The University of Texas at Arlington ranked among the top 25% of universities worldwide in the 2026 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, earning recognition for its commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, health, education and climate change.
Overall, UTA placed in the 301–400 band out of 1,603 participating universities. UTA submitted data for 13 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)—well above the minimum of four required—and ranked among the top 25% globally in six SDG categories, one more than in 2025.
Notably, UTA climbed about 400 places in Partnerships for the Goals, moving from the top half of participating universities in 2025 to the top 25% this year.
The University also improved by about 100 places in the following categories:
- Reduced Inequalities
- Zero Hunger
- Quality Education
- Industry Innovation and Infrastructure
- Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
"These rankings reflect the dedicated, campus-wide effort of our faculty, staff and students to embed sustainability, equity, and resilience into everything we do at UT Arlington," said Meghna Tare, chief sustainability officer at UTA. "Moving into the top 25% globally across six SDG categories—and seeing such massive gains in our collaborative partnerships—demonstrates that our research, community outreach and operations are delivering real-world impact both locally and on a global scale."
This marks the eighth edition of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which evaluate higher education institutions on their progress toward the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By evaluating research output, campus stewardship practices, community partnerships and educational opportunities, the rankings highlight universities driving meaningful societal and environmental progress worldwide.
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation's top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 300,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.
