Florida A&M University Ranked No. 1 HBCU in the Nation by Niche
In a historic and inspiring milestone, Florida A&M University (FAMU) has been ranked
the No. 1 Historically Black College and University (HBCU) by Niche in its 2026 Best HBCU Schools in America rankings.
The honor places FAMU at the pinnacle of over 100 HBCUs nationwide, surpassing esteemed
institutions such as Alcorn State University (#2) and Howard University (#3). The
achievement underscores FAMU’s rising national profile and enduring commitment to
academic excellence, student engagement, and institutional innovation.
“Florida A&M University is honored to be ranked No. 1 on Niche’s 2026 list of Best HBCU Schools in America,” said President Marva B. Johnson, J.D. “This recognition, based on student reviews, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing a high-quality student experience and living out our motto: Excellence with Caring.”
A Closer Look at the Rankings
Niche, a respected platform for educational rankings and student reviews, awarded FAMU an overall grade of A–, the highest among all HBCUs in the nation. This top-tier score reflects the university’s growing strength across a wide range of academic and campus life categories:
Student Life & Dining: Grade A — signaling a vibrant and engaging campus culture with outstanding food services.
Faculty & Athletics: Grades A- and B+, respectively — showcasing excellence in instruction and extracurricular offerings.
Diversity: Grade B — affirming FAMU’s rich and inclusive campus environment.
Housing: Grade B- — a major improvement from a previous C-, thanks to recent residence hall construction and expansion efforts.
In Fall 2025, FAMU opened two new state-of-the-art residence halls, increasing on-campus housing capacity from 2,684 to 3,379 beds. These developments are part of the university’s broader commitment to supporting students holistically, both academically and personally.
“We are proud to see FAMU Housing recognized for the progress we’ve made. Moving from
a C- to a B- reflects the significant investments in new residence halls, renovations
of existing facilities, and expanded housing options that enhance the student experience,”
said Herbert Johnson, University Housing Director. “While this is a major step forward, we remain committed to continuous improvement—ensuring
our facilities, services, and communities support student success at the highest level.”
Florida A&M University Greek Life. (Photo by Ernest Nelfard)
National Recognition Across Disciplines
Beyond overall excellence, FAMU also earned national rankings in specialized categories:
#2 for Best Greek Life Colleges in the State of Florida
#11 for Best Greek Life Colleges
#10 for Best Colleges for Criminal Justice
These placements reflect a university where learning extends far beyond the classroom, offering students a complete and empowering college experience.
“We are incredibly proud to see Florida A&M University ranked No. 2 in Greek Life across all 27 Florida colleges and institutions, and securing No. 11 nationally out of 743 schools for Best Greek Life Colleges in America,” said Edward Kincheon, Jr., assistant director, Fraternity & Sorority Life and Volunteer Programs. “The FAMU standard is excellence, and our FSL community is no exception. We have our eyes set on being #1 in Florida and in the top 10 overall so we are committed to continuing our support, collaboration, and innovation within our Fraternity and Sorority Life community to ensure every chapter and member thrives.”
The Impact of No. 1
FAMU’s rise to the top of Niche’s HBCU rankings represents more than a numerical victory—it’s a powerful affirmation of the university’s mission and momentum:
Elevated Visibility: Surpassing historically top-ranked institutions boosts FAMU’s national appeal to prospective students, faculty, and donors.
Student-Centered Success: Top marks in academics, dining, student life, and housing reflect a university where students are thriving.
Strategic Growth: Investments in infrastructure and transparency around challenges highlight a forward-thinking, student-first approach.
As FAMU continues to expand its academic offerings, renovate campus facilities, and increase student support, university leaders see this recognition as a stepping-stone, not a finish line.
Media Contact:
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
