UTSA has been ranked No. 127 among public universities in Forbes’ 2024-2025 “America’s Top Colleges” list. This ranking reflects UTSA’s commitment to providing an affordable, high-quality education that supports students from diverse backgrounds and prepares them for long-term success.
Forbes evaluates colleges based on several factors, including alumni salary, student debt, graduation rates, return on investment (ROI), retention and academic success.
In its latest rankings, UTSA received the following rankings:
- #127 among public universities
- #178 among research universities
- #64 in the South
- #272 out of 500 public and private universities
These rankings highlight UTSA’s efforts to help students graduate with less debt. Notably, 39% of UTSA students graduate without any tuition loan debt, an increase from 29% a decade ago.
Forbes reported that the average grant aid for UTSA students is $8,934, while the average debt is $5,390. Additionally, the median 10-year salary for graduates is $105,800. Forbes also noted that UTSA is one of the nation’s foremost Hispanic-serving institutions, with a majority Hispanic student body and significant cultural support.
UTSA student Ashton Gonzalez said, “I love that UTSA is expanding, and I love the diversity. Increasing diversity makes the campus feel more welcoming and safe. The financial aid UTSA offers is also amazing. It has helped so many of my friends through their school years.”
Another student, Afua Dwamena, said, “I believe the value of our degrees will increase with UTSA gaining more traction. This provides us with more opportunities in the job market. I don’t think school is cheap at all, and the costs can be quite a lot. The return on investment often hinges on the connections we make and the opportunities available after graduation. For instance, undergraduate students focused solely on education might find attending a four-year university significantly more expensive than community college, but they gain valuable benefits that enhance their resumes, such as internships and networking opportunities.”
According to the UTSA Office of Institutional Research and Analysis, 75% of undergraduates receive financial aid, and 45% of all students receive federal Pell Grants each fiscal year. Forbes’ ranking reflects the university’s dedication to supporting students who rely on Pell Grants.
To support students, UTSA participated in the nationwide Student Experience Project, which leveraged a new approach to training staff. These enhancements contributed to a 2% decrease in drop, fail and withdrawal rate between fall 2022 and fall 2023.
