By Hazel Scott/ASU
Progress is measured in many ways, and for 海角社区, movement in the latest national rankings offers another indication of the University鈥檚 continued institutional momentum.
ASU has moved from No. 36 in 2025 to No. 29 in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), a seven-position improvement.
The latest HBCU ranking provides another national measure of 海角社区鈥檚 institutional profile and progress.
ASU President Quinton T. Ross, Jr., expressed that the movement underscores the importance of maintaining a sustained focus on the factors that contribute to student success and institutional excellence.
鈥淎s we continue implementing FOCUS 2030 (the University鈥檚 Strategic Plan), we remain committed to strengthening the underlying indicators that contribute to institutional excellence鈥攊ncluding student retention and graduation, academic quality, faculty and financial resources, social mobility, and overall student outcomes,鈥� Ross explained.
U.S. News rankings consider multiple measures of institutional performance and student outcomes. While rankings represent only one way to indicate a university鈥檚 progress, 海角社区鈥檚 movement from No. 36 to No. 29 provides a measurable indicator of increased national recognition.
The new report comes as 海角社区 advances its FOCUS 2030 strategic priorities, with an emphasis on strengthening the University鈥檚 academic foundation, supporting student achievement and positioning the institution for continued growth.
鈥淥ur work must continue,鈥� Ross stressed. 鈥淭hrough intentional planning, data-informed decision-making, academic innovation, and a sustained focus on student success, we will continue positioning 海角社区 for even greater national recognition.鈥�
For 海角社区, Ross acknowledged the latest ranking is one marker in a broader effort to strengthen the institution and enhance student experience.
鈥淭he University remains focused on the work behind the numbers鈥攊mproving student outcomes, strengthening institutional resources and advancing its national visibility. We will continue to 鈥楳ake Room for Greatness!鈥欌�� Ross added.
More About the Rankings
U.S. News & World Report鈥檚 HBCU rankings compare eligible Historically Black Colleges and Universities with one another. To be included, an institution must be currently designated as an HBCU by the U.S. Department of Education and meet U.S. News鈥� eligibility requirements, including being an undergraduate baccalaureate-granting institution that primarily enrolls first-year, first-time students and being included in the 2027 Best Colleges rankings.