UTA among best in nation for diversity, social mobility and access

U.S. News & World Report ranks UTA fifth in nation for undergraduate diversity

Monday, Sep 12, 2022 • Linsey Retcofsky : Contact

UTA students smile for the camera." _languageinserted="true

U.S. News & World Report has placed The University of Texas at Arlington among the top institutions in the nation in categories for student access and success, according to its 2022-2023 Best Colleges rankings.

“This year’s rankings demonstrate UTA’s commitment to providing a top-quality education to a diverse population of students,” UTA President Jennifer Cowley said. “They reflect our commitment to providing access to students from all backgrounds and helping them thrive. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to providing our students with the resources they need while in school and the skills to succeed once they graduate.”

Equity and inclusion

UTA tied for fifth in the nation for campus ethnic diversity, reflecting its long-standing status as home to one of the most diverse undergraduate student populations in Texas. Federally designated as both a Hispanic- and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, UTA is a leader in inclusive and equitable programming to support students from diverse backgrounds.

This year, UTA co-founded the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities to increase opportunities for students historically underserved by higher education. Through its participation, UTA will help to increase the Hispanic professoriate and the number of Hispanic doctoral students at U.S. research universities.

Social mobility and access

Overall, UT Arlington ranked No. 156 in the magazine’s list of top national public universities and No. 41 for social mobility, a category which measures the graduation rates of low-income students. For the least amount of debt among graduates, UTA ranked No. 56, reflecting a commitment to an affordable education as well as financial aid and scholarships for deserving students.

In 2022, as part of its commitment to access and affordability, UTA launched Blaze Forward, a program which covers 100% of tuition and mandatory fees for undergraduate students who meet all eligibility requirements and are from families with adjusted gross incomes up to $85,000. In its first year, more than 4,000 students are expected to qualify for the tuition assistance.

Engineering and innovation

The College of Engineering undergraduate program ranked No. 104 overall. With 11 baccalaureate, 13 master’s and nine doctoral degrees, it offers the most comprehensive engineering curriculum in North Texas. Among undergraduate computer science programs, UTA ranked No. 110.

For innovation, UTA ranked No. 68. In 2021, UTA inventors received 17 patents, contributing to the University of Texas System’s overall ranking of No. 3 in the nation, according to the National Academy of Inventors.

The University’s culture of innovation is powered by a network of research and creative support services, such as those offered by its Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Innovation and its Office of Innovation and Commercialization.

Earlier this year, many of UTA’s graduate programs gained national recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate School rankings.

  • The College of Engineering’s graduate program in aerospace engineering ranked No. 40.
  • The College of Nursing and Health Innovation master’s programs earned a top-50 national designation.
  • In the College of Science, graduate programs in physics and chemistry both made significant jumps in the rankings to No. 95 and No. 128, respectively.