The Ultimate College Rankings Guide: US News & World Report

The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) has once again solidified its position as a leading public university in the United States. According to the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings for 2026, UT Austin maintains its No. 1 ranking among public universities in Texas and No. 7 ranking among public universities nationally. Furthermore, the university holds a respectable No. 30 ranking nationally among both public and private universities.

Academic Programs that Shine

UT Austin’s academic programs have consistently demonstrated excellence, with 24 out of 37 undergraduate programs evaluated ranking in the top 10 among all universities nationally. Some standout programs include ¹:

• McCombs School of Business:
• Accounting: Ranked No. 2 nationally and No. 1 in Texas
• Marketing: Ranked No. 3 nationally and No. 1 in Texas
• Finance: Ranked No. 5 nationally and No. 1 in Texas
• Cockrell School of Engineering:
• Petroleum Engineering: Ranked No. 2 nationally and No. 2 in Texas
• Chemical Engineering: Ranked No. 5 nationally and No. 1 in Texas
• Civil Engineering: Ranked No. 5 nationally and No. 1 in Texas

Innovation and Student Success

UT Austin’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its impressive graduation and retention rates. During the 2024-2025 academic year, the university set new records for its four-year graduation rate at 75.7% and first-year retention rate at 97.1%. Additionally, UT Austin conferred a record 15,963 degrees, demonstrating its dedication to student success.

Veterans and Study Abroad Programs

UT Austin continues to be the best university in Texas for veterans, ranking No. 7 in the nation for veterans among public universities. The university also boasts a highly regarded study abroad program, ranking No. 4 among public universities nationally.

A Commitment to Excellence

UT President Jim Davis emphasized the university’s commitment to delivering an uncompromising standard of academic excellence. “That excellence is driving the highest demand and student performance in our University’s history, and today’s rankings validate our performance.” The university’s faculty and staff play a crucial role in this success, and Davis expressed gratitude for their dedication to student academic success.

Ranking Highlights

Some notable rankings highlights for UT Austin include ¹ ²:

• No. 1 public university in Texas
• No. 7 public university nationally
• No. 30 nationally among both public and private universities
• No. 9 for most innovative among public universities nationally
• No. 4 study abroad program among public universities nationally
• 76 undergraduate and graduate programs ranked in the top 10 among public and private institutions

Benefits and Limitations of the Rankings

The US News & World Report rankings provide valuable insights for students, educators, and institutions. While the rankings can help students make informed decisions about their academic pursuits, they also have limitations. Some critics argue that the rankings prioritize metrics that may not fully capture the diversity and complexity of academic institutions.

In conclusion, the University of Texas at Austin’s impressive rankings and academic programs demonstrate its commitment to excellence and student success. With its strong reputation, innovative spirit, and dedication to faculty and staff, UT Austin continues to be a leader in higher education.