Southern Methodist University (SMU) has been recognized as the top university in North Texas, while the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) holds the distinction of being the best public school in the region. This recognition comes from the latest rankings released by U.S. News, which evaluates approximately 1,700 institutions annually based on a variety of factors. Among these criteria are graduation rates, borrower debt, and student-faculty ratios.
In total, six Texas schools made it to the top 100 national universities, highlighting the state’s educational strengths. Rice University in Houston continues to be Texas’ highest-ranked national university, coming in at 17th nationwide. Other notable rankings include the University of Texas at Austin at 30th, Texas A&M University at 51st, Baylor University and SMU tied at 88th, and Texas Christian University (TCU) at 97th.
TCU Chancellor Daniel Pullin expressed pride in the school’s top 100 ranking, attributing it to the dedication of faculty and staff. He emphasized their commitment to enhancing research, aligning academic programs with employer needs, and creating an exceptional student experience.
UT Dallas maintained its position as the leading public institution in North Texas, ranking third among public schools in Texas, following the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University. It secured the 54th spot among top public schools nationwide, a slight drop from the previous year, and is placed 110th in the national universities category. The university’s administration remains optimistic, with officials stating, “UT Dallas is an extraordinary institution on the rise. 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 schools in Texas. Located in Denton, it jumped 12 spots in the national university rankings, landing at 208th.
Criticism surrounding college rankings has increased in recent years, particularly regarding the emphasis on prestige and wealth over factors like social mobility and return on investment. In response, U.S. News incorporated new criteria in its evaluation process for 2023, including graduation rates for first-generation college students and the earnings of college graduates compared to high school graduates. Despite these adjustments, the core methodology and weighting factors for this year’s rankings remained consistent.
The Dallas Morning News Education Lab, which covers pressing education issues in North Texas, has been instrumental in enhancing discussions around these rankings. The initiative receives community support from numerous organizations and individuals dedicated to advancing education in the region. The Dallas Morning News retains full editorial control over the Education Lab’s journalism.
Milla Surjadi, who covers higher education for the Education Lab, has a background reporting for prestigious outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, and Tampa Bay Times. A recent graduate of Duke University, Surjadi emphasizes the importance of informed discussions surrounding education and its impact on future generations.
