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
- 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
- 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.
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Regional Collaboration
Collaboration is in the DNA of DFW’s colleges and universities — institutions join forces to tackle the region’s most pressing issues, from expanding access to a postsecondary education for local students to building North Texas’ semiconductor manufacturing capacity.
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Health Care & Life Sciences
DFW universities are advancing critical research in antibiotics, cancer genetics, vaccine delivery, and robotic surgeries, while immersive training technologies help prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.
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Technology & Artificial Intelligence
Researchers in DFW are at the cutting edge of technological innovations, from improving facial recognition in artificial intelligence to developing semiconductors for extreme environments.
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Public Policy
Higher education institutions in DFW leverage technology and research in collaboration with local governments to tackle critical civic issues, including equitable urban planning, rapid fentanyl detection, and human trafficking.
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Talent & Workforce Development
DFW colleges and universities are breaking barriers for students through innovative programs designed to build a skilled, resilient workforce ready to meet the region’s evolving talent needs.
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Research Commercialization
Significant investments in DFW research infrastructure and faculty power new advancements in medical treatments, experiential learning, and more.
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Facilities & Campus Construction
Colleges and universities in DFW continue to expand their physical footprint, building new facilities to advance regional priorities, from unmanned vehicle research to pediatric health.
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Industry & Community Partnerships
In DFW, partnerships between higher education, local employers, and community organizations drive workforce development in key industries and address civic needs.
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Sustainability
DFW researchers are tackling critical issues in the energy sector, from improving access to electricity and water to investing in agricultural education and building infrastructure with recycled materials.
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR HIGHER EDUCATION PARTNERS
Hover over an institution to view their awards and accolades
 Dallas CollegeOne 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.
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 East Texas A&M UniversityThird-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.
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 Southern Methodist UniversityRanked 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.
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 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).
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 Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterContributes approximately $36.4 million annually to the Dallas economy.
School of Nursing ranked #1 in Texas. Pharmacy School received 2024 Transformative Community Service Award.
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 UNT Health Science CenterSix 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.
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 Texas Woman’s UniversityNation’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.
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 University of North TexasTier 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.
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 UNT DallasOnly 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.
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 University of Texas at ArlingtonBlaze Forward program covers tuition for qualifying Texas students.
Hispanic-Serving Institution with Seal of Excelencia. Top 5 nationally for military veterans and families.
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 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.
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 UT SouthwesternHome 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.
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 West Coast UniversityFocused on educating healthcare professionals.
#1 Best Colleges for Nursing in Texas by Niche. #1 Best Value Colleges in Dallas-Fort Worth Area.
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