By News and Internal Communications

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TX – UTRGV started the first week of the Fall 2022 semester with great news – ranking second among all Texas public universities.  

Washington Monthly recently released its annual national College Guide and Rankings and, among more than 400 schools, placed UTRGV as the 45th best public university in the United States and second in Texas —  behind Texas A&M and ahead of The University of Texas at Austin.

Additionally, UTRGV received the following top rankings: 

• First in Texas and second nationally among public universities for lowest net price of attendance for students whose household income is below $75,000. 
• First in Texas and fourth nationally among public universities for the performance of Pell Grant-eligible students. 
• First in Texas and 12th nationally among public universities for the social mobility of students. 
• Second among Southern public universities (Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee) for Best Bang for Your Buck. 

UTRGV President Guy Bailey said these rankings are a byproduct of the university’s commitment to embodying and building upon the Valley’s values, including family, hard work and entrepreneurship.  

“These rankings are no accident,” Bailey said. “Ever since UTRGV was created, we set out to be the best value university in the country, providing a high-quality education at an affordable price. The rest of the country is now taking notice of the special things that are happening in the Valley, and I am grateful to all the students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners who have played a role in our success.” 

Unlike other rankings, Washington Monthly ranks four-year schools – national universities, liberal arts colleges, baccalaureate colleges, and master’s universities – based on their contribution to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility, research and providing opportunities for public service.