(Black PR Wire) Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) has risen to the No. 7 spot on U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities” list. Climbing three spots, the ranking reveals FAMU as No. 1 among public HBCUs and among the “Best National Universities.”

FAMU’s 2017 ranking surpassed last year’s No. 10 listing. The University’s ascension comes at no surprise as the rankings’ key measurements include graduation and retention rates – a primary focus of President Elmira Mangum’s administration. Other measures include peer assessment, faculty resources, student selectivity, and financial resources.

According to Dr. Mangum, FAMU earning a 4.1 out of 5 for its peer assessment is a testament to FAMU’s strong reputation among the HBCU community.

“Moving from No. 10 to No. 7 is validation that FAMU is, in fact, moving forward,” Mangum said. “This ranking is the highest we’ve achieved on the U.S. News Best HBCU list in recent history, and I believe it speaks volumes that the work we are doing is being recognized.”

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