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 Rio Grande Valley
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RANKINGS & REPUTATION

UTRGV offers students a world-class learning experience and one of the nation’s best values in higher education. Our students are our guiding force. Our mission is their success.
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Rankings Awards & Recognition Impact & Influence Academic Growth Alumni Success

Breaking News!

#1
University
in Texas
Washington Monthly

UTRGV RANKED AS NO. 1 UNIVERSITY IN TEXAS BY WASHINGTON MONTHLY

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley started the 2023-24 academic year as the No. 1 university in Texas, based on Washington Monthly magazine’s annual college guide and rankings.

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UTRGV
Texas Tribune

Eight years in, upstart UTRGV ranked as the #1 university in Texas

Texas Tribune provides an amazing article about The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and its journey to being #1 in Texas.

Read More about UTRGV on Texas Tribune
UTRGV
Hispanic Outlook

The Future of Texas

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Remarkable Rise in Higher Education Rankings

View UTRGV story on Hispanic Outlook
students smiling and cheering

Share UTRGV’s Impact

Help us spread the word about UTRGV’s incredible rankings.

We have prepared these ready-to-use resources for you, such as a flyer, a PowerPoint presentation, an email signature, and posters, that you can use to share our achievements with your friends, colleagues, and community members. By using these resources, you will also motivate others to join us in our mission to create positive change in our region and beyond.

We appreciate your support and enthusiasm for UTRGV!

Download the resources
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Rankings

As one of the fastest-growing universities in the UT system, and one of the nation's premier Hispanic-Serving Institutions, we’re forging The Future of Texas and beyond.

Inspired by our students, staff, and faculty — the recognition we receive is a testament to their hard work and determination.

Rankings 2023

#1
University in Texas
(60th Nationally)
Washington Monthly
#1
University in Texas
for Performance of Pell Grant Students
(2nd Nationally)
Washington Monthly
#1
University in Texas
for Net Price of Attendance
(4th Nationally)
Washington Monthly
#1
University in Texas
for Best Social Mobility
(9th Nationally)
Washington Monthly

Top 10 Texas Universities

Ranking University
1. UTRGV (60)
2. Sam Houston State (76)
3. Texas A&M (79)
4. UT Austin (87)
5. UT Arlington (92)
6. Rice (95)
7. UTSA (107)
8. UTEP (116)
9. Houston, Clear Lake (131)
10. Texas Woman’s (144)
Washington Monthly
*National ranking in parenthesis
#1
Public University
in Texas
(7th Nationally)
Degree Choices
#1
Among Large Texas
Universities
(6th Nationally)
Third Way
#1
Top Performer
in Social Mobility
Public University in Texas
U.S. News and World Report
#1
Fastest-Growing Doctoral
Public University in Texas
(3rd Nationally)
Chronicle of Higher Education

Top 10 Texas Universities

Ranking University
1. UTRGV (15)
2. UT Austin (54)
3. Texas Woman’s (66)
4. UT Dallas (73)
5. Texas A&M (76)
6. University of Houston (84)
7. UTSA (87)
8. Houston, Clear Lake (93)
9. Texas Tech (103)
10. University of North Texas (122)
Degree Choices
*National ranking in parenthesis

Rankings 2023

#1
for Total Bachelor's Degrees
Granted in Texas
(2nd Nationally)
Hispanic Outlook
#1
for Total Master's Degrees
Granted in Texas
(3rd Nationally)
Hispanic Outlook
#1
for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting,
and Related Protective Services Degrees Granted in Texas
(2nd Nationally)
Hispanic Outlook
#1
for English Language and Literature/Letters Degrees
Granted in Texas
(3rd Nationally)
Hispanic Outlook
#1
for History Degrees
Granted in Texas
(4th Nationally)
Hispanic Outlook
#1
for Education Degrees
Granted in Texas
(5th Nationally)
Hispanic Outlook

More Rankings 2023

#2 for Philosophy and Religious Studies Degrees Granted in Texas (2nd Nationally)
Hispanic Outlook (2023)
#2 for Total Enrollment for Four-year Schools in Texas (4th Nationally)
Hispanic Outlook (2023)
#3 for Engineering Degrees Granted in Texas (8th Nationally)
Hispanic Outlook (2023)
#2 for Business Management Marketing and Related Support Services Degrees Granted in Texas (9th Nationally)
Hispanic Outlook (2023)
#2 for Visual and Performing Arts Degrees Granted in Texas (10th Nationally)
Hispanic Outlook (2023)

2022

#1 Among Texas Public Universities for Least Student Debt
U.S. News & World Report (2022)
#1 Net Price of Attendance Among Texas Public Universities
Washington Monthly (2022)
#2 Best Public University in Texas
Washington Monthly (2022)
#4 Most Economic Mobility
ThirdWay.org (2022)
40 Top-ranked Online Degree Programs
Intelligent.com (2022)
#1 Social Mobility Among Texas Public Universities
Washington Monthly (2022)
#3 Nationally for Least Student Debt Among Public Universities
U.S. News & World Report (2022)

2021

UTRGV is not only the Rio Grande Valley’s premier institution — we rank among the top universities statewide.

With six campuses and 13 research institutes that span three counties, we cover a broad area not only with our physical presence but also with our diverse catalog of academic disciplines. From STEM and medicine to international business and hospitality, we continue to strategically expand our program offerings.

These rankings help identify our strengths as a university and showcase our growth over time.

Top 10 for Best Value for Your Money
Forbes (2021)
#1 in Texas Among National Public Universities
Washington Monthly (2021)
#1 Performance of Pell-Eligible Students
Washington Monthly (2021)
#1 in Texas Among National Public Universities
Washington Monthly (2021)
#4 Best Bang for Your Buck, Among Public National Universities in the South Region
Washington Monthly (2021)
#8 Top 25 Colleges for Your Money
Forbes.com (2021)
Ranked nationally among best, most affordable universities
Washington Monthly (2021)

2020

#2 in Texas for Student Mobility
U.S. News & World Report (2020)
#1 Among National Public Universities for Least Student Debt
U.S. News & World Report (2020)
#3 University in Texas
Washington Monthly (2020)
#1 in Texas for Lowest Net Price of Attendance (After Financial Aid)
Washington Monthly (2020)
#1 in Texas for Performance of First-generation Students
Washington Monthly (2020)

2019

#1 Top Public University in the South, Best Bang for Your Buck
#19 Among the Nation's Top Master's Universities
#1 in Texas for Price of Attendance without Financial Aid
#1 in Texas for Price of Attendance with Financial Aid
#1 in Texas for Lowest Average Student Debt
#6 Best Online Colleges in Texas
OnlineColleges.com (2019)

2018

#1 in Net Price Among National Universities
Washington Monthly (2018)
#4 Best College in Texas
Bestcolleges.com (2018)
#3 Most Affordable University in America
BestValueSchools.com (2018)
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Awards & Recognition

At UTRGV, we have the privilege to work among the best in their fields. That’s why we are filled with pride each time one of our own is recognized for achieving excellence.

Here, we highlight some of the major awards and honors earned by our inspiring faculty, staff, and students.


UNIVERSITY

As one of the fastest-growing universities in the UT system, The Future of Texas is here. From the Gulf Coast to deep space, UTRGV provides students with unparalleled learning experiences that lead to remarkable outcomes.

UTRGV ranked as No. 1 in Texas by Washington Monthly
UTRGV gets a new Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering program
UTRGV receives second gold rating for campus sustainability practices

FACULTY

Nurturing leaders and mentors, UTRGV’s faculty set the tone for our institutional culture. Here we recognize their accomplishments in research, innovation, and industry.

Lozano named ‘Great Immigrant, Great American’ by Carnegie Corp. of New York
Faculty members recognized at UTRGV Faculty Excellence Awards
UT System inducts Dr. Feria to Academy of Distinguished Teachers

STAFF

Dedicated to our overall success, UTRGV’s staff is the lifeblood of our university. Here we recognize their invaluable contributions and pay tribute to their binding strength.

UTRGV raises minimum wage for full-time employees
UTRGV welcomes first marching band director
UTRGV funds education for 100 employees

STUDENTS

Students are the heart of UTRGV. And every Vaquero’s academic or athletic achievement is the beat of our ongoing mission. Here, we honor our students’ steadfast commitment to their future.

UTRGV Mariachi student wins national contest
Students attend Valley legislative internships at Texas Capitol
UTRGV student selected for national advertising program
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IMPACT & INFLUENCE

Vaquero Nation is powerful. When we combine our talents, anything is possible. Our impact across South Texas is felt through our Health & Medical Education, Community Engagement, Research, and ever-growing Educational Opportunities.

HEALTH & MEDICAL EDUCATION

Since welcoming our inaugural cohort of physicians in 2016, the UTRGV School of Medicine and UT Health RGV have become a lifeline across South Texas. See how we’re supporting the physical, mental, and social well-being of patients Valley-wide.

Deaf UTRGV medical student impacts deaf community
Underrepresented community benefits from urology research by UTRGV med student
Dr. Mir creates more than 700 medical illustrations to aid SOPM students

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Here in the RGV, family is everything. Wherever Vaqueros go, we come with open arms and foster a more supportive, nurturing, and inclusive environment. See what UTRGV students, faculty, and staff are doing to enrich our communities.

Center for Innovation & Commercialization at UTRGV hosts MarketMix
UTRGV Health Services donates PPE to Palm Valley Animal Society
Celebrating 60th anniversary of UTRGV H-E-B Planetarium

RESEARCH

Vaqueros are at the forefront of research and innovation. With 13 research centers and institutes — and new facilities in development — the sky is no longer the limit. It’s no wonder that UTRGV students, faculty, and alumni continue to make waves across the galaxy.

UTRGV School of Medicine awarded $8M for first, largest genome modeling study
Students study agriculture in Arkansas through USDA-funded collaboration
Dr. Dong published article about river behavior on Nature Geoscience journal

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

We strive to offer academic programs and initiatives that benefit our students and the greater RGV community. Through unrivaled initiatives, we’re making world-class education accessible and affordable so that all UTRGV students can achieve their academic dreams — and graduate with little-to-no-debt.

UTRGV granted National Association of Schools of Dance accreditation
Setting up future engineers for success with CA2REERs Consortium
UTRGV PACT Program admits new cohort
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Academic Growth

We are uniquely positioned to grow. And that’s exactly what we’re doing. Year over year, we continue to introduce new and exciting opportunities for our students, creating new possibilities for The Future of Texas.

New Degree Programs Since 2015

16
Bachelor Programs
15
Master Programs
5
Doctoral Programs
4
Profesional Programs

2023-2024

BA Medical Humanities
BM Music Composition
BM Music Technology
BS in Education
BS in Special Education
MS Biomedical Engineering
MS in Human Resource Management
PhD Materials Science and Engineering

2022-2023

BAIS Public Heritage and Community Engagement
BA Human Dimensions of Organizations
MA Higher Education Administration
DPM Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Doctor Nursing Practice

2021-2022

BS Integrated Health Sciences
MS Dietetics
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
PhD Mathematics and Statistics with Interdisciplinary Applications
PhD Physics

2020-2021

BS Cybersecurity
MS Applied Statistics and Data Science
MS Global Trade Management

2019-2020

BFA in Visual Communication Design
BS American Sign Language Interpretation
MS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
MS Bioethics
MS Business Analytics

2018-2019

BS Hospitality and Tourism Management
BS Addiction Studies
BS Nutritional Sciences
BS Statistics
BS Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
MS Civil Engineering
MEd Teacher Leadership
PhD Clinical Psychology

2017-2018

MA Political Science

2016-2017

MA Disaster Studies
MS Ocean, Coastal, and Earth Sciences
MS Agricultural, Environment, and Sustainability Sciences
MD Medicine

UPCOMING DEGREES

BA Medical Humanities
Doctor of Physical Therapy
PhD Computer Science
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Alumni Success

UTRGV Alumni help fuel and propel the tradition of our university. Through their work and accomplishments, our alumni serve as ambassadors by inspiring the next generation of Vaqueros. These alumni and their success elevate us all.

2023

Every UTRGV alumni has a unique story. We love learning about what Vaqueros and Legacy Alumni are doing — and making sure others know too. Share your story at newsroom@utrgv.edu.

Alum honors his roots dancing at world-renowned Ballet Folklórico de México
UTRGV lecturer named to National Association of Social Workers
Alum set to lead Mexico into FIBA Basketball World Cup

2022

Former UTRGV medical school graduate, Valley native, reflects on learning experiences
El Retorno Al Valle, honoring Gloria Anzaldúa — poet, scholar, and writer
Cynthia Rios awarded for excellence in teaching

2021

Legacy alumni-owned café opens at School of Medicine facility
Artist Alex Macias — from professor to working for a tv show
First ever graduate of the Vaquero MD Early Assurance Program — Isabella Rodriguez

2019

Sister Norma Pimentel named in Time 100 Most Influential People
Norma V. Cantú named to Biden’s Education Transition Team
Award-winning wildlife filmmaker — Sandesh Kadur
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