelman, Howard, Morehouse, North Carolina A&T. And while those schools continue to shine, FAMU’s rise is a reminder that there’s a deeper story happening across the HBCU landscape—one where institutions are redefining value and impact on their own terms.

This year, Forbes Advisor looked beyond the usual suspects. Instead of focusing solely on reputation or alumni giving, the rankings weighed critical metrics like student outcomes, economic mobility, retention, and cost. That shift gave FAMU the space to rise—and to be seen for its real value.

The Bigger Conversation on HBCU Excellence

While some national college rankings continue to underrepresent Black institutions, this latest spotlight from Forbes offers a fresh perspective. It’s not about prestige for prestige’s sake—it’s about preparing students for success in the real world. And FAMU is doing just that.

More than 200 schools were evaluated in broader rankings, but only a couple of HBCUs even made the list. That imbalance has sparked growing frustration in higher education circles—and it’s exactly why FAMU’s new standing matters so much. It challenges the norms and makes space for a broader definition of excellence.

A Blueprint for the Future

FAMU’s rise isn’t just a win for one school—it’s a blueprint. A call for higher education to re-center around students, not systems. A reminder that innovation, access, and community still matter.

And for every student considering whether college is worth it—for every parent trying to guide their child through the application maze—FAMU’s success story is a powerful reassurance that yes, you can afford college. Yes, you can find support. And yes, your degree can open doors.

In short, Florida A&M isn’t just leading the pack. It’s changing the game.