Tops in North Texas for Student Outcomes in 2026 Washington Monthly College Rankings

UNT Dallas ranks highest in North Texas for Student Outcomes among public colleges and universities in the 2026 Washington Monthly College Guide, published today. The university scored #9 out of 200 for Student Outcomes in its seven-state region, finishing the best among similar higher education institutions in North Texas.

The respected annual ranking evaluates colleges and universities throughout the U.S. on four equally weighted portions: Access, Affordability, Outcomes and Service.

In addition to the top score for Student Outcomes in North Texas, UNT Dallas scored #32 overall (all four portions) out of 200 institutions across seven states (Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee) in the Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars — South. The region includes 98 public colleges and universities and 102 private ones.

UNT Dallas also is ranked #25 in the Best Hispanic-Serving Colleges list and #84 in America’s Best Colleges for Research.

Student Outcomes Measurement

Washington Monthly defines Student Outcomes as “the academic and financial outcomes they provide to students. It tracks the percentage of students graduating within eight years and compares that to statistical predictions. It compares graduation rates between wealthy and nonwealthy students. It also tracks the incomes that students make in their early careers and compares that to their peers’ early-career incomes. Additionally, the outcomes category ranks colleges by the numbers of graduates who go on to receive PhDs.”

UNT Dallas has ranked high on previous Washington Monthly evaluations, including its 2025 list of Best Bang for Your Buck Colleges, which also cited the university for the best Student Outcomes in North Texas.

Washington Monthly says, "To do well on our ranking, colleges must recruit students of modest means without overcharging them on tuition or loading them with too much debt, then help them graduate with degrees that bring in decent incomes. Schools get extra points if they motivate students to vote, serve in the military or AmeriCorps, and enter socially useful professions like nursing and teaching."

Washington Monthly bills itself as an alternative to the annual U.S. News & World Report Best College Rankings. The two publications use different data and methodology, serving as competitive reviews offering distinct perspectives.

UNT Dallas is #23 in Top Public Schools, Regional Universities West, in the most recent U.S. News evaluation. 

Prospective students are invited to explore UNTDallas.com for information on dozens of academic programs and majors, admissions and enrollment, scholarships and financial aid, athletics and student organizations. Go Trailblazers!