This summer, UTA became the fourth institution in the state to achieve Texas Tier One designation, a significant milestone of excellence in academics and research that brings with it access to the state’s National Research University Fund (NRUF). Texas lawmakers established the NRUF in 2009 to provide a pathway for emerging research institutions to become national leaders in research output.
Reaching the Top
The first university to achieve Texas Tier One designation in more than three years, UTA reached or exceeded rigorous benchmarks of quality established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for at least two consecutive years.
This designation will further bolster our state’s dedication to higher education, economic development, and cutting-edge research, and I congratulate the students, professors, and faculty of UTA for achieving this prestigious milestone.
—Texas Governor Greg Abbott
Surpassing $45 million in restricted research expenditures
UTA’s total research expenditures were approximately $125 million in 2020, with restricted research expenditures of $52 million.
Awarding more than 200 PHDs each year
UTA has achieved this milestone six years in a row.
Being designated a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
Enrolling a freshman class of high academic achievement
For this criterion, UTA consistently ranks the highest among universities in the running for NRUF designation.
having high-quality faculty
This is illustrated by the increase in National Academy members, who are considered the foremost authorities on impactful research in the U.S. and who achieve membership only through significant contributions that advance their fields of study
UTA has seven members of the national academies and 19 fellows in the National Academy of Inventors.
