Jackson State University remains a top 20 HBCU, according to the U.S. News & World Report for higher education and education quality. Rankings released today show JSU cemented in the No. 17 spot, among 76 historically black colleges and universities, same as the previous year.
All HBCUs listed were evaluated on the academic quality of its undergraduate education – outcome measures, assessment by administrators at peer HBCUs, faculty and financial resources, student excellence and alumni giving.
This recent report by U.S. News includes several changes to its annual rankings like dropping acceptance rates and encompassing graduation rates for first-generation students and social mobility among its criteria. Social mobility considers the enrollment and graduation numbers of low-income students. Study abroad, co-ops/internships and first-year experiences are also current additions.
The changes come on the heels of growing criticism the organization faced regarding the fairness of their methodology and the accuracy of the information reported by schools. Amid the revisions, the report is still a go-to source for students and parents and Jackson State University maintains its title.