Southern Methodist University (SMU) has been recognized as the top university in North Texas, while the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) has earned the distinction of being the best public university in the region. These rankings were published in the latest edition of the U.S. News & World Report, which evaluates approximately 1,700 institutions annually using over a dozen criteria, including graduation rates, student-faculty ratios, and borrower debt.
In this year’s rankings, six Texas institutions, including SMU and Texas Christian University (TCU), made the list of the top 100 national universities. The analysis focused on 436 national universities, with Rice University in Houston leading Texas at 17th overall. Other notable rankings include the University of Texas at Austin at 30th, Texas A&M University at 51st, Baylor University and SMU both at 88th, and TCU at 97th.
Daniel Pullin, Chancellor of TCU, emphasized the significance of the school’s top 100 ranking, attributing it to the dedication of the faculty and staff in enhancing research and academic programs tailored to meet employer demands. He stated, “This recognition reflects our commitment to creating a student experience that’s second to none.”
UT Dallas continues to hold its position as the leading public institution in North Texas, ranking third among public schools in Texas. It follows the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University. The university placed 54th among top public schools nationally, a slight decline of two spots from the previous year, and it ranked 110th overall among national universities. In a statement, the university highlighted its ongoing growth and impact, asserting that “the academic and research initiatives emerging from our university benefit Dallas, the North Texas region, and the world.”
The University of North Texas also made strides, ranking sixth among public universities in Texas. Located in Denton, it climbed 12 spots in the national university rankings to reach the 208th position.
Recent years have seen college rankings come under scrutiny for emphasizing prestige and wealth over factors like social mobility and return on investment. In response, U.S. News has incorporated new criteria into its evaluation process, focusing on graduation rates for first-generation college students and the proportion of graduates earning more than high school graduates. Despite these changes, the core methodology for this year’s rankings remained consistent.
The Dallas Morning News Education Lab plays a crucial role in addressing education issues pertinent to North Texas. This community-funded journalism initiative relies on support from various organizations and individuals, including the Communities Foundation of Texas and Southern Methodist University. The Dallas Morning News maintains full editorial control over the Education Lab’s journalism.
Milla Surjadi, who covers higher education for the Education Lab, has previously reported for major outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and the Los Angeles Times. As a recent graduate of Duke University, her insights contribute to the ongoing discussion surrounding educational developments in the region.
This latest ranking highlights the competitive landscape of higher education in Texas and underscores the commitment of these institutions to academic excellence and student success.