U.S. News: WT One of Best Regional Universities in the West

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — West Texas A&M University once again has been named one of the best regional universities in the west in new rankings from U.S. News & World Report.

WT rose to No. 4 among Best Value Schools in the west, maintaining a significant increase from its No. 20 placement just three years ago.

WT also tied at No. 50 in the magazine’s Regional Universities (West) list, and the University tied for No. 25 in the list of Top Public Universities in the West. WT also tied for No. 25 in the list of Best Colleges for Veterans.

“We appreciate the consistent recognition WT receives from U.S. News & World Report and other external entities,” said Dr. Neil Terry, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “The rankings affirm the faculty and staff commitment to academic rigor in an environment that supports student success inside and outside of the classroom.”

WT’s College of Engineering saw a massive leap to No. 99 on the magazine’s list of Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (non-doctorate). Last year, the College ranked No. 150.

“Our College’s dramatic rise in the U.S. News rankings is a testament to the exceptional quality of our faculty and the relentless dedication of our students,” said Dr. Emily Hunt, dean. “This achievement reflects our mission to provide top-tier engineering and computing education that serves the Texas Panhandle and beyond, preparing graduates to drive innovation and strengthen the region’s economic future.”

The University also rose to No. 64 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, and it earned a ranking for its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

U.S. News’ Best Colleges rankings provide data-driven information and guidance to help prospective students and their families understand their higher education options.

Using a wide range of data sources, the national and regional rankings evaluate nearly 1,700 colleges and universities using up to 17 measures of academic quality. The formula uses data universally reported by schools or obtainable from third-party sources. Schools’ eligibility to be ranked is not contingent on participation in U.S. News’ surveys.

Earlier this year, the University’s online bachelor’s program rose in national and state rankings, placing No. 23 in the nation and No. 4 in Texas. WT’s online bachelor’s programs for veterans were named No. 1 in Texas and No. 19 in the nation.

WT’s commitment to being a learner-centered university is a key component of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign has raised more than $175 million and will continue through 2025.

About West Texas A&M University

A Regional Research University, West Texas A&M University is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. A Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, WT boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. WT recently earned a Carnegie Foundation classification as a Research College and University. The University also is home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 16 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

—WT—