Austin, TX, August 21, 2025
News Summary
The University of Texas at Austin has missed out on LinkedIn’s latest list of the top 50 colleges in the U.S. for long-term career success, with most institutions listed being private. Georgetown University is highlighted for its political science alumni making an impact in Congress, while rankings of Historically Black Colleges and Universities show Howard University leading. As students prepare for National College Decision Day, they face a variety of college rankings and insights to guide their choices.
Texas News: University of Texas at Austin Not Listed in LinkedIn’s Top Colleges for Career Success
AUSTIN, TX — The University of Texas at Austin failed to make it onto LinkedIn’s newly released list of the top 50 colleges in the U.S. for long-term career success. This ranking is based on the career outcomes of alumni, including factors such as job placement rates and the advancement of graduates into senior-level positions. The prestigious list features an overwhelming majority of private institutions, with 41 of the top 50 colleges being private. Only 10 public colleges from across the nation are represented, raising questions about the placement success of graduates from public universities.
Georgetown University, which is the only college in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area to make the list, boasts a significant alumni base of over 240,000. Among these graduates, 16% focused their studies on political science and government. In 2022, Georgetown celebrated a noteworthy achievement with more than 450 alumni occupying positions in the U.S. Congress, including 21 representatives and seven senators, highlighting its strong influence in the political arena.
In addition, LinkedIn also compiled rankings for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), with Howard University leading at the top of that list. These rankings contribute to an ongoing discussion about the vital role of HBCUs in providing educational opportunities and career pathways for African American students.
National College Decision Day Approaching
As high school seniors prepare for upcoming college applications, the atmosphere is charged with excitement and hope. May 1 marks National College Decision Day, and many students are already making early decisions on where they will attend college. With college rankings influencing students’ choices, the updated findings from LinkedIn will likely play a significant role in their discussions with families and advisors.
Other Notable Rankings and Insights
Beyond LinkedIn’s rankings, other organizations have recently released their insights about U.S. higher education institutions. For instance, Niche evaluated over 1,000 colleges to identify the best institutions in Washington state and across the country for the year 2025. Their evaluations are based on student reviews and data from the U.S. Department of Education.
The Princeton Review has also published its Best Colleges rankings for 2026, which includes a comprehensive set of 50 categories based on surveys conducted with approximately 170,000 students. Their metrics explore various factors like financial aid, campus dining, dormitory quality, and student political demographics.
Community Colleges on the Rise
Community colleges have become increasingly prominent in the conversation about accessible and affordable education. According to WalletHub, the community college systems in the U.S. place Washington state in the fifth position for overall quality. This development comes amid a backdrop of rising tuition fees and economic challenges that make higher education increasingly difficult for many students. Community college programs like Seattle Promise are providing free tuition options for eligible residents, serving as a viable alternative for students.
As prospective students navigate their college options, they are encouraged to evaluate several factors including college size, available majors, and campus atmosphere to ensure a well-informed decision.
Summary and Conclusion
The absence of the University of Texas at Austin in the LinkedIn rankings underscores potential concerns regarding the success of graduates from public universities in comparison to their private counterparts. With various organizations publishing their own college rankings this season, students and their families are faced with an abundance of resources to guide their selections as they prepare for National College Decision Day on May 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What criteria does LinkedIn use to rank colleges?
LinkedIn’s rankings are based on alumni career outcomes, focusing on job placement rates and the advancement of graduates to senior-level positions.
How many public colleges are included in the top 50 list?
Only 10 public colleges are featured in LinkedIn’s top 50 colleges list for career success.
Which HBCU was ranked first by LinkedIn?
Howard University secured the top position among HBCUs in LinkedIn’s rankings.
What role do community colleges play for students?
Community colleges offer a cost-effective educational option amid rising tuition costs, with programs like Seattle Promise providing free tuition to eligible residents.
When is National College Decision Day?
National College Decision Day takes place on May 1 each year, serving as a deadline for students to finalize their college choices.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Texas at Austin Achieves Remarkable Law Education Ranking
Tennessee Basketball Targets Top Prospects for 2026 Class
Texas Tech Football’s Recruiting Transformation
Additional Resources
- Kitsap Sun: Best Colleges in Washington
- FOX 13 Seattle: Best Community Colleges in WA/OR
- PR Newswire: The Princeton Review’s Best Colleges for 2026
- Town & Country: LinkedIn’s Strongest Alumni Networks
- Money: Best Colleges
- Wikipedia: College Rankings
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
