The University of North Texas is ranked 121st among the nation’s top public schools leaping upward from its 140th ranking last year, according to the “U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Best College Rankings” released Monday.

UNT also is ranked 44th among American universities in social mobility, a jump from its 96th placement in 2020. The social mobility category measures how well schools graduate students who receive federal Pell Grants. The majority of Pell Grant money goes to students with a combined family income of less than $20,000 a year.

UNT upped its national university ranking moving ahead of other renowned universities to earn a 249th placement amongst all American universities up from 281st position last year.

Along with UNT’s success in “U.S. News & World Report,” the university also bucked national trends amidst COVID-19 by growing 4.1% to enroll a record-breaking 40,796 students for Fall 2020 and ranking as a “Top 10 U.S. Public University on the Rise” by College Gazette.

The G. Brint Ryan College of Business broke records as the fastest growing college at UNT, with a growth of 14.3% (7,211 students). 

“We have shown that we offer Tier One excellence while expanding access and affordability for our increasingly diverse population,” UNT President Neal Smatresk said. “Our notable growth in quality, diversity and enrollment in the midst of a world health crisis reflects our commitment to offer an inclusive and financially accessible education in a safe environment. The recognition of our efforts in national publications like “U.S. News & World Report” is a testament to our dedication to the success of our students.”