DENTON (UNT), Texas -- The University of North Texas is ranked among the nation's 115 top-tier research universities, according to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education™ released Monday (Feb. 1).

This achievement is commonly considered the most significant step in the evolution of a research university and marks a key milestone in UNT's commitment toward national prominence.

"We moved up in the Carnegie classifications by staying true to our roots as an institution focused on creativity as expressed through our research, scholarship and educational activities," UNT President Neal Smatresk said. "All along, we've paid attention to what matters most, providing our students a great education and helping to build tomorrow's workforce and the next generation of globally relevant scholars."

UNT officials noted that the latest Carnegie rankings give strong consideration to UNT's impact as a broad-based research institution that awards a large number of doctoral degrees each year. UNT consistently leads the region and ranks among the state's top universities for the number of doctoral degrees it awards annually.

Tom McCoy, UNT's vice president for research and economic development, said being ranked in Carnegie's top tier is a result of UNT's comprehensive focus on its level of research activity and helping doctoral students succeed.

"UNT's official Carnegie Classification as a Doctoral University: Highest Research Activity (R1) matters for many reasons," McCoy said. "Tier One universities attract top students and faculty, drive innovation and technology through high-level research and scholarship, and contribute significantly to the region and state through intellectual capital and economic development."

Smatresk stressed that while reaching Tier One status is a big milestone, there is still work ahead to help UNT increase its national reputation.

"This achievement reflects our commitment to excellence in our education and research mission and the quality of our students and graduates," Smatresk said. "Today's recognition is an important step in our journey − but it's not the end."