Texas A&M University Division of Marketing &
Communications
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University Division of Marketing &
Communications

Rankings Strategy

Discover the guiding principles and creative approach for promoting our rankings. This page outlines our brand-aligned strategy, providing the tools and messaging to showcase Texas A&M's excellence with confidence and impact.

Guiding Principles

Use these principles when creating ranking graphics, and copy to ensure consistency, credibility and brand alignment across channels.

Highlight only top 20 rankings

We only promote rankings where Texas A&M places in the top 20 of the category to ensure consistency and credibility.

Align with the brand platform

Rankings shared should reinforce the core themes of the Texas A&M brand.

Always include the source

Every ranking graphic must clearly identify the ranking source (e.g., U.S. News & World Report, Wall Street Journal, etc.) and the year.

Follow AP Style

All language in graphics and copy follows AP Style guidelines.

Use cases for pound sign vs. No.

We use the # symbol (e.g., #12 nationally) in the graphic, and we use “No.” within body copy to maintain consistency across platforms and improve visual appeal.

A student points out a place on a map to his professor in a library

Branded Imagery

for use on Ranking Templates

We create three styles of graphics for all rankings: a maroon background graphic, a photo with a person and a campus background photo. Use the photos in our brand library to refresh the graphic or change the background. Captions should be brief, identify people when appropriate, and include photo credit and alt text.

View the Gallery

Voice and Tone

Rankings should always be shared with our brand personality of spirited, confident and significant — rooted in our purpose. They should celebrate our excellence, not for prestige alone, but for the impact it enables. Every ranking is another reason to believe that Texas A&M stands together as a force for good in education, research and service.

Content Cadence and Creative Approach

To ensure year-round visibility and variety, we rotate three creative styles throughout the year:

  1. Maroon graphic
    1. Clean and bold, featuring ranking number, source and brief supporting text.
  2. Photo of a person
    1. Pairs the ranking with a portrait of a student, faculty member or researcher who represents the achievement, bringing a human element to the data.
  3. Campus photo
    1. Showcases the place that makes it possible — our campuses — paired with the ranking and key message.

Each ranking is promoted multiple times annually across these formats, allowing us to atomize the story and sustain engagement over time.

Messaging and Rotation

  • Lead variation: Alternate between leading with the ranking number (e.g., “#7 in the Nation for Engineering”) and leading with the source or theme (e.g., “Recognized by U.S. News for Engineering Excellence”).
  • Longevity: When relevant, highlight how long Texas A&M has held the ranking (e.g., “Top 10 for five consecutive years”).
  • Comparative framing: We can spotlight rankings in different contexts:
    • All universities nationwide
    • Public universities only
    • In the state of Texas
    • Within the Southeastern Conference (SEC)
  • Alternate framing: When appropriate, use phrasing like Top 5 rather than #4 to add variety and emphasize distinction beyond the number itself.

Downloadable Assets

Students sitting in Aggie Park

Purpose

Rankings are a key way to demonstrate Texas A&M University’s excellence, momentum and continued leadership as one of the nation’s top public universities. Our approach highlights rankings that align with our brand values — academic excellence, service, leadership and impact — and that reflect meaningful recognition of our work as a force for good.

Ranking Template Option 1

With Photo

Ranking Template Option 2

With Photo

Ranking Template Option 3

With Photo

Ranking Template Option 5

Without Photo

Ranking Template Option 6

Without Photo

Social media graphic showing Texas A&M's ranking of #1 in Texas on top of a campus scene photo

Campus People Wall Street Journal Ranking Graphic

Social media graphic showing Texas A&M's ranking of #1 in Texas on top of a maroon background

Maroon Wall Street Journal Ranking Graphics

Social media graphic showing Texas A&M's ranking of #1 in Texas on top of a photo of campus architecture

Campus Scene Wall Street Journal Ranking Graphics

Have questions about this Content Package?

Get in touch with our brand team. Email Alex Giles, Brand Content Manager, for more information.

Email our brand team