Jackson State University climbed to No. 15 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities for 2026, the school’s highest placement in nine years and two spots shy of its all-time peak at No. 13 in 2016. The jump follows two straight years at No. 21 and reflects gains in metrics the publication weighs, including retention, graduation outcomes, faculty resources, student selectivity and Pell student success.

JSU also tied for No. 65 in Social Mobility among national universities, an indicator tied to graduating students who receive Pell Grants. Leaders said the recognition aligns with Jackson State’s mission to expand opportunity for low-income and first-generation students.

“This achievement reflects the hard work of our faculty, staff and students,” interim President Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D., said in a university statement. “To be recognized as one of the top 15 HBCUs in the nation while also ranking among the strongest universities for social mobility shows that Jackson State is excelling in both academic quality and student success.”

Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Preselfannie McDaniels, Ph.D., said targeted support continues to drive outcomes. “Rankings are only one measure, but they tell a story about progress,” McDaniels said. She pointed to the R.O.A.R. (Re-envisioning Orientation, Advising and Retention) Quality Enhancement Plan, which expands academic coaching, tutoring and mentoring aimed at persistence and on-time completion.

As Mississippi’s only urban research university, Jackson State said the latest placement underscores its role as the state’s leading public HBCU and signals sustained momentum heading into the new academic year. University officials added that advising, scholarships and employer partnerships remain central to improving graduation timelines and early-career earnings. Officials cited momentum for 2026.

Attribution: Based on U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings and a Jackson State University announcement.