UNT Dallas ranks No. 1 among 112 universities in its classification for least student debt, according to the U.S. News & World Report 2020 rankings recently released.

The rankings examined students who graduated in 2017. UNT Dallas topped the lengthy list of public and private universities, which includes 26 in Texas, in the Regional Universities West classification comprised of institutions in 15 states. According to the rankings, UNT Dallas students who graduated in 2017 incurred an average debt of $10,232. The national average that year, according to U.S. News & World Report, was $30,000. 

“Our students can come to campus each day knowing we are always working to ensure they receive a first-rate education without mortgaging their futures, and this ranking is proof of that,” UNT Dallas President Bob Mong said. “Everything we do is centered around student success, and providing an opportunity for all students to enroll, graduate and embark on their careers free from the financial burden of overwhelming student debt.”

The U.S. News & World Report rankings come on the heels of Lend.edu's 2019 report in which UNT Dallas ranked No. 1 among public universities in Texas, and No. 3 in the nation, for lowest student debt upon graduation.

UNT Dallas is the only university to strategically focus on urban Dallas students with the goal of making a college degree accessible and affordable. With an annual tuition of about $9,100, UNT Dallas offers the lowest tuition costs in Dallas-Fort Worth. Combined with state and federal financial aid, and scholarships, UNT Dallas is able to graduate students and embark them on successful careers with as little student debt as possible.

In late 2019, U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges 2020 rankings included UNT Dallas at No. 22 for Best Undergraduate Teaching among institutions in the Regional Universities West classification, the university's highest spot in the annual rankings.

"These rankings confirm the value of a UNT Dallas education,” Provost Betty Stewart said. “We are pleased to receive the 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.”

UNT Dallas also recently emerged as No. 1 among public universities in Texas for effectively serving first-generation and low-income students, according to a study performed by nonprofit organization ScholarShot.