Virginia State University Ranks Among Top HBCUs Nationwide

VSU in top 10 for HBCU retention, top 30% for providing social mobility, and top 40% for best HBCUs  

VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY, VA— September 15, 2021- Virginia State University is ranked among the best universities in the country, according to numerous national educational reports.  

According to U.S. News and World Report, VSU places in the top 30 in the category of Best Overall HBCUs for 2022.  The annual list examines factors such as retention, alumni giving, faculty resources, graduate indebtedness, and student excellence. Virginia State University is also ranked in the top 30% in the “Performers on Social Mobility”  list. This listing examines how well the university graduates students typically from low-income households within a 6-year time frame.  

“Recognition as a performer on social mobility and cost value provides further validation of VSU as an opportunity and access university,” says VSU President, Dr. Makola M. Abdullah.  “At VSU, we believe in equity and there is no greater opportunity to balance the scales than by providing our students access to a quality education.”  

Virginia State University also ranked Top 10 in Student Retention Programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The University ranked 8th on the list released by UniversityBusiness.com, using the U.S. Department of Education Scorecard for 2019-2020. The high ranking is a result of the university’s ability to retain and graduate students.   

In addition, VSU is also ranked by Washington Monthly Magazine in the top 15% of Bang-for-your-Buck  institutions in the Southeast Region of the United States. The list was determined by the institution’s ability to afford access to marketable degrees for non-wealthy students.   

“We know that Greater Happens Here at Virginia State University and these statistics continue to reflect that,” says Dr. Donald E. Palm, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs. “Each list is a result of the examinations of different factors which show that VSU is doing many things very well. We are grateful for the faculty, students, staff, and alumni who make this university one that consistently ranks among the best.”