Hispanic Serving Institutions in Texas

Discover more about Hispanic-serving institutions in Texas and what these diverse universities or colleges can offer you as a student.
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Updated on January 25, 2024
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  • TAMIU offers the most affordable education among Hispanic-serving institutions in Texas.
  • After California, Texas has the most Hispanic-serving institutions in the U.S.
  • Support resources at Hispanic-serving institutions help Hispanic and Latino/a students succeed in college.
  • Some 64 Hispanic-serving institutions call Texas home.

The Lone Star State boasts the second-largest concentration of Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) after California. To get recognized by the United States Department of Education (ED) as an HSI, a college needs a Hispanic undergraduate enrollment of at least 25%.

There are 359 HSIs in the U.S., according to the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. Hispanic and Latino/a students can receive increased support at HSIs, which can lead to higher graduation rates.

Considering attending an HSI? Discover everything you need to know about Hispanic-serving institutions in Texas in this comprehensive breakdown. And learn how much the cheapest HSIs in Texas cost.

List of All Hispanic Serving Institutions in Texas

We've created a complete list of all four-year nonprofit HSIs 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). Institutions with fewer than 500 undergraduates were not included in this list.

4-Year Hispanic Serving Institutions in Texas
School Total Student Enrollment Total Hispanic Enrollment Avg. Annual Net Price Acceptance Rate Number of Applicants
Concordia University Texas 1,863 33% $24,761 86% 1,886
Hallmark University 876 46% $12,281 53% 329
Houston Baptist University 4,257 32% $19,515 84% 10,258
Our Lady of the Lake University 2,326 66% $19,100 100% N/A
Sam Houston State University 21,480 26% $13,632 85% 16,316
Southwestern Adventist University 793 47% $20,028 54% 1,438
Southwestern University 1,483 25% $31,014 45% 5,557
St. Edward's University 3,470 46% $27,193 85% 6,015
St. Mary's University 3,253 60% $21,379 86% 5,369
Sul Ross State University 1,987 75% $13,130 97% 717
Texas A&M International University 8,505 92% $5,383 48% 7,848
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi 10,778 62% $15,181 88% 8,421
Texas A&M University-Kingsville 6,092 69% $11,347 97% 5,768
Texas A&M University-San Antonio 7,309 77% $11,043 96% 9,110
Texas Lutheran University 1,369 42% $21,442 92% 1,835
Texas State University 38,171 40% $14,120 88% 28,908
Texas Tech University 40,378 27% $17,896 67% 35,400
Texas Woman's University 15,958 28% $11,682 94% 7,286
The University of Texas at Arlington 43,946 36% $14,262 81% 21,963
The University of Texas at Austin 52,384 28% $17,434 31% 60,055
The University of Texas at El Paso 23,880 84% $9,563 100% 10,493
The University of Texas at San Antonio 34,393 58% $12,664 87% 23,295
The University of Texas Permian Basin 5,848 49% $10,370 95% 1,475
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley 31,559 91% $8,105 88% 13,744
Trinity University 2,692 26% $30,038 31% 11,463
University of Houston 46,700 34% $14,056 66% 29,783
University of North Texas 44,767 26% $15,283 79% 32,016
University of North Texas at Dallas 3,685 41% $13,555 85% 21,500
University of the Incarnate Word 7,305 54% $20,832 94% 9,625
West Texas A&M University 9,242 30% $17,001 92% 4,695

How Much Do Colleges in Texas Cost?

Texas charges $1,359 less than the national average for in-state tuition at public four-year colleges. According to the NCES, four-year Texas public institutions charged in-state students $8,016 in 2020-2021. Even going to college as a non-resident in Texas costs less than the national average for out-of-state students.

Out-of-state students paid an average of $27,091 nationally in 2020-2021, whereas Texas out-of-state students paid $25,471.

Cost Of College In Texas 2020-2021
Institution Type Avg. Tuition And 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
Source: NCES

Most Affordable HSIs in Texas

In the 2019-2020 school year, Texas boasted a college enrollment of 1.7 million students, with 39.2% of students identifying as Latino/a. There are 64 Hispanic-serving institutions in Texas. Of the HSIs in Texas, the following five colleges stand out as the most affordable schools.

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. 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. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

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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#1 Hispanic Serving Institutions in Texas

Texas A&M International University

  • Laredo, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located on a 300-acre campus in Laredo, Texas, Texas A&M International University (TAMIU)  ranks as the cheapest Hispanic-serving institution in Texas, with an average annual net price of $5,383. The 1970-founded college educates some 8,505 students, with a 48% Hispanic enrollment, who can choose from 100 programs and more than 100 student organizations. TAMIU earned HSI designation in 2021. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,818
Out-of-state
$13,610
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$3,350
Out-of-state
$10,694
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
54%
Students Enrolled
8,455
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
62% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Hispanic Serving Institutions in Texas

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

  • Edinburg, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), a public university established in 2013, features one of the largest Latino/a student populations in Texas, with a total Hispanic enrollment of 91%. This large university maintains a student body of 31,559 and has one of the most affordable tuition rates in Texas. Students pay an average annual net price of $8,105. UTRGV's schools and colleges offer more than 125 undergraduate and graduate programs.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,857
Out-of-state
$17,649
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,002
Out-of-state
$14,346
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
31,940
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
78% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Hispanic Serving Institutions in Texas

The University of Texas at El Paso

  • El Paso, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), established in 1913, has eight colleges and schools on a 414-acre campus. This public university offers 74 bachelor's, 70 master's, and 24 doctoral degrees. UTEP's inclusive admission process means that the school accepts 100% of applicants. Some 24,000 students attend UTEP. Students pay an average annual net price of $9,563.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,704
Out-of-state
$23,112
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,865
Out-of-state
$15,320
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
70%
Acceptance Rate
100%
Students Enrolled
24,003
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
62% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Hispanic Serving Institutions in Texas

The University of Texas Permian Basin

  • Odessa, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Founded in 1969, The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) hosts five colleges that offer more than 75 undergraduate and graduate degrees. You can also choose from 41 online bachelor's and master's degrees and certificates. This public college awarded $49.8 million in financial aid to students. ​​With an average annual net price of $10,370, UTPB ranks as the fourth cheapest Hispanic-serving institution in Texas.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,577
Out-of-state
$18,817
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,948
Out-of-state
$12,292
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
5,534
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
81% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Hispanic Serving Institutions in Texas

Texas A&M University-San Antonio

  • San Antonio, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Established as an independent university in 2009, Texas A&M University-San Antonio (A&M-SA) offers 62 affordable undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students at this public university pay an average annual net price of $11,043. According to A&M-SA, around 98% of students receive financial aid. And 58% of A&M-SA's student population identifies as Hispanic. A&M-SA received the HSI in 2017.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,708
Out-of-state
$18,364
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$3,978
Out-of-state
$12,021
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
6,893
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
40% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Benefits of Attending an HSI in Texas

What are HSIs? Much like minority-serving institutions, HSIs aim to make higher education more equitable for Hispanic and Latino/a students. HSIs first received federal funding in 1995. Today, roughly 2.094 million Hispanic students attend HSIs across the country. Hispanic-serving institutions in Texas offer additional benefits that include:

  • Providing an overall positive college experience
  • Granting funding and research opportunities to support Hispanic students
  • A more diverse student body
  • An inclusive campus life
  • A greater graduation outcomes for Latinos/as
  • Affordable tuition
  • Hispanic student clubs and organizations

These colleges and universities qualify for additional federal aid to increase educational outcomes for Hispanic students and boost the number of Hispanic students in STEM majors.