Forbes Ranks Top HBCUs for Graduate Success

Forbes just recognized 20 historically Black colleges and universities for doing something remarkable: setting their students up to thrive long after graduation day.

The magazine evaluated HBCUs using hard data including graduation rates, how much alumni earn, and student debt levels. What they found showcases institutions that are delivering real results for their communities.

Howard University in Washington, D.C. topped the private school list. The university boasts a 69 percent six-year graduation rate, with alumni earning a median of $70,600 early in their careers and $123,200 by mid-career.

Spelman College in Atlanta claimed second place and holds the highest graduation rate among all HBCUs at 76 percent. Meanwhile, Morehouse College graduates in Atlanta earn the highest median salaries, reaching $126,700 by mid-career.

Among public institutions, North Carolina A&T State University leads the pack. Its graduates earn a median $68,700 starting out and $116,300 mid-career, with a 55 percent six-year graduation rate.

Florida A&M University and Prairie View A&M University in Texas rounded out the top three public schools. Other standouts include Xavier University of Louisiana, Hampton University, and Morgan State University in Baltimore.

The Ripple Effect

These rankings matter beyond individual success stories. HBCUs educate just 10 percent of Black college students nationwide but produce nearly 20 percent of Black graduates in science and engineering fields.

When these institutions excel at retention and career preparation, they're building pathways to prosperity for entire communities. Alumni who earn six-figure salaries become mentors, donors, and proof that excellence at HBCUs translates to excellence everywhere.

The schools on this list are investing in everything from career services to alumni networks, creating ecosystems where students don't just survive but genuinely succeed. They're proving that supporting students holistically pays dividends that last decades.

Twenty schools earned recognition, but they're modeling practices that can lift the entire HBCU community toward even greater impact.