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Guide to the Best Colleges in Texas
9 minute read • Last update December 2024
What are the best universities in Texas?
An affordable, top-tier education is often quoted as one of the primary reasons to move to Texas. Whether you’re planning to pursue an undergraduate degree, advance your career, explore opportunities for scholarships, or simply help a family member choose the right school, this article can introduce you to the Texas colleges and universities that are some of the best in the nation.
From cutting-edge research facilities and world-renowned programs to thriving campus communities and graduate mentorship resources, there’s something here for everyone. However, with over 220 higher education institutions to choose from, naming just one as the top university in Texas is almost impossible. But we can certainly help narrow down your options.
Got questions about studying in Texas or are unsure about what to expect from each institution? We have all the answers you need to make an informed decision. Let’s dive into our definitive list of the best colleges in Texas to discover what makes each one unique.
Rice University
Well-cited as one of the best universities in Texas, the Rice campus is located in the heart of Houston near the Museum District. Renowned for its rigorous academic programs, small group classes, and supportive learning environment, it consistently tops national rankings.
Rice is one of the best colleges in Texas for engineering, business, and natural sciences, and generous financial aid packages are available to eligible students. Of all the state’s higher education facilities, Rice was ranked the best university in Texas in a US News and World Report poll.
Rice University at a glance
| Location | Houston |
| Total Enrollment | 8,500 |
| Average Tuition | $54,960 |
| Average Cost Before Aid | $74,110 |
| Acceptance Rate | 9% |
| Website | http://www.rice.edu |
University of Texas at Austin
UT Austin is one of our nation’s leading public universities. It’s one of the top colleges in Texas for computer science and engineering. It also has a renowned business faculty and consistently ranks among the best law schools in Texas on academic websites.
UT Austin is recognized for its diversity, extensive alumni network, and competitive athletic program. It’s also committed to student support through scholarships and grants, making it one of the best colleges in Texas for students requiring financial aid.
UT Austin at a glance
| Location | Austin |
| Total Enrollment | 51,000 |
| Average Tuition | $11,752 (in-state); $40,996 (out-of-state) |
| Average Cost Before Aid | $28,928 (in-state); $58,172 (out-of-state) |
| Acceptance Rate | 29% |
| Website | www.utexas.edu |
Texas A&M University
Located in College Station, Texas A&M is a flagship public research institution known for its strong emphasis on leadership and academic excellence. With its robust culture and deep-rooted traditions, A&M is among the best Texas colleges for students seeking a well-rounded experience.
A popular choice for both in-state and out-of-state students, A&M is home to one of the best engineering schools in Texas. Its business, law, and agriculture courses also earn national recognition. It’s also consistently ranked among the best colleges in Texas for pre-med and nursing students.
Texas A&M University at a glance
| Location | College Station |
| Total Enrollment | 74,000 |
| Average Tuition | $13,178 (in-state); $40,087 (out-of-state) |
| Average Cost Before Aid | $30,083 (in-state); $57,087 (out-of-state) |
| Acceptance Rate | 64% |
| Website | www.tamu.edu |
Baylor University
Situated in Waco, Baylor is a private Christian university known for its welcoming community. Ideal for students pursuing both academic and spiritual growth, it’s considered one of the top Texas colleges for budding researchers and those seeking a personalized education.
Baylor stands out as one of the best pre-med schools in Texas, bolstered by its heavy focus on health-related programs alongside highly successful business and law faculties.
Baylor University at a glance
| Location | Waco |
| Total Enrollment | 20,000 |
| Average Tuition | $50,232 |
| Average Cost Before Aid | $70,320 |
| Acceptance Rate | 57% |
| Website | www.baylor.edu |
Southern Methodist University
Southern Methodist University (SMU) is one of several private colleges in Dallas and is widely regarded as one of the best medical schools in Texas. Renowned for its academic rigor and focus on global partnerships, SMU offers extensive study-abroad opportunities through its thriving alumni network.
In terms of other schools and faculties, SMU is also one of the best colleges in Texas for business, law, and arts programs. Further reasons to move to Dallas to study include access to myriad professional opportunities upon graduation.
SMU at a glance
| Location | Dallas |
| Total Enrollment | 12,000 |
| Average Tuition | $61,980 |
| Average Cost Before Aid | $79,660 |
| Acceptance Rate | 53% |
| Website | www.smu.edu |
Trinity University
A private liberal arts institution renowned for its small class sizes, Trinity’s urban campus in San Antonio is one of the best colleges in Texas for psychology and the sciences.
With modern facilities and a close-knit community, Trinity ranks highly among the top universities in Texas for students seeking mentorship, hands-on research, and personalized leadership development and career preparation.
Trinity University at a glance
| Location | San Antonio |
| Total Enrollment | 25,000 |
| Average Tuition | $49,264 |
| Average Cost Before Aid | $63,504 |
| Acceptance Rate | 34% |
| Website | www.trinity.edu |
Texas Christian University
Located in Fort Worth, TCU offers well-balanced experiences across various disciplines, although it’s regarded as one of the best colleges in Texas for nursing and business, in particular.
If you’re looking for good colleges in Texas that balance academic excellence with sporting interests, TCU is definitely worth a visit. Its athletic programs are a source of pride for the entire student community.
Texas Christian University at a glance
| Location | Fort Worth |
| Total Enrollment | 11,000 |
| Average Tuition | $53,980 |
| Average Cost Before Aid | $70,400 |
| Acceptance Rate | 54% |
| Website | www.tcu.edu |
University of Texas at Dallas
UTD is a fast-growing public research university in Richardson, just outside Dallas. Known for its affordability and commitment to innovation, every department has state-of-the-art facilities. However, it’s possibly most recognized as one of the best computer science schools in Texas.
Engineering and business programs are also popular, and the university’s proximity to Dallas’s tech hub makes it one of the best colleges in Texas for students seeking post-graduate internships and job opportunities.
UTD at a glance
| Location | Richardson, Dallas |
| Total Enrollment | 29,000 |
| Average Tuition | $14,564 (in-state); $39,776 (out-of-state) |
| Average Cost Before Aid | $31,400 (in-state); $56,612 (out-of-state) |
| Acceptance Rate | 87% |
| Website | www.utdallas.edu |
University of Houston
The University of Houston (UH) is home to one of the best business schools in Texas, with its C.T. Bauer College of Business receiving national recognition. Engineering and law programs are also highly rated.
UH is also one of the best colleges and universities in Texas for diversity, culture, and post-grad opportunities. It hosts numerous cultural events, and over 500 student organizations offer direct pathways to internships and career opportunities.
The University of Houston at a glance
| Location | Houston |
| Total Enrollment | 47,000 |
| Average Tuition | $11,870 (in-state); $26,030 (out-of-state) |
| Average Cost Before Aid | $23,410 (in-state); $37,570 (out-of-state) |
| Acceptance Rate | 66% |
| Website | www.uh.edu |
Texas Tech University
Located in Lubbock, this tech-savvy university is widely regarded as one of the best engineering colleges in Texas—particularly for those following chemical, civil, and electrical engineering pathways.
Texas Tech is well-suited to students interested in balancing knowledge and skills acquisition with a vibrant student life. The institution boasts numerous student organizations, NCAA Division I athletics, a supportive community atmosphere, and a strong alumni network.
Texas Tech University at a glance
| Location | Lubbock |
| Total Enrollment | 40,000 |
| Average Tuition | $11,852 (in-state); $24,092 (out-of-state) |
| Average Cost Before Aid | $23,772 (in-state); $36,012 (out-of-state) |
| Acceptance Rate | 70% |
| Website | www.ttu.edu |
University of North Texas
Located in Denton, the University of North Texas (UNT) is one of the largest public universities in the state. Known for its top-ranked music school, UNT is one of the top Texas universities for arts programs, although it also excels in business and education.
The university stands out to environmentally conscious learners thanks to its commitment to sustainability, and there are numerous green initiatives on campus that students can get involved with.
UNT at a glance
| Location | Denton |
| Total Enrollment | 44,000 |
| Average Tuition | $11,140 (in-state); $23,260 (out-of-state) |
| Average Cost Before Aid | $22,282 (in-state); $34,402 (out-of-state) |
| Acceptance Rate | 84% |
| Website | www.unt.edu |
University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley
Located in Edinburg, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is a steadily growing institution. It’s home to one of the best nursing schools in Texas and is also highly rated for education and STEM fields.
UTRGV places a particular focus on serving the Hispanic community. It is well known for its accessibility and affordability best practices, as tuition and fees here are among the most affordable state-wide.
UTRGV at a glance
| Location | Edinburg |
| Total Enrollment | 32,000 |
| Average Tuition | $8,917 (in-state); $18,733 (out-of-state) |
| Average Cost Before Aid | $20,500 (in-state); $30,316 (out-of-state) |
| Acceptance Rate | 87% |
| Website | www.utrgv.edu |
University of Texas at Arlington
Located in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth, the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has state-of-the-art facilities and is one of the best colleges in Texas for students majoring in engineering, business, and nursing.
The university has strong industry connections and offers a wide range of online degree programs in addition to in-person learning, making it a flexible option for working students and those raising a family in Texas.
UTA at a glance
| Location | Arlington |
| Total Enrollment | 41,000 |
| Average Tuition | $11,727 (in-state); $28,325 (out-of-state) |
| Average Cost Before Aid | $23,790 (in-state); $40,388 (out-of-state) |
| Acceptance Rate | 88% |
| Website | www.uta.edu |
University of Texas at San Antonio
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is a renowned public research institution known for its ease of entry and educational culture that emphasizes innovation and community engagement.
UTSA is one of the best Texas universities for those looking to study business, engineering, and cybersecurity. As San Antonio’s largest university, students have access to a rich cultural heritage, and there are numerous internship and career opportunities to explore upon graduation.
UTSA at a glance
| Location | San Antonio |
| Total Enrollment | 34,000 |
| Average Tuition | $8,945 (in-state); $21,971 (out-of-state) |
| Average Cost Before Aid | $21,700 (in-state); $34,726 (out-of-state) |
| Acceptance Rate | 90% |
| Website | www.utsa.edu |
Texas State University
Texas State University is celebrated for the quality of its programs for students looking to succeed in education, business, and music. It’s also regularly cited as one of the best colleges in Texas for computer science.
The university’s scenic campus along the San Marcos River offers a vibrant and engaging environment. Learners here can discover numerous opportunities for research, hands-on learning, and community involvement.
Texas State University at a glance
| Location | San Marcos |
| Total Enrollment | 38,000 |
| Average Tuition | $11,540 (in-state); $23,880 (out-of-state) |
| Average Cost Before Aid | $23,800 (in-state); $36,140 (out-of-state) |
| Acceptance Rate | 85% |
| Website | www.txstate.edu |
Abilene Christian University
Abilene Christian University (ACU) is a private Christian university known for its supportive learning environment and focus on faith-based education. It’s one of the best colleges in Texas for nursing, psychology, and business.
The university’s small size allows for personalized mentorship and provides students with a close-knit community. ACU courses emphasize service and leadership, preparing students to make a positive impact in their careers and communities.
Abilene Christian University at a glance
| Location | Abilene |
| Total Enrollment | 5,200 |
| Average Tuition | $39,350 |
| Average Cost Before Aid | $51,200 |
| Acceptance Rate | 62% |
| Website | www.acu.edu |
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Choosing the right college is a major decision that extends beyond academic considerations. As you explore educational opportunities in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, or any other vibrant Texas city, consider how each location impacts your budget, particularly with recurring expenses like electricity. Effectively managing these costs can free up resources, allowing you to invest more in your or your child’s educational future.
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