The Best Colleges in Texas

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad | $1,736-$2,170
Graduate | $670-$2,893

Rice University is a private, Houston-based institution that educates over 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Consistently ranked as one of the best colleges in Texas, some of Rice's most popular bachelor's degree options include engineering, exercise science, biochemistry, and computer and information sciences.

In addition to academic programs, students at Rice can access extensive student services, including wellbeing and counseling services, a disability resource center, and an office of multicultural affairs. Undergraduate applicants must hold a high school diploma or GRE certificate and submit standardized test scores.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $540
Undergrad, out of state | $1,835
Graduate, in state | $586
Graduate, out of state | $1,073

The University of Texas at Austin is the flagship institution of the Lone Star State's public university system. As the state's premier public institution, UT Austin ranks among the best colleges in Texas and enrolls over 50,000 students each year. Some of the school's most popular undergraduate majors include engineering, journalism, business, and communication.

First-year applicants must submit an online application along with high school transcripts, an admissions essay, and associated fees. Optional application materials include SAT/ACT scores, a resume, and letters of recommendation.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad | $1,642
Graduate | $454-$1,800

Established in 1869, Trinity University is a private San Antonio-based institution that serves over 2,500 students each year. With over 100 majors and minors, students at Trinity can access a variety of disciplines in the social sciences, business, and the humanities. Year over year, this liberal arts institution ranks among the best colleges in Texas.

In addition to small class sizes and a prestigious reputation, Trinity provides students with extensive support through career counseling, wellness initiatives, and student accessibility services. Prospective students must submit a completed application with their high school transcripts, teacher evaluation forms, and a personal essay.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad | $1,796
Graduate | $1,870

Texas Christian University is a private research institution based in Fort Worth. With an enrollment of nearly 12,000 students, TCU offers over 100 academic majors. Popular options include nursing, finance, and communications. Alongside academics, TCU has a long tradition of competition in Division I athletics.

First-time college applicants must submit an online application along with their official high school transcripts, a college essay, and counselor and teacher recommendations. Applicants can supplement their application with optional elements like SAT/ACT scores.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad | $1,834-$2,234
Graduate | $500-$2,020

Located in suburban Dallas, Southern Methodist University is a private research institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church. SMU enrolls over 12,000 students annually and advertises an 11-to-1 student-faculty ratio. Consistently ranked among the best colleges in Texas, some of the school's most popular majors include finance, marketing, and communications.

Prospective SMU undergraduates must submit an online application and fees, along with official high school transcripts and SAT/ACT scores. SMU also encourages applicants to submit an extracurricular resume highlighting work, volunteer activities, and anything else that allows their unique attributes to shine through.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad | $1,674-$2,093
Graduate | $2,093

Established in 1845, Waco's Baylor University ranks as one of the best colleges in Texas. This Christian institution offers over 140 undergraduate and graduate degrees to its 20,000-plus students. Popular academic areas include nursing, biology, accounting, and medical preparatory programs. 

Aspiring undergraduates must submit a college essay and high school transcripts as part of their application package. While not required, the school recommends that prospective learners submit a resume and two letters of recommendation.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $434
Undergrad, out of state | $1,363
Graduate, in state | $892
Graduate, out of state | $1,950

Texas A&M University's College Station campus is the flagship institution of the TAMU university system. Established in 1876, this research institution holds land-, sea-, and space-grant status. It has an enrollment of nearly 73,000 students. Some of the school's most popular majors include biomedical sciences, mechanical engineering, and business administration and management.

First-time college applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate and submit a completed application. While not required, TAMU recommends that prospective students submit resumes, official test scores, and letters of recommendation.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad | $1,444
Graduate | $1,250

The University of Dallas is home to over 2,000 students and ranks among the best colleges in Texas. Established in 1956, this Catholic institution offers various bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. In addition to their major requirements, undergraduate degree-seekers complete core classes in areas like philosophy, literature, and theology.

Popular majors at the University of Dallas include biology, business, and English. Prospective undergrads must submit a completed application, counselor and teacher recommendations, and high school transcripts. 

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad | $1,615

Based in Georgetown, Southwestern University is a private institution with an enrollment of fewer than 2,000 students. Founded in 1840 with roots in the Methodist church, Southwestern is the oldest university in the state and ranks among the best colleges in Texas. Popular undergraduate degrees include business, communications, and psychology.

Prospective students must submit an online application along with an application essay, an academic recommendation letter, and official high school transcripts. Southwestern has a test-optional policy and does not require applicants to submit SAT/ACT scores for admission or merit-based scholarships.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad | $380-$1,090
Graduate, out of state | $625-$800

LeTourneau University is a small Christian school based in northeast Texas. Established in 1946, this school focuses most of its academic attention on technical disciplines, including aeronautics, computer science, and engineering. LETU offers a variety of online and on-campus degrees for undergraduate and graduate students.

Interested undergraduates must submit high school transcripts. Additionally, applicants to the school's engineering program must hold a minimum 3.2 high school GPA. LeTourneau does not require the submission of SAT/ACT scores, but it will consider them as supplementary material.