For the first time, Forbes published rankings of the top 10 private and 10 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that set their graduates up for success. Xavier University of Louisiana, the nation’s only Catholic HBCU, ranked No. 4 among private HBCUs.
Founded in 1915 by St. Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Xavier has a longstanding mission of serving the underrepresented Black population and promoting “a more just and humane society.” The university’s recognition by Forbes highlights its continued success in advancing Black students through strong career outcomes and preparation for further education.
Like its renowned “America’s Top Colleges” list, Forbes’ HBCU rankings considered a variety of factors that indicate strong student outcomes and return on investment, including alumni networks, graduation rates, post-graduate salaries and student debt.
Among those factors, Xavier received particular recognition for the salaries earned by its graduates. The university reported an average early-career salary of $56,700 and an average mid-career salary of $104,100.
Forbes also highlighted Xavier’s role in preparing African American students for medical careers. The university produces more African American students who go on to attend medical school than any other university in the United States, with strong programs in pre-med, biology, chemistry, pharmacy and neuroscience.
The Forbes ranking adds to a growing list of recent accolades for Xavier. LinkedIn’s 2026 Top Colleges ranking also recognized Xavier as a leading HBCU, placing it No. 8 among HBCUs. The university also received the 2026 Institutional Excellence Award from the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), which recognized Xavier for its “legacy of academic excellence, transformative innovation and an unwavering commitment to student success.”
As the nation’s only Catholic HBCU, Xavier continues to demonstrate the fruits of an education rooted in the Catholic tradition and a mission focused on forming Black students to become impactful leaders in society.
Learn more about how you can support the mission and impact of Xavier University of Louisiana and its work with the Black Catholic and wider African American communities.
