Austin, September 25, 2025
News Summary
The University of Texas at Austin has achieved the status of the top public university in Texas, ranking No. 7 nationally according to U.S. News & World Report. The evaluation assessed over 400 colleges, emphasizing academic quality, graduation rates, and post-graduation outcomes. UT Austin’s academic excellence is further underscored by 24 of its 37 evaluated undergraduate programs ranked in the top 10 nationally. With a projected enrollment of 55,000 students for the upcoming academic year, the university continues to demonstrate its commitment to higher education and student success.
Austin
The University of Texas at Austin has been ranked as the No. 1 public university in Texas and the No. 7 public university nationally by U.S. News & World Report. This ranking highlights the university’s ongoing commitment to providing quality education and resources for its students.
UT Austin maintained its position as the No. 30 institution among both public and private universities in the United States. The U.S. News & World Report’s analysis compared over 400 eligible colleges nationwide, focusing on several categories such as classroom resources, graduation and retention rates, degree conferral, and post-graduation employment outcomes, including salaries and manageable debt.
Academic Excellence and Program Rankings
In addition to its overall rankings, the university evaluated 37 undergraduate programs, with 24 ranked in the top 10 nationally in their respective categories. Six of these programs achieved top five rankings in fields such as accounting, finance, and marketing within the McCombs School of Business, as well as petroleum, chemical, and civil engineering in the Cockrell School of Engineering.
Record Enrollment and Graduation Rates
UT Austin has reported record high graduation rates, first-year retention rates, and the number of freshman applicants and degrees conferred after the 2024-25 academic year. The total enrollment for the 2025-26 academic year is projected to be 55,000 students, marking the largest enrollment in the university’s 142-year history.
Alongside UT Austin, the University of Texas at San Antonio also received recognition for its leadership in social mobility and innovation. The U.S. News & World Report rankings serve as a significant reference for prospective students and higher education evaluations nationwide. However, some critiques suggest they overlook the reality of student experiences.
Comparative Rankings
This year, UT Austin is noted to be tied with the University of Florida at No. 7 among public universities. The university’s leadership underscored that students are experiencing the highest demand and performance in its history.
The Ivy League universities, such as Princeton, MIT, and Harvard, continue to hold the top three spots in the national rankings, reinforcing the competitive environment that institutions like UT Austin navigate.
Conclusion
The ranking by U.S. News & World Report not only enhances the university’s reputation but also reflects its robust academic programs and successful student outcomes, indicating a thriving educational environment.
FAQ
What is the ranking of the University of Texas at Austin among public universities?
The University of Texas at Austin has been ranked as the No. 1 public university in Texas and the No. 7 public university nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
What is the total enrollment projected for the University of Texas at Austin in 2025-26?
The total enrollment for the 2025-26 academic year is projected to be 55,000 students, the largest in the university’s 142-year history.
How did U.S. News & World Report evaluate universities?
The U.S. News & World Report’s analysis compared over 400 eligible colleges nationwide, focusing on categories such as classroom resources, graduation and retention rates, degree conferral, and post-graduation employment outcomes including salaries and manageable debt.
Key Features of UT Austin’s 2026 Rankings
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Public University Rank | No. 7 nationally, No. 1 in Texas |
| Overall University Rank | No. 30 among public and private institutions |
| Undergraduate Programs Evaluated | 37 programs |
| Programs in Top 10 | 24 programs |
| Projected Enrollment for 2025-26 | 55,000 students |
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Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
