Texas Christian University ranks as No. 6 school in Texas for 2024 by U.S. News

Top Texas schools

TCU Facebook

Texas Christian University has achieved a high ranking for its high-quality educational experiences this year. The home of the Horned Frogs earned a top-10 spot on U.S. News and World Report's just-released list of the Best Colleges in Texas for 2024.

TCU claimed the No. 6 spot in Texas, and ranked No. 98 nationally. The private institution had an undergraduate enrollment of more than 10,500 students in fall 2022. The school, which costs $57,220 in tuition and fees each year, ranks No. 92 for "Best Value Schools" by U.S. News.

In April, TCU's Neeley School of Business ranked No. 6 in U.S. News' ranking of the best graduate programs in Texas. TCU business graduates additionally make the ninth-highest earnings in the nation within the four years after their graduation.

TCU actually fared similarly in Niche'slist of top Texas schools, in which it ranked No. 6 statewide.

U.S. News' profile of TCU says the university finds pride in its rich campus culture that encourages students to participate in different organizations and activities. It's proximity to downtown Fort Worth is also a major draw.

"Volunteer activities are a particularly big draw for students, and the school’s Center for Community Involvement & Service-Learning coordinates excursions like service trips over spring break," the site says. "Students can check out live bull riding shows at Billy Bob’s, a restaurant that is billed as the world’s largest honky-tonk, or catch a rodeo at the Cowtown Coliseum. Dallas is about 35 miles away."

TCU's cross-Metroplex rival, Southern Methodist University, ranked No. 4 in Texas and No. 89 nationally.

Just behind TCU is Richardson's University of Texas at Dallas, which placed No. 7 in the Texas rankings and No. 115 nationally. With a total undergraduate enrollment of over 21,600 students in fall 2022, the university values itself as a top-tier research institution.

"The Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship utilizes world-class, academic education, industry-leading experiential training, venture mentorship and advisory support to support the launch of new businesses," the UT Dallas website says.

In fact, the U.S. Department of Defense recently announced it will work alongside UT Dallas to develop a $30 million energy storage systems campus in a new initiative to improve battery technology.

"The project will accelerate transition and scaling of next generation batteries, while reducing dependence on scarce critical materials," the release said.

UTD ranked No. 14 in the recent Niche list of best Texas colleges.

U.S. News' top 10 best colleges in Texas in 2024 are:

No. 1 – Rice University, Houston
No. 2 – University of Texas at Austin
No. 3 – Texas A&M University, College Station
No. 4 – Southern Methodist University, Dallas
No. 5 – Baylor University, Waco
No. 6 – Texas Christian University, Fort Worth
No. 7 – The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson
No. 8 – University of Houston
No. 9 – Texas Tech University, Lubbock
No. 10 – University of St. Thomas, Houston

The full rankings can be found on usnews.com.

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Dallas-Fort Worth tumbles out of top 100 places to live, says U.S. News & World Report

Wrong direction

Dallas-Fort Worth has fallen from grace in a closely watched annual report of the best places to live in the U.S. The Metroplex appears at a dismal No. 113 (out of 150) in U.S. News & World Report's Best Places to Live ranking for 2023-2024.

Last year, DFW landed at No. 32; it was No. 37 in 2021.

Why such a plummet from the top tier to the bottom?

It has to do with criteria and how the metrics are weighted, which U.S. News changes from year to year.

“This year’s rankings are a reflection of the current economic, social, and natural factors that impact a place’s livability for its residents,” says Devon Thorsby, real estate editor at U.S. News, in a release. “People are considering more than housing when they look at an area’s affordability – they want to know how much goods cost in that area. The ever-present risk for severe weather and a community’s ability to recover – coupled with the area’s opportunities for social activities – are also taken into account when evaluating a best place to live.”

As in years past, 150 large metro areas were evaluated using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. News' own internal resources. This data was categorized into the four indexes and evaluated using a methodology determined by Americans' preferences, the report's authors say.

In 2023, the report evaluated quality of life (36% of total score); value, including housing affordability (23%); desirability, including net migration (22%); and job market strength (19%).

DFW scored a middling 6 out of 10 overall. Breaking down the categories, ratings were:

Desirability: 6
Value: 5.8
Job market: 6
Quality of life: 6.1
Net migration: 6.3

A few differences from previous years' metrics: 1) The Desirability Index this year included weather temperateness (the number of days annually that the temperature falls between 33 degrees and 89 degrees F). 2) Desirability Index also includes establishment-to-population ratio, meaning the number of restaurants, bars and activities per 1,000 residents. 3) Having been its own Index in previous editions of Best Places to Live, net migration is also now part of the Desirability Index. 4) In light of inflation, the Value Index – which previously focused solely on housing affordability – now factors in price parity, a U.S. census data point on the general cost of goods within an area, they say.

As in past years, DFW gets praised for "both big-city excitement and quiet, suburban living" and "an interesting mix of Texas pride and cosmopolitan offerings."

They cite DFW residents' friendliness and note that there are a lot more of us.

The Metroplex landed at No. 98 in U.S. News' 2023 Best Places to Retire rankings.

Dallas-Fort Worth isn't alone in its downward spiral. Almost every Texas city took a hit in this year's national rankings:

No. 40 – Austin, down from No. 13 last year (and No. 1 from 2017 to 2019)
No. 103 – San Antonio, down from No. 83 last year
No. 122 – Killeen, down from No. 108 last year
No. 128 – El Paso, down from No. 124 last year
No. 131 – Beaumont, down from No. 109 last year
No. 132 – Corpus Christi, up from No. 133 last year
No. 134 – Brownsville, unchanged from last year
No. 137 – McAllen, up from No. 138 last year
No. 140 – Houston, down from No. 59 last year

In U.S. News' separate Best Place to Live in Texas for 2023, Austin landed at No. 1, followed by San Antonio at No. 2 and DFW at No. 3.

Green Bay, Wisconsin, grabbed the No. 1 spot nationally in 2023. Huntsville, Alabama (last year's No. 1) came in second, followed by Raleigh & Durham, North Carolina (No. 3), Boulder, Colorado (No. 4), and Sarasota, Florida (No. 5).

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5 Dallas-Fort Worth universities earn top spots for graduate programs in Texas

TOP-TIER EDUCATION

The 2023 results are in, and U.S. News and World Report has deemed five Dallas-Fort Worth universities among the best grad schools in the state, with some departments landing among the top 100 in the country.

U.S. News publishes its national "Best Graduate Schools" rankings every year, which looks at several programs including business, education, engineering, fine arts, health, and many others. For the 2023-2024 report, the publication decided to withhold its rankings for law and medical schools, which will be published later this year. It also changed the methodology for ranking education and business schools by focusing on outcome rather than a program’s reputation and selectivity.

The University of Texas at Dallas Naveen Jindal School of Managementranked No. 3 in Texas and No. 27 overall in the nation, with its project management program ranking eighth best nationally. The Jonsson School of Engineering earned the No. 73 spot among engineering schools, and sixth best program in Texas. Additionally, the university's audiology and speech-language pathology programs landed the No. 2 and No. 10 spots in the nation.

Southern Methodist University followed right behind UT Dallas for the No. 4 top graduate business school in Texas, and No. 33 overall. The university also has the third best graduate education school in the state, and 49th best nationally.

Denton's University of North Texas earned the No. 6 spot in the state for its graduate education program, which ranked 99th overall. It faired similarly in the business category at No. 95 nationally, and ninth best in Texas. Most notably, UNT has the No. 20 best library and information studies programs, with its health librarianship program ranking the sixth best in the nation. The public affairs department also earned some nods for its No. 8 and No. 10 overall ranks in local government management, and homeland security and emergency management programs.

At No. 50 nationally and No. 6 in the state for its graduate business school is Fort Worth's Texas Christian University. The graduate education school ranked No. 8 in Texas, and No. 125 overall. It also has the No. 43 best doctorate nursing program in the nation.

The University of Texas at Arlington earned the No. 4 spot in Texas for its graduate engineering program, and No. 69 nationally. It is the No. 54 best master's nursing program and No. 51 best social work program in the nation, according to the report.

“When prospective students are considering their options for graduate school, the Best Graduate Schools rankings are designed to help them identify schools that excel in the program they want to study,” said LaMont Jones, senior editor of Education at U.S. News. “With many options available, U.S. News provides a wealth of data in an easy format to help each student make the best decision.”

Some category rankings have not been released for the 2023-24 school year, but the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center ranked No. 2 in Texas in the “Best Medical Schools: Research” and “Primary Care” categories for 2022. Additionally, the School of Law at Texas A&M University in Fort Worth and the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University previously ranked No. 2 and No. 4 respectively in Texas for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Facebook/The Ashton Hotel

Fort Worth boutique hotel praised among Texas' best in prestigious U.S. News ranking

the inn crowd

A luxe Fort Worth boutique hotel is among the best in the state this year, according to US News and & World Report. The publication collects its information through hotel ratings, customer reviews, and industry award analysis.

The Ashton Hotellands at No. 24 on the prestigious list for 2023. It is joined by three other Dallas-Fort Worth hotels: The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek (No. 2), Ritz-Carlton, Dallas (No. 6), and Thompson Dallas (No. 25). The list looks a bit different than it did last year, when seven local lodgings made the cut.

Of Fort Worth's storied Ashton, US News writes, "Located in the heart of downtown Fort Worth, The Ashton Hotel proves that sometimes luxury looks better in a smaller size. This petite boutique has only 39 guest rooms, but it feels rather spacious, according to recent visitors who held functions in one of the property's three event spaces. Although a historical hotel, modern amenities include premium down pillows and bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. The downside to this property is that there is no restaurant on-site, only breakfast is served. And because it is older, it lacks amenities typically seen in other hotels, including a pool, a spa and a fitness center. The best thing about the hotel though, according to recent visitors, is the location. The Ashton Hotel is within walking distance of the Fort Worth Convention Center and two blocks away from Sundance Square."

Despite not having a dedicated restaurant, the Ashton does serve an elegant Afternoon Tea on limited days.

Tea at the Ashton The Ashton serves a traditional English tea on certain days.Facebook/The Ashton Hotel

Houston’s only double five-star hotel and spa, The Post Oak Hotel, was awarded the No. 1 spot on the US News list. The hotel is known for its “tropical sanctuary” pool, nine restaurants and bars, and ultra-modern room amenities and decor.

“This prestigious list evaluates the top hotels from around the globe, and it is an honor to be included,” said Steven Chou, general manager at The Post Oak Hotel, in a statement.

Dallas' famed Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek takes No. 2 with its elegant decor, proximity to nearby parks, and acclaimed restaurant. It's up from No. 6 in 2022.

"This five-star hotel gets rave reviews, with many recent travelers saying the staff go above and beyond to anticipate guests' needs," US News says. "What's more, the hotel completed a large renovation in fall 2020, bringing the pricey property's design, rooms and suites, and public spaces up to the same vaulted level of service that impresses past travelers."

Uptown's swanky Ritz-Carlton, Dallas lands at No. 6 (up from last year's ranking of No. 7).

"Located near the Museum of Art, the Dallas edition of the luxurious Ritz-Carlton brand goes beyond just offering many of the amenities you'd expect from a five-star hotel," says US News. "For instance, this hotel boasts not just a pool, but a saline-treated rooftop pool; and not just facials and massages, but a 12,000-square-foot spa.

Rounding out the top 25 is the Thompson Dallas.

Other top hotels in Texas from the US News and & World Report hail from Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth.

The full list of the top 25 best hotels in Texas include:

The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek – Dallas
Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection – Austin
Hotel Emma – San Antonio
Four Seasons Hotel – Houston
The Ritz-Carlton – Dallas
Thompson San Antonio Riverwalk
The Driskill – Austin
Fairmont Austin
Four Seasons Hotel – Austin
JW Marriott Houston Downtown
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa – San Antonio
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa
The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
The St. Regis Houston
Austin Proper Hotel & Residences
Miraval Austin
Lake Austin Spa Resort
La Cantera Resort & Spa – San Antonio
Hotel Granduca Austin
Mokara Hotel & Spa – San Antonio
Hotel Granduca Houston
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa – Austin
The Ashton Hotel – Fort Worth
Thompson Dallas

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Property Showcase

'Yellowstone' stars to greet fans at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Yellowstone news

Yellowstone fans, get your comfy shoes ready - there'll be a long line for this one. Cole Hauser a.k.a. "Rip Wheeler" on Yellowstone, and Taylor Sheridan, the show's co-creator, executive producer, and director of the series, will meet fans and sign autographs at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

The event will take place from 4:30-6:30 pm only on Friday, February 3. Location is the 6666 Ranch booth near the south end of Aisle 700 in the Amon G. Carter, Jr. Exhibits Hall.

According to a February 2 announcement from FWSSR, "fans will have the opportunity to snag an autograph as well as purchase some distinctive Yellowstone and 6666 Ranch merchandise while also enjoying all the features the Stock Show offers."

The event is free to attend (with paid Stock Show admission) and open to the public.

It's the second year in a row for Hauser to appear at FWSSR; in 2022, he and fellow cast mates drew huge crowds.

Sheridan, a Paschal High School graduate, is no stranger to Fort Worth; he lives in a ranch near Weatherford and filmed 1883, the prequel to Yellowstone, in and around Fort Worth. Currently, another spinoff, 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, is filming in North Texas.

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is winding up its 2023 run on Saturday, February 4.

Quonset hut in south Fort Worth to be transformed into ballroom

Quonset Hut News

A Quonset hut in south Fort Worth is about to make a Cinderella-like transformation: Called the Quonset Ballroom, it's being developed into an entertainment space which will host live music, food trucks, and events.

The hut is located at 2608 W. Dickson St., and was previously home to a lawn care operator for 30 years.

Husband-and-wife Jason and Hedy Peña stumbled onto it while searching for a new location for Hedy’s insurance agency, Armor Texas Insurance Agency. They landed at 2612 Dickson St., a cool mid-century office building built in 1957, which was ideal for the agency, even despite its offbeat address in a heavily industrial area.

“It was a piece of property where we could locate the office and it also had this 4,000-square foot Quonset hut next door,” Hedy says. "We started thinking about creating a venue which could be rented for parties, weddings, and social events."

Quonset huts are sprinkled across the Dallas-Fort Worth landscape, most dating back to the 1940s, shortly after the structure was first invented at Quonset Point Naval Air Station in Rhode Island.

Fort Worth is also currently in thrall with Quonset huts, thanks to the hip PS1200 mixed-use development near the Medical District which opened in July.

This one was built in 1948, and will require an overhaul, including new flooring, AC, and framing, with a planned-for capacity of 250 people.

Even as they work on the revamp, the Peñas have hosted private parties as well as a campaign event for Jason Peña, who ran unsuccessfully for Fort Worth city council in May 2023.

“We’ve had some private events there, but it’s not ready for a full event," Hedy says.

They currently have no plans for a bar but they're building a kitchen space to serve as a platform for the food trucks, including hookups.

The tract also has what was once a 10-car garage, which the Peñas are developing as storefronts they hope to lease as office spaces.

The industrial nature of the neighborhood initally gave them pause, but Hedy says it's turned out to be a positive, and the property itself has mature, leafy trees.

"Everything around us is industrial and at first I was uneasy about opening the insurance agency there," she says. "But the neighborhood has not deterred customers. We've even grown. And without homeowners nearby, it's a good setup if we have live music."

She envisions a spot that will eventually have a community feel, where families can dine and sit outside or inside – there will be seating – and enjoy music and conversation.

“It will be open to rent to the public, for sure, and could turn into something where it has regular hours," she says. “It will be for everyone, the public, our friends, family, so that everyone can see what we have here.”

Gamestop stock saga gets fun, star-filled movie treatment with Dumb Money

Movie review

The stock market feels like one of those aspects of American life that only a select few truly understand. The rest of us acknowledge it as something that exists and affects our lives in some way, but how and why any particular stock is traded and becomes more (or less) valuable can be a complete mystery.

Dumb Money tackles one of the most interesting recent stories to come out of the stock market, the surprising inflation of Gamestop stock in late 2020/early 2021. The film bounces around to a variety of characters, but centers mostly on Keith Gill (Paul Dano), a YouTuber who went by the name of Roaring Kitty. Gill, an amateur stock trader, took an early position about liking the lightly-regarded Gamestop stock, regularly posting videos and on the Reddit thread WallStreetBets about how his significant investment in the stock was doing.

Concurrently, hedge fund managers like Gabe Plotkin (Seth Rogen) were actively trying to short, or bet against, the stock. That began a battle by Gill and other similarly-minded individual investors to fight back against what they saw as unfair trading practices by the big firms, resulting in Gamestop’s stock rising astronomically in a relatively short period of time.

Directed by Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya) and written by Lauren Schuker Blum and Rebecca Angelo, the film is notable for what it is not, a deep dive into the inner workings of the stock market. Instead of getting into the nitty gritty details, the filmmakers treat it as the ultimate David vs. Goliath story, with Gill and other everyday people like a nurse, Jenny (America Ferrera), Gamestop worker Marcus (Anthony Ramos), and college student Harmony (Talia Ryder) going up against billionaires like Plotkin, Steve Cohen (Vincent D’Onofrio), Ken Griffin (Nick Offerman), and Vlad Tenev (Sebastian Stan).

Photo by Claire Folger/Sony Pictures

Paul Dano in Dumb Money.

It doesn’t hurt that Gill is an eccentric character who wears cat-emblazoned shirts and a headband, and that the Reddit community he inspires communicates primarily in memes, upping the entertainment factor of their side immensely. The story is also a suspense in a way; as the variety of individuals drive the stock ever higher, their net worth – on paper – also grows exponentially, and the longer each of them holds on without selling ups the potential that they could be burned.

Because the real-life event happened during the thick of the pandemic when it was still up in the air as to the full impact of COVID-19, the story takes on a little more significance. Characters mask up regularly, conversations take place on the phone or over Zoom, and a general feeling of unease permeates the film. That may or may not have influenced how certain people approached the situation, but in the context of the film, it definitely seems to play a part.

The back-and-forth between the haves and have-nots takes up so much time in the film that it barely has time for such well-known actors as Shailene Woodley, Dane Dehaan, Olivia Thirlby, and Pete Davidson, among others. Each of them plays a supporting character to one of the main people, and all of them deliver that little something extra in what could have been throwaway roles.

Dano is a chameleonic actor who’s gone between drama and comedy with ease throughout his career. This role is a mixture of both, and he has an effortlessness about him that makes everything he says instantly believable. Rogen is great casting as Plotkin, amiably playing the buffoon of the story. After her big role in Barbie, Ferrera once again shows that she deserves as many showcases as Hollywood can give her.

Storytellers can rarely go wrong in showing people with little power taking on those with great wealth, and the fact that the story shown in Dumb Money is (mostly) true makes it that much better. You may not understand the stock market any more than you already did at the end, but you’ll be so entertained that it won’t matter.

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Dumb Money is now playing in theaters.

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