Southern Methodist University (SMU) has been recognized as the leading university in North Texas, while the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) has been ranked the top public institution in the region, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report assessments. This annual evaluation scrutinizes around 1,700 colleges and universities, employing over a dozen criteria, including graduation rates, borrower debt, and student-faculty ratios.
Among the top 100 national universities, six Texas institutions made the list. Rice University in Houston ranked as Texas’ best national university at 17th overall. Other notable rankings include the University of Texas at Austin in 30th place, Texas A&M University at 51st, and both Baylor University and SMU at 88th. Texas Christian University (TCU) secured the 97th position.
In a statement, TCU Chancellor Daniel Pullin emphasized that the school’s inclusion in the top 100 reflects the dedication of its faculty and staff. He highlighted their commitment to enhancing research, aligning academic programs with employer demands, and creating an exceptional student experience.
UT Dallas maintained its status as the premier public school in North Texas, ranking third among public institutions in Texas, following the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University. The university is currently placed at 54th among top public schools nationwide, a slight drop from the previous year, and holds the 110th position in the national universities category. “UT Dallas is an extraordinary institution on the rise,” said a university representative. “The academic and research initiatives emerging from our university benefit Dallas, the North Texas region, and the world.”
The University of North Texas also performed well, ranking sixth among public schools in Texas. The Denton-based institution improved its standing by 12 spots, now positioned at 208th among national universities.
Criticism of college rankings has grown in recent years, particularly regarding their focus on prestige and wealth rather than social mobility and return on investment. In response, U.S. News has introduced new criteria in 2023 to prioritize graduation rates for first-generation college students and the proportion of graduates earning above the average high school graduate.
Despite these changes, the core methodology and weighting factors for this year’s rankings remained consistent. The U.S. News rankings continue to play a significant role in shaping public perception of educational institutions.
This report was facilitated by the DMN Education Lab, which aims to enhance coverage and discussion surrounding pressing educational issues in North Texas. The initiative is supported by various local foundations and organizations, including the Communities Foundation of Texas and The Dallas Foundation. The Dallas Morning News retains full editorial control of the Education Lab’s journalism.
Milla Surjadi, who covers higher education for the Education Lab, has previously contributed to prominent outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, and Tampa Bay Times. She is a recent graduate of Duke University and brings a wealth of knowledge to the education sector.
