Public Colleges in Texas: Complete List of Schools
Writer
Editor & Writer
Writer
Editor & Writer
www.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.
Turn Your Dreams Into Reality
Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.
Among the best colleges in Texas, public colleges offer an accessible and affordable education. Public colleges in the Lone Star State offer diverse educational opportunities and include renowned academic programs and research facilities.
But your college experience is more than just academics. The best public colleges in Texas provide culturally vibrant campuses while simultaneously playing home to some of the most celebrated teams in college football.
Continue reading as we help you navigate public colleges in Texas.
5 Popular Public Colleges in Texas
Here, we spotlight five popular public universities in Texas. We chose these based on factors like number of applicants, overall academic rigor, and institutional prestige.
1. The University of Texas at Austin
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $17,434
- Acceptance Rate: 31%
- Total Student Enrollment: 52,384
UT Austin is the state's flagship institution. This large public college serves over 50,000 students and offers standout academics from respected schools like the McCombs School of Business, the Cockrell School of Engineering, and the Moody College of Communication.
Alongside academics, UT Austin has a vibrant campus with a storied sports tradition.
2. Texas A&M University
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $20,375
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
- Total Student Enrollment: 74,014
Established in 1876, TAMU is a public research institution that's also one of the largest public schools in the United States. This popular Texas school is home to strong academics, renowned research opportunities, and an extensive alumni network.
Some of the most popular majors at TAMU include engineering, business administration, and biology.
3. Texas Tech University
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $17,896
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Total Student Enrollment: 40,378
With over 40,000 students, Lubbock's TTU is among the most popular public colleges in the Lone Star State.
Located in West Texas and established in 1923, TTU has a century-long history of offering standout academics, and the school's main campus is home to various undergraduate and graduate programs, along with law and medical schools.
Featured Online Programs
4. The University of Texas at Dallas
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $13,555
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Total Student Enrollment: 31,570
Established in 1961 as a private research facility, UT Dallas is now one of the best public colleges in Texas. Owing to its R&D roots, UT Dallas is recognized for STEM research in areas like computer science, electrical engineering, and neuroscience.
Alongside UT Dallas's tech focus and research opportunities, the school sits within the Metroplex's thriving job market and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
5. University of Houston
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $14,056
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Total Student Enrollment: 46,700
UH is one of Texas's largest public institutions and offers more than 300 degree programs. Whether you enroll in the CT Bauer College of Business or the Moores School of Music, UH stands out for its quality programs.
In addition to quality academic programs, UH is one of the most ethnically diverse institutions in the United States.
List of All Public Colleges in Texas
We've created a complete list of all four-year public universities 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). We did not include schools that enroll fewer than 500 undergraduates.
| School | Total Student Enrollment | Avg. Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelo State University | 10,599 | $12,838 | 79% | 4,209 |
| Lamar University | 16,803 | $11,757 | 84% | 6,214 |
| Midwestern State University | 5,784 | $11,361 | 92% | 5,507 |
| Prairie View A&M University | 9,056 | $12,875 | 76% | 5,691 |
| Sam Houston State University | 21,480 | $13,632 | 85% | 16,316 |
| Sul Ross State University | 1,987 | $13,130 | 97% | 717 |
| Tarleton State University | 14,092 | $13,755 | 87% | 5,788 |
| Texas A&M International University | 8,505 | $5,383 | 48% | 7,848 |
| Texas A&M University-Central Texas | 2,198 | $5,465 | 96% | 70 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | 74,014 | $20,375 | 63% | 43,422 |
| Texas A&M University-Commerce | 11,306 | $13,025 | 86% | 6,604 |
| Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi | 10,778 | $15,181 | 88% | 8,421 |
| Texas A&M University-Kingsville | 6,092 | $11,347 | 97% | 5,768 |
| Texas A&M University-San Antonio | 7,309 | $11,043 | 96% | 9,110 |
| Texas A&M University-Texarkana | 2,110 | $10,646 | 91% | 2,018 |
| Texas Southern University | 8,632 | $11,826 | 97% | 8,582 |
| Texas State University | 38,171 | $14,120 | 88% | 28,908 |
| Texas Tech University | 40,378 | $17,896 | 67% | 35,400 |
| Texas Woman's University | 15,958 | $11,682 | 94% | 7,286 |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | 43,946 | $14,262 | 81% | 21,963 |
| The University of Texas at Austin | 52,384 | $17,434 | 31% | 60,055 |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | 31,570 | $13,555 | 85% | 21,500 |
| The University of Texas at El Paso | 23,880 | $9,563 | 100% | 10,493 |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio | 34,393 | $12,664 | 87% | 23,295 |
| The University of Texas at Tyler | 9,322 | $13,248 | 94% | 3,493 |
| The University of Texas Permian Basin | 5,848 | $10,370 | 95% | 1,475 |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | 31,559 | $8,105 | 88% | 13,744 |
| University of Houston | 46,700 | $14,056 | 66% | 29,783 |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake | 8,562 | $17,871 | 69% | 1,985 |
| University of Houston-Downtown | 14,208 | $14,911 | 88% | 6,131 |
| University of Houston-Victoria | 4,057 | $11,761 | 82% | 1,970 |
| University of North Texas | 44,767 | $15,283 | 79% | 32,016 |
| University of North Texas at Dallas | 3,685 | $10,351 | 94% | 2,474 |
| West Texas A&M University | 9,242 | $17,001 | 92% | 4,695 |
Benefits of Studying in Texas
- Affordability: Public Texas colleges often offer lower tuition rates, making education more accessible and affordable.
- Strong Job Market: Texas has a robust economy with diverse industries, providing ample internship and job opportunities.
- Vibrant Culture: Texas is known for its rich history, diverse cuisine, music, and lively festivals.
- Networking Opportunities: Colleges in Texas often have extensive alumni networks and industry connections for students and graduates alike.
- Research: Many Texas institutions invest heavily in research facilities and initiatives, with students engaging in groundbreaking research projects.
Accreditation for Colleges in Texas
College accreditation in Texas refers to the evaluation and recognition process by organizations such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and for online schools, the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Accreditation ensures that your institution meets specific quality, integrity, and effectiveness standards. Accreditation also signifies that the school has undergone a rigorous assessment of its programs, faculty, student support services, and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Colleges in Texas
What's the cost of living in Texas?
The cost of living in Texas can vary dramatically depending on the city and region, but overall, the Lone Star State is known for having a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other states. Still, students in cities like Austin and Dallas can expect to pay higher-than-average rent.
What are the most popular majors in Texas?
While the popularity of various college majors can vary between schools, some of the most popular majors in Texas include business administration, computer science, and engineering. When researching prospective schools in Texas, be sure to seek out colleges that offer programs that align with your academic and career goals.
What colleges in Texas are online?
As online programs become more and more popular, it's no surprise that public colleges in Texas are home to numerous distance learning options. These institutions provide a variety of online programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their education remotely and at their own pace.
What are the most in-demand jobs in Texas?
According to the Texas Workforce Commission, the fastest-growing jobs in the state include diverse fields like financial managers, software developers, and petroleum engineers. Public colleges in Texas can prepare you with the skills needed to tackle any of these rapidly growing fields.
