Dallas-Fort Worth has become a hotbed for higher education excellence, according to a recent ranking from Niche.
The review and ranking website named Southern Methodist University (SMU), Texas Christian University (TCU), University of North Texas (UNT), and the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) in its 2024 Best Colleges in Texas list.
Niche calculated its ratings for universities across the nation by leveraging not only data related to location, cost, selectivity, subjects offered, student body demographics, and graduate salaries but also reviews from the students themselves.
Based on this methodology, SMU landed in the top five among colleges in Texas, behind top-rated Rice University, UT Austin, Texas A&M, and Trinity University.
“The campus is absolutely gorgeous and it’s a really good size without being too small or overwhelmingly large,” said one SMU student in a review on Niche.
“Southern Methodist University is not only a great place to learn, but also a great place to get connected with other people. Classes and clubs are in the lower double digits (<40 at most for me), so you get to know everyone pretty well,” read another.
The high tuition cost stood out as a potential disadvantage for SMU, with one student noting, “The largest drawback to SMU has to be its price tag: somewhere around $80,000 a year without scholarships.”
SMU was also named the No.1 Christian school in the U.S., followed by TCU in second place.
Other notable nationwide rankings earned by the school include No.7 for best sports management program, No.16 for best accounting and finance program, No.16 for best college campus, No.32 for best location, and No.35 for top party schools.
Nonetheless, SMU did drop one spot from its fourth-place ranking statewide last year.
TCU, on the other hand, maintained its spot at No.6 for the third year running.
“I have had an amazing time at TCU, and have had a phenomenal experience with the faculty. The professors here truly care for your academic success and want the best for your future,” commented one TCU student.
However, one student noted that parking “is a nightmare,” and another suggested “a better price match for scholarships and tuition increases.”
Nonetheless, TCU ranked highly on the national level in several areas, including No.12 for best college campus, No.21 for best accounting and finance program, No.26 for best kinesiology and physical therapy program, No.27 for best communications program, and No.29 for best nursing program.
UNT in Denton found itself at No.12 on the overall list of best Texas colleges but landed at No.7 among the best public universities.
Many students highlighted the school’s family environment and positive atmosphere, with one saying, “Everyone there is striving to help you and take leaps into what can drive you to be successful! It makes [life] so much easier knowing that you have the help you need right at your fingertips!”
Student diversity and lots of activities to develop a sense of community were also frequently cited in the reviews.
“The campus atmosphere would be buzzing with activity, and I would have numerous opportunities to get involved in various student organizations and clubs that align with my interests and passions,” said one student.
Yet some students also struggled with tuition costs at UNT.
“My only complaint is the financial aid … I can’t really enjoy the beauty of the campus or my classes with the fear of possibly being kicked out of college,” remarked one student.
The last local university to place in the overall state ranking, UT Dallas, actually slid from ninth place last year to 14th place this year. It nonetheless retained ninth place among public universities in Texas.
Among national rankings, UT Dallas placed highest for its IT program, ranking No.20.
Students had a number of positive things to say about the campus and faculty.
“It’s a great school that boasts of many help resources for students, research facilities, and appropriate student-to-teacher ratio,” wrote one.
“The campus is beautiful. I love all of the historical monuments and art pieces they have scattered across the campus,” said another student.
Yet some students complained of not getting enough support from staff at UT Dallas.
For instance, one said, “Advising here is extremely difficult to get in contact with especially for class enrollment and financial aid.”
The absence of student activities and community groups was also noted, with one student remarking, “I would’ve liked to see more extracurricular activities.”
