2025 Dallas-Fort Worth

Higher Education Review

Explore the #1 region in Texas for Higher Education

#1

Region in Texas for Higher Education Enrollment and Degree Completion

- 24% of all students in Texas are enrolled in a DFW college or university
- 26% of all degrees completed annually in Texas come from a DFW college or university

#1

Texas Metro for Carnegie Designated R1 & R2 Research Universities

- East Texas A&M University
- Southern Methodist University
- Texas Christian University
- Texas Woman's University
- University of North Texas
- University of Texas at Arlington
- University of Texas at Dallas
- UT Southwestern Medical Center

#1 U.S. metro for population growth

Added 152,598 people in 2023, or 418 people per day

#1 U.S. metro for job growth

More jobs created in DFW than any other U.S. metro over past five years

FUELING THE REGION’S EXCELLENCE

DFW’s 70-plus accredited colleges and universities provide the intellectual horsepower to drive one of the nation’s most diverse economies. Read how DFW’s colleges and universities are tackling a range of critical topics, including health care and life sciences, technology and artificial intelligence, workforce development, and more.

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR HIGHER EDUCATION PARTNERS

Hover over an institution to view their awards and accolades

Dallas College

One of the nation’s largest community colleges, serving 127,000 students annually.

Received $60M investment from O’Donnell Foundation for Dallas County Promise initiative.

Partners with 30,000 high school students through 63 dual credit programs.

East Texas A&M University

Third-largest institution in The Texas A&M University System, serving 13,000 students.

Over $12 million in scholarships awarded in 2023-2024.

Ranks in top 25% of U.S. universities for social mobility.

Southern Methodist University

Ranked 1st among Dallas-area universities by U.S. News & World Report.

Alumni among highest-paid graduates across various fields.

Ranked #3 for Best MBA Programs in Texas.

Texas Christian University

$1.6 billion annual economic impact on Texas in fiscal year 2023.

A+ financial rating by Forbes (2024).

No. 2 Best-Run College by The Princeton Review (2025).

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Contributes approximately $36.4 million annually to the Dallas economy.

School of Nursing ranked #1 in Texas.

Pharmacy School received 2024 Transformative Community Service Award.

UNT Health Science Center

Six nationally recognized colleges specializing in patient-centered education and research.

Presidential Award for Science Mentoring Excellence.

2024 Best Place for Working Parents, with Tier 1 medical school for primary care.

Texas Woman’s University

Nation’s largest woman-focused university with campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston.

Recognized for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report.

Biology program ranked 6th best for women in STEM.

University of North Texas

Tier One research university, Hispanic-Serving Institution.

America’s Top College by Forbes for 17 consecutive years.

Discovery Park is the largest research park in North Texas.

UNT Dallas

Only four-year public university in the city of Dallas.

#18 in Top Public Schools West category by U.S. News & World Report.

#3 Best Bang for the Buck Colleges in the South.

University of Texas at Arlington

Blaze Forward program covers tuition for qualifying Texas students.

Hispanic Serving Institution with Seal of Excelencia.

Top 5 nationally for military veterans and families.

University of Texas at Dallas

#1 Best Public University in North Texas by U.S. News & World Report.

#1 Best Value University in North Texas by Money.

#5 Most National Merit Scholars in the U.S.

UT Southwestern

Home to 6 Nobel Prize winners and #1 ranked hospital in DFW for 8 consecutive years.

Ranked #3 globally among healthcare institutions, leading 5,990+ research projects.

Top-tier medical school ranked 16th for research and 35th for diversity nationally.

West Coast University

Focused on educating healthcare professionals.

#1 Best Colleges for Nursing in Texas by Niche.

#1 Best Value Colleges in Dallas-Fort Worth Area.