UNT Dallas has taken a significant step in being recognized as a leading academic university, ranking No. 22 in the U.S. News Best Colleges 2020 rankings for Best Undergraduate Teaching among institutions in the Regional Universities West classification.

The recently released rankings mark the first time UNT Dallas has earned eligibility to display a "Best Colleges award "badge." In a survey conducted in spring 2019, schools garnering a spot on the Best Undergraduate Teaching rankings received the most votes from top college administrators for putting a particular focus on undergraduate teaching, according to U.S. News.

“These rankings confirm the value of a UNT Dallas education, and at the heart of that value is a talented community of committed faculty, staff and students,” said Provost Betty Stewart. “We are pleased to receive this recognition, knowing that providing our growing student body with a quality education that will prepare them for a rewarding career is the ultimate determiner of our worth.”

While the rankings include nine Texas schools, UNT Dallas was just one of two public universities to make the list. Regional universities are classified as offering a broad scope of undergraduate degrees and some master's degree programs, and few, if any, doctoral programs. They are ranked in four geographical groups. Regional Universities West consist of 15 states spanning from Texas and Oklahoma to the entire West Coast, Hawaii and Alaska.

UNT Dallas earned a spot in other Regional Universities West categories, including: No. 37 in Top Public Schools and No. 77 overall. The U.S. News Best Colleges rankings are in its 35th year.