Prairie View A&M University continues to gain ground in national rankings, rising to No. 13 among the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings released in mid-September, according to a September 22 release from the school.

The university also ranked No. 109 in social mobility among national universities, while making gains in its overall national standing. PVAMU climbed 26 spots to No. 317 among national universities, up from No. 343 in the previous rankings. The University also rose to No. 168 among top public schools, up from No. 187.

PVAMU’s No. 109 ranking in social mobility reflects the university’s commitment to creating pathways of opportunity for students, officials said.

According to U.S. News, the social mobility ranking considers factors including Pell Grant graduation rates and Pell Grant graduation rate performance. Pell Grants are federal grants awarded based on financial need, with eligibility determined using factors such as family income, family size and whether a student is supported by a single parent.

The ranking comes as PVAMU continues to expand its student body. First-day preliminary enrollment for fall 2026 reached a record 10,318 students, up from 10,215 last year. Students this fall represent 31 countries and 46 U.S. states.

The No. 13 HBCU ranking represents a five-position climb from No. 18 in the previous U.S. News rankings. PVAMU is tied with North Carolina Central University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

“Prairie View A&M University’s rise from No. 18 to No. 13 in the U.S. News & World Report rankings of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities is meaningful because it reflects something much larger than a number,” said Tomikia P. LeGrande, President of PVAMU. “It is evidence of an institution moving forward with purpose—strengthening the academic experience, expanding opportunity for our students, advancing our research enterprise, and further increasing the value of a Prairie View education. Rankings are one measure of recognition of the progress happening at Prairie View, but they are not the only measure. Sustained progress is what matters. We are proud of our current success and even more focused on the work required to continue our upward trajectory,” The movement also aligns with PVAMU’s “Journey to Eminence 2035 Strategic Plan,” which identifies U.S. News & World Report rankings as a key performance indicator under the university’s goal of investing in its people and performance excellence.

The latest rankings add to a year of national recognition for Prairie View A&M as the University celebrates its 150th anniversary. Just last month, Forbes ranked PVAMU No. 3 among America’s public HBCUs in its inaugural “Top HBCUs” list. Forbes evaluated institutions using measures including student outcomes, return on investment, graduation and retention rates, earnings potential, student debt and outcomes for Pell Grant recipients.

For 150 years, PVAMU has opened doors and created opportunities for generations of students whose lives, communities and industries have been shaped by a Prairie View education. As the University marks this milestone year, the latest recognition offers another glimpse of that legacy in motion and of the generations of Panthers who will carry it forward, officials said.