Claflin University Earns No. 10 Spot

Claflin University Earns No. 10 Spot

Claflin University Earns No. 10 Spot on U.S. News & World Report's 2027-28 Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Ranking

Elevation and Transformation is the North Star that has guided Claflin University toward national and global prominence as a premier liberal arts university. U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked Claflin on its list of the Best Historically Black Colleges/Universities (HBCUs) for more than a decade. This year is no different: Claflin ranks tenth in the publication's 2027-28 Best HBCUs ranking. Claflin is also No. 1 among South Carolina HBCUs and No. 7 among private HBCUs.

"Our No. 10 ranking is a testament to the collective achievements of our outstanding students who fully embrace the exceptional academic, cultural, and educational opportunities we offer," said Claflin President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack. "These rankings are also a tribute to the unwavering commitment of our world-class faculty, our highly skilled staff, and the intellectual innovation in the classroom and research that inspires collaboration and creative problem-solving across the University."

Claflin is the only South Carolina HBCU in the Top 10 of this year's U.S. News & World Report Best HBCU rankings, which measure the quality of undergraduate education at these institutions. To be included, a school must currently be listed as part of the White House and U.S. Department of Education's Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

In total, 76 HBCUs that were eligible to be included on the list were ranked.

U.S. News & World Report compares ranked HBCUs only against other HBCUs to produce the normalized values used to assign rankings. The formula also differs from the overall rankings by incorporating only ratings from top officials at HBCUs regarding the academic quality of other HBCUs.

To qualify for this ranking, an HBCU must be a regionally accredited institution that enrolls first-year students in four-year baccalaureate programs, among other criteria.

U.S. News & World Report publishes the Best Colleges rankings each year to provide prospective students and their families with helpful data and information on factors such as graduation rates, social mobility, and graduate indebtedness.

Prospective students can see how Claflin University compares to other institutions and how the rankings are calculated on USNews.com.

Founded in 1869, Claflin University is South Carolina's first and oldest HBCU. The University is recognized by national publications such as U.S. News & World Report and Washington Monthly as one of America's best liberal arts colleges. The University proudly serves the state of South Carolina, the nation, and the world.