By Maxine Greenleaf

Alcorn State University has been recognized among the nation’s leading historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in a new ranking by Niche.

Niche ranks Alcorn No. 2 on its 2026 list of the “Best HBCU Schools in America.” Alcorn was included among 74 HBCUs in the national ranking.

The university is the only HBCU in Mississippi in the top 10 listing. Alcorn received an A minus overall Niche grade.

According to its website, Niche’s 2026 “Best Colleges” rankings reflect rigorous analysis of factors relating to academics, campus experience, value, diversity, housing, athletics and post-graduation outcomes.

“This recognition highlights Alcorn’s continued commitment to the pursuit of academic excellence,” said Dr. Tracy M. Cook, president of Alcorn State University. “Throughout the year, we’ve been intentional and strategic about our investments in the university’s academic infrastructure to improve student success.”

Cook continued, “This is a team effort, and I would like to thank our students, faculty, staff, and alumni for their contributions to making achievements like this possible. Not only does it reinforce the value of an Alcorn education, but it also demonstrates that we are preparing our graduates for their future careers.”

Data sources include vetted federal datasets from the U.S. Department of Education and the National Science Foundation, as well as enrollment, graduation and alumni earnings statistics, tuition and financial aid information, and more than 1 million college reviews from real students and alumni.

“We built Niche to help students and families cut through the noise and make informed choices,” said Luke Skurman, founder and CEO of Niche. “Our rankings are designed to reflect not just data, but the real voices and lived experiences of students across the country. That blend of insight is what makes Niche unique. We’re giving students the clarity to identify the colleges where they see themselves belonging and succeeding.”

To see the full 2026 rankings, visit Niche’s Best HBCU Schools in America listing.