By News and Media Relations

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – OCT. 21, 2025 – Once again, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is gaining national recognition in higher education. For the second year in a row, The Wall Street Journal has named UTRGV the No. 1 university in Texas for value and social mobility (11^th nationally).

The prestigious honor coincides with UTRGV’s 10^th anniversary, highlighting its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education that enhances economic opportunities, especially for students from lower-income backgrounds. 

As UTRGV marks its 10th anniversary, The Wall Street Journal's 2026 Best Colleges ranking highlights the university's dedication to accessible, high-quality education that enhances economic opportunities for students from lower-income backgrounds.

The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. ranking, released on Sept. 30, 2025, rates the top 584 universities in the country, focusing on student outcomes such as graduation rates and graduate salaries. 

“At UTRGV, value means more than just affordability – it means delivering an exceptional education that leads to real opportunity,” President Guy Bailey said. “This honor from The Wall Street Journal underscores how we're redefining higher education in Texas. As we mark our 10th anniversary, we're proud to lead a model that puts students first and ensures their investment pays dividends for generations.”

The Best Value distinction emphasizes the rapid return on investment for graduates compared to their peers with only a high school diploma, measuring how quickly college graduates’ salaries surpass those of high school graduates in relation to the cost of their education. The social mobility ranking reflects the university’s effectiveness in fostering upward movement in social and economic status by providing access to quality education and support systems that enable students to graduate and thrive in the workforce.   

UTRGV also ranked in the following categories for public universities:

• 5^th Best College in Texas and 227^th nationally.
• 6^th in Texas for Student Experience and 83^rd nationally.
• 13^th in Texas for Best Salaries and 270^th nationally.

EMPOWERING STUDENT SUCCESS

The ranking assesses how effectively colleges improve the socioeconomic status of their students. Key factors include: 

• Enrollment of Lower-Income Students: UTRGV serves many Pell Grant recipients, showcasing its commitment to less affluent families.
• High Graduation Rates: The university supports students in not just enrolling but also completing their degrees.
• Salary Impact: Graduates benefit from significant increases in earning potential due to quality education and career preparation.
• Affordability: UTRGV minimizes financial burdens through affordable tuition and robust financial aid.

UTRGV excels in these areas, reflecting its dedication to creating an environment where all students can succeed academically and professionally. 

This year, UTRGV has achieved notable rankings, including No. 7 nationally and No. 1 in Texas for the third consecutive year in Washington Monthly’s 2025 College Guide, as well as being named one of the Most Innovative Schools in the country by U.S. News and World Report. These accolades highlight UTRGV's significant impact on higher education and commitment to student advancement, revealing its growing recognition across the nation.

View the complete list of The Wall Street Journal rankings at www.wsj.com/rankings/college-rankings/best-colleges-2026.