ETTRICK, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia State University (VSU) has made one of the biggest jumps in the nation in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The school climbed 12 spots — from No. 23 in 2025 to No. 11 in the 2026 list — the largest increase of any HBCU featured this year. Out of 77 eligible institutions, VSU tied for 11th overall and ranked fifth among public HBCUs.

“The rise in our numbers reflects the progress we already knew was happening on our campus,” said VSU President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah. “Since rankings can shift over time, we cannot use rankings as our standard. Our true focus remains on being the best place for our students to learn, grow, and find their GREATER.”

To qualify for the HBCU rankings, universit

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