Delaware State University rises to No. 2 among public HBCUs in new college rankings

The annual U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” list is in — and Delaware State University shot up the list, moving to the No. 2 spot among the top public historically Black colleges and universities.

The university, founded in 1891, offers 46 undergraduate degree options, 21 master’s degree programs and six doctoral degree programs with several areas of concentration, according to the university’s website.

In addition to earning the No. 2 spot among public HBCUs, Delaware State was also ranked No. 8 among all HBCUs, both private and public. Last year the university was ranked No. 10 and No. 3, respectively, in those categories.

Delaware State University President Tony Allen was pleased with the improved rankings and highlighted the college's mission, vision and core objectives.

"At Delaware State University, we are not obsessed with rankings," Allen said in a news release. "We, like all of our sister institutions, are obsessed with STUDENTS and their desire to change their life trajectories—for themselves, their families, and their communities.”

He pointed to the university's continued focus on student needs and creating an environment that both helps students continue to serve, as well as keeps them connected to DSU even after they graduate.

Out of the HBCUs listed in the rankings, Delaware State received high marks for offering the best value for students in terms of cost and graduating students from low-resource families, according to a news release.

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In a prepared statement, Gov. John Carney said the rankings confirm Delaware State University as "one of the best HBCUs in the country."

"DSU has long been one of Delaware’s most important and historic institutions, and its contributions to our state, and our ability to attract young people to Delaware, have never been greater," Carney said.

Devona E.G. Williams, the chairperson of the Delaware State University board of trustees, credited the rankings to the commitment and hard work of students, faculty and staff.

“We recognize that getting to this point is no accident, but built on the shoulders of those who’ve come before us in leadership,” Williams said Tuesday.

The only public HBCU to rank higher than DSU was Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University. To view the entire list of rankings, visit usnews.com/best-colleges.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware State University jumps to No. 2 ranking among public HBCUs