Programs rank in top 10 of Texas public universities


  Thursday, January 29, 2026
  Accolades, Rankings and Achievements

By News and Media Relations

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – JAN. 29, 2026 – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has achieved significant recognition in the recent U.S. News & World Report rankings for online programs.

The university’s online master’s degree in Criminal Justice ranked 15th, marking a jump of 12 spots from the previous year. Additionally, the online MBA program also saw a significant increase, surging 66 positions to 136th, along with other business programs improving their standings.

In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs Rankings, released on Tuesday, Jan. 27, U.S. News evaluated nearly 1,850 online bachelor's and master's degree programs, with UTRGV ranking in five categories for regionally accredited institutions whose programs are mostly or entirely offered online.

Other notable UTRGV rankings included: 

UTRGV’s criminal justice program has consistently ranked on this list. In 2024, it held the 26th position, but fell to 27th place in 2025. This year, UTRGV tied with the University of Cincinnati.

In Texas, the program ranked second in public universities and was only one of two University of Texas System schools in the top 12, the other was University of Texas at Tyler.

Dr. Jose Davila, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, expressed pride in the Criminal Justice program, one of the largest at UTRGV, and its latest ranking.

“The success of the graduate program is evidence of the high-quality instruction and the dedication of the faculty and students,” Davila said.

Echoing Davila’s sentiments, Dr. Gordon Crews, chair and Keith A. Ferguson endowed professor of Criminal Justice, emphasized the significance of the program's national ranking, particularly for the Accelerated Online Program (AOP). 

“Our faculty combine scholarly expertise with real-world criminal justice experience, and we are deeply committed to evidence-based practice, student mentorship and career preparation,” Crews said. “The recognition highlights not only academic rigor, but also our mission to serve working professionals, first-generation graduate students and communities across the Rio Grande Valley and beyond through a high-impact, flexible graduate education.”

Highly ranked programs in the criminal justice category are characterized by strong academic foundations, including instructor access, high graduation rates and qualified faculty. They also provide effective support for distance learners, including career and financial assistance.

UTRGV ranks in 2026 U.S. News & World Report Online Programs Rankings, released on Jan. 27.
To view the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs Rankings, visit www.usnews.com/education/online-education/rankings.

EXTERNAL VALIDATION

Dr. Giorgio Gotti, dean of the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship, said this recognition is external validation of the college’s ongoing efforts to enhance academic quality, student support, and workforce relevance, reinforcing its reputation for delivering high-value graduate education with strong outcomes.

“The jump in our online MBA ranking from No. 202 to No. 136 nationally is a powerful signal that the quality and impact of our programs are being recognized at a national level,” Gotti said.

The college also saw a significant improvement in the rankings for the Best Online Master’s in Business Programs category, which climbed 32 spots from 114th in 2025.

He attributed the significant rise in the college’s rankings to sustained, institution-wide efforts.

“Our faculty have been deeply committed to continuously strengthening online delivery while maintaining academic rigor, and our staff have done exceptional work supporting students from admission through graduation,” he said.

UTRGV’s MBA and Master’s in Business Programs ranked 7th among Texas public universities. In the UT System, the MBA online placed second while the Master’s in Business Programs was third.  

Looking ahead, Gotti said that online graduate education will remain a central focus for the college’s future.

“We will continue to innovate in curriculum design, experiential learning and career alignment, ensuring our programs remain competitive nationally and responsive to regional and global workforce needs. These rankings affirm that we are moving in the right direction, and we intend to build on that momentum.”

The latest rankings further enhance UTRGV’s national reputation. In September, the university debuted on the U.S. News & World Report Most Innovative Schools list, ranking 56th  overall and 28th among public institutions, including fourth among Texas public universities.

To view the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs Rankings, visit www.usnews.com/education/online-education/rankings.



ABOUT UTRGV

Celebrating its 10th anniversary during the 2025-2026 academic year, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is on a mission to transform the Rio Grande Valley, the Americas, and the world. As one of the country’s largest Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Seal of Excelencia certified, UTRGV has earned national recognition for its academic excellence, social mobility, and student success since opening in Fall 2015. Ranked among the Best Colleges for your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars in 2025 by Washington Monthly (7 nationally; 1 in Texas), UTRGV continues to break enrollment records, launch new academic and athletics programs and progress toward achieving R1 research status. Additionally, UTRGV holds the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, awarded in 2020 and 2025, reflecting its commitment to strengthening community ties and addressing local challenges.

The only university in Texas with schools of Medicine and Podiatric Medicine, UTRGV’s regional footprint spans South Texas – with locations, teaching sites, and centers established in Edinburg, Brownsville, Rio Grande City, McAllen, Weslaco, Harlingen, Laredo, Port Isabel and South Padre Island.