FAMU has been ranked the nation’s No. 1 historically Black college or university by the education review site Niche, a distinction that underscores its rising academic stature and deepening appeal among students.
The recognition, part of Niche’s 2026 Best H.B.C.U. Schools in America list, places the public university ahead of institutions like Howard University (#3), Spelman College (#4) , and North Carolina A&T State University (#5), which rounded out the top five. The rankings were published Aug. 25, though FAMU chose to highlight the achievement publicly only last week.
In a statement, the university’s president, Marva B. Johnson, celebrated the designation. “FAMU is honored to be ranked No. 1 on Niche’s 2026 list of Best H.B.C.U. Schools in America,” she said. “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.”
Niche, which draws on U.S. Department of Education data and more than 140 million reviews from students and alumni, awarded FAMU an overall grade of A–, the highest among all H.B.C.U.s. The university also ranked No. 191 among all public and private colleges in the country and No. 11 among Florida institutions.
The site praised the university for its student life and dining — both earning an A grade — as well as its academic instruction, which received an A–. The school also saw marked improvement in campus housing, moving from a C– to a B– after recent investments in new residence halls.
Beyond its overall standing, FAMU earned high marks in several niche categories, including No. 2 in the state for Greek life and No. 10 nationally for criminal justice programs.
“The FAMU standard is excellence, and our F.S.L. community is no exception,” said Edward Kincheon Jr., the university’s assistant director for Fraternity & Sorority Life and Volunteer Programs, referring to the strong showing in Greek life rankings. “We have our eyes set on being No. 1 in Florida and in the top 10 overall.”
The top ranking signals more than symbolic success for the 138-year-old institution. It reflects strategic growth in student support services, campus infrastructure, and academic offerings that have lifted its national profile. Still, the university faces ongoing challenges, particularly around funding and facilities, that leaders say they are committed to addressing.
As one measure of its broader momentum, FAMU also climbed in several other Niche categories this year, including diversity and athletics.
Yet even with this accolade, many within the higher education community are looking ahead to another key barometer: the U.S. News & World Report best colleges list, set to be released Wednesday. That ranking has historically carried significant weight among prospective students and families.
For now, FAMU is savoring the moment. “These rankings are a testament to FAMU’s comprehensive excellence,” the administration said. “They highlight the strength of our academic programs and the vibrant nature of our campus community.”