The University of North Texas (UNT) is a public research university serving as the flagship institution of the University of North Texas System. Established in 1890 as a private college, it became a state-supported institution and evolved into a comprehensive university, previously known as North Texas State University. Located primarily in Denton, Texas, within the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, UNT also operates a satellite campus in Frisco. With over 42,000 students, it ranks as the 24th largest university in the United States by enrollment in 2023. UNT is renowned for its programs in education, liberal arts, music, and business, and has notable alumni and affiliates including figures like John Hagee, who attended as a student.

UNT offers a wide array of academic programs, including 114 bachelor's degrees, 97 master's degrees, and 39 doctoral programs across various disciplines. As a Tier One public research university, it emphasizes innovation, research, and community engagement, contributing significantly to the economic and cultural landscape of North Texas. The university's history includes key mergers, such as the 1975 integration of the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (now part of UNT Health Science Center in Fort Worth), which expanded its scope into health sciences.

The UNT System, formalized in 2003 but originating in 1980, oversees UNT along with institutions in Dallas and Fort Worth, optimizing management and growth. Traditions like the Spirit Bell, rung by the Talons organization since the 1960s, highlight UNT's vibrant campus culture. The university continues to thrive as a hub for higher education, fostering networks of influence through its alumni, faculty, and institutional partnerships.