SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 — The University of Texas at San Antonio has jumped 92 spots on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Colleges to No. 280, the most significant increase of all public universities and the second-most of all colleges and universities. Among public universities on this year’s list, UTSA ranks No. 151.
Now in its 40th year, the Best Colleges rankings has been a major influencer in how prospective students across the country select where to go to college. Nearly 1,500 colleges and universities are included in its rankings.
This year’s list reflects changes to the way U.S. News ranks universities—the goal being to place a higher emphasis on social mobility and outcomes. New factors, including first-generation graduation rates and proportion of college graduates earning more than a high-school graduate, mean universities like UTSA are being measured more accurately for their impact. Meanwhile, UTSA’s focused efforts around research and student success have propelled the university to greater recognition.
“Over the last decade we have worked strategically to become a Carnegie R1 institution, to be eligible for National Research University fund status here in Texas, to be recognized for our immense progress in student success measures, to become a Seal Certified institution from Excelencia in Education, and to showcase how our students benefit from a UTSA education as they enter the workforce with low debt and high economic and social mobility,” said UTSA President Taylor Eighmy. “These collective efforts have been noticed and we are grateful for the recognition.”
As part of the Best Colleges ranking, UTSA was also recognized for its innovation and commitment to social mobility—taking the No. 58 and No. 47 spots, respectively.
In determining social mobility, U.S. News looked at how well institutions graduated economically disadvantaged students—including first-generation and Pell Grant-awarded students.
UTSA is committed to preparing career-ready students by increasing access to excellence and cultivating an environment where students from all backgrounds can excel. A Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), 59% of UTSA’s students identify as Hispanic. The university is taking bold steps to become a Hispanic thriving institution—a model HSI that advances social mobility and economic opportunities for Latino students and their communities.
Over the past several years, UTSA has seen a rise in one-year, two- and three-year retention rates. UTSA has also decreased the average time it takes for students to earn their degree—from 5.4 to 4.3 years. That means students are entering the workforce earlier and graduating with less debt. Financial aid and student success programs, which enable students to focus on degree completion, have been key to UTSA’s success in retaining and graduating students.
The innovation ranking recognizes UTSA’s dedication to making promising changes on campus through innovative improvements to such areas as curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technologies and facilities.
With an emphasis on transdisciplinary collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship, UTSA is leveraging its research and development capabilities to benefit the San Antonio community and the world beyond. The university has a strong technology transfer network, enabling faculty members to develop and commercialize innovative solutions for the benefit of society. This environment enables industrial research, partnerships, intellectual property management, proof-of-concept development, new venture incubation and entrepreneurial training.
UTSA has also set itself apart through university-wide efforts such as the Classroom to Career initiative. UTSA’s strong focus on preparing students with cutting edge curricula and experiential learning experiences provides a formula for a marketable advantage in the workplace.
By participating in these immersive “learning-by-doing” opportunities such as internships, service learning, undergraduate research and study abroad programs, students understand how classroom learning applies in the real-world and develop marketable skills that improve career success.
These experiences are important for greater success, financial security and a higher quality of life for all students, especially for those from historically underserved populations.
“UTSA’s Classroom to Career initiative is making a deep impact on the lives of our students, their families and our community,” said UTSA Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Heather Shipley. “We know that learning isn’t limited to the classroom. By engaging our faculty and industry partners to create valuable learning opportunities for our students, we are preparing students for future success while meeting the growing needs of our local workforce.”
As part of its strategic plan, UTSA aims for 75% of its undergraduate students to participate in some type of experiential learning before graduation. These valuable experiences prepare students with the knowledge, skills and insight to overcome challenges, navigate the workplace and achieve career success.
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Come experience a Hispanic Market with us!
Rowdy StatueWe will be reading For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts by Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodriguez. We will meet on Zoom to discuss the book. The book is free for students who request it, please email multicultural@utsa.edu to request the book and/or to join the Book Club and receive messages and information about this and future readings and discussions.
Virtual EventCome and practice your Spanish in a friendly and engaging environment! You will also learn about Hispanic cultures with us as we play games, watch videos, sing, and participate in many other language and cultural activities! All levels are welcome! ¡Nos vemos!
Willow Room (SU 2.02.12,) Main CampusIn partnership with UTSA Libraries and the Consulado General de México en San Antonio, Carriqui will host Ven a Tomar, where guests will sample mezcal, cocktails and unique bites to celebrate UTSA's Mexican Cookbook Collection.
Carriqui, 239 E Grayson St San Antonio, TX 78215The UTSA Orchestra will be performing Rapsodia Mexicana, a captivating concert celebrating Mexican music and the confluence of cultures in South Texas. Joined by organist Colin Campbell (Texas A&M International University) and UTSA's Mariachi Los Paisanos, watch as the orchestra brings to life the essence of Hispanic culture through their powerful performances.
UTSA Recital Hall, Main CampusA fun night for UTSA students to relax and play loteria. Student Success Centers will also have recourses for students to learn more about programs and services.
Denman Ballroom (SU 2.01.28,) Main CampusCome play a game of Loteria sponsored by the UTSA College of Education and Human Development (COEHD), UTSA College of Liberal and Fine Arts (COLFA) and UTSA Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Willow Room (SU 2.02.12,) Main CampusThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education.
The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to ending generations of discrimination and inequity. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.