Fort Worth is experiencing a transformative wave in higher education, driven by major expansions and new developments from institutions like Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). This momentum is shaping Fort Worth into a key hub for educational excellence and innovation.
By Robert Allen, President & CEO | Sept. 9, 2024
Fort Worth’s Higher Education Boom
Texas A&M University is making a significant impact with its new 3.5-acre urban campus, Texas A&M-Fort Worth, situated in southeast downtown. The campus, anchored by the university’s nationally acclaimed law school, is set to become a cornerstone of Fort Worth’s educational landscape. Last summer, the Texas A&M System broke ground on the impressive eight-story, $180 million Law & Education Building. Recently, the Board of Regents approved the design for a second landmark, the $260 million Research & Innovation Building. This state-of-the-art facility will offer 150,000 square feet of office and lab space, enhancing the university’s research capabilities and fostering private sector partnerships within Fort Worth’s vibrant downtown innovation district.
Additionally, The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) announced plans to establish a new 51-acre campus in west Fort Worth located at Walsh, with plans to open the first building by fall 2028. The campus, known as UTA West, aims to eventually serve over 10,000 students, supporting the region’s rapid growth and bolstering workforce development in key industries. This campus will further solidify UTA’s role as a key player in the Fort Worth region’s educational landscape.
Other prominent institutions in the region are also contributing to Fort Worth’s growth in higher education. Texas Christian University (TCU) is enhancing its campus through the Future Campus Master Plan, aiming to improve the student experience and community engagement. Tarleton State University Fort Worth, located off Chisholm Trail Parkway, is expanding its Fort Worth presence with new construction and the introduction of its first freshman class, while Texas Wesleyan University is upgrading facilities to boost athletics, science programs, and student success.
Additionally, Tarrant County College (TCC) continues to play a vital role with its six campuses serving over 45,000 students and a large and active online campus, TCC Connect. TCC plays a crucial role in education and the workforce by providing programs that emphasize hands-on training for in-demand trades, leading to stable and well-paying jobs and supplying employers with the talent they need today.
Dallas-Fort Worth: Texas’ Educational Hub
Fort Worth’s rise as a higher education leader is part of a broader trend in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, which stands out as Texas’ educational powerhouse. According to the Dallas-Fort Worth Higher Education Review, the DFW area boasts more than 363,000 students enrolled in higher education institutions, leading the state in both enrollment and degree completion. Each year, more than 55,500 students graduate with bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, accounting for 24% of all degrees awarded in Texas. Notably, 22% of all students in Texas colleges and universities are studying in the DFW area, underscoring the region’s significant role in the state’s educational landscape.
Why this matters for Fort Worth Economic Development
These exciting expansions showcase Fort Worth’s rise as a premier destination for higher education and technical training. By building a strong talent pipeline, Fort Worth is an attractive option for employers seeking top-tier talent now and in the future. As our higher educational institutions expand, they will draw and nurture an ever-growing number of students, solidifying Fort Worth’s reputation as a leading center of education and innovation. This vibrant growth not only elevates the region’s educational landscape but also accelerates broader economic development, making Fort Worth a key hub for talent and opportunity.
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Robert Allen is the President and CEO of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership (Fort Worth EDP). The Fort Worth EDP works directly with companies, site selection consultants, and corporate real estate professionals who are interested in moving or expanding to Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the surrounding areas. If you’d like to learn more about Fort Worth, please schedule a meeting with us or check out our Why Fort Worth page.
