Texas Tech University has advanced in several national college rankings, according to new data released Tuesday. The university rose 16 places to No. 198 overall in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, marking the largest improvement among Big 12 Conference schools. Texas Tech also moved up seven spots to No. 109 among public universities in the United States.
The university’s performance was strong in other recent rankings as well. In the 2026 Forbes America’s Top Colleges list, Texas Tech climbed 44 positions from last year, reaching No. 161 out of the top 500 universities nationwide. Among public universities on that list, it ranked No. 69 out of 216.
Texas Tech also saw gains in the Niche rankings, which use student surveys and factual data for evaluation. The university improved its standing for a fifth consecutive year, rising to No. 113 out of 1,517 universities overall and No. 44 out of 352 public institutions. Within state public universities, Texas Tech placed third among 29.
“These rankings reflect the momentum we continue to build as an institution,” said Lawrence Schovanec, Texas Tech president. “While we take pride in the recognition, what matters most is that it demonstrates the value of a Texas Tech degree and the opportunities it creates for our graduates.”
