UTRGV was recently ranked fourth nationally among the Top 10 schools that offer the most economic mobility for their students.

Third Way, a national nonprofit think tank, announced the ranking in a recent report, “Out With the Old, In With the New: Rating Higher Ed by Economic Mobility.”

Third Way developed the economic mobility ranking by examining which schools enroll the highest proportion of students from low and moderate backgrounds and provide them with a strong return on their educational investment. UTRGV was the only UT System school in the top 10.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey said the ranking is a testament to UTRGV’s commitment to providing a world-class education at an affordable price.

“Two things happen when our students graduate: First, the excellent education they have just obtained gives them the opportunity to secure a great job. Second, they graduate with little to no debt,” he said. “When you combine these two things, it truly gives our students a quick return on their investment in UTRGV.”

Bailey cited Tuition Advantage and Luminary Scholars as UTRGV programs assisting many students with tuition needs.

Additionally, key programs like TRiO Student Support Services and GEAR UP are examples of partnerships and grant-generating departments that help increase retention and graduation rates for low-income or first-generation students.

Veronica Gonzales, senior vice president for Governmental and Community Relations, said this recognition is a testament to the growing workforce in the Rio Grande Valley.

“Having an educated workforce is critical to the growth and success of any community,” she said. “The ranking is further validation that UTRGV is producing a strong talent pool for the Valley, the State of Texas and the nation’s workforce, at an affordable cost.”