Best Colleges in Texas
The second largest state in both area and population, Texas spans through several climate zones so weather varies widely across The Lone Star State. There are six university systems, the University of Houston System, University of North Texas System, University of Texas System, Texas A&M University System, Texas State University System, and the Texas Tech University System. There are also a large number of private liberal arts colleges, theological institutions, and 9 historically black colleges and universities in Texas, to go along with the extensive community college system. Baylor University is the oldest institution in the state, whereas Rice University has the most selective admissions process. Petroleum and natural gas, farming, steel, and banking are top-ranking industries in Texas. The Alamo, Big Bend National Park, and San Antonio’s River Walk are popular attractions.
How Were the Top Schools in Texas Chosen?
Cappex determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.
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What if your next four years exceeded all expectations? Rice University sits in the heart of Houston on a 300-acre, tree-lined campus next to the Texas Medical Center and the Houston Museum District. As a top-tier research institution, we offer more...
Most professors teach well, and expect students to attend lectures and read the assigned material, which leads to good retention of information. Unfortunately, the workload can be somewhat heavy at times, depending on classes taken.
” – Bianca from Angel Fire, NM
Founded in 1869, Trinity University is a private liberal arts and sciences institution situated in San Antonio, TX. Trinity is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and offers undergrad degrees in 47 academic majors. All freshmen must take a First...
The professors at Trinity University are all very knowledgeable in their fields and outside and are passionate about what they do, which makes the classes interesting and challenging. However, the professors truly care about their students and will...
” – Kayleigh from Waco, TX
A Public Ivy and space-grant institution, the University of Texas at Austin is one of nine academic universities in the UT system, and also the first. Founded in 1883 and home to 18 schools and colleges, it is one of the largest schools in the US but...
I know you are hearing all about how big UT is and how big the classes are and how big campus is. All this might be a little intimidating and even scary for you! But no worries! There will certainly be one or two classes that you will have that are...
” – Lila from Houston, TX
The Southern Methodist University is a private research institution in Texas featuring a liberal arts curriculum. The Dallas campus provides more than 200 areas of study to choose from, along with the Locomotor Lab to address scientific questions on...
My experience at SMU has been very rewarding since it has open up for me many opportunities. After taking organic chemistry, I realized that I have a great passion for learning about how things happen at the atomic and molecular level. In addition, I...
” – Sarah from Richardson, TX
Founded in 1840, Southwestern University is a 4-year liberal arts college in the Austin metro area and the oldest university in Texas. Southwestern grants undergrad degrees in over 40 academic majors and minors. Additionally, Southwestern originated...
This school is extremely informative- classes are small, reading is crucial, student-professor relationships are personal. In such a class setting, it is difficult to let the information slide past you. Also, attendance policy is strict- you can be...
” – Cheyney from San Antonio, TX
The University of Dallas is a small, private Catholic institution based in Irving, Texas. The school offers programs in business, liberal arts, and ministry. A majority (approximately 80%) of students participate in the Rome study abroad programs. It...
This University is definitely a challenge. You will learn to make connections between two or more subjects you're studying simultaneously, and can therefore more easily apply your knowledge to everyday life and your future career...UD is big on the...
” – Amanda from Clint, TX
Founded in 1845 by the Baptist General Convention of Texas, Baylor University is a 4-year Christian institution and the oldest continuously-operating university in Texas. Baylor offers bachelor’s degrees in 128 academic fields of study. As a...
Perhaps my favorite thing about Baylor is the opportunity I have had as an honor student to have the interdisciplinary major called University Scholars. If you have high enough SAT's and enough AP classes and a good application essay, you can be...
” – Meaghan from Keller, TX
Texas Christian University is a Tier 1 University with higher research activity and rated as having a more selective admissions process. The TCU mission is "to educate individuals to think and act as ethical leaders and responsible citizens in the...
The professors here take their jobs very seriously, and most, if not all, are always willing to help you out. They're easy to approach if you have questions or concerns, and teach their classes so that you will actually learn something. There is a...
” – Lauren from Baytown, TX
Founded by a Presbyterian missionary, Austin College is a 4-year liberal arts college in northeast Texas. Austin grants bachelor’s degrees in over 55 academic areas of study. Additionally, Austin oversees a JanTerm program where students are given...
Austin College is a great school that has a lot to offer and teach the students who attend there. This college is definitely challenging when it comes to academics to ensure that the students are prepared to graduate and be the best in whatever...
” – Cassandra from Lake Jackson, TX
LeTourneau University is a private, Christian polytechnic institution situated in Longview, Texas. On top of providing education for traditional students, LETU operates education centers for nontraditional students in Longview, Dallas, and Houston. A...
LeTourneau does not offer many, if any, fluff classes. Everything is educational, and since it is a Christian university, there is actually meaning in what you learn.
History, for example, is not a bunch of names, dates, and places that need to...
Texas Lutheran University is a private institution situated in Seguin, TX, offering professional studies as well as the liberal arts and sciences. It is home to a biology field station and the 400-seat Chapel of the Abiding Presence which is used as...
I sure am! I was accepted to TLU in December of 2008 and started attending August of 2008 and have been there since. Providing small classes that consist of around 20 to 25 students really does make a difference. At TLU you matter unlike other...
” – Cassandra from Pleasanton, TX
Founded in 1899, Texas State University is a 4-year public school in south Texas and the largest campus in the TSU system. TSU hosts nine colleges conferring undergraduate degrees in 98 academic majors. Every year, Texas State unveils a Common...
I received 42 credit hours from IB and AP classes in high school and my first semester courses were just basically review classes for me. However, since I have all of my core classes out of the way, I can take Upperclassmen and Honors courses for my...
” – Laura from Garland, TX
Founded in 1961 by three Texas Instruments executives, the University of Texas at Dallas is a 4-year public institution in the Dallas metro area and a campus of the UT system. UT Dallas encompasses eight schools granting degrees in over 140 fields of...
Before I came, here I wasn't sure what to expect. In all honesty, I thought I'd only be learning things pertinent to my major. But it turns out that the prerequisite learning itself opens up opportunities in other fields. Although I am on the track...
” – Perry from Cypress, TX
Founded in 1852 by the Society of Mary, St. Mary’s University is a Catholic liberal arts college in San Antonio. The oldest Catholic university in Texas, St. Mary’s awards undergrad and graduate degrees in more than 75 academic programs. As a...
I can definitely say that I am learning a lot here at St. Mary's University! When I say I am learning a lot I don't only mean in a classroom. At St. Mary's University I've learned to speak out, help out, and go all out. I haven't only grown mentally...
” – Patricia from El Paso, TX
Originally founded as the Childers Classical Institute, Abilene Christian University is a 4-year Christian institution in west Texas affiliated with the Churches of Christ. ACU confers bachelor’s degrees in over 70 academic majors with a focus on...
I have learned and grown so much here. The teachers are amazing and care so much for you as a student and as a person. You will learn a ton in your classes, and will be more than prepared when you enter the work field or continue on with your...
” – Brittany from Abilene, TX
Texas Tech University is a 4-year public research university and the flagship campus of the TTU System. Texas Tech encompasses 12 colleges and schools and is the only Texas college to feature an undergraduate university, law school, and medical...
The professors that teach here are wonderful! They are understanding, compassionate and encouraging. They are always open to questions and outside-class time you may need to fully understand the concept.
” – Samantha from Katy, TX
The University of Houston is a public research institution and the third-largest university in Texas. UH is home to 16 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in 108 fields of study. A diverse campus, UH has been designated an Hispanic-...
No matter what major you'll get into, you'll definitely learn a lot. There a many professors who care if you're actually learning or not and they will try to engage you as best as they can with the amount of students they have. I'm in the Honors...
” – Gregory from Houston, TX
Opening its doors on October 4, 1876, Texas A&M University’s College Station campus was the first institution of higher education in Texas. A&M is home to 17 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 133 undergraduate degree...
I'm a chemical engineering major, which in my opinion is the hardest major at school not only because of the homework but because it challenges you to think in a completely new way. While other schools might emphasize by-the-book engineering, you're...
” – Bryn from Dallas, TX
Texas A&M University-Commerce is the second-largest of the 11 campuses in the A&M system. The public research campus features an agricultural center, which includes artificial wetlands, a native prairie reserve, an equine arena and boarding facility...
The classes here are really small which is great for me because I grew up in a small town. However, there are a lot of students that go here are from Dallas Texas. Big or small if you get involved it never gets boring.
” – Brooklyne from Commerce, TX
The University of St. Thomas is a 4-year private institution and the only Catholic university in Houston. St. Thomas confers undergraduate degrees in over 35 academic majors and the university has been designated an Hispanic-serving institution. As a...
This is an amazing school. I have learned so much. My faith has also been enhanced. They really stress the balance between faith and reason. The professors really care about who you are. You are not just a number, but a person. They enjoy teaching...
” – Karen, Houston, TXMcMurry University is a private Methodist-affiliated Christian university. The 52-acre Abilene campus features facilities for undergraduates, including an academic enrichment center, where tutors are available to counsel students, as well as a four...
I do well in the smaller classrooms.
” – Courtney from Wimberley, TX
Founded in the Holy Cross tradition, St. Edward’s University is a liberal arts institution located three miles from downtown Austin, TX. St. Edward’s confers bachelor’s degrees in more than 50 academic majors and offers pre-professional programs in...
Thanks to St. Edward's I have learned very much, and it is not just in the academic realm. Being a student at St. Edward's gives you a chance to learn about others, especially because of the small town feel that makes the campus a community. The...
” – Nicole
The Texas A&M International University is a public, 4-year institution established in Laredo county. Due in part to the college’s location near the Mexican border, TAMIU highly values its status as a multicultural and multilingual academic community...
because what I don't get I joined program called TRIO and it's for tutoring and it helps me a lot at least the first days; we were kind of skimming, but i learned .
” – Eliana from Rio Grande City, TXFounded by the Baptist Missionary Association of America, the Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary is a Christ-centered institution dedicated to training students for discipleship. The BMA Seminary offers a bachelor’s degree in...
Houston Christian University is a 4-year institution located on 100 acres of land just outside of its namesake town in Texas. The university promotes academic, spiritual, and academic excellence centered around their central confession “Jesus Christ...
HBU has a lot to offer and has a very well rounded academic selection.
” – rohana from Houston, TX
Calling Forth Worth, TX, home, Texas Wesleyan University is a 4-year institution founded in 1890 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The university features 31 undergraduate majors and confers 7 types of degrees, bringing their “Smaller...
The classes are small so that is very benifical, the faculty are nice and treat you like family. You will learn a ton if you apply your self.
” – Garry from Waunakee, WIHoward Payne University was founded in 1889 by the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The school has a main campus in Brownwood, TX, and maintains two academic institutes, The New Braunfels Center and El Paso Center. The college provides free...
The teachers are really interested in their students and want to help!
” – Danielle from Bedford, TXBased upon the principles of the Restoration Movement of the Christian church, Dallas Christian College is a 4-year institution featuring a curriculum centered around Biblical values. All DCC faculty are required to affirm the school’s Statement of...
The best bible college that l would find here in Dallas. The vice president is so awesome! They care about you and they care about your spiritual life.
” – Chabriel from Dallas, TX
Wiley College is a private HBCU and liberal arts college. It is associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Liberal arts and humanities, nonprofit and public management, and police and criminal justice are the top fields of study. It is a member...
Wiley College is the place to be. This is the opportunity to learn about your history while becoming apart of history! Everyone can succeed at Wiley College!
” – JASMINE from Dallas, TX
Southwestern Adventist University is a private, 4-year institution established in Keene, Texas. The college offers a significant number of bachelor programs, as well as many pre-professional programs, some of which can be completed entirely online...
Great Staff, very friendly and helpful. Campus is open area some trees, but I feel safe. Good Christian environment.
” – Zachariah from Joshua, TX
The University of Texas at Arlington is a world-class university of established excellence providing the tools and guidance necessary to succeed in a globally competitive world. Here, it’s students first, excellence always. Classified as a Carnegie R...
UTA has one of the best Nursing programs in the state of Texas and the nation as well.
” – Allison from Burleson, TXEstablished in 1987, Messenger College is a private, Christ-centered institution located in Euless, Texas. MC offers a certificate, associate’s degree, and bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Counseling, each of...
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin is a 4-year public school in west Texas and a campus of the UT system as well as the only university in the country to be named for a geological formation. UT Permian Basin is home to five colleges...
The Professors have office hours and are widely and readily available. They will help you out with any problems you may have in their class. The University also has a Math and Science Center, and a STEM, and Mentor program. These programs hire tutors...
” – Tiana from El Paso, TX
One of the largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the nation, Texas Southern University is a 4-year public institution in Houston. TSU is home to 12 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 100 academic majors...
Texas Southern University is a fine institution, despite all the negative trash people say about it. Taking courses in chemistry, biology, and math at this college really made me see the important role that the classes played not only in science, but...
” – Brittany from Houston, TXTexas A&M University Texarkana is a public, 4-year institution established in Bowie County. The college is divided into two schools, the College of Business, Engineering, & Technology and the College of Arts, Sciences, & Education, which collectively...
Being at A&M Texarkana I feel i've learned alot about myself and the world after high school. The professors I have had the pleasure to be taught by push us to do well and try to help however they can.
” – John from Nash, TX
Affiliated with the Baptist Church, Hardin-Simmons University is a Christian liberal arts college in central Texas. Hardin-Simmons is home to seven colleges and a seminary offering bachelor’s degrees in over 75 fields of study. As a Baptist...
Hardin-Simmons University is a warm, welcoming and family-based school that has the goal of being a family in Christ. The campus is not so big that you are overwhelmed, and not so small that you know everyone and see the same people every day. The...
” – Hannah from Dayton, TX
Sam Houston University is a public, 4-year institution located in Huntsville, Texas. Founded in 1879, SHSU is the third oldest public university in the state and a member of the Texas State University System. The university provides 170 fields of...
College is a time to expand the knowledge you already have and pursue new knowledge for use through the rest of your life. Sam Houston has allowed me to do both. In just the two semesters I have been here, I have learned more than I ever did in High...
” – Jessica from Spring, TX
Founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, the University of the Incarnate Word is a Catholic school in San Antonio and an Hispanic-serving institution. The largest Catholic university in the state of Texas, UIW is home to 11...
The best part about this school is that you learn a lot here. The professors here are amazing in helping you with your work. They know your name and your not just a number. They know what your good at and exactly what you need help in. Not only...
” – Macy from San Antonio, TX
Dallas Baptist University is a private Christian institution that features a “Christ-centered,” liberal arts curriculum with “selective” admissions. DBU operates three campuses around Texas in Dallas, Hurst, and Plano. A majority of students choose...
Looks like a great place to be, and is perfect for pursuing my call to Ministry.
” – David from Center, TX
West Texas A&M University is a public institution and a campus of the Texas A&M system. West Texas A&M is home to six colleges and schools granting bachelor’s degrees in 58 academic majors. The school also operates several research facilities...
Being an Education major here at West Texas I learn so much. The field of education is always changing and I feel like the teachers here keep me updated on all the updates going on. Here at West Texas the teachers really do care about you and want...
” – Jordun from Lubbock, TX
The University of North Texas is a public institution featuring a main campus in Denton. Ranked as a Tier One research university, UNT is home to an Office of Research and Innovation, as well as the Institutes of Research Excellence, which include...
Overall, the University of North Texas is a very accredited institution. However, every now and then you will find a blow off class or professor that might be alot easier/harder than others at the same level.
” – Laura from Kingwood, TX
Stephen F. Austin State University is a public institution located in Nacogdoches, Texas. It ranks #22 in Top Public Schools by the U.S. News & World Report. The university offers its students the chance to participate in Moot Court, Model UN, and...
Four out of five of my classes, and I'm ignoring my math class because it's not my strong point, had teachers that were not afraid to engage with you and make sure you know what you needed and wanted to know. When I feel like a teacher wants me to...
” – Jennifer from Hitchcock, TXJarvis Christian College is an HBCU providing a church-related, liberal arts curriculum. The school was founded by the Disciples of Christ Church and offers student-centered support programs in both academics and spiritual worship. Jarvis requires...
Jarvis Christian College is a historically black college. Traditional and hands on. Perfect for students who want the college experience without being on a big campus.
” – Cameron from Dallas, TX
Lubbock Christian University is a private institution closely affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It is based in Lubbock, Texas, and offers a Christ-centered professional curriculum. Popular majors include nursing, business, and design and visual...
The professors here really make sure that you learn the material they are teaching. Classes are small so you really can have one on one time with your teacher if you are not understanding something. They will give you their office ours as well as set...
” – Shamika from Lubbock, TX
Founded in 1922 in Wichita Falls, Midwestern State University is the only institution in the state to become a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC). The 255-acre campus near Sikes Lakes offers 49 undergraduate programs and...
My professors/instructors are really great at what they do! None of them make the classroom boring and they keep the information fresh with new ways of presenting it to you.
” – Matthew from Springtown, TXFounded in 1894, Texas College is a historically black institution based in Tyler, TX. It is affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and a member of the United Negro College Fund. Noted programs include computer science, criminal...
Texas College has shown me answers to many life questions. Students have the ability to contact their Professors 24/7. Its a population of a 1,000 which leads us to being a huge family.
” – Monique from Milwaukee, WI
Originally founded as the Girls Industrial College, Texas Woman's University is a school primarily for women in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and the largest such university in the United States. Although TWU is designed for women, the university...
Every teacher will take the time to help their students if you let your presence be known to them. They will help you to reach your goals and better understand the course material. If you introduce yourself to them and show genuine interest in...
” – L.D.M.
Angelo State University is the premier regional university in the heart of West Texas where our students can choose from over 100 majors and concentrations and immerse themselves in our Ram Family culture. Every year since 2010, Angelo State has been...
Being at Angelo State University I have learned the true meaning of diversity. Though it is a small school it's diversity is what makes it so great. I have learned that diversity is not just having class with different ethnicities but also accepting...
” – Vanessa Ramirez
Concordia University Texas is a faith-based University located in the hills of Austin, Texas. We’re proud to call 437 acres of beautiful nature preserve our campus home, using it as a place to strengthen the community and steward the environment. As...
A great school with amazing kind people but the ways to pay are hard if you do not have the money it is mostly loans. The sports life is great and fun events to go to. The small class size is perfect to learn in.
” – Jamie from Austin, TX
East Texas Baptist University is a private, Christian institution established in the city of Marshall and featuring 8 schools that offer 43 undergraduate majors. Full-time students at ETBU are required to attend 22 scheduled chapels each semester...
Professors at ETBU are always going above and beyond. They're available quite often if you ever need help. It's obvious that they love to do what they're doing.
” – Nicole