UTRGV recognized by U.S. DOE as among schools ‘doing the most to lift students up’

University one of just 200 named to national Postsecondary Success Recognition Program

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS– UTRGV has been named one of 200 institutions nationwide – and 14 in Texas – eligible for the U.S. Department of Education’s Postsecondary Success Recognition Program.

Part of U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona’s Raise the Bar initiative, the program recognizes colleges and universities that demonstrate exceptional performance in advancing equitable access, student success and post-graduation outcomes in their state.

In a press release announcing the initiative, Cardona said it is intended to “recognize schools doing the most to lift students up.”

The DOE identified the 200 eligible institutions based on how effectively they: 

• Enroll low-income students and students of color in their state.
• Help those students graduate or transfer successfully.
• Prepare them to enter the career of their choice and enjoy upward mobility, including recouping costs and earning a premium over high school graduates in their state.

UTRGV is one of 10 Texas institutions listed among 100 predominantly bachelor’s degree granting institutions eligible for the DOE’s designation. Of these, 75% are Minority-Serving Institutions or qualify for the Strengthening Institutions Program, which focuses on institutions serving large proportions of low-income students. Additionally, 100 predominantly associate’s or certificate granting institutions – four in Texas – were also recognized for eligibility.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey said it is an honor to be recognized among the leading institutions driving student success across the country.

“This selection by the U.S. Department of Education reflects our ongoing efforts to make a high-quality education accessible to all students, and to support their journey toward a brighter future through meaningful careers,” Bailey said.

RECENT UTRGV RANKINGS

• UTRGV is ranked first in Texas overall and first in Washington Monthly’s 2024 Best Bang for the Buckrankings for the southern region of the country.
• UTRGV ranks first among all Texas institutions and fifth among national public universities in Lowest Net Price of Attendance.
• UTRGV also ranks first among Texas universities for Top Performance of Pell Grant Students and in Social Mobility for Students.

For more information about UTRGV’s rankings and achievements, visit utrgv.edu/rankings.