UNT Dallas #1 for Student Outcomes in New College Rankings

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Top horizontal cropped photo banner of 3 new UNT Dallas students on their first day of school posing with the jaguar mascot

Latest Evaluations by Two Nationally Respected Publications

UNT Dallas ranks #1 in Student Outcomes for its region and category of the newly released Washington Monthly 2025 College Guide and Rankings.

The respected annual evaluation of more than 200 colleges and universities rates institutions based on a variety of information and data ranging from access and affordability to student success (outcomes) and income after graduation. It published the results in August 2025.

Photo of 4 UNT Dallas students getting hands-on experience in a chemistry lab

UNT Dallas students get hands-on experience in a chemistry lab 

UNT Dallas is included in the Best Bang for the Buck: South category and region, in which colleges and universities are ranked according to how well they help non-wealthy students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices. The list is created by isolating the Access, Affordability, and Outcomes metrics from the main rankings.

“UNT Dallas is proud to be recognized by Washington Monthly for our student outcomes success,” said Dr. Warren von Eschenbach, University President. “Our focus is on providing our students with a high-quality, holistic education to help them launch a purpose-driven, career-ready future when they graduate.”

A Photo showing 4 UNT Dallas Student Government Association members seated on a wooden styled bleacher arrangement introducing themselves to fellow students

Members of the UNT Dallas Student Government Association introduce themselves to fellow students 

The Student Outcomes assessment ranks institutions by the academic and financial outcomes they provide to students. It tracks the percentage of students graduating within eight years and compares that to statistical predictions. It compares graduation rates between students from wealthy and non-wealthy backgrounds. It also tracks the incomes that students make in their early careers and compares those to their peers’ early-career incomes. Additionally, the outcomes category ranks colleges by the number of graduates who go on to receive PhDs.

 

Read the Complete Washington Monthly National College Rankings Report

Overall, Washington Monthly ranked UNT Dallas #12 out of 215 public and private institutions across the country in the Best Bang for the Buck category.

 

U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges in America

In a second national evaluation, the 2026 Best Colleges in America by U.S. News & World Report, UNT Dallas again finished in the top tier of Regional Universities West. U.S. News & World Report uses a different methodology than Washington Monthly. Its categories, regions, data and rankings vary significantly but share some common information. The 2026 rankings were released today.

Photo of 5 UNT Dallas psychology students and 1 teacher interact during a classroom discussion

 

UNT Dallas psychology student interact during a classroom discussion 

U.S. News & World Report rankings, UNT Dallas is #41 overall of the 118 public and private colleges and universities in Regional Universities West. When the list is narrowed to only public institutions, UNT Dallas ranks #23 in Top Public Schools. The university also ranked #21 for Social Mobility and #22 among Best Colleges for Veterans. 

“UNT Dallas is committed to empowering students, transforming lives and strengthening communities,” President von Eschenbach said. “Our academic programs include experiential, hands-on learning and offer more than a degree – they offer important skills that set our students apart in a competitive job market.”

 

Photo of a UNT Dallas prospective student takes a selfie during a campus open house known as "True Blue" in a tiered classroom.

A UNT Dallas prospective student takes a selfie during a campus open house known as "True Blue"

While the Washington Monthly rankings were established just three years ago, U.S. News & World Report has been evaluating colleges since 1983. In recent years, UNT Dallas has consistently ranked in the top tier of public universities in its region.

3 new UNT Dallas students on their first day of school posing with the jaguar mascot standing in the middle. The 2 males and 1 female freshman are holding an erasable laminated card with their name, major and class year. Behind them are 4 golden letter shaped balloons spelling out UNTD

UNT Dallas welcomes students on their first day

 

See All of the 2026 Regional Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report

Earlier this year, a Texas-focused higher education organization, ScholarShot, ranked UNT Dallas the highest in North Texas on its annual Texas Universities Report Card. The university scored 92 out of 100 in the combined five categories related to serving first-generation college students. ScholarShot also gave UNT Dallas the Most Improved Award for increasing its grade and building on its previous success.

Read about current undergraduate and graduate programs and the College of Law. Our annual True Blue Preview Day for prospective students will be held on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at the main campus, 7300 University Blvd., Dallas, 75241. 

 


From UNT Dallas – Featured News