Colleges in San Antonio: Full List of Schools

If you're looking for a quality education in the Lone Star State, consider colleges in San Antonio. Check out the top schools in this affordable and growing city.
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James Mielke writes education and career-focused guides for BestColleges. Beyond higher education topics, his writing has been featured in Golfweek and Eaten Magazine. James has a history degree from Belmont University and is an unapologetic Grateful...
Updated on October 19, 2023
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Margaret Weinhold is an associate editor for BestColleges, where she focuses on core content. She is passionate about increasing visibility and accessibility around higher education. Margaret holds a BA in English from the University of Virginia....
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With its rich history and vibrant culture, San Antonio, Texas, is home to a diverse roster of academic institutions offering standout programs and opportunities. With more than 30 colleges and universities, San Antonio is also one of the nation's fastest-growing cities.

Throughout this page, we spotlight some of the most popular colleges in San Antonio and what you can expect once you enter the workforce after graduation. You can also learn how San Antonio colleges stack up against the best colleges in the Lone Star State.

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3 Popular Colleges in San Antonio

Here are three popular colleges in San Antonio you might consider applying to. We chose these based on factors like number of applicants, academic quality, and overall reputation.

1. Trinity University

  • Avg. Annual Net Price: $30,038
  • Acceptance Rate: 31%
  • Total Student Enrollment: 2,692

Established in 1869, Trinity University is a small liberal arts school known for its exceptional academic offerings and engaging campus life. With more than 50 undergraduate majors and six graduate programs, Trinity offers a robust catalog of academic options. Some of the school's most popular majors include psychology, accounting, and computer and information science.

To ensure that students thrive academically and personally, this private school provides extensive student services, such as coaching, tutoring, counseling, and holistic wellness outreach. Additionally, Trinity offers an extensive catalog of extracurricular options, including more than 100 student organizations.

2. The University of Texas at San Antonio

  • Avg. Annual Net Price: $12,664
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Total Student Enrollment: 34,393

As one of the largest schools in Texas, the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is the biggest in the city with an enrollment that tops 34,000 students. The school offers more than 170 undergraduate and graduate programs. UTSA is also a Hispanic-serving institution that seeks to utilize higher education to address socioeconomic disparities in the local community.

In addition to UTSA's status as an emerging research institution, the school also offers online options, catering to modern learning needs and enhancing accessibility beyond San Antonio.

3. Texas A&M University-San Antonio

  • Avg. Annual Net Price: $11,043
  • Acceptance Rate: 96%
  • Total Student Enrollment: 7,309

Established in 2009, Texas A&M-San Antonio is part of the expansive Texas A&M system and serves over 7,000 students. This public school emphasizes practical education, attracting students who want to pursue academics in an urban setting. Some of the school's most popular majors include business, criminology, and biology.

Alongside Texas A&M-San Antonio's campus-based options is a sizable catalog of online programs that cater to remote learners interested in the flexibility of virtual learning.

List of All Colleges in San Antonio

We've created a complete list of all four-year nonprofit universities in San Antonio. You can use the table below to compare data on student populations, average net costs, acceptance rates, and number of applicants.

The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). All data is from 2022. Schools with fewer than 500 undergraduates are not included in this list.

All Colleges in San Antonio
School Total Student Enrollment Avg. Annual Net Price Acceptance Rate Number of Applicants
Hallmark University 876 $12,281 53% 329
Our Lady of the Lake University 2,326 $19,100 100% N/A
St. Mary's University 3,253 $21,379 86% 5,369
Texas A&M University-San Antonio 7,309 $11,043 96% 9,110
Texas Lutheran University 1,369 $21,442 92% 1,835
The University of Texas at San Antonio 34,393 $12,664 87% 23,295
Trinity University 2,692 $30,038 31% 11,463
University of the Incarnate Word 7,305 $20,832 94% 9,625
Source: NCES

Highest-Paying Jobs in San Antonio

San Antonio offers a variety of high-paying career opportunities for individuals with bachelor's degrees. These roles span diverse industries and provide lucrative earnings, making the city an attractive destination for many ambitious professionals.

Whether you're pursuing a career in financial management or a STEM-centric leadership role, the top-paying jobs in San Antonio offer substantial salaries and opportunities for career growth within the city's vibrant job market.

We spotlight some of the highest-paying jobs in San Antonio below. All data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and is based on employment numbers from May 2022.

  • Computer and Information Systems Managers: These professionals oversee an organization's technology systems and earn an average annual wage of $146,550.
  • Architectural and Engineering Managers: Responsible for directing and coordinating engineering or architectural projects, these professionals earn an average yearly salary of approximately $161,740.
  • Marketing Managers: In charge of developing and implementing marketing strategies, these workers earn $124,790 per year.
  • Petroleum Engineers: These STEM workers play a vital role in Texas' booming energy industry, earning an average annual wage of around $133,450.
  • Financial Managers: Responsible for financial planning and analysis, these workers take home an average annual wage of $152,650.

What Is the Cost of Living in San Antonio?

Determining how much it costs to attend college in Texas is vital when choosing the right school for you. Even with a growing population, San Antonio maintains a relatively affordable cost of living, with costs 8% lower than the national average according to Payscale. San Antonio is especially affordable compared to other metropolitan areas in the Lone Star State.

Cities like Austin and Dallas tend to cost more than San Antonio, making it an appealing choice for those looking for affordability without sacrificing big-city amenities and job opportunities.

According to Payscale, the median rent in the San Antonio metro area is $1,095. Housing in San Antonio is significantly cheaper than the national average. Additionally, cost estimates for groceries, utilities, and transportation all fall below averages for the U.S.

We compare the median rent prices in various Texas cities below.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in San Antonio

How many colleges are in San Antonio?

San Antonio is home to a solid roster of colleges and universities, including eight four-year nonprofit universities (with at least 500 undergrads). This includes well-known institutions like the University of Texas at San Antonio, Trinity University, St. Mary's University, and Texas A&M San Antonio. This growing city offers diverse options for educational opportunities, as well as expansive career options.

Does San Antonio have good colleges?

Yes, San Antonio boasts several reputable colleges and universities. Institutions like the University of Texas at San Antonio, Trinity University, St. Mary's University, and the University of the Incarnate Word are well-regarded for their academic programs, faculty, and campus facilities.

What is the cheapest college in San Antonio?

While the cost of attending a San Antonio college can change over time, Texas A&M-San Antonio is recognized for offering competitive tuition rates for in-state students, making it one of the more affordable options among colleges in San Antonio. Also, be sure to check out financial aid opportunities to make your college experience more affordable.

Why should you live in San Antonio?

In addition to quality higher education options, San Antonio offers a blend of vibrant culture, historic charm, and affordability. If you're seeking a balanced quality of life, San Antonio offers a lower cost of living compared to many other major Texas cities while still supplying the amenities associated with a major metropolitan area.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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