News Summary
The University of Texas at Austin has been recognized as the top university in Texas and ranks No. 20 nationally and No. 68 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. This prestigious ranking emphasizes UT Austin’s academic reputation, faculty research, and diverse student population. With a commitment to inclusive education and excellent programs, UT Austin continues to excel in various assessments, positioning itself as a leading institution in higher education.
Austin, Texas – University of Texas at Austin Achieves Top Rankings in QS World University Rankings 2026
The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) has achieved remarkable recognition by being ranked the No. 1 university in Texas and securing the No. 20 position in the U.S. as well as the No. 68 rank globally in the recently released QS World University Rankings 2026. This assessment evaluates over 1,500 universities worldwide, highlighting UT Austin’s strong academic reputation, exceptional faculty research, and a diverse student body.
The QS World University Rankings uses various criteria to determine these rankings. Key factors include academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, and international research. UT Austin’s impressive performance in these categories is attributed to its robust educational programs and initiatives that foster an inclusive learning environment.
Highlights of UT Austin’s Ranking Success
In addition to its top position in Texas and favorable national ranking, UT Austin has also excelled in various other assessments. It topped the U.S. News‘ 2025 list of best graduate schools, and stands at No. 30 overall nationally among colleges. Moreover, it has received accolades as the second-best college in Texas according to WalletHub’s 2025 list, while also earning top-10 rankings from The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur for both graduate and undergraduate programs. Additionally, Niche ranks UT Austin as the No. 9 top public university in the U.S.
Student Demographics at UT Austin
With a student population of 42,444 undergraduate students, UT Austin stands out not only for its academic achievements but also for its diversity. Approximately 62% of the student body comprises minority groups, reflecting a commitment to inclusive education. The university operates on a semester-based academic calendar, maintaining an acceptance rate of 29%. Admitted students commonly have SAT scores between 1310 and 1520.
Financial Overview
The financial aspect of attending UT Austin varies for in-state and out-of-state students. In-state tuition is approximately $11,678, while out-of-state tuition rises to $42,778. Graduation rates indicate that 73% of students complete their degrees within four years. However, 36% of graduating students incur student loans, with an average debt upon graduation estimated at $20,157.
Context of U.S. Universities in Global Rankings
The QS World University Rankings report points to a broader trend concerning the standing of American universities on the global stage. While the U.S. still boasts a dominant presence, with 192 universities included in the QS rankings—more than any other country—competition is intensifying from emerging educational systems around the world. A decade ago, there were 32 American universities in the top 100; that number has decreased to 26, highlighting the shifting landscape of global higher education.
As evidenced by its consistent high rankings, the University of Texas at Austin remains a leading institution in both Texas and the nation, celebrated for its commitment to academic excellence and a multifaceted educational experience.
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Additional Resources
- CultureMap: UT Austin Ranking QS World University Rankings 2026
- U.S. News: The University of Texas at Austin
- Longhorns Wire: Ranking Top 10 FBS Schools in Texas Academically
- Chron: Texas College Rankings
- KMJX: Best University College in Texas 2025
- Wikipedia: University of Texas at Austin
- Google Search: University of Texas at Austin
- Google Scholar: University of Texas at Austin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Texas at Austin
- Google News: University of Texas at Austin
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