University continues its upward trajectory, climbing 12 spots to #35 among HBCUs nationally
Austin, TX — Huston-Tillotson University (HT), Austin’s historic Historically Black College and University (HBCU), has once again earned national recognition from U.S. News & World Report, maintaining its position as the #1 Private HBCU in Texas for the third consecutive year in the 2027 Best Colleges rankings and the overall #35 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) — tied.
The recognition comes as Huston-Tillotson continues to demonstrate measurable progress across national and regional categories. The University climbed 12 spots from its 2026 ranking of #47 to #35 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities nationally, marking another significant advancement in its national standing.
In addition to its distinction as the #1 Private HBCU in Texas, Huston-Tillotson University earned the following 2027 U.S. News & World Report rankings:
- #35 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) — tied
- #22 among Regional Colleges West
- #16 among Top Private Schools — tied
- #5 among Top Performers on Social Mobility — tied
U.S. News & World Report evaluates colleges and universities using measures that include student outcomes, graduation and retention, post-graduation earnings, faculty and financial resources, and other indicators of academic quality and student success.
For Huston-Tillotson University, the recognition comes during a period of significant institutional growth and transformation. Located in the heart of Austin, HT continues to build upon its legacy as a historic HBCU while expanding opportunities for students through innovative academic programs, experiential learning, market-driven certifications, and a continued emphasis on leadership and service. The University describes its mission as educating a mosaic community of learners while cultivating innovative leaders committed to academic excellence and service.
“To be recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 Private HBCU in Texas for the third consecutive year is a powerful affirmation of the extraordinary work taking place across Huston-Tillotson University,” said Dr. Melva K. Wallace, President and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University. “This recognition belongs to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and partners who continue to believe in the transformative power of an HT education. As we honor our legacy, we are equally focused on building the future, one defined by innovation, opportunity, student success, and service. Huston-Tillotson is continuing to move from first to foremost, and these rankings reflect the momentum we are creating together.”
The 2027 recognition builds upon Huston-Tillotson University’s recent national and institutional momentum. The University was also recognized by Niche in its 2027 Best Colleges rankings as the #1 HBCU in Texas and #9 HBCU in America.
As Huston-Tillotson University continues its upward trajectory, the institution remains focused on its students and its responsibility to educate the next generation of innovators, leaders, professionals, and changemakers.
From First to Foremost.
About Huston-Tillotson University
Huston-Tillotson University, the first institution of higher education in Austin, Texas, has roots dating back to 1875. HT is an independent, church-related, historically black, four-year liberal arts institution located on a 23-acre tree-lined campus near downtown in East Austin. Huston-Tillotson University’s mission remains committed to its legacy of educating a mosaic community of learners while cultivating innovative leaders who are dedicated to academic excellence and service. The University offers associate and master’s degrees in addition to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in more than 19 areas of study. Huston-Tillotson University is accredited by The Commission on Colleges and Universities to award associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees. HT is also an NC-SARA school. For more information, please visit www.htu.edu.
