UTRGV named among top global universities by U.S. News & World Report

By News and Media Relations

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – JUNE 29, 2026 – As it celebrates its 10^th anniversary milestone, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has officially earned a spot on the global stage, ranking as one of only 21 Texas institutions named to the prestigious U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities list.

The global rankings evaluate universities from the United States and more than 100 countries based on 13 rigorous indicators. Unlike domestic rankings that focus heavily on undergraduate admissions, this list specifically measures academic research performance, global and regional reputations, and international collaborations.

“To be ranked among the top universities globally, and to stand as one of the select institutions in Texas to earn this recognition, is a testament to the world-class caliber of our faculty, researchers and students,” UTRGV President Guy Bailey said. “This recognition by U.S. News & World Report affirms what we have always known: UTRGV is advancing student success in the Rio Grande Valley while building a reputation for excellence on the global academic stage.” 

In addition, UTRGV ranked as one of the world’s top universities for clinical medicine, a ranking that highlights the university’s strength in producing research related to a variety of medical and biomedical topics. 

“Our ranking in clinical medicine reflects the incredible dedication of our faculty and researchers who are not only treating patients but actively advancing global medical knowledge,” said Dr. Everardo Cobos, dean of the UTRGV School Medicine. “We are proving that world-class medical research and compassionate, community-centered care go hand in hand right here in South Texas.”

The clinical excellence is driven by targeted research across the university’s specialized hubs. Key initiatives include pioneering work at the South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, as well as critical studies at the Institute of Neuroscience aimed at tackling neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

UTRGV’s inclusion on the list of the worlds 2,250 top universities place it alongside five other University of Texas System academic institutions and highlights a decade of rapid transformation. Since opening its doors in 2015, the university has consistently broken records for both academic growth and enrollment.

Several key milestones propelled UTRGV into the global spotlight at No. 1,153:

• Surpassing $100 Million in Research: The university crossed a historic threshold, recording more than $100 million in total research expenditures for Fiscal Year 2025.
• Global Student Attraction: In Fall 2025, UTRGV welcomed a record-breaking 35,812 students, marking its sixth consecutive enrollment milestone, including more than 820 international students representing 72 countries.
• Institutional Innovation: UTRGV was recently named one of U.S. News & World Report’s "Most Innovative Schools," a distinction shared by only 66 universities nationwide and just four public institutions in Texas.
• Unprecedented Philanthropy: The university has raised $284 million in fundraising since its inception, driving institutional advancement and student support.
• Community Engagement: UTRGV earned the prestigious Carnegie Community Engagement Classification for the 2026 cycle, a distinction recognizing the university’s unwavering commitment to strengthening community ties and addressing local challenges across the Rio Grande Valley.

“Even as our reputation grows around the world, our purpose remains firmly rooted here at home, serving the Rio Grande Valley, expanding opportunity and helping transform South Texas for generations to come,” Bailey said.

To view the full rankings and methodology, visit www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/rankings.