Virginia State University Named Among Nation’s Best Colleges

PETERSBURG, VA.
Turns out, one of the best historically Black colleges is just up the road in Petersburg. Virginia State University is on the list Essence and Money Magazine recently compiled.  In the first-ever list of the 50 Best Colleges for African-Americans, Virginia State was chosen as one  of the nation’s 20 Best Colleges for African-Americans. The rankings focus on four key factors, including African-American graduation rates, affordability, graduates’ earnings potential, and campus diversity.

“We pride ourselves in being recognized among the best Universities in the nation,” VSU President Dr. Makola Abdullah said in a recent statement. “This ranking acknowledges and demonstrates our commitment and success in providing excellent educational opportunities for our students.” The report ranked Virginia State second in the state of Virginia and sixth among all Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Meanwhile, Essence also considered the racial climate on each campus.

“Whether it’s high ranking for programs in criminal justice and animation or it’s recognition for the academic excellence of student–athletes, Virginia State is a public university that has great opportunities for students across the board,” Essence said in a statement. “The school developed an emphasis on entrepreneurship and workforce development for all students.”
The top five schools on the first-ever list compiled by Money Magazine and Essence were Princeton, Harvard, Duke, Cornell, and Florida A&M University.