The University of North Texas (UNT) has made a significant advancement in the U.S. News & World Report’s “Top Performers on Social Mobility” ranking, climbing from No. 44 in 2025 to No. 34. This improvement highlights UNT’s dedication to offering accessible, high-quality education that positively impacts students’ lives.
UNT’s rise in the rankings is attributed to its support for first-generation students and those facing financial or educational challenges, aiding them in completing their education and enhancing future earning potential. In the past year, UNT awarded more than 13,000 degrees and distributed over $456 million in financial aid, with about $70 million allocated to scholarships. Nearly 75% of students receive some form of financial support, and more than half of its graduates leave without student loan debt, which represents a nearly 14% decrease since 2014.
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Michael McPherson, stated, “These rankings reflect UNT’s holistic approach to student success, from traditional campus programs to cutting-edge online offerings. We are especially proud of the upward movement in our social mobility ranking, which underscores UNT’s role in providing transformative opportunities to students from all walks of life.”
UNT’s commitment to academic excellence is further reflected in its 20 U.S. News & World Report rankings, covering online, graduate, global, and Best Colleges categories. The social mobility ranking positions UNT within the Top 100 of the Best Colleges list.
UNT’s Current U.S. News & World Report Rankings:
Best Colleges
- Top Performers on Social Mobility – 34 (up from 44 in 2025)
Best Graduate Programs
- Homeland Security and Emergency Management – 5
- Local Government Management – 8
- Rehabilitation Counseling – 12
- Library and Information Studies – 21
- Supply Chain / Logistics – 23 (new ranking in 2025)
- Fine Arts (MFA) – 42
- Audiology – 66
- Political Science – 69
- Materials Engineering – 70
- Public Affairs – 72
- Part-time MBA – 88
Best Online Programs
- Best Online Graduate Education Programs – 3
- Best Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Programs – 17
- Best Undergraduate Business – 21
- Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs – 24
- Best Online Bachelor’s Programs – 25
- Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans – 44
- Best Online MBA Programs – 75
Best Global Universities
- Education and Educational Research – 27
UNT continues to advance its mission to provide innovative programs, expert faculty, and opportunities that prepare students for success in Texas, the U.S., and the world.