VSU finished 408th out of 500 colleges within America in the Wall Street Journal’s annual ranking of the best colleges, down from 319th in the previous year. 

The Journal analyzes a variety of statistics, including salary impact, graduation rate, learning environment, career opportunities and others, in order to conduct its ranking of the best U.S. colleges each year. 

This year, most of the colleges on the list are a wide variety of institutions that include private, public, technical and liberal arts. 

However, this year public and tech or business schools were at the top of the list by far as being ranked the best college programs of 2025. 

The colleges that were ranked in the top five included Princeton University, Babson College, Stanford University, Yale University and Claremont Mckenna College. 

Though VSU stands ranked at 408 in the overall rankings, it was ranked higher in many other categories that were analyzed by the Journal. VSU was ranked No. 70 in student experience, No. 355 in best salary, No. 105 in social mobility and No. 244 in best value.  

Out of the 16 Georgia colleges surveyed in the Journal, VSU was placed at No. 11, just above Mercer University and just below Morehouse College. The top four colleges from Georgia were Georgia Tech, Emory University, University of Georgia and Spellman College.  

Many students have expressed their thoughts and opinions on VSU’s school ranking. 

“I’m kind of disappointed because I feel like our school should have been ranked higher,” said Shaye Sikes, a sophomore mass media major from Warner Robins, Georgia. “This school is a great place to learn more about yourself and career path.” 

Sikes thought diversity was a strength within VSU campus. 

“The fact that we were ranked 78 out 500 for most diverse university shows that our institution is built upon a community of students from diverse backgrounds who are navigating the world around them,” said Sikes. 

Some students expressed ways for VSU to achieve a higher ranking. 

“VSU should try to expand its waived SAT policy throughout Georgia and the country, ” said Ashlyn Ethridge, a sophomore mass media major from Dawson, Georgia. “Most schools don’t waive it and students tend to apply for schools that don’t ask for those scores.” 

Ethridge praised the activeness of VSU’s community.  

“We stand out from other schools due to student engagement within the community and campus events. Plus, with our school having just enough students in attendance, the events feel more enjoyable than overpopulated,” said Ethridge. 

The Spectator contacted the VSU president’s office for comment about the ranking, but did not receive answers in time for publication.   

Sikes, like many students, enjoys the little things that make VSU special. 

“I love how pretty our campus is, from the trees all around to the beautiful grand front lawn. This is a place where you can escape, learn, and embrace the spark of Blazer Nation,’ she said.  

Written by Armone’ Gates, Staff Reporter. Photo courtesy of VSU.