(Jackson, Miss.) — 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.”
After holding steady at No. 21 in 2024 and 2025, the climb to No. 15 reflects continued progress in areas including retention and graduation outcomes, faculty resources, student selectivity and Pell student success. This year’s move into the top 15 demonstrates national momentum while reinforcing the university’s role as Mississippi’s leading public HBCU.
“Rankings are only one measure, but they tell a story about progress,” said Preselfannie McDaniels, Ph.D, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Our focus on advising, mentoring and academic support is helping to strengthen student outcomes while positioning more students to complete their degrees. That is the real success behind these numbers.”
McDaniels noted the university’s R.O.A.R. (Re-envisioning Orientation, Advising and Retention) Quality Enhancement Plan, which emphasizes student persistence, academic performance and graduation, as one of the key initiatives guiding this work. Through R.O.A.R., students have expanded access to academic coaching, tutoring and mentoring resources that provide the support they need to stay on track and complete their degrees.
As Mississippi’s only urban research university and a top-15 HBCU nationally, Jackson State University continues to advance in the nation’s most competitive categories. The dual recognition in the HBCU ranking and social mobility highlights both JSU’s national standing and its mission to deliver excellence and access at home in Mississippi.