Tallahassee Universities Face Shifts in Latest U.S. News & World Report Rankings
By: Jordan Jackson
Tallahassee’s universities faced a shift in the newly released 2027 U.S. News & World Report rankings. Both Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and Florida State University (FSU) saw declines in their overall rankings, most notably the end of FAMU’s six-year streak at the top of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
After holding the No. 1 HBCU spot for six consecutive years, FAMU has slipped to No. 6 among HBCUs. North Carolina A&T State University has now taken the top spot.
In last year’s evaluations, FAMU ranked No. 5 among HBCUs and No. 92 among public universities. While FAMU experienced a dip in the HBCU rankings this year, the university saw a much broader gain, jumping 13 spots to No. 79 among Top Public Universities nationwide.
President Marva Johnson, J.D., highlighted that national progress: “The U.S. News and World Report ranking reflects the extraordinary momentum taking place across Florida A&M University. Moving 13 places is a meaningful achievement, but it is also a reflection of the determination of our faculty, staff, and students to pursue excellence in everything we do.”
Florida State University also experienced a dip in this year’s rankings. FSU now sits at No. 59 among National Universities, No. 24 among Top Public Schools, and No. 112 among Best Value Schools. The numbers reflect a decline from the previous year, when the university ranked No. 51 nationally and No. 21 among public universities.
U.S. News & World Report compiles its annual evaluations by comparing academic quality, graduation rates, and a variety of institutional performance indicators.
According to the publication’s guidelines, baseline eligibility to be considered a “best” university requires a significant baccalaureate degree focus, regional accreditation, and campus-based education.
The criteria span a wide range of categories, placing heavy emphasis on peer assessment (20%) and graduation rates (ranging from 16% to 21% depending on the specific evaluative model). Other heavily weighted factors include financial resources (8%), faculty salaries (6%), and post-graduation earnings metrics.
Ultimately, while these rankings only show numbers, the university’s mission is academic success and experience. As both institutions navigate methodological changes, the true legacy lies in the achievements of the students they educate.
