#United States #San Antonio #UTSA #UT Health

Major Merger in Texas Higher Education

UTSA (The University of Texas at San Antonio) and UT Health San Antonio have officially merged to create a powerful new institution now recognized as The University of Texas at San Antonio. With this merger, the newly formed university has taken its place as the third-largest public research university in Texas, coming in behind only Texas A&M and the University of Texas at Austin. This momentous event was officially announced on September 1, 2025, marking a significant milestone in Texas education.

The merger combines the strengths of two reputed institutions into one comprehensive enterprise, which boasts around 40,000 students, more than 17,000 employees, and an impressive annual research budget exceeding $486 million. Additionally, the newly formed university has a growing endowment that surpasses $1.3 billion. This consolidation sees UTSA and UT Health join forces as two Carnegie R1-designated universities, bringing together their top-tier research capabilities.

Vision for Excellence

President Taylor Eighmy expressed his ambition for the new university, emphasizing its intent to unify excellence across various fields including education, healthcare, and various research disciplines. He anticipates that UT San Antonio will not only become a role model for the University of Texas System and the state of Texas, but also the nation as a whole. The president stated, "We have intentionally grounded UT San Antonio in excellence — to create a nimble, creative public research university like no other."

A Comprehensive Academic Portfolio

UT San Antonio encompasses 15 colleges and schools that span six campuses, offering over 320 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates. This impressive array covers diverse fields such as science, engineering, business, humanities, social sciences, architecture, arts, and various healthcare professions including dentistry and nursing.

The institution’s academic and research programs are globally ranked among the top 3%, demonstrating its commitment to high-quality education. As reported by The Wall Street Journal, UT San Antonio also stands out in social mobility, placing in the top 12% of colleges and universities nationwide, while its Executive MBA program has secured the 3rd position in the U.S. according to CEO Magazine.

Leading in Healthcare and Science

Within UT San Antonio, the Health Science Center plays a pivotal role as the only academic health center in the region. Legitimizing its global stature, the center ranks among the top 2.4% of universities worldwide in the 2025 Center for World University Rankings. Notably, it holds the 84th position among nearly 6,000 healthcare institutions worldwide based on research output. This robust health center sees more than 2.5 million patient visits annually, further solidifying its integral role in addressing a wide array of health concerns in the 38-county area of South Texas.

The education and training of upcoming healthcare professionals remain a priority, with the institution producing more than 1,015 residents and trainees annually to support community healthcare. Moreover, its collaboration with major hospitals ensures that the healthcare workforce remains strong and adaptive to the needs of the rapidly growing population in Texas.

Key Impact on the Community

Economically, UT San Antonio is projected to contribute $7 billion annually to the community, poised to significantly energize San Antonio's healthcare and biosciences sectors. Not only does the university aim to cultivate academic excellence, but it also intends to retain graduates within the Texas job market, filling critical roles in high-demand industries.

Federal statistics indicate that over 90% of UTSA alumni choose to remain in Texas after graduation. This commitment significantly impacts local job markets, particularly in healthcare, where UT San Antonio graduates are critical in addressing workforce shortages.

Looking Ahead

As UT San Antonio continues to establish itself, there is optimism regarding innovative educational programs, such as the recent dual degree initiative combining medicine and artificial intelligence — a first in the U.S. The leadership at UT San Antonio believes that collaborative efforts will allow for groundbreaking advancements in education, research, and community services, ultimately enhancing quality of life for countless citizens.

Athletics form an essential component of the university culture, with student-athletes competing in 17 NCAA Division I sports. The mascot, Rowdy the Roadrunner, remains a beloved symbol of school spirit and community identity.

Overall, the merger lays the groundwork for UT San Antonio to emerge not only as a leader within the Texas educational landscape but also as a consequential institution on the national scale. With the vision for excellence firmly in place, UT San Antonio aspires to leave an indelible mark on present and future generations, changing lives through education and healthcare.

For more information on how UT San Antonio aims to make lives better, visit their website at www.utsa.edu and UT Health.