JACKSON – Jackson State University has climbed to No. 15 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges rankings, marking the university’s strongest placement in the last nine years. JSU is now positioned just two spots below its all-time high of No. 13 in 2016.
JSU is also tied at No. 65 in Social Mobility among national universities, a category that measures how well schools graduate Pell Grant recipients. The recognition underscores JSU’s mission to provide opportunity and support for low-income and first-generation students.
“This achievement reflects the hard work of our faculty, staff and students,” said Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D., interim JSU president. “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. This recognition affirms that JSU is setting Thee Standard in higher education and will continue advancing opportunity and excellence for the students and communities we serve.”…