News Summary
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has achieved a significant ranking, placing No. 11 among Texas universities and No. 136 nationally, according to the QS World University Rankings 2026. This recognition reflects UTSA’s growth in academic reputation amidst increasing competition in global higher education. The university also emphasizes accessibility with low tuition fees, a strong retention rate for first-year students, and a commitment to social mobility, further solidifying its role as a leading institution in Texas.
San Antonio – The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has earned the distinction of being ranked No. 11 among Texas universities and No. 136 in the nation, according to the latest QS World University Rankings 2026. On a global scale, UTSA is positioned between Nos. 1,001 and 1,200, reflecting its growing academic reputation.
The QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) rankings are an annual assessment of more than 1,500 universities worldwide, evaluating criteria such as academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, faculty research, and the international profile of both students and faculty. This year, the report highlights a decline in the dominance of U.S. higher education, indicating that emerging educational systems worldwide are increasingly competing with established American institutions.
Over the past decade, the presence of U.S. universities in the world’s top 100 has diminished from 32 to 26, while only 11 American schools improved their rankings this year. In Texas, 12 universities made it to the QS World University Rankings 2026 list, with the University of Texas at Austin securing the top spot in the state, ranking No. 1 in Texas, No. 20 in the U.S., and No. 68 globally.
UTSA’s commitment to accessibility is evident in its comparatively low tuition and fees of $10,550 for 2024, making higher education more attainable, especially for underrepresented communities. The university has a commendable retention rate of 79% among first-year students, underscoring its supportive academic environment.
Recognized not only for its academic initiatives, UTSA has also been featured in U.S. News & World Report’s list of the best graduate schools in the nation and was among the top 15 best universities in Texas for 2025. The university’s focus on social mobility is evident, with 43% of its student body being first-generation college attendees, which contributed to its No. 44 ranking for social mobility by U.S. News.
Furthermore, UTSA stands out as San Antonio’s only Tier One University, boasting a vibrant main campus located in a thriving northwest area of the city. This prime location enhances the collegiate experience and offers students opportunities for engagement both academically and socially.
In addition to academic achievements, UTSA’s athletic programs have garnered attention for securing conference championships and playoff berths, reflecting the institution’s commitment to fostering a well-rounded student experience.
While institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) lead the QS rankings globally, UTSA’s steady growth and improvements indicate a positive trajectory in the increasingly competitive landscape of higher education. As the university continues to progress, it remains dedicated to providing valuable opportunities for its diverse student body while contributing to the educational fabric of Texas and the nation.
As UTSA continues to navigate the complexities of higher education challenges, its status in the QS World University Rankings serves as an encouraging sign of its commitment to academic excellence and student success.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas Migration Patterns Shift, Dallas-Fort Worth Rises
San Antonio Emerges as Most Affordable City for Homebuyers in Texas
Top High Schools in San Antonio Ranked for Excellence
Top High Schools in San Antonio Ranked for Excellence
San Antonio Excluded from Coolest Cities Ranking
San Antonio Ranks 7th Dirtiest City in the U.S.
New Affordable Housing Complex Opens in San Antonio
San Antonio Celebrates Opening of Affordable Housing Complex
San Antonio Emerges as Cost-of-Living Oasis Amid National Affordability Crisis
San Antonio’s Tensions Over Texas A&M Conference
Additional Resources
- CultureMap San Antonio: UTSA Graduate Schools Ranking
- Wikipedia: University of Texas at San Antonio
- CultureMap San Antonio: Alamo Restoration Project
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alamo, San Antonio
- CultureMap San Antonio: Kamea Orca Whale’s Passing
- Google Search: Kamea Orca Whale SeaWorld
- CultureMap San Antonio: UTSA in QS World University Rankings
- Google News: UTSA World University Rankings
- CultureMap San Antonio: San Antonio Parkscore 2025
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Parkscore
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
