Alcorn State University improved in all four ranking categories in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings released today.
The University jumped six spots to No. 45 among Regional Universities in the South, up from No. 51 last year. Alcorn also moved up one position to No. 21 among Top Public Schools in the region.
Alcorn State made its biggest gain in social mobility, climbing 11 spots to No. 36. The university also improved two positions to No. 29 among historically Black colleges and universities.
“Alcorn State University’s strong performance in annual rankings reflects our focus on the well-rounded education of our students while ensuring that we offer affordable tuition,” said Dr. Tracy M. Cook, president. “Overall, Alcorn has increased in four categories, showcasing the institution’s progression.”
Alcorn’s strong showing in social mobility reflects its success in helping students from lower-income families achieve economic advancement through education.
U.S. News & World Report evaluates schools on factors including academic quality, student outcomes and faculty resources. The rankings are closely watched by prospective students and families researching colleges.
This year’s rankings used the same graduate outcomes data as last year because updated information from the federal College Scorecard wasn’t available in time. That data represents 10% of the ranking formula.
No schools changed ranking categories this year despite updates to the Carnegie Classifications system.
Founded in 1871, Alcorn State University is the nation’s first public, historically Black, land-grant university. Alcorn State offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in nearly 50 top-degree programs.
Located on 1700 acres in Lorman, Mississippi, with branches in Vicksburg and Natchez, the University is celebrating 154 years of academic excellence.
The university has gained national recognition in nursing, music, STEM, agricultural research and liberal arts. Students compete in NCAA Division I athletics and participate in more than 85 clubs, including student-run radio and TV stations and the 200-member Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching Band.
