Why Tier One?
“Tier One” is a term used to describe institutions having academic excellence, world-class research and an exceptional student body; it is used interchangeably with "national research university." No formal definition of Tier One exists, but these universities share common characteristics. Tier One universities spend at least $100 million in total research annually. They offer more than 50 doctoral degree programs and have more than 1,000 tenure-track faculty. They also have large undergraduate populations and offer a wide range of undergraduate degrees.
Texas Tech spent about $126 million last year in total research. We offer more than 50 doctoral degrees and have 1,013 tenured or tenure-track faculty. Our fall 2010 undergraduate enrollment included 25,462 students pursuing bachelor's degrees in 150 programs ranging from art to zoology. Click the report card to watch our progress.
Why It's Important For Us and For Texas
Tier One universities create an educated workforce and produce research that provides solutions to complex issues facing the state, nation and the world. The money they generate makes them substantial economic engines and they often serve as centerpieces of our country’s most vibrant cities.
Texas is the second highest populated state in the country but has only three Tier One universities: Rice, a private institution; the University of Texas and Texas A&M University. Pennsylvania, with a population of about half that of Texas, has four. California with nine and New York with seven, are far ahead.
