The University of North Texas just got national recognition for something that doesn’t involve textbooks or test scores — its campus dining.
The Denton-based university ranked No. 20 in Niche’s 2025 list of the Best College Food in America, putting it ahead of hundreds of schools across the country in the rankings.
The annual list highlights colleges that offer students quality meals, plenty of variety and options that work for different diets, all without breaking the bank.
UNT’s spot in the top 20 makes it the highest-ranked university in Texas for campus dining.
Here’s what to know about the ranking and how UNT stacks up.
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How does Niche decide the best college food?
Niche’s 2025 Best College Food ranking is based mostly on student feedback, with 85 percent of the score coming from campus dining reviews submitted by current or recent students.
The other 15 percent comes from the reported average cost of a meal plan at each school. That means the list reflects both the real-world dining experience and how much students are paying for it.
Niche says it pulls data from the most up-to-date information available, using sources like the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Census, along with nearly half a million student reviews.
What makes UNT’s dining stand out?
While Niche doesn’t break down each school’s individual score, UNT’s placement suggests students see strong value in what’s offered, from food quality to variety across different cuisines and dietary needs.
The university’s dining program includes multiple campus locations, themed menus, and options for vegetarians, vegans, and other specialized diets.
Being in the top 20 means UNT is not only one of the best in Texas, but also competitive with schools known for standout food programs nationwide.
Who else made the list?
UCLA claimed the No. 1 spot in the 2025 rankings. The University of Massachusetts–Amherst followed at No. 2, Virginia Tech at Np. 3, California Baptist University at No. 4 and St. John Fisher University at No. 5.
UNT was the only university in Texas to break the top 20.
Here are the top 20 schools in Niche’s 2025 Best College Food ranking:
UCLA
University of Massachusetts–Amherst
Virginia Tech
California Baptist University
St. John Fisher University
St. Norbert College
Bates College
University of San Diego
James Madison University
Kennesaw State University
Florida International University
University of Georgia
Cornell University
Muhlenberg College
Hendrix College
Rhode Island School of Design
University of Oregon
Roger Williams University
University of Dayton
University of North Texas
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