Virginia Union University Solidifies Its Reputation as a Leader in Economic and Social Mobility
September 22, 2026
Virginia Union Rises More Than 30 Positions in Social Mobility as Student Outcomes and Post-Graduation Earnings Demonstrate Continued Momentum
RICHMOND, Va. — September 22, 2026 — Virginia Union University (VUU) continues its upward trajectory in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, rising more than 30 positions to No. 35 out of 148 Regional Universities in the South for Social Mobility. VUU also ranks No. 42 of 105 HBCUs, No. 49 of 84 Top Private Regional Universities in the South, and No. 94 of 152 Regional Universities in the South.
The rankings mark an important evolution for VUU, which is now classified among Regional Universities in the South, expanding its benchmark beyond its previous liberal arts college classification. The University’s peer assessment score also increased from 2.2 to 2.6, approximately 18%, signaling increased recognition among higher education peers.
“Virginia Union’s goal is to be known for economic and social mobility because we understand that earning a degree alone is not enough to be competitive in today’s workforce,” said Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, president and CEO of Virginia Union University. “Since 2024, we have recommitted ourselves to connecting a Virginia Union education to completion, career readiness, and earning power. We are seeing the impact in our outcomes, our growth, and the way our peers recognize this University.”
Through Excellence, Reimagined, VUU continues to invest in student success, academic innovation, career preparation, and research. Over the past five years, enrollment has grown to nearly 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students, while the University has achieved an 84% overall retention rate and 82% first-time freshman retention rate. Academic momentum is also reflected in the addition of distinguished professorships and published works by more than 25 faculty members, further strengthening scholarship and the student experience.
VUU’s focus extends beyond graduation to career and economic outcomes. Recent data show graduates earning approximately $61,000 after graduation, supporting the University’s emphasis on preparing students to translate their education into sustainable careers and long-term economic mobility.
“This is what Excellence, Reimagined looks like,” Lucas said. “It is not simply about where Virginia Union appears in a ranking. It is about whether our students persist, graduate, and leave prepared to compete, earn, and lead. These outcomes show that our strategy is producing measurable results.”
The 2027 rankings reflect VUU’s continued commitment to student success and economic and social mobility and mark another milestone in delivering on the Promise of a Limitless Future.
Here is the full ranking and analysis of VUU.
About Virginia Union University
Founded in 1865, Virginia Union University is a premier private liberal arts HBCU dedicated to expanding access to education and preparing students for leadership, service, and success in a global society. Rooted in a legacy of empowering newly emancipated freedmen through ethical and faith-grounded learning, the University today offers undergraduate and graduate programs in high-demand fields that blend a rigorous liberal arts foundation with innovation in teaching, research, science, technology, civic engagement, and international experiences. Virginia Union University proudly celebrates the legacy and contributions of the African Diaspora while remaining open to students of all backgrounds, reflecting its enduring commitment to student success, academic excellence, and workforce readiness.