DECEMBER 24, 2024 — Editor's note: This article was originally published on October 2, 2024.
UTSA continues to build momentum, earning distinctions for its academic excellence, innovation and commitment to social mobility, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 edition of America’s Best Colleges list.
“UTSA’s rising rankings are a direct result of the incredible work of our faculty and staff, as they continually advance efforts to achieve our three strategic destinations while building a world-class university,” said UTSA President Taylor Eighmy. “I am deeply proud of our university community’s commitment to excellence, especially as it relates to helping our students create pathways of success for themselves and their families.”
UTSA rose 49 spots in the Best National Universities category to No. 231 among 434 ranked institutions, tied for second among 18 universities nationally with the largest jump in ranking. This rise reflects the university's growing reputation, student success and research excellence. Over the past five years, UTSA has achieved several milestones, including earning its prestigious Carnegie R1 classification, which places the university among the top research institutions in the nation.
UTSA has also expanded its physical footprint in downtown San Antonio by welcoming the UTSA Southwest campus and opening the high-tech San Pedro I building, with San Pedro II construction underway. The university’s growth will continue into 2025, as the UT System Board of Regents approved a merger between UTSA and UT Health San Antonio.
UTSA’s bold approach to innovation has consistently driven its success. Through new degree programs, cutting-edge academic technologies, dynamic student success programming, and a collaborative research environment, the university is preparing students to with knowledge and adaptable skills that will help them thrive as the influence of technologies like Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) grows.
To support this goal, UTSA recently announced the creation of a new college dedicated to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computing and data science. With nearly 6,000 students already enrolled in these programs, the university is positioning itself as a leader in advanced technologies, aligning its academic excellence while addressing the needs of today’s workforce.
UTSA is also ranked No. 53 in the Most Innovative Schools category, placing it among only six Texas institutions including UT Austin (No. 19), Baylor University (No. 26), Rice University (No. 29), Texas A&M (No. 38) and UT Arlington (No. 63). To rank institutions in this category, U.S. News and World Report distributed a peer assessment survey to college presidents, provosts and admissions deans. These college leaders were asked to select up to 15 colleges or universities they believe are making cutting-edge developments in curricula, faculty, students, campus life and technology or facilities.
Faculty recruitment and professional development has been a priority for UTSA in creating the university’s top-tier team. Since 2019, UTSA has attracted talented faculty through UTSA’s Clustered and Connected Hiring Program, part of the Strategic Faculty Hiring Initiative. For the 2024-2025 academic year, UTSA welcomed 90 new, full-time faculty members, many of whom specialize in emerging fields.
UTSA provides all faculty with continuing education opportunities, curricula, teaching and academic technology support services, and special incentive programs to help pilot new tools or classroom approaches. The commitment to faculty development is reflected in its impressive engagement rates; 60% of UTSA faculty have participated in professional development programs offered through UTSA Academic Innovation, compared to the national average of just 25-30% for faculty participation in professional development programs.
Faculty development is a driving force behind career-engaged learning, empowering educators to design innovative, hands-on experiences that seamlessly integrate academic theory with practical, real-world application. This approach enhances students’ problem-solving abilities, critical thinking and technical skills that are essential for navigating the complexities of the modern job market. By fostering this blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, faculty development plays a crucial role in shaping graduates who are ready to build life-changing careers and achieve long-term success.
UTSA rose to No. 44 of 433 ranked institutions in the social mobility category. Making college more affordable is a consistent goal for UTSA, as 45% of students are Pell Grant recipients. The university has been deliberate in its activities to ensure financial barriers do not prevent talented students from pursuing a college education and to set them up to succeed after graduation. UTSA has strategically aligned university resources, integrating innovative academic technologies, and creating student support programs that help students cultivate academic success and a sense of belonging.
As part of this effort, UTSA’s Bold Promise and Bold Scholars programs help students afford college and succeed once they arrive. These programs cover 100% of tuition and fees for eligible students, providing opportunities for first-time freshmen from households with incomes of up to $70,000. With nearly 2,900 students enrolled, these initiatives ensure that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from pursuing a college education. UTSA graduates now leave school with $5,000 less in student loan debt than the state average of $1,000, further demonstrating the university’s commitment to affordability and student success.
UTSA’s ranking as No. 126 out of 225 in the Top Public Schools category affirms its position as a leading public institution that helps students from all backgrounds gain an affordable, high-quality education. This continued recognition highlights UTSA’s importance as a top public university in one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.
“Our faculty and staff continue to build programs that challenge students to achieve their fullest potential,” said Heather Shipley, UTSA provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “We remain committed to fostering a learning environment that embraces innovation and academic excellence for all.”
In addition to the national rankings, UTSA’s colleges also appeared on the 2024-2025 rankings for the following:
UTSA’s showing in the latest U.S. News & World Report list builds upon the university’s rise in several rankings in 2024. Earlier this year, UTSA checked in at No. 93 in the National University Rankings produced by Washington Monthly, which place a significant emphasis on social mobility, research and promoting public service.
In September, Forbes ranked UTSA No. 127 among public universities in its 2024–2025 America’s Top Colleges list. The ranking noted UTSA’s success in delivering an affordable, high-quality education that supports students from diverse financial backgrounds and prepares them for long-term success. Forbes also placed UTSA’s online B.B.A. in Cyber Security among the top five nationally. The program was selected among the best based on its credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process.
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Día en la Sombrilla, formerly Fiesta UTSA, is a festival hosted each spring as a part of Fiesta® San Antonio events. Sponsored by Roadrunner Productions, the event features music, food, confetti, games, event t-shirts, and more.
Sombrilla Plaza, Main CampusCovidence is a systematic & scoping review tool used to streamline the process of screening and reviewing articles. Using this software, research teams can easily import studies, perform automatic deduplication, and extract data using templates. This workshop will show attendees how to start a review in Covidence, add collaborators, and get started on screening.
Virtual (Zoom)In this workshop, attendees will be introduced to Pandas, a Python tool for working with data easily. It makes it simple to organize and analyze information when data is organized and categorized, like spreadsheets or tables.
Group Spot B, John Peace LibraryEach fall and spring semester, students convene at the Main Campus at UTSA with booths, ideas and prototypes. A crowd of judges, local organizations, students, faculty and sponsors walk around and talk to the students about their projects and ask questions. Students get the real-life experience of "pitching" their project with hopes of getting funding or support to move to the next level.
UTSA Convocation Center, Main CampusJoin the doctoral candidates for the Doctoral Conferreal Ceremony and celebrate their accomplishments.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusCelebrate the graduates from the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, College of Education and Human Development, Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design and University College.
AlamodomeCelebrate the graduates from the College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and College of Sciences.
AlamodomeThe 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, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
