Forbes has released this year’s list of America’s Best Value Colleges, dubbed the “definitive guide” for getting an excellent return on a college investment. North Texas made a showing, with the University of Texas at Dallas being named the best value public university in Texas.
Forbes said the 2019 ranking is focused on a human angle—citing the recent college admissions scandal and skyrocketing costs, it seems more apparent than ever that a pricey diploma favors the wealthy. However, the majority of people look for value over prestige when it comes to choosing higher education.
Both public and private institutions offering four-year degrees were evaluated, all based on quality, net price, net debt, alumni earnings, timely graduation, and access for low-income students. Brigham Young University, Princeton, and the University of California, Irvine hold the top three spots.
Statewide, Houston’s private research university, Rice, came in first with a No. 21 ranking.
But, No. 31 UTD wasn’t far behind, making it the top-ranked institution in Dallas-Fort Worth on the overall list. That’s a pretty big jump from coming in 61st last year. Not to mention, when classified by only public universities, UTD places first for all of Texas.
In the school profile, Forbes said since opening in 1969, UTD has made its way to be a large public research institution in the University of Texas system.
“While no single metric or ranking can capture the full picture of our dynamic university, this particular ranking speaks highly of our value to students and their families,” UTD President Richard C. Benson said in a statement.
Forbes created this year’s fourth annual ranking of the 300 Best Value Colleges by comparing 645 U.S. colleges and universities.
Also representing from DFW is: University of Texas at Arlington (No. 146), University of North Texas (No. 202), Southern Methodist University (No. 240), and Texas Woman’s University (No. 278).
Get on the list.
Dallas Innovates, every day.
Sign up to keep your eye on what’s new and next in Dallas-Fort Worth, every day.
R E A D N E X T
-
UTD students, faculty, and alumni pitched their big ideas for a chance to win cash to push their ventures forward. New this year: Capital Factory presented the first-ever biotech+ challenge award. The event featured a closing conversation on the entrepreneurial ecosystem with long-time business partners Ross Perot Jr. and Anurag Jain.
-
UT Dallas' program brings "together innovative ideas with entrepreneurial spirit" among the student body and the faculty. In its first decade, the Department of Bioengineering has delivered novel innovations in med tech and digital health," says Dr. Shalini Prasad.
-
The inaugural October 8th Texas Blockchain Summit could be a watershed event for making Texas "the jurisdiction of choice" for Bitcoin and other digital currencies. Lee Bratcher, president of the Texas Blockchain Council, will host a wide array of speakers including Texas Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz and Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis.
-
Nonprofit BUiLT is hosting the event to highlight the success and possibilities of Black tech talent in the region. “There is no talent pipeline problem,” says Peter Beasley, co-founder of the Blacks United in Leading Technology International. “Black tech talent is widely available, especially in North Texas.”
-
"It's larger than every other problem that we face, probably combined," says Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath. The long-term economic impact of pandemic-driven learning loss in Texas could total as much as $2 trillion. An expert panel discusses the challenges—and what's being done about it.
