Fort Valley State University (FVSU) has achieved a significant distinction in the 2025 U.S. News and World Report rankings, being recognized as the highest-ranked regional university in Georgia, public or private, for social mobility. FVSU is ranked #8 in top performers of social mobility amongst all regional universities in the south.

Social mobility measures how well universities graduate students who receive federal Pell Grants, typically awarded to students from low-income households. This ranking reflects FVSU's commitment to providing access to higher education and equipping students with the resources and support they need to succeed. By excelling in this category, FVSU continues to demonstrate its role in closing the opportunity gap and ensuring that all students, regardless of background, can achieve their academic and professional goals.

In addition to its achievements in social mobility, FVSU is once again ranked the #1 public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Georgia for the seventh consecutive year. The university also climbed to #62 in the Regional Universities (South) category, up from #69 last year. This competitive category includes institutions across a broad region: Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

FVSU is also ranked #30 in Top Public Schools, up from #32 last year, and #54 in Best Value Schools, a category in which the university is newly ranked.

 "Our steady climb in these rankings is a testament to the transformative power of an education from FVSU. Being recognized for our leadership in social mobility speaks directly to our mission of providing opportunity and changing lives,” said President Paul Jones, Ph.D. “This recognition underscores our dedication to fostering success for every student who walks through our doors, regardless of their socioeconomic background." 

FVSU’s consistent number one ranking among public HBCUs in Georgia, along with its growing recognition for social mobility, reinforces its standing as a leader in higher education and a critical institution in the state’s educational landscape.

U.S. News & World Report is the global authority in education rankings. The annual rankings serve as a resource tool for prospective college students and their families when seeking an institution of higher learning. The rankings evaluate 1,500 colleges and universities on up to 17 measures of academic quality, with this year’s edition focusing on social mobility and post-graduate success.