Trinity University Rises to No. 37 in U.S. News Ranking

Trinity University rose three spots to No. 37 among National Liberal Arts Colleges in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings released today. Trinity debuted in the national category at No. 55 just three years ago and has quickly entered the top 40.

In the most recent U.S. News rankings, Trinity also jumped 14 spots in the “Most Innovative Schools” list, ranking at No.16 among all liberal arts institutions, as voted on by peer presidents, provosts, and admissions leaders.

Trinity’s momentum, academic excellence, and value are reflected in these and other rankings across several categories, including No. 30 Undergraduate Research / Creative Projects, No. 33 Undergraduate Engineering Programs, No. 51 Undergraduate Teaching Programs, and No. 40 Best Value Schools. The Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects ranking includes all universities and colleges nationwide. MIT, California Institute of Technology, and Harvard hold the top three spots, while Trinity, long recognized for its commitment to undergraduate research, tied with Vanderbilt at No. 30.

“These rankings reflect the dedication and vision of the entire Trinity community,” said Trinity University President Vanessa B. Beasley, Ph.D. “Innovation in higher education is imperative, and it is a foundational aspect of the education we offer at Trinity, where our 'liberal arts plus' model invites our students into spaces for discovery and problem-solving that help prepare them for purposeful lives and impactful careers. Our continued rise in national rankings affirms our commitment to the powerful combination of adaptive, applied learning and critical thinking."

Innovation shows up in Trinity’s classrooms, labs, and spaces across the skyline campus and around San Antonio. Whether it’s through undergraduate research, entrepreneurial ventures, or hands-on opportunities in Trinity’s Makerspace, students are empowered to bring ideas to life across disciplines. 

The University’s rising rankings build on Trinity’s longstanding commitment to excellence and its vision for the future. Trinity’s trajectory as a national liberal arts college has been marked by steady progress fueled by investments in student success and an intentional focus on inclusion, affordability, and impact. 

“Every day, we challenge our students with academic rigor while supporting them through personal mentorship,” said Megan Mustain, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “This combination equips our graduates not only for successful careers, but also for lives of purpose, confidence, and influence.”

With each step forward, Trinity demonstrates what a 21st-century liberal arts university can achieve. From innovation to teaching, from value to research, the University is writing a story of momentum, possibility, and impact that reaches far beyond San Antonio and Texas.