Morehouse College: An Ascent in National Rankings and Commitment to Excellence

Morehouse College, a historically Black men's liberal arts college in Atlanta, Georgia, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and social mobility. Its recent performance in the U.S. News & World Report rankings reflects this dedication, showcasing significant improvements and recognition across various categories.

Overview of Morehouse College

Founded in 1867 by William Jefferson White, Morehouse College has a rich history rooted in providing educational opportunities to African-American men following the Civil War. The college emphasizes preparatory and religious instruction in the Baptist tradition. Over time, it has evolved into a leading liberal arts institution. Located on a 61-acre campus near downtown Atlanta, Morehouse offers a variety of residential and academic facilities. The college is the alma mater of numerous celebrated African Americans, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Spike Lee.

Rise in U.S. News & World Report Rankings

Morehouse College has demonstrated significant progress in the U.S. News & World Report rankings. The College advanced 24 spots and continues to be recognized for its commitment to undergraduate teaching, social mobility, and innovation.

Key Ranking Achievements

Top Performer in Social Mobility: Morehouse College has consistently been recognized as a top performer in social mobility.
Best Undergraduate Teaching: The college has also been lauded for its undergraduate teaching programs.
Business Program Recognition: Morehouse's business program has been recognized for its quality and rigor.
Most Innovative College: Morehouse has been recognized as one of the most innovative colleges.

Specific Ranking Improvements

Best Undergraduate Teaching: Improved three spots.
Top Performers on Social Mobility: Improved nine spots.

Academic and Institutional Initiatives

Morehouse College has launched several strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing its academic offerings, fostering innovation, and expanding its global reach.

Center for Black Entrepreneurship

In partnership with Spelman College and the Black Economic Alliance, Morehouse launched the Center for Black Entrepreneurship. The center aims to increase the pipeline of Black entrepreneurs, connect them to investment opportunities, and provide access to a robust network of business leaders and investors as mentors. Dr. Grant Warner was appointed as executive director of the center. The program seeks to better navigate the structural challenges Black entrepreneurs traditionally face when setting out to launch and sustain a business.

Read also: Leadership at Morehouse

JPMorgan Chase Support

Morehouse received \$1 million from JPMorgan Chase to support the growth of Black businesses in the metro Atlanta area. This funding will also help launch a cohesive regional network for organizations dedicated to serving entrepreneurs of color, with the goal of building generational wealth.

Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting

Morehouse became the new home of the Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting, co-founded by Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones. The Society focuses on increasing and retaining journalists and editors of color in the field of investigative reporting.

Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership

The College’s Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership continues to honor and extend the legacy of Ambassador Andrew Young by addressing social challenges in the Atlanta community, the nation and abroad. The center creates educational experiences that prepare Black men for lives of leadership and service, ultimately expanding Morehouse’s influence beyond the confines of a traditional campus setting. Through the Center’s Higher Education in Prisons Program, Morehouse faculty and student ambassadors offer humanities courses and college-preparatory seminars as well as host book clubs to incarcerated students at Georgia prison facilities.

"Morehouse in the Metaverse" and Black Men’s Research Institute

The launch of the College’s landmark \$500 million comprehensive capital campaign, themed “Making Men of Consequence,” has led to the funding and creation of several pedagogical initiatives such as the two pioneering programs “Morehouse in the Metaverse,” led by Dr. Muhsinah Morris, and the Black Men’s Research Institute, headed by two-time former HBCU president Dr. Walter Kimbrough.

Strategic Corporate Partnerships

The year has also brought several strategic corporate partnerships that have increased student scholarship awards and post-graduate study and job placement opportunities, expanded access to global learning experiences, and the construction of world-class facilities such as the newly reopened B.T. Harvey Football Field and Edwin C. Moses Track & Field as well as the renowned Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel.

Read also: Morehouse College Statistics

Financial Investments and Capital Campaigns

Morehouse College has been actively engaged in fundraising and capital campaigns to support its strategic initiatives and campus improvements.

"Making Men of Consequence" Campaign

The College launched a \$500 million comprehensive capital campaign, themed “Making Men of Consequence.” This campaign is designed to drive investment in scholarships, academic programs, faculty research, and campus improvements.

Woodruff Foundation Award

The Woodruff Foundation has awarded the College \$20 million to support the campus center, and Morehouse is calling on alumni and supporters to join the fundraising effort. Both projects are being financed through the \$500 million Making Men of Consequence Campaign, which surpassed the \$330 million milestone earlier this year.

Endowment

Morehouse College has an endowment of \$275 million (2024).

Campus Development and Facilities

Morehouse College has undertaken several campus development projects to enhance its facilities and create a more conducive learning environment.

New Residence Hall

This year also marked the groundbreaking of Morehouse’s first new construction project since 2010, part of the Campus of the Future initiative. The 88,000-square-foot, 324-bed residence hall is scheduled for completion in 2026, after which the College intends to shift construction plans to an all-new, 58,000-square-foot campus center.

Key Campus Facilities

Archer Hall: Holds the college's recreational facilities such as its gymnasium, swimming pool, and game room.
B. T. Harvey Stadium/Edwin Moses Track: A 9,000-seat stadium built in 1983, named after the only alumnus to win an Olympic gold medal.
Ray Charles Performing Arts Center and Aretha Robinson Music Academic Building: A 76,000-square-foot facility dedicated on September 29, 2010.
Forbes Arena: A 5,700-seat capacity arena, built for the 1996 Olympic Games.

Academic Programs and Global Learning

Morehouse College offers a comprehensive liberal arts education with a focus on developing global leaders and critical thinkers.

General Education Program

Morehouse provides a distinctive General Education program crafted to shape global leaders and critical thinkers. Through this curriculum, students are introduced to a range of disciplines so they can evolve as an individual and emerge as a creative problem solver and a citizen of the world.

Academic Divisions

Students may pursue their passions across four academic divisions:

Business and Economics
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Humanities, Social Sciences, Media, and Arts
Professional and Continuing Studies

Global Learning Opportunities

As a Morehouse Man, students are encouraged to expand their horizons far beyond the borders of America. Through faculty-led experiences, student exchanges, and partner programs, they’ll have the opportunity to study and serve around the world.

Student Life and Traditions

Morehouse College is known for its unique traditions and emphasis on brotherhood.

New Student Orientation (NSO)

New Student Orientation (NSO) is an eight-day experience that culminates with new students ceremoniously initiated as Men of Morehouse. They learn about the legacy of the college, traditions, academic divisions, the brotherhood, and the "Morehouse Mystique."

Campus Attire Policy

Morehouse College has a campus wide attire policy that promotes a standard of dress that reflects the college's values and expectations.

Rankings and Recognition

Morehouse College's ascent in the U.S. News & World Report rankings is just one measure of its success. Other rankings and recognitions further highlight the college's reputation as a premier institution of higher learning.

Additional Rankings

News & World Report rankings mirror other nationwide rankings, such Academic Influence, where Morehouse College ranks as the No. 1 Small College in Georgia, No. 1 Liberal Arts College in Georgia, No. 1 Online HBCU, and the No. 28 Liberal Arts College nationwide.

Record Applications and Admittance Rate

Morehouse College has ascended to the No. News & World Report Best College rankings. The national recognition comes as Morehouse experienced a record 6,217 applications for the Class of 2029. With demand at an all-time high, the College’s admittance rate dropped to 33%, compared to 44% in 2024 and 52% in 2023, while the incoming classes’ average GPA continues to rise from 3.55 in 2023 to 3.56 in 2024 to a current 3.6 for Fall 2025.

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