Money Magazine has named UTRGV a top college in its list of Best Colleges, which focuses on the overall value of education among the 2,400 four-year colleges it reviewed. UTRGV ranks third in Texas, right behind Texas A&M and UT Austin, and 76th in the country.
Guy Bailey, UTRGV president, said being ranked alongside some of the top universities in Texas is a reflection of the college’s solid commitment to ensure that each student is getting a high-value education at a reasonable price.
“UTRGV has, time and time again, been recognized for providing students a valuable education at a time when value is being questioned,” Bailey said. “This pattern of being recognized by top media organizations reiterates that the programs and initiatives we have instituted at UTRGV have been working toward overall student success.”
UTRGV’s Growing Success
UTRGV has established a pattern for recognition for value by key media organizations. It has been included in top rankings from the following organizations:
- Forbes.com Top Colleges for Your Money – Ranking eight nationally and first in Texas.
- U.S. News and World Report Least Student Debt Among Public Universities – Ranking two nationally and first in Texas
- Washington Monthly Lowest Net Price of Attendance – Ranking six nationally and first in Texas
- ThirdWay.org Top Schools That Offer the Most Economic Mobility – ranking four nationally and two in Texas.
Money’s Ranking Methology
Money compiles its Best Colleges list from colleges with sufficient data and above-average graduation rates. It also scores schools in three specific areas: quality, affordability and outcomes.
The ranking measure quality from graduation rate per college. It calculates affordability by weighing the net price of a degree, student and parent borrowing, and loan repayment rates.
Money gives consideration to median earnings in the area of outcomes. This also includes the share of alumni working and the share of alumni earning more than a high school graduate.
Value-added calculations are also a focus in the list, comparing a school’s performance against its predicted performance. It accounts for standardized test scores and the percentage of low-income students among enrollees.