The University also ranked No. 1 in Texas for Social Mobility and Least Debt
By News and Media Relations
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – SEPT. 23, 2025 – For the first time in its 10-year history, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has been named one of the Most Innovative Schools in the country, according to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings released Tuesday.
Only 66 schools made it onto the U.S. News and World Report list, with UTRGV debuting at No. 56 overall and No. 28 among public institutions.
Only 66 schools earned a spot on the list, with UTRGV making its debut at No. 56 overall and No. 28 among public institutions. In Texas, UTRGV ranked fourth among public universities, behind only UT Austin, Texas A&M and Houston.
According to the publication, the Most Innovative list is derived from surveys sent to hundreds of university presidents and senior officials nationwide. These leaders are asked to identify universities they consider to be the most innovative – and only those mentioned make the final list.
“This recognition by U.S. News & World Report marks a proud milestone for UTRGV – our first time on this prestigious list and a clear sign that the nation is paying attention to the transformative work happening here,” UTRGV President Guy Bailey said. “I’m deeply thankful to our students, faculty, staff, and many supporters who made this possible. UTRGV is proud to represent the Rio Grande Valley – and to show that innovation lives here.”
BUILDING MOMENTUM IN NATIONAL RANKINGS
The innovation recognition adds to UTRGV’s broader momentum in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, where the university achieved its highest placements to date:
- 213 among all national universities (up 7 spots from last year).
- 118 among national public universities (up 5 spots from last year).
- 1 in Texas — No. 27 among all national universities — for Top Performers on Social Mobility.
- 1 in Texas — No. 10 among all national universities — for Least Debt.
UTRGV has made dramatic progress over the past decade. In 2016 and 2017, the university was unranked. Today, it is climbing steadily toward its next goal: breaking into the top 100 public universities in the nation.
“Our rise in the national rankings underscores what we’ve become – a university on the move,” Bailey said. “This progress reflects not only institutional success, but a shared commitment to transforming lives and elevating the entire Rio Grande Valley. The best is yet to come.”
To read more about the rankings, click here.
