Leading the Way in Affordability, Accessibility, and Research

Why UTRGV is the #1 University in Texas: Washington Monthly’s Methodology

Celebrate with Us!

We’re kicking off the academic year with an incredible achievement: UTRGV has once again been ranked the No. 1 University in Texas by Washington Monthly’s 2024 College Guide and Rankings. Holding on to our top spot for the second year in a row, we proudly set the standard, with Texas A&M, Rice, UT Arlington, and Sam Houston State following behind.

 Nationally, UTRGV continues to shine, moving up two spots to 58th among all universities—both private and public—and advancing one spot to 30th among public institutions. These accomplishments place UTRGV alongside some of the most prestigious universities in the country like MIT, Stanford, Penn, Harvard, and Princeton.

 This distinguished recognition is a testament to UTRGV’s unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality education that’s both affordable and accessible, making a lasting impact on a national scale, and driving positive change across the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.

Washington Monthly’s rankings stand out because they focus on how universities contribute to the public good, rather than just prestige.

 
Here’s how UTRGV earned its top spot:
•Social Mobility: UTRGV excels in providing affordable, high-quality education to students from all financial backgrounds, helping low-income students earn degrees that lead to successful careers.

 
•Civic Engagement: UTRGV actively inspires its students to get involved in public service, encouraging them to make a positive impact in their communities.

 
•Research Impact: UTRGV advances research that drives economic growth and community well-being, ensuring that the benefits of higher education extend far beyond the classroom.

 Learn more about Washington Monthly’s methodology.


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UTRGV logo over a Texas-shaped outline with bold text stating '#1 University in Texas AGAIN!' and a note at the bottom referencing Washington Monthly's College Rankings for 2023 & 2024.

But Wait, There's More

UTRGV’s success doesn’t stop at being named the #1 University in Texas. Washington Monthly’s rankings also highlight our excellence in several other key areas, showcasing our commitment to serving students and the community at the highest level. 

Ranking of Texas universities with UTRGV ranked #1, followed by Texas A&M, Rice, UT Arlington, Sam Houston State, UTSA, UT Austin, North Texas, UTEP, and Texas Woman’s University.
UTRGV ranked #30 among national public universities, ranking higher than notable schools such as Texas A&M, Rutgers, Purdue, Indiana, NC State, William & Mary, Maryland, Georgia, Iowa State, George Mason, Ohio State, Arizona, and UT Austin.
UTRGV ranked #1 for the lowest net price of attendance among all Texas universities and #5 among national public universities
UTRGV ranked #1 for social mobility among all Texas universities and #9 among national public universities.
UTRGV ranked #1 in Texas and #2 among national public universities for the performance of Pell Grant students.
UTRGV ranked #1 in Texas and #3 among national public universities for its Communications Disorders Master’s Degree program.
UTRGV ranked #1 in Texas and #6 among national public universities for its Social Work Master’s Degree program.
UTRGV ranked #1 in Texas and #6 among national public universities for its Nursing Master’s Degree program.

Beyond #1: More Top Rankings

UTRGV's rankings in Texas from 2020 to 2024. In 2020, UTRGV ranked #3; in 2021, it ranked #5; in 2022, it was #3 again. In 2023 and 2024, UTRGV secured the #1 spot, surpassing universities like Texas A&M, UT Austin, Rice, and others.
UTRGV's past rankings from 2020 to 2024. In Texas, UTRGV ranked 3rd in 2020, 5th in 2021, 3rd in 2022, and 1st in both 2023 and 2024. Nationally, it ranked 86th overall in 2020, 116th in 2021, 75th in 2022, 60th in 2023, and 58th in 2024.
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© 2024 The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Two smiling UTRGV students in orange shirts hold a sign that reads '#1 University in Texas' from the 2023 Washington Monthly Rankings. Other students in UTRGV apparel are in the background, and someone is taking a picture with a smartphone.

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Why UTRGV is the #1 University in Texas?

Leading university in Texas