NCAT Leads HBCUs in Black Graduate Production Across Disciplines

Courtesy of North Carolina A&T University

According to new rankings released by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has once again solidified its position as a leading institution for Black graduates. For the eleventh year, A&T stands out among Historically Black Colleges and Universities, graduating the highest number of Black bachelor’s degree earners. Notably, it also leads all U.S. universities in graduating Black students in engineering at both the bachelor’s and doctoral levels.

As the largest HBCU in America, NC A&T’s achievements extend beyond engineering. The university shares the top spot nationally with Tuskegee University in producing Black graduates in agriculture. Furthermore, it ranks second nationwide in several fields, including communications, journalism, liberal arts, and parks and recreation studies. Across 14 disciplines, A&T is among the top 10 producers of Black graduates and holds the title of No. 1 HBCU producer in eight distinct disciplines.

Leading By Example

Chancellor James R. Martin II expressed pride in A&T’s educational impact, stating, “North Carolina A&T’s national leadership in these metrics has a direct impact on representation of African Americans across the United States in the knowledge-based economy and on Black America.” He emphasized the university’s commitment to affordability and social mobility, noting that A&T ranks as one of the nation’s most affordable doctoral research universities.

In the STEM arena, A&T continues to excel, ranking highly in numerous disciplines: No. 11 in biological and biomedical sciences, No. 9 in computer and information sciences, No. 3 in engineering technologies, and No. 8 in mathematics and statistics, among others. It is the top university for engineering doctoral programs and ranks in the top 10 for master’s degrees in six distinct fields.

A&T’s influence spans various fields beyond STEM, including visual and performing arts, where it leads all HBCUs and ranks ninth among U.S. universities. Additionally, A&T shares the fifth spot nationally for Black graduates in marketing, demonstrating its broad educational reach.

An Economic Force

The significance of A&T’s accomplishments is further underscored by its substantial economic impact, estimated at $2.4 billion based on a 2022 study. This figure includes a significant increase of approximately $900 million from previous assessments, primarily driven by the growth in student graduation rates. In the 2022-23 academic year, A&T graduated nearly 2,600 students, a notable increase from 2,100 five years earlier.