Forbes Ranks North Carolina A&T as the Nation’s No. 1 Public HBCU

Forbes has released its latest institutional rankings, officially naming North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) as America’s No. 1 public Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Reported directly by N.C. A&T News, the national recognition spotlights the Greensboro institution's academic performance, research output, and expanding leadership in higher education.

As the largest HBCU in the nation, N.C. A&T has established itself as an indispensable engine for Black excellence, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The university routinely leads the country in graduating Black engineers, demonstrating the power of rigorous academic programs combined with strong institutional support. For K-12 students, parents, and educators navigating STEM pathways, national honors like this validate the strength, reach, and prestige of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Early preparation is essential to accessing these higher education opportunities. Before a student enters a top-ranked engineering or computer science program, they must first develop mathematical confidence, productive struggle habits, and strong conceptual understanding in middle and high school. When young learners see higher education leaders like N.C. A&T earning top national spots, it anchors their ambition in a tangible goal—showing them that early mastery opens doors to world-class academic environments.

Highlighting these milestones reinforces the core message we bring to our families every day. Every rank, degree awarded, and scholarship earned reflects a broader truth about potential and preparation. Knowing the data behind higher education options allows students and families to chart their futures with precision and pride.

That is why we continually return to our PR through-line: Know Your Numbers. From holding the No. 1 public HBCU ranking in the country to mastering foundational math concepts in the classroom, when our students know their numbers, they can't be shortchanged and they can't be stopped.