The state of Texas is home to some of the best colleges and universities in the United States. We evaluated the 190+ public and private not-for-profit universities and colleges and have created this ranking of the best colleges in Texas.
There is a wide variety of top universities in Texas, and our ranking features a cross-section of those universities. Some emphasize research while others emphasize liberal arts and teaching.
Some are huge universities with massive resources to devote to student services and research. Others are small, tight-knit communities with small student/faculty ratios. Some are secular. Others are evangelical or reformed Christian, and some are Roman Catholic.
Some of the schools are difficult to get into and will require high GPA, class placement, or SAT scores. Others are extremely accessible and still deliver a high-quality education. Regardless of what you’re looking for, if you’re looking in Texas, this ranking of the best Texas colleges has a great choice for you.
We took into account factors like:
- overall reputation of the schools
- 20 year net return on investment
- cost of tuition (using out of state tuition when considering public universities)
- each school’s combined graduation and transfer-out rates
You can find more information on our methodology and weighting system below.
Ranking the Best Colleges in Texas
#1. Rice University
School Profile
Score: 100
Rice University is one of the top 20 universities in the United States. It’s also one of the best schools Houston, Texas has to offer. Only 11% of over 20,000 applicants were admitted last year. It has a population of just over 3,900 undergraduate students. TX Rice University has a student/faculty ratio of just 6:1. Rice University, #1 on our list of best Texas colleges, is the #3 university in the country for undergraduate teaching. Rice University is #16 among the country’s most innovative schools.
- U.S. News Ranking: National #15
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $1,007,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $54,960
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 94%
#2. Texas A&M University-College Station
School Profile
Score: 92.00
College Station is the flagship university of the Texas A&M system. The college is located in College Station, Texas. The undergraduate population is 53,743. Last year the school accepted 68% of 36,000 applicants. This is quite high for such a prestigious university. Especially considering TAMU College Station maintains good graduation rate numbers. Student/faculty ratio is 20:1. The school offers over 130 undergraduate degrees and 268 graduate and professional degrees. TAMU College Station has a huge international presence with 5,000+ undergraduate students studying abroad in 123 countries.
- U.S. News Ranking: National #67
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $736,000
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $40,139
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 93%
#3. The University of Texas at Austin
School Profile
Score: 91.75
The University of Texas at Austin is a massive university, ranked in the top 50 nationwide. The school, one of the top Texas universities, is located in Austin, Texas. It offers:
- 156 undergraduate degree programs
- 237 graduate degree programs
- over 12,000 courses altogether
The University of Texas at Austin is the main campus of the University of Texas system. It has 40,800 undergraduate students with a student/faculty ratio of 18:1. University of Texas at Austin accepted 39% of 50,575 applicants last year. UT’s research has resulted in 786 patents filed in the past 11 years. University of Texas at Austin is one of the best institutions in the state to attend if you want to be involved in innovative and influential research. Business programs at UT Austin are AACSB-accredited.
- U.S. News Ranking: National #38
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $731,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $41,070
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 88%
#4. Southern Methodist University
Score: 85.3
Southern Methodist University is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The school is located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. One of the top universities in Texas, Southern Methodist University serves just over 6,400 undergraduate students. It has a student/faculty ratio of 11:1. Last year Southern Methodist University admitted 51% of its 12,603 applicants, making it quite accessible for a U.S. top 100 university. Such an accessible university maintaining a high graduation rate is a good sign for someone hoping to attend college in Texas. An indicator of the quality of resources available to undergraduate students.
- U.S. News Ranking: National #72
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $616,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $61,980
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 95%
#5. Texas Christian University
Score: 83.14
Texas Christian University is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination. The school is located in Forth Worth, Texas. In addition to a great graduation rate, TCU also has a 91% Freshman Retention Rate. The school is pretty accessible for a top 100 university. It admitted 56% of just over 16,000 applicants last year. TCU has an undergraduate student body of around 10,000 and a student/faculty ratio of 14:1. TCU has many international study options and has had more than 34 Fulbright scholars since 2010.
- U.S. News Ranking: National #89
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $519,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $53,980
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 97%
#6. Prairie View A&M University
School Profile
Score: 82.76
Prairie View A&M University is located in Prairie View, Texas. The school offers undergraduate programs in eight schools and colleges, including:
- college of agriculture and human sciences
- college of arts and sciences
- college of business
- college of education
- college of engineering
- college of juvenile justice and psychology
- college of nursing,
- school of architecture
Prairie View, one of the good colleges in Texas, accepted 74% of applicants last year. Prairie View’s business programs are AACSB-accredited.
- U.S. News Ranking: National #331
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $575,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $26,874
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 68%
#7. Southwestern University
Score: 80.31
Southwestern University is a Methodist university. It’s located in Georgetown, Texas. It was founded in 1840 and is the oldest institution of higher learning in Texas. The school serves 1,434 undergraduate students, all undergraduates. It has a student/faculty ratio of 12:1. Southwestern, making our list of good colleges in Texas, accepted 45% of the roughly 5,500 applicants last year. The school offers programs in areas like:
- anthropology
- applied physics
- chemistry
- communication studies
- computational mathematics
- computer science
- environmental studies
- feminist studies
- mathematics.
- U.S. News Ranking: National (Liberal Arts) #85
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $380,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $48,650
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 92%
#8. The University of Texas at Dallas
Score: 79.08
The University of Texas at Dallas was founded in 1969. It has grown into one of the most influential and important universities in the state over the past 50 years. UT Dallas has a student body of 19,872. The student/faculty ratio is 26:1. Last year the school accepted 85% of 21,500 applicants. The business programs at UT Dallas are accredited by the AACSB.
- U.S. News Ranking: National #151
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $691,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $39,776
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 85%
#9. Baylor University
Score: 79
Baylor University is a Baptist private college with a student body of about 17,000. Baylor is located in Waco, Texas. Baylor, one of our best universities in Texas, offers over 100 undergraduate degrees including programs like:
- biochemistry
- art history
- computer science
- economics
- engineering
- great texts of the western tradition
- journalism
- mathematics.
Despite a relatively high student population, the school maintains a student/faculty ratio of 16:1. Last year Baylor University accepted 46% of high school students who applied to the school.
- U.S. News Ranking: National #77
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $448,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $51,738
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 81%
#10. Texas Tech University
Website
Score: 78.81
Texas Tech University is located in Lubbock, which is in North Texas. It is a public technical school that places a huge emphasis on STEM programs like:
- architecture
- biochemistry
- engineering (chemical, civil, computer, electrical, mechanical, industrial, and petroleum)
- geosciences
- mathematics
- microbiology
- physics
Texas Tech admitted 71% of applicants last year. It has an impressive graduation rate, making it one of the most accessible and reliable technical universities in the country. This North Texas university is a great choice for students interested in STEM.
- U.S. News Ranking: National #219
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $616,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $24,122
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 88%
#11. Southwestern Adventist University
Website
Score: 75.55
Southwestern Adventist University is one of the top regional universities in the West, as well as coming in #11 on our ranking of the best colleges in the state. 100% of recent graduates are either employed or in graduate school. These include majors in:
- biology
- computer science
- mathematics
- education
- English
- music
- theology
This Seventh Day Adventist university has a very small student population of just over 800 students. It has a 12:1 student/faculty ratio.
- U.S. News Ranking: Regional West #29
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $322,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $24,060
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 85%
#12. Austin College
Website
Score: 74.82
Austin College is a small liberal arts college. It admitted 55% of applicants last year, 21% of whom enrolled. The student/faculty ratio is 13:1. Austin College was ranked among America’s top colleges by Forbes, and best value colleges by Kiplinger’s. Money Magazine included the school on its best merit-based scholarships ranking. The Wall Street Journal also considers it to be one of the best in Texas.
- U.S. News Ranking: National (Liberal Arts) #107
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $520,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $44,950
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 73%
#13. Midwestern State University
Website
Score: 73.47
Midwestern State University is the only university in Texas to become a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. It’s one of 36 public institutions of higher learning in the state. The out-of-state tuition at MSU is very affordable compared to almost any other public university in the United States. The school accepts 71% of applicants.
- U.S. News Ranking: Regional West #73
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $443,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $12,183
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 72%
#14. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Website
Score: 73.08
UT Permian Basin has one of the lowest tuitions featured in our ranking. UTPB accepted 91% of applicants last year. The school has 4,744 undergraduate students and a 20:1 student/faculty ratio. The undergraduate business programs in accounting, finance, marketing, and management are all AACSB-accredited. The MBA and master’s in public accountancy programs are also AACSB-accredited.
- U.S. News Ranking: Regional West #55
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $415,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $21,474
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 76%
#15. LeTourneau University
Website
Score: 72.73
LeTourneau University is an interdenominational Christian university. Graduates from LeTourneau’s ABET-accredited engineering programs have a 97% job placement rate. The school has a student/faculty ratio of 11:1 and last year accepted 46% of applicants. LeTourneau also offers the only comprehensive university-level aviation program in the state of Texas. In 2015, 100% of aviation graduates (with the exception of air traffic control students) found a job in the field within one year of graduation.
- U.S. News Ranking: Regional West #28
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $610,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $34,470
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 67%
#16. West Texas A&M University
Website
Score: 72.13
West Texas A&M University is one of the cheapest schools in this ranking. The out-of-state tuition clocks in at under $10k per year. WTAMU accepted 65% of 5,427 applicants last year. The total student population is 10,029. The student/faculty ratio is 20:1. West Texas A&M University offers over 100 bachelor’s degrees and 37 graduate degrees. 14 of those bachelor’s degrees and 14 master’s degrees offered fully online.
- U.S. News Ranking: Regional West #57
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $297,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $10,996
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 77%
#17. Trinity University
Website
Score: 72.08
Trinity University is a Presbyterian university with a 150-year history in Texas. Trinity is located in San Antonio, Texas. The school has 2,480 students with a mean SAT score of 1380. The mean high school GPA is 3.61. Trinity admitted 31% of 11,463 applicants last year. Trinity offers:
- 49 undergraduate majors
- 60 minors
- five graduate programs
Trinity has a student/faculty ratio of 9:1.
- U.S. News Ranking: National Liberal Arts #55
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $557,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $49,264
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 95%
#18. University of Houston
Website
Score: 70.79
The University of Houston has 80+ undergraduate degrees, four of which are offered online. University of Houston also offers 70+ graduate degrees, 24 of which are offered online. University of Houston is a public university with just over 38,000 undergraduate students. The student/faculty ratio at the University of Houston is 21:1. The school admitted 66% of 22,461 applicants last year.
- U.S. News Ranking: National #182
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $657,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $21,273
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 71%
#19. Texas A&M International University
Website
Score: 69.72
TAMIU was rated the #6 best bang for your buck university by Washington Monthly. Last year Texas A&M International University, one of the top colleges in Texas, accepted 52% of 7,216 applicants. The school has an undergraduate population of nearly 7,000. The student/faculty ratio is 21:1. In 2017 TAMIU maintained AACSB accreditation for its business school, which features programs like:
- accounting
- business administration
- finance
- international economics
- management
- management information system and data analytics
- transportation and international logistics.
- U.S. News Ranking: Regional West #57
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $377,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $18,064
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 98%
#20. McMurry University
Website
Score: 69.46
McMurry University offers:
- 45 undergraduate degree choices
- 10 pre-professional programs
- 35 undergraduate minors
McMurry also offers two graduate degrees:
- a master of accountancy
- a master of science in nursing
The average class size is 16 and the student/faculty ratio is 11:1. It accepted 57% of its 2,345 applicants last year. McMurry is a private non-profit Christian university in the United Methodist denomination.
- U.S. News Ranking: Regional West #26
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $322,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $30,422
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 82%
#21. Tarleton State University
Website
Score: 68.46
It’s important to note that while Tarleton State University may not have the “A&M” designation in its name, it is part of the Texas A&M University system. Tarleton State offers:
- 67 bachelor’s degrees
- 27 master’s degrees
- 2 doctoral degrees
Additionally, the school offers 41 certificate or certification programs. Tarleton accepted 55% of its 10,400 applicants last year.
- U.S. News Ranking: National #331
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $306,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $17,640
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 78%
#22. University of Dallas
Website
Score: 67.55
The University of Dallas is a Roman Catholic university with just over 2,500 students. University of Dallas offers:
- 25+ undergraduate degree programs
- six pre-professional programs
- 34 concentrations
- seven graduate certificate programs
- 20+ master’s degrees
- five doctoral level degrees.
University of Dallas accepted 39% of its 4,846 applicants last year. The school has a 12:1 student to faculty ratio
- U.S. News Ranking: Regional West #6
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $422,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $48,000
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 92%
#23. University of St. Thomas
Website
Score: 67.37
The University of St. Thomas serves 1,978 undergraduate students and has an 11:1 student/faculty ratio. St. Thomas offers 41 undergraduate degrees and 41 minors. St. Thomas also offers 27 graduate degrees. There are also 10 pre-professional programs including:
- pre-dental
- pre-health
- pre-law
- pre-med
- pre-optometry
- pre-pharmacy.
This private Roman Catholic university admitted 82% of its 1,216 applicants last year.
- U.S. News Ranking: National #250
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $531,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $32,484
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 66%
#24. Abilene Christian University
Website
Score: 67.22
Abilene Christian is highly ranked in service learning, first-year experiences, and learning communities. The school is affiliated with the Churches of Christ denomination. Abilene’s goal for its students is for them to:
- stretch intellectually
- grow spiritually
- advance professionally
The school offers over 70 undergraduate majors with 135 areas of study. Abilene accepts 57% of applicants.
- U.S. News Ranking: National #250
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $355,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $40,500
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 60%
#25. Houston Christian University
Website
Score: 67.14
Houston Christian University offers 40+ undergraduate degrees, nine of which are also offered online. The student/faculty ratio is 13:1. The school accepted 70% of applicants last year. Houston Christian University recently changed its name from Houston Baptist University. This might make looking up information somewhat confusing.
- U.S. News Ranking: National #64
- 20yr Net Return on Investment: $414,000
- Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $36,750
- Graduation/Transfer Rate: 82%
Top Colleges in Texas Methodology
The methodology we used to calculate our ranking scores to find the best college in Texas was simple. We assigned scores for each of four categories:
- reputation (U.S. News Ranking in this case)
- return on investment
- tuition cost
- graduation/transfer rate.
In the case of reputation, a national ranking is worth a maximum of 40 points. The school’s score is calculated based on how highly ranked compared to the lowest ranking possible the school is. A regional ranking was worth a maximum of 20 points and was calculated the same way.
For return on investment (ROI), the maximum score awarded is 20 points. Schools are ranked based on a comparison to the highest ROI in our ranking of the best schools in Texas.
For tuition, the maximum score awarded is 20 points. Points are awarded based on how much cheaper a school was than the most expensive school in the ranking.
For graduation rate, the maximum score awarded is 20 points. The score was calculated based on how high the graduation/transfer-out rate was compared to the highest possible 100%. This led to our ranking of the best colleges in Texas.
Sources and Resources
National Center for Education Statistics
GCD Staff
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