U.S. News & World Report has released this year’s list of top ranked colleges and universities. Albany State University is listed among the top Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the nation.  Previously unranked, ASU made the cut at number 15 among all public HBCUs nationally. According to the rankings ASU pulled ahead of Georgia’s public HBCUs, Fort Valley State and Savannah State. The rankings are based on graduation and retention rates, peer assessments, the student to faculty ratio, admission test scores, the strength of the faculty and alumni giving, among other measures of academic excellence.   

“This is good news that shows the hard work of ASU stakeholders. At the same time, we cannot rest on our laurels but continue to strive for excellence in all areas of improvement. Faculty, staff, students and alumni should remain vigilant and committed to advancing the institution,” said interim Provost/VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Abiodun Ojemakinde.

 “We are making progress in the areas of freshman retention and average graduation rates. I attribute that to a strong faculty engaged with students, peer tutoring and programs that help students manage stress through recreation and wellness coupled with cultural events that stimulate critical thinking and expands students’ global perspective,” said interim Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Rhonda Bryant. “I’m pleased that the new report shows that ASU continues to progress,” Bryant added.

 Small class sizes helped to determine ASU’s standing because more than half of the classes have less than 20 students.

“Small class sizes give professors a chance to know students. It helps me to learn the material better. If I need help, I can get it,” said Eric Mortin, a senior health and physical education major and Golden Rams basketball player from Dooly County.

“I am pleased that the hard work of our faculty, staff and students is recognized on a national level. There is much work that has been done and we are committed to moving higher in the study next year,” ASU interim President Dr. Art Dunning.

The current  issue of U.S. News & World Report is the 30th edition of the Best Colleges rankings. Data on nearly 1,800 schools nationwide is listed in the publication.