Howard University is No. 1, with Morehouse and Spelman close behind
LinkedIn has released its first-ever Top Colleges rankings—built on real alumni outcomes—and the list includes a dedicated Top 10 HBCUs. The ranking looks beyond prestige to measure what matters after graduation: getting hired, building a strong network, and moving up over time.
The Top 10 HBCUs (2025)
- Howard University
- Morehouse College
- Spelman College
- North Carolina A&T State University
- Hampton University
- Tuskegee University
- Florida A&M University (FAMU)
- Clark Atlanta University
- Xavier University of Louisiana
- Morgan State University
Howard University confirmed the No. 1 spot and highlighted how LinkedIn’s outcome-first approach aligns with what students and families weigh most: job placement, internships and recruiter demand, career success, network strength, and knowledge breadth.
Why LinkedIn’s list is different
Traditional rankings often lean on surveys or school-reported inputs. LinkedIn says its methodology is built from platform data tied to alumni pathways—such as how quickly graduates land roles or enroll in grad school, how often recruiters reach out, and how alumni networks accelerate advancement. The company’s broader Top Colleges rollout underscores a shift toward measuring returns from a degree using real-world career signals.
What it means for students and families
For prospective students comparing offers this fall, the HBCU list provides a data-backed view of long-term career traction—especially around early job placement and alumni networks. If you’re deciding between programs with similar aid packages, this ranking adds clarity on career outcomes that can compound over time.
What it means for campuses and employers
- Recruiting pipelines: Expect interest from employers to deepen at schools where LinkedIn data shows strong internship participation and recruiter outreach.
- Alumni engagement: Because network strength is a key pillar, alumni mentoring and on-campus recruiting could become even more central to student success strategies.
- Outcomes transparency: Outcome-first lists raise the bar for all institutions to show evidence of career mobility, not just classroom excellence.
Quick notes on the top three
- Howard University (No. 1): Confirmed LinkedIn’s top HBCU based on alumni career success and network effects.
- Morehouse College (No. 2) & Spelman College (No. 3): Both continue to appear prominently in outcome-focused discussions, reflecting strong alumni trajectories and connections across industries.