Best Colleges in Texas

Best Colleges in Texas – Introduction

Are you looking for the best colleges in Texas?

The answer to “what are the best colleges in Texas” will be different for every student. With so many schools out there, it can be hard to find the best university in Texas for you. Before you start looking at top colleges in Texas, consider how certain attributes will influence your decision-making process. For many students, location is often a key factor in the college search. Whether you live in Texas and want to attend college in-state or want to move out-of-state to a fast-growing city like Austin, this guide will help you find the best colleges in Texas for you. 

We’ll cover everything you need to know about the best universities in Texas, including:

• Texas college rankings
• How many colleges are in Texas
• Top colleges in Texas
• Acceptance rates at the best colleges in Texas
• The best private and public colleges in Texas
• Best universities in Texas by major (including the best colleges in Texas for pre-med, business, and psychology)
• The Texas top ten percent scholarship, and more.

How many colleges are in Texas?

There are many top universities in Texas. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are 239 colleges in Texas. The best colleges in Texas can be broken out into three categories: public, non-profit private, and for-profit private. 

In Texas, there are:

• 102 public colleges in Texas
• 73 non-profit private colleges in Texas
• 64 for-profit private colleges in Texas

With hundreds of schools, Texas provides a range of diverse universities for students looking to earn their degrees. Each of the top universities in Texas has its own unique combination of college location, college size, and campus culture. 

As you look for the best colleges in TX for you, think about your needs. Do you want to attend a large, urban university? Or would you prefer a smaller college setting where you know all your classmates? The top colleges in Texas vary widely, so you’ll have plenty of options as you search for the best colleges in Texas for you. 

Find your fit at the best colleges in Texas

So, what are the best colleges in Texas like? Some of the top colleges in Texas are large, public universities while others are smaller, private colleges. When looking at the best colleges in TX, it is important to note that many private colleges in Texas have religious elements that influence the culture and values of the institution, though many others do not. No matter what your background is, the best universities in Texas have something to offer everyone.

In addition to providing students with different experiences on campus, the best colleges in Texas are located in a variety of cities and college towns. So, at each of the best colleges in TX, you’ll have a vastly different experience. Each college setting is unique and will impact the kinds of experiences, people, and opportunities you will encounter once you leave campus. For example, a more urban school like UT Austin will feel vastly different from a more rural college like UT El Paso. For a school that has a little of both, students looking for the best colleges in Texas may be interested in a school like Baylor, located in the slightly smaller city of Waco.

No matter what kind of campus culture you are looking for, the best colleges in Texas give students plenty of options.

What are the best colleges in Texas?

There are many different lists students can access online to find the top colleges in Texas. The three best colleges in Texas according to US News college rankings are:

#1- Rice University

With an A+ in academics, campus, diversity, and value, Rice is one of CollegeAdvisor’s top universities in Texas. It is one of the best Texas universities because of its smaller class sizes, strong financial aid program, 6 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, and residential college system.

#2- University of Texas at Austin

One of the best colleges in Texas is also one of the biggest. As part of the University of Texas System, UT Austin is the flagship school of some of the best colleges in TX—namely, the UT system. Students can choose from over 170 fields of study, many research opportunities, and 1000+ student groups, including the largest student-run newspaper in the country.

#3- Texas A&M University

Texas A&M is considered one of the best colleges in TX for all students regardless of their background. As one of the best universities in Texas, Texas A&M was one of the first public higher education institutes in the state. And with over 133 undergraduate degrees, the study options are endless.

As you will notice, some of the best colleges in Texas are public, while others are private. Rice and Southern Methodist University (#4 on the best colleges in Texas list) are among the best private colleges in Texas. They are both smaller universities located in the major cities of Austin and Dallas. Each of these top Texas colleges will offer students a small school community while providing access to a vibrant city. 

However, public universities also rank among the best colleges in Texas. UT Austin, a much larger university, is the best college in Texas of the 13 UT higher education institutions. Texas A&M is also another large, public research university that ranks high on the list.       

There are many features that make these top Texas colleges the best in the state. While any of the best Texas universities are guaranteed to have strong academic programs, they also offer so much more. All three of these schools are considered the top universities in Texas for their expansive academic offerings, plentiful research opportunities, and engaging campus culture. 

Keep in mind that the best universities in Texas aren’t limited to the top 3. In the next section, we’ll broaden our scope and list the top 10 best colleges in Texas.

What are the top 10 schools in Texas?

According to US News college rankings, these are the top 10 best colleges in Texas:

1. Rice University
2. University of Texas at Austin
3. Southern Methodist University
4. Texas A&M University
5. Baylor University
6. Texas Christian University
7. The University of Texas at Dallas
8. University of Houston
9. Texas Tech University
10. Sam Houston State University

More resources for Texas College rankings

Ranked college lists, like U.S. News’s Best Colleges or Forbes’ Top Colleges, can be a good resource to help students learn more about top universities in Texas. However, remember that they don’t tell you everything. Each of these rankings uses different metrics, and some of their considerations may not be as relevant to you. No list will tell you what is the best Texas college for you. Finding the best university in Texas will require you to decide what is important for you in a college. If you’re interested in one of the top colleges in Texas, make sure you look past Texas college rankings and do your research! 

Once you’ve conducted some initial research on the best universities in Texas, the next step for many students is to see the colleges in person. College visits can help solidify your opinion about the best colleges in Texas. While not every student can afford to visit every school they apply to, visiting the schools you’ve been accepted to can help you make your decision when it comes time for college enrollment. If you’re not sure where to visit first, use our best colleges in Texas map to help you plan your visits to all of the top universities in Texas.

Colleges in Texas map

The best Texas universities are located all across the state. College location is an important factor to consider when determining the best college in Texas for you. To help you understand where all these schools are located, including the best colleges in Dallas, Houston, and Austin, here is our Best Colleges in Texas Map.

The top 10 best colleges in Texas are located in vastly different cities and have a lot of variety in their programs and offerings. Six of the top colleges in Texas are located in the state’s most populous cities: Austin, Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth.

Populous Cities

Austin is home to the University of Texas at Austin. The capital of Texas has a population of just under 1 million people and is known for its rich art, music, and film scene, growing tech sector, beautiful outdoors, and overall high quality of life. 

Houston is home to Rice University and the University of Houston. With a population of 2.3 million, Houston is Texas’s most populous city, supported by a booming economy with strengths in culture, medicine, manufacturing, healthcare, and research. 

The best colleges in Dallas/Fort Worth include Southern Methodist University, the University of Texas at Dallas., and Texas Christian University. If you’re looking for more of the best colleges in Dallas, take a look at the University of North Texas, Dallas Baptist University, and Texas Wesleyan University. While these schools may not be included in our ten top universities in Texas, they offer many students the opportunity to explore Dallas and receive a quality education. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, the central hub of North Texas, is home to 7.6 million people, as well as many banking, commerce, medical, and research industries.

Smaller towns

The rest of the schools on our best colleges in Texas map are located in smaller or more rural towns. Texas Tech University is located further northwest in Lubbock, Texas, population of 257,141. Also known as “Hub-city,” Lubbock is the South Plain’s economic, education, and healthcare hub. Baylor University is located in Waco, Texas. Waco has a population of 137,779 and is known as the origin of Dr. Pepper and is home to the Waco Mammoth National Monument.

Texas A&M University is located in College Station, Texas. College Station, aptly named, has a population of 115,802 and is home to the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University system, which also has locations in Prairie View, Stephenville, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Kingsville, Laredo, Canyon, Killeen, Texarkana, and Commerce.

Abilene Christian University is neither a rural town nor a large city. It is located in the small city of Abilene, Texas with a population of just over 100,000. The city offers plenty of dining and shopping options, and the campus feels “like home”.

How to choose?

You might choose to divide popular lists of the best universities in Texas by where they are located. This can help make sure you get the most out of your college experience. For example, if you thrive being in a larger city, then even the best college in Texas won’t be right for you if it is located in a smaller, more rural town. While many of the top colleges in Texas have a lot to offer on-campus, your off-campus life, where you are in relation to other major cities, and even your proximity to your family are all important factors to consider when choosing the best university in Texas for you.

Are you planning to visit all the best colleges in TX? If so, it can help to plan your route strategically. For instance, if you are interested in the best colleges in Dallas and Houston, you could start in Dallas and then take a 3.5-hour drive South to Houston, stopping at Sam Houston State University (#11 on the best colleges in Texas list) along the way. If you plan to visit the best universities in Texas before you apply, prioritize cities with multiple schools so you can make the most of your visit.

How do they determine the best Texas universities?

While a list of all of the best universities in Texas can be informative, there is no definitive “best college in Texas.” The best college in Texas will depend on a variety of factors that may not all be as important to you as they are to other students. When examining lists of top universities in Texas, it can be helpful to understand what metrics each publication uses to evaluate schools. This can show you how that publication selects which school is the best college in Texas.

Like all college rankings, US News and other sources use a variety of factors to evaluate the best universities in Texas. Some of the criteria used to create Texas college rankings will matter more to some students than others. The best college in Texas for you will not necessarily be the best college in Texas according to US News. So, as you build your college list, be sure to research more than just college rankings. Then, you can make an informed choice about which of the best universities in Texas to apply to.

So, how does US News rank the best colleges in Texas? The US News best colleges in TX ranking strategy relies on 17 key measures of quality across nine categories.

Some of these factors include:

• Graduation rates
• Academic reputation
• Selectivity/acceptance rates
• Faculty earnings
• Average graduate salary
• Alumni giving rate, and more.

College rankings, along with college setting, college size, major programs, and acceptance rates can be used to help you research the best universities in Texas and pick the one that is best for you. 

What is the hardest college to get into in Texas?

All of the best universities in Texas are competitive. However, the best college in Texas is more selective than others. With a 9% acceptance rate according to US News, Rice University is the hardest college to get into in Texas. While this number can seem daunting, note that acceptance rates don’t tell you everything about your chances of being accepted into one of the top universities in Texas. Some schools will be easier or harder for students to get into based on a variety of factors, including GPA, test scores, application essays, and more.

While Rice has the lowest overall acceptance rate of the best colleges in TX, some of the top Texas colleges have specific honors programs that are more selective than the school itself. For instance, according to US News, UT Austin has a 29% acceptance rate, but their Plan II honors program has a much lower acceptance rate of about 20%. Many of the best colleges in TX have similar programs, all of which can provide students with exciting opportunities. Rather than only looking at acceptance rates when looking at top universities in Texas, make sure you consider how your academic interests impact the school’s selectivity. 

What is the cheapest university in Texas?

While some students may be preoccupied with getting into one of the best colleges in TX, other students’ ideas of the best college in Texas will depend on other factors. For instance, the most cost-effective college in Texas might be the best college in Texas for you. On paper, the least expensive university for in-state students to attend is one of the 107 public colleges in Texas: UT Brownsville. The tuition at UT Brownsville is only $1,800, making it far less expensive than many of the top universities in Texas.

Tuition rates at top universities in Texas depend on a variety of factors, including:

• Place of residence (in-state vs. out-of-state)
• Family’s household income
• Scholarship qualifications

There is a considerable difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition across all the top colleges in Texas. This is an important factor to consider as you research the best colleges in TX and find the best college in Texas for you. In-state tuition at public universities is considerably lower than out-of-state tuition, so a Texas resident will likely have a different idea of what the best college in Texas is compared to an out-of-state applicant.

The most affordable top Texas colleges for Texas residents are:

• The University of Texas at Brownsville: $1,800
• The University of Texas at the Permian Basin: $2,531
• South Texas College: $2,610
• Brazosport College: $2,629
• Midland College: $3,600

The most affordable top Texas colleges for non-Texas residents are:

• The University of Texas at Brownsville: $3,000
• Brazosport College: 4,063
• Midland College: $4,860
• Baptist University of the Americas: $5,760
• South Texas College: $6,000

The financial aid offered at the top universities in Texas can greatly impact college costs. Many private colleges offer competitive financial aid packages to low-income students, which is part of the reason they are considered the best colleges in TX. For example, Rice University and Texas A&M provide full tuition coverage without loans for students whose family income is below $65,000, making them some of the best colleges in TX for students coming from low-income families. 

In-state students looking to attend one of the best Texas universities should also look for merit scholarship opportunities. Many of the best colleges in TX provide additional financial opportunities to top-performing high school students.

What is the top public college in Texas?

Of all the public colleges in Texas, there is one that is considered the best college in Texas. The University of Texas at Austin is one of many public colleges in Texas that provide an excellent education in a variety of fields, including Engineering, Communication, Business, Psychology, and Computer Science. As one of the best colleges in TX, it’s no surprise UT Austin is found on many top college rankings.

University of Texas ranking:

• #38 in National Universities, #14 in Most Innovative Schools, and #10 in Public Universities (US News)
• #43 in Top Colleges, #16 in Public Colleges, and #10 in the South (Forbes)
• #8 in Top Public Universities in America and Best Big Colleges in America and #11 in Colleges with the Best Student Life in America (Niche)

One reason why public colleges in Texas are great options for in-state students is the Texas top ten percent scholarship. The Texas top ten percent scholarship guarantees admissions to all public universities across the state for students in the top 10% of their high school class. Due to increasing application rates at top universities in Texas, some schools, including UT Austin, have capped the percentage of first-year in-state students automatically admitted to 75%. Beginning in 2022, UT Austin will be admitting only the top 6% of eligible Texas students.

Other top public colleges in Texas include Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, UT Dallas, and the University of Houston. For many in-state students, the best college in Texas is a public university. This comes from their tuition costs and guaranteed admission to top students.

Top 5 best colleges in Texas by major

Your major may also help you decide which of the best colleges in TX is the best college in Texas for you. In the next section, we’ll go through some popular majors and describe the best colleges in Texas for specific majors, including:

• Business
• Engineering
• Psychology
• Medicine
• Nursing

These areas of study are popular among many students who attend top Texas colleges because they lead to popular graduate pathways. The best colleges in Texas have different strengths in terms of their undergraduate and graduate programs in these fields, so the best undergraduate universities for a particular major may shift at the graduate level.

Are you building a college list of the best universities in Texas? Look at specific programs to understand which schools are the best colleges in Texas for your potential majors. For some programs, you’ll need to declare your major when you apply—this is particularly true with engineering programs, for instance.

That being said, there are other top universities in Texas where you won’t be expected to declare your major until your first or second year on campus, so don’t worry if you’re not entirely sure what area of study you’d like to focus on. Many of the best colleges in TX offer a variety of high-powered majors for students across disciplines, allowing you to double major and even minor in another subject if you have varied interests.

Best colleges in Texas for business

Let’s look at the best colleges in Texas for business. 

According to Niche, the best colleges in Texas for business are:  

1. Rice University
2. University of Texas at Austin
3. Texas A&M University
4. Trinity University
5. Southern Methodist University

Rice University is one of the best colleges in Texas for business. Applicants need to be sure they submit complete undergraduate applications, including letters of recommendation and the Rice writing supplement.

UT Austin requires applicants to the McCombs School of Business to select “Unspecified Business” as their first-choice major on their UT Austin Application. Students who are applying to the Canfield Business Honors Program will be required to answer an additional essay prompt and include an expanded resume and academic letter of recommendation along with their common application.

Applicants to Texas A&M’s Mays Business School should select business (BUAD) as their first-choice major. Once accepted, students will then be considered on a first-come, first-served basis for entry into Mays. If space is not available, students will be placed into their second-choice major. 

There are no requirements to apply to Trinity University or Southern Methodist University’s business schools beyond those outlined in the general undergraduate application.

A business major is one of the top 10 college majors. Potential career paths for graduates of the top universities in Texas for business include marketing, account manager, and business analyst. So, if you plan to apply to the best universities in Texas for business, you’ll have plenty of career options when you graduate. 

As you think about which of the best colleges in Texas for business to choose, remember to consider your specific needs. Each of the best colleges in Texas for business has its own application process, and some programs have their own requirements. So, do your research. Think about what each program at these top Texas colleges has to offer. Then, make sure you complete all of the application requirements. 

Best universities in Texas for engineering

If you’re interested in engineering, take a look at this list of the best colleges in TX for aspiring engineers.

According to US News, the best universities in Texas for engineering are:

1. University of Texas at Austin
2. Texas A&M University
3. Rice University
4. The University of Texas at Dallas
5. University of Houston

First-year applicants to UT Austin, one of the top 10 schools for software engineering, must meet the Calculus Readiness Requirement and select the Cockrell School of Engineering as their first choice. There are no additional application requirements for the Engineering Honors Program, but students are encouraged to submit an expanded resume.

Applicants to Texas A&M (National Texas A&M ranking in Engineering: #13) are required to complete a supplemental engineering essay as part of their undergraduate application.

Rice University, UT Dallas, and Texas Tech University do not require students to complete any additional materials beyond their complete undergraduate application.

Students who study engineering at the best Texas universities can pursue a variety of careers depending on the type of engineering they specialize in. Civil engineers can become consultants, contractors, or building control surveyors; chemical engineers can become product/process development scientists or process engineers; electrical engineers can become electricians, electrical designers, and electrical project managers.

Best colleges in Texas for psychology

Next, we’ll look at some of the best colleges in TX for psychology.

According to US News, the best colleges in Texas for psychology are:

1. University of Texas at Austin
2. Rice University 
3. Texas A&M University
4. Baylor University
5. University of Houston

UT Austin is one of the best universities in Texas. UT Admissions requires potential students to declare psychology as their first-choice major on their UT application. If you do not choose to enter as a psychology major, you can apply for an internal transfer into the undergraduate psychology program during your spring semester.

To pursue psychology at Rice (National Rice University ranking in Psychology: #51) or Texas A&M (National Texas A&M ranking in Psychology: #68), you can put it as your first choice major. However, this is not necessary, as students can always declare or change their majors at the end of their first year or anytime during their second year.

Prospective students who select psychology as their major when applying to Baylor University the University of Houston will be accepted as pre-psychology students. You then must complete specific pre-requisite courses before you can officially declare a Bachelor of Science or Arts in Psychology.

Students who attend the best colleges in Texas for psychology can use their degree to pursue a variety of professions including psychiatric technician, forensic psychologist, and industrial and substance abuse counselor.

Best universities in Texas for medicine

Our next two best colleges in TX lists cover similar majors.

According to Niche, the best universities in Texas for medicine are:

1. University of Texas – MD Anderson Cancer Center
2. University of Texas at Austin
3. Baylor University
4. University of Texas – Dallas
5. Southern Methodist University

The University of Texas – MD Anderson Cancer Center offers a variety of undergraduate programs, including health care disparities, molecular genetic technology, and diagnostic imaging. Students wishing to apply must include an essay and professional recommendation form along with their GPA and prerequisites.

When applying to UT Austin, you cannot select pre-med as a major. When you enroll, you’ll choose a major in another academic discipline and then complete prerequisite courses for when you apply to medical school. 

Baylor ranking among one of the best colleges in Texas for pre-med is no surprise. To begin the pre-med track at Baylor, students must meet the minimum academic qualifications. For those submitting test scores, they have a minimum overall ACT/SAT score of 24/1180 with an ACT/SAT math score of 24/570. Students who apply without test scores must demonstrate a strong high school academic record. 

UT Dallas and Southern Methodist University are also some of the best colleges in Texas for pre-med. There are no additional application materials required to apply as pre-med to these schools. Students simply need to complete their general undergraduate application, including submitting their transcript, test scores, personal essay, and letters of recommendation.

For those looking for a combined undergraduate and MD program, the best Texas universities offer two programs for all US citizens and five programs for Texas residents. 

The top colleges in Texas with BS/MD programs are:

• Baylor University: Baylor2 Medical Track
• Rice University: Rice/Baylor Medical Scholars Program
• Texas A&M University: Partnership for Primary Care (PPC)
• Texas Tech University: Undergraduate to Medical School Initiative (UMSI)
• University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley: Pre-Medical Honors College with Baylor College of Medicine
• University of Texas at San Antonio: Facilitated Acceptance to Medical Education (FAME) Program
• Various Undergrad Schools: Early Medical School Acceptance Program (EMSAP)

The best college in Texas for you will depend on the area of study you want to focus on. For example, the Baylor ranking for Best Medical Schools: Research is #22 and #31 for Best Medical Schools: Primary Care. There are a variety of top Texas colleges at which you can pursue a medical degree. For instance, UT Austin just developed a medical school within the past few years.

Best colleges in Texas for nursing

Our final best colleges in TX list covers schools with top-ranked nursing programs.

According to US News, the best colleges in Texas for nursing are:

1. University of Texas at Austin
2. University of Texas Health Science Center – Houston
3. University of Texas Health Science Center – San Antonio
4. Baylor University
5. Texas Woman’s University

Best colleges in Texas for nursing- application tips

If you think UT Austin is the best college in Texas for you, you need to select nursing as your major of choice and answer the following short answer prompts:

Discuss the factors that have influenced your desire to pursue a career in nursing and how have your academic and extracurricular activities prepared you to pursue a degree in nursing?

UT Houston’s Cizik School of Nursing requires students to complete their online application, where students must have a minimum 3.00 GPA or higher in the required science and nursing prerequisites and their HESI A2 Entrance Exam score report.

Undergraduate applicants for UT San Antonio’s nursing program are required to apply through the NursingCAS application portal. If a student meets all the minimum admissions requirements, they have the opportunity to be selected to submit a writing sample and complete an interview.

Baylor University’s Herrington School of Nursing also requires applicants to apply via the NursingCAS portal, where they can apply to the BNS Traditional 2-year program or BSN FastBacc 12-month program.

Texas Woman’s University requires prospective students to complete two applications. The first is undergraduate admission to TWU, where students will select Nursing Entry (BSN). The second is a separate application to the College of Nursing via NursingCAS.

Admission to the best colleges in Texas for nursing can be extremely competitive but rewarding. Students who receive a quality nursing education at the top universities in Texas can begin working in highly rated hospitals across Texas or further their education by pursuing graduate programs like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

What is the #1 college in Texas?

So, what is the best college in Texas?

According to US News, the best college in Texas is:

Rice University 

Founded in 1912, Rice University provides students the opportunity to pursue a variety of degree programs, explore the dynamic Houston Museum District, become members of one of their 11 residential colleges, and support their Division I athletes at varsity games. 

Some of the most popular majors at Rice include computer science, economics, exercise science, and kinesiology, engineering, and psychology. The Rice University ranking across all universities in the US is #15. Rice is high on several other US News college rankings, including #16 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs, #9 in Biomedical Engineering, #3 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, and #6 in Best Value Schools. All of these programs help make Rice the best college in Texas.

Once again, remember that the best college in Texas may not be right for you. Just because Rice is considered the best college in Texas doesn’t mean it will be the best fit for every student. Especially for in-state students, the financial benefits of attending a public school may outweigh the pros of attending one of the many private colleges in Texas.

Top universities in Texas: Final Thoughts

We’ve discussed the best colleges in Texas, including Texas college rankings, the best public and private colleges in Texas, and how to choose the best university in Texas for you. As you begin researching the best colleges in Texas, CollegeAdvisor is here to help as you look for the best college in Texas, from building your college list to finalizing your application materials.

This article was written by Stefanie Tedards. Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.