UTA earns national recognition in U.S. News rankings
The University of Texas at Arlington continues to earn national recognition for student success and academic excellence, with the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings placing it among the nation’s top universities for social mobility and awarding strong marks for several undergraduate programs.
UTA ranked No. 47 nationally for social mobility, exemplifying the University’s support for student socioeconomic advancement. The University ranked No. 128 among public universities and No. 236 among national universities.
Three UTA undergraduate programs improved their national standing in this year’s rankings. Economics climbed 31 places to No. 185; computer science rose 15 spots to No. 110; and business moved up one place to No. 149.
UTA’s undergraduate engineering programs ranked No. 119 nationally, while nursing and psychology were also nationally ranked.
The latest rankings also reflect progress in student persistence at UTA. The University’s full-time incoming freshman annual retention rate increased to 79%, reflecting gains in keeping students enrolled and progressing toward their degrees.
“We have been intentional in strengthening our student success efforts through targeted investments in technology and a broad range of student support services,” said Tamara L. Brown, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “Our improved retention rate reflects the impact of these efforts and the strong partnerships across campus that support student success from enrollment through graduation.”
UTA’s focus on access and student outcomes has earned recognition beyond U.S. News. The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education designated UTA both a Research 1 university—awarded for the highest level of research activity—and an Opportunity University, which recognizes institutions that provide broad access to higher education and produce graduates who achieve competitive earnings.
UTA is one of just 21 universities nationwide to hold both R1 and Opportunity University classifications.
UTA welcomed another record class of first-time-in-college students this fall, building on the previous year’s record and helping increase total enrollment to 42,787. Students can choose from more than 180 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs across a wide range of disciplines.
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 190 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 300,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.