Johnson C. Smith University named top 25 HBCU on College Raptor’s 2021 college ranking list

Image
Graphic that says "Top 25 Best HBCUs - 2021 Best Colleges in the U.S. by College Raptor"

Charlotte, N.C. / September 3, 2020 – Johnson C. Smith University is recognized as a top 25 HBCU in higher education according to new data released from College Raptor. According to the site, out of the over 100 HBCUs still operating today in America, JCSU is one of the strongest institutions of the bunch. 

“Since 2015, we’ve carefully assembled our lists each year to highlight the best schools in different categories to help families get started in the discovery process,” said Bill Staib, College Raptor’s CEO. "JCSU has shown dedication to academic excellence. We are proud to highlight them.”

This selection recognizes JCSU as a leading institution in the country based on a combination of factors including the University’s graduation rates, campus diversity, endowment per student, and other key metrics as reported via the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) for the most recently available enrollment year.

The news comes just weeks after Zippia named Johnson C. Smith University best small college for job placement in North Carolina.

Related Articles

Stroud on stage being interviewed
Otis Stroud was the voice of the Johnson C. Smith University Golden Bulls for nearly fifty years, 1977-2025.  The voice echoed throughout the Eddie McGirt Field and across the court of the Brayboy Gymnasium. It was deep, resonant, and resolute: scoring history-in-action.  At the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Stroud energized crowds, calling championship games for more than 30 years, turning competitive matchups into near cinematic experiences: action-packed, dramatic and consequential.
View Content
Group Shot from the event
As the CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament brings championship excitement to Baltimore, a parallel celebration of literacy and youth achievement took place February 26, 2026 at Federal Hill Preparatory School through the CIAA and Friends Literacy Circle. Johnson C. Smith University was front and center. President Valerie Kinloch was on site.
View Content
Home
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the nation’s oldest Historically Black Athletic Conference, announces the brackets for its 2026 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament. The single elimination tournament will be held at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland, Tuesday, February 24 through Saturday, February 28. Championship Saturday will feature the women’s title game at 1 p.m. followed by the men’s championship at 4 p.m. 
View Content
Back To Top