(Black PR Wire) ATLANTA –Spelman College has made a significant rise in the U.S. News and World Report Best College rankings released today. Ranked as the No. 1 historically Black college or university for the 11th year in a row, the College has moved up 11 spaces in the National Liberal Arts Colleges rankings to No. 61, tying with Agnes Scott College. Spelman is also in the top 50 High School Counselor Rankings and the top 100 Best Value Colleges.

"Spelman's rise in the Best College rankings is a testament to our stellar student outcomes and the entire community of faculty and staff, who are dedicated to student success," said Spelman President Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D.

Recognition from numerous entities shows that Spelman continues to be on the ascent as an academic institution focused on the success of its students. As the highest ranked institution from which Black women science and engineering doctorate recipients earn bachelor's degrees, according to the National Science Foundation, Spelman is a strong training ground for women who go on to careers in which they lead and excel in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

At 77 percent, Spelman’s six-year graduation rate is the highest among HBCUs and more than 30 points higher than the national graduation rate for African Americans. Spelman’s graduation rate exemplifies the College’s commitment to providing a unique and robust educational experience for women of the African Diaspora. This population includes more than 90 percent of students who receive financial aid and 50 percent of students who are eligible for the PELL Grant, many with a family household income of $50,000 or less.

A top Fulbright Fellows producing institution, Spelman has also had Marshall and Truman scholars in recent years, and according to Open Door, is the only HBCU in the top 30 colleges in the nation sending the most students to study abroad. The College is in the top 10 percent of social mobility (moving up two or more income levels) out of nearly 600 private colleges, as measured by the New York Times.
 
For more about Spelman, visit www.spelman.edu. 

About Spelman College
Founded in 1881, Spelman College is a highly selective, liberal arts college widely recognized as the global leader in the education of women of African descent. Located in Atlanta, the College’s picturesque campus is home to 2,100 students. Outstanding alumnae include Children’s Defense Fund Founder Marian Wright Edelman; Sam’s Club CEO Rosalind Brewer, Broadway producer Alia Jones, former Acting Surgeon General and Spelman’s first alumna President Audrey Forbes Manley, Harvard professor Evelynn Hammonds, author Pearl Cleage; and actress LaTanya Richardson Jackson. For more information, visitwww.spelman.edu.