The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) has been recognized by Forbes as one of the nation’s leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), earning the No. 5 ranking among public HBCUs in the publication’s inaugural Top HBCUs: 20 Historically Black Colleges & Universities That Set Grads Up for Success.
The inaugural Forbes ranking recognizes 20 HBCUs that demonstrate strong student outcomes and return on investment. The methodology evaluates institutions using measures including graduation and retention rates, alumni earnings, student debt, and outcomes for Pell Grant recipients.
“This recognition is in line with the GRAND Momentum happening at the University of the Virgin Islands and affirms the extraordinary value of a UVI education,” said UVI President Dr. Safiya George. “From the heart of the Caribbean, we are preparing students to lead, innovate and create meaningful change across the Virgin Islands and around the world. I have long said that there is a lot of magic at UVI, ranging from the cutting-edge marine science, astronomical, and agricultural research to our talented entrepreneurs, writers and world-renowned musicians and alumni.” Dr. George also added, “Being ranked by Forbes among the nation’s top public HBCUs is a testament to the amazing talent of our students who thrive inside and outside the classroom, the excellence of our faculty and staff, and the enduring strength of a University community committed to transforming lives through education, research and service.”
As the only HBCU located outside the continental United States, UVI offers a distinctive educational experience that combines academic excellence, personalized instruction and experiential learning in the heart of the Caribbean.
The University is the U.S. Virgin Islands’ public land-grant institution and is recognized for its strengths in marine and environmental science, agriculture, nursing, business, hospitality and globally impactful research. Students benefit from hands-on learning, undergraduate research, internships, workforce development programs through the UVI Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning (UVI CELL), and flexible academic pathways through UVI Online. Signature opportunities also include the Early Medical School Selection Program with Boston University, a Dual Degree Engineering Program, and the Ph.D. in Creative Leadership for Innovation and Change.
“This recognition reflects UVI’s commitment to placing students at the center of everything we do,” said Dr. Pamela Moolenaar-Wirsiy, vice president for Student Success and Innovation. “Through personalized support, experiential learning, innovative academic pathways and career-focused opportunities, we are helping students persist, graduate and prepare for meaningful lives and careers. We are proud to see those efforts recognized nationally.”
With campuses on St. Thomas and St. Croix, an extension campus at the University of St. Martin in St. Maarten, and UVI Online, the University serves students throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Caribbean and beyond.
“This distinction is a source of tremendous pride for the Board of Trustees and the entire Virgin Islands community,” said Dr. Bert M. Petersen, Jr., vice chair of the UVI Board of Trustees. “UVI plays an essential role in educating future leaders, advancing research and strengthening the economic and social development of the Territory and the wider Caribbean. This recognition affirms the University’s impact and the importance of continuing to invest in its mission and its students.”
The Forbes article, “Top HBCUs: 20 Historically Black Colleges & Universities That Set Grads Up for Success,” is available at:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/asia-alexander/2026/08/01/top-hbcus-20-historically-black-colleges-universities-that-set-grads-up-for-success/
About the University of the Virgin Islands
The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is a public, historically Black, land-grant institution dedicated to student success, academic excellence, research, and community engagement. As the U.S. Virgin Islands’ public university and the only HBCU located outside the continental United States, UVI offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs that prepare students to lead and succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.
With campuses on St. Thomas and St. Croix, an extension campus at the University of St. Martin in St. Maarten, and UVI Online, the University serves students throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Caribbean, and beyond. UVI is recognized for its strengths in marine and environmental science, agriculture, nursing, business, hospitality, workforce development, and globally impactful research.
To learn more, visit www.uvi.edu.
