Virginia State University ranked #11 in the country in U.S. News & World Report's 2026 rankings of the top Historically Black Colleges and Universities, climbing 12 spots from its 2025 ranking of #23. This was the largest increase of all HBCUs featured on the list, marking a significant milestone for VSU and its commitment to being one of the nation's premier HBCUs. Virginia State University received the largest gift in its 143-year history. VSU was gifted $50 million from author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott to expand its efforts to transform lives through education and continue the mission outlined in the University's strategic plan. Virginia State University achieved a Carnegie R2 Research Designation as a result of its significant growth in research and graduate education. The designation places VSU among a select group of universities nationwide classified as “Doctoral/Professional Universities with High Research Activity.” Only 139 institutions and fewer than 15 HBCUs qualify for R2 status. Virginia State University opened the Alfred W. Harris Academic Commons, the largest and most transformative facility in the University's history. The 175,000-square-foot facility serves as the new home for the College of Human- ities and Social Sciences and the College of Education, while also symbolizing the University's continued progress and growth. Virginia State University broke ground on a new, state-of-the-art residence hall that will significantly expand the University's on-campus housing capacity. The 110,000-square-foot facility will open in Spring 2026 and add 454 beds to VSU's housing portfolio. Virginia State University launched the world's first HBCU Studies course in Family and Consumer Sciences, starting in Fall 2025. The new course explores factors related to the family experience at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and builds on the University's previous groundbreaking achievement of offering the first-ever HBCU History course. 2025 VSU POINTS OF PRIDE Virginia State University stands as one of Virginia’s two distinguished land-grant institutions and proudly maintains full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. At VSU, we don’t just educate students, we cultivate innovators, changemakers, and global leaders who are deeply engaged in their learning and committed to uplifting their communities. As we continue to rise, here are a few of our 2025 VSU Points of Pride that showcase the power, progress, and impact of our Trojan Nation. To donate, visit giving.VSU.edu