Cheapest Colleges in Texas
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Texas is no slouch when it comes to higher education. The Lone State State serves more than 1.4 million college students annually across over 140 colleges and universities.
If you're like most college students, one of your top concerns when choosing a school is the cost. Luckily, Texas is home to various affordable colleges of all sizes.
Our guide to the cheapest colleges in Texas highlights schools that combine respected academic programs with affordable tuition. Read on to learn more about top colleges, typical tuition rates, and scholarships for Texas students.
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3 Popular Affordable Colleges in Texas
1. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $6,244
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Total Student Enrollment: 31,940
A major public school based in South Texas, UTRGV operates a main campus in Edinburg, near the Texas-Mexico border. Known as one of the most affordable colleges in Texas, UTRGV ranks first in the state for lowest cost of attendance and second in the country for least student debt.
UTRGV hosts top academic programs in areas including English language and literature, fitness and kinesiology, and nursing. The school is also a top producer of Hispanic graduates in engineering and visual/performing arts.
2. The University of Texas at El Paso
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $10,538
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Total Student Enrollment: 24,003
Based in West Texas near the New Mexico border, UTEP is another member of the prestigious University of Texas System. Ranked as the country's leading Hispanic-serving college, UTEP serves an 84% Hispanic student body. Known as a top research university, UTEP also ranks among the cheapest colleges in Texas.
UTEP offers more than 160 programs at all academic levels. Some of the school's most popular majors include biology, criminal justice, and psychology.
3. Texas A&M International University
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $5,155
- Acceptance Rate: 54%
- Total Student Enrollment: 8,455
Located in Laredo on the Texas-Mexico border, TAMIU is a member of the statewide Texas A&M University System. Known as one of the cheapest 4-year colleges in Texas, TAMIU offers degrees at the bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. Given its location near the U.S.-Mexico border, the school emphasizes international perspectives and global awareness.
Some of TAMIU's most popular academic programs include business administration and management, criminal justice/law enforcement, and psychology.
15 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas
We've created a list of the 15 most affordable four-year nonprofit colleges in Texas. You can use the table below to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.
The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
| School | Total Student Enrollment | Avg. Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M International University | 8,455 | $5,155 | 54% | 5,263 |
| East Texas Baptist University | 10,395 | $5,617 | 65% | 1,618 |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | 31,940 | $6,244 | 94% | 14,386 |
| University of North Texas at Dallas | 4,120 | $6,575 | 90% | 2,618 |
| Baptist University of the Americas | 156 | $6,713 | N/A | N/A |
| Paul Quinn College | 384 | $7,306 | 87% | 1,117 |
| Texas A&M University-Central Texas | 2,219 | $8,089 | 96% | 49 |
| Amberton University | 1,002 | $8,585 | N/A | N/A |
| Wiley College | 665 | $8,796 | N/A | N/A |
| The University of Texas Permian Basin | 5,534 | $9,447 | 65% | 1,212 |
| Hallmark University | 923 | $9,816 | 56% | 312 |
| Texas Southern University | 7,524 | $9,921 | 63% | 10,554 |
| Christ Mission College | 44 | $10,289 | N/A | N/A |
| The Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary | 2,071 | $10,414 | 100% | 87 |
| The University of Texas at El Paso | 24,003 | $10,538 | 100% | 10,153 |
What Is the Cost of College in Texas?
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public 4-year (in-state) | $8,016 |
| Public 4-year (out-of-state) | $25,471 |
| Private 4-year | $37,450 |
| Public 2-year (in-state) | $2,828 |
| Public 2-year (out-of-state) | $7,764 |
Scholarships for Texas Students
Wherever you choose to attend college, you can take advantage of a wide variety of scholarships for Texas students. Keep in mind that most of these scholarships serve state residents only, so you may not qualify if you're moving from another state to attend school in Texas.
Rocco C. Caffarelli Scholarship
Deadline: January 12
Amount: $5,000/year (up to four years)
The Rocco C. Caffarelli Scholarship offers financial support for the entire duration of your bachelor's degree. To qualify, you must be a young man from a Texas high school who demonstrates financial need and outstanding character. The scholarship only serves bachelor's students at nonprofit Texas colleges.
Texas Department of Transportation Grants
Deadline: April 1
Amount: Up to $8,000/year
The Texas Department of Transportation offers conditional grants for full-time undergraduate students in approved engineering and business programs. To qualify, you must demonstrate financial need and be eligible to work in Texas. You'll also need either a minimum 3.0 high school GPA, a minimum 900 SAT score, or a minimum 21 ACT score.
Minnie L. Maffett Scholarship
Deadline: March 31
Amount: $5,000/year
The Texas Business and Professional Women's Foundation offers this scholarship for female students in medical and nursing programs at all academic levels. To qualify, you must be enrolled at a Texas college and hold a minimum 3.0 GPA. You'll also need to submit a short application essay and two letters of recommendation.
More scholarships for Texas students can be found on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in Texas
Is it cheap to study in Texas?
In general, the cost of college in Texas is lower than in most U.S. states. According to the NCES, undergraduates at Texas colleges paid an average tuition rate of $18,710 for the 2019-2020 school year, which was below the national average of $21,035.
Who gets free college tuition in Texas?
While not universal, many Texas colleges offer free tuition for students whose families fall below certain income levels. However, this varies widely among colleges. Some schools, like the University of Texas and Texas State University, offer free tuition to students with a family income of $25,000 or less. Texas A&M offers free tuition to students with a family income of $60,000 or less.
What is the average student debt in Texas?
According to The Institute for College Access and Success, Texas college graduates in the 2019-2020 school year held an average debt load of $26,273. However, debt amounts vary widely among colleges. Graduates of the private Baylor University held the highest average debt, at $46,475. Conversely, public University of Texas Rio Grande Valley students held some of the lowest average debt, at just $15,803.
