Texas’s Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship
What are the best colleges and universities in Texas if you reward schools for making the best use of their limited resources? Academic Stewardship asks how effectively schools manage their financial and human resources to gain the influence that makes them academically excellent. Schools that are exemplary in Academic Stewardship are doing everything in their power to help students and faculty achieve their full potential.
Colleges and universities in Texas deserve to be recognized when they do more with less. It’s impressive when a large wealthy school can spend money lavishly on expensive buildings and programs. But it’s even more impressive when a small school with limited means is able to train and inspire students that the larger wealthier schools tend to ignore.
The American Association of Colleges and Universities reported in late 2021 that almost 75 percent of higher-education professionals at US colleges and universities felt financial constraints prevented their schools from effectively attracting students. Distracted by the size and amenities of larger schools, prospective students tended especially to be overawed by the big research universities.
Texas’s smaller colleges, especially its liberal arts colleges, need effective ways of communicating their value to a world that celebrates “bigger is better” and “you need the best.” Unfortunately, most college ranking companies, such as U.S. News & World Report, define “best” in a way that devalues schools with smaller budgets and fewer students even when these schools do remarkable work in advancing their students’ education. By and large, college rankings penalize schools that serve underserved populations.
Inspired by Malcolm Gladwell, who for years now has criticized conventional college rankings for misrepresenting what’s good and valuable in education, we decided to construct a new ranking metric that highlights those schools that do more with less. That metric—called the Academic Stewardship metric—takes away both the size and the wealth advantage of schools, and focuses instead on how well schools use the resources available to them to advance the education of their students.
How We Measure the Academic Stewardship of Texas’s Colleges and Universities
As a metric, Academic Stewardship is defined by a precise mathematical formula, which can be found in our Academic Stewardship white paper. Measuring the Academic Stewardship of Texas’s colleges requires measuring two forms of stewardship: 1) Stewardship of financial resources (using the money they have responsibility without waste) and 2) Stewardship of human resources (doing their best to help students, faculty, and administration to flourish). Together, these two types of stewardship form what we call Academic Stewardship. If you want to learn more about the factors involved in Academic Stewardship, click the more button below.
- Stewardship of financial resources: To determine a school’s stewardship of financial resources, we factored in its undergraduate size, budget, endowments and reserves, as well as tuition and fees. All these data are available from the National Center for Educational Statistics Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. In addition, we factored in a school’s financial responsibility as gauged by the Federal Student Aid Office at the US Department of Education through its financial responsibility composite scores.
- Stewardship of human resources: To determine a school’s stewardship of human resources, we used our InfluenceRanking engine to track the influence of the school’s faculty and alumni but also to control for size of the undergraduate student body. We’ve found that measuring a school’s influence based on the contributions of faculty and alumni make in their fields of study but then also controlling for size of the undergraduate population is the single best indicator of academic excellence. We call this Concentrated Influence. Schools that rank highly in Concentrated Influence are schools that, given their available human resources, invest heavily in their students and faculty, and the results are demonstrable.
- We measure the influence of colleges and universities based on the publications and citations of the schools’ faculty and alumni who are teaching in and working in areas related to their degrees. To do this, we take publicly available databases, such as Semantic Scholar, Crossref, and Wikipedia and use these to measure the influence of academics in their disciplines. Having measured the influence of persons, we then identify the schools that they’re affiliated with, adding up the influence scores of the faculty and alumni to measure the influence of the schools and their disciplinary programs. Finally, we control these influence scores by size of undergraduate student body so that schools do not score high in influence simply because of a size advantage. We lay out these methodological considerations on our methodology page.
- Academic Stewardship: Having measured a school’s stewardship of financial and human resources in the two previous points, we now divide the second measure by the first to define the Academic Stewardship metric. This metric spotlights smaller schools, with fewer financial resources and people, that invest wisely and do proportionately better in building influence than large wealthy schools. Many of these smaller, less wealthy schools are incentivized to make better use of their resources but would never get recognized in conventional school rankings, which directly or indirectly put a premium on the wealth of schools.
Academic Stewardship as so defined is connected to keeping tuition and other costs down, but it should not be confused with affordability or frugality. The schools that this metric ranks as exemplary academic stewards tend to be all over the map when it comes to tuition and other costs. At issue is the influence of schools given the financial and human resources they have on hand. If a school is going to charge more for tuition, then that needs to be reflected in the school having proportionately greater influence.
Why Academic Stewardship Matters to Students and Their Families
The benefits of attending a school with strong academic stewardship include:
- A clear reason for why students are at the school in the first place. Without the distraction of amenities and luxuries, these schools are at once unpretentious but also passionately committed to their educational mission. The schools in this ranking are financially efficient and academically rigorous. By avoiding frills, these schools take the most direct path to accomplishing their mission of educating students.
- Valuing character over prestige and self-indulgence. A school that’s a good steward of its resources doesn’t instill shame in its students over what they are missing (such as elite cuisine) but rather pride in what they have and making the most of it. These schools exhibit a culture of good stewardship, which tends to build good character in the students that attend these schools.
- Avoiding the spoiled-student syndrome. It’s easy to think that offering students endless options and opportunities will enrich their time at school in every way. But spoiling people—whether in business, sports, or academics—has the opposite effect, causing people to take their advantages for granted and in the end achieving less than they might otherwise, a point well-documented in Daniel Coyle’s The Talent Code. Schools exhibiting academic stewardship avoid this pitfall.
- The best schools vs. the schools that help students to be their best. Students at schools demonstrating outstanding academic stewardship aren’t so much concerned about being at the “best” school, whatever that may mean, as about being at a school that helps them to be their best. These schools pay attention to their students, hoping that any glory goes to them rather than to the school. Small schools, and especially liberal arts colleges, help themselves by communicating this advantage to prospective students.
- Emphasizing development over talent and achievement. Schools like Harvard and Stanford have their pick of academic talent, and their students have a long record of achievement even before they apply to such elite schools. But if a school doesn’t have the resources of a Harvard or Stanford, how does it build a great team of students? In that case, it must focus on student development. Colleges exemplifying academic stewardship emphasize student growth and development, ensuring that the schools are doing everything in their power to help students reach their full potential and thereby become their best selves.
Texas’s Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship
Tuition + fees
$14K
Graduation
24%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Wiley College
Cost of Degree: $12,500Expenses: $6,800Starting Salary: $30,700Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wiley College known for?
Wiley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Religious Studies
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
- Education
- Literature
- Biology
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Small Colleges in Texas 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Texas 2024 #9 Best Christian Colleges in Texas 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024
Tuition + fees
$45K
Acceptance
54%
Graduation
73%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1265/27
Career Outlook for degree at Austin College
Cost of Degree: $44,212Expenses: $15,608Starting Salary: $52,800Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Austin College known for?
Austin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- History
- Medical
- Economics
- Education
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
- Anthropology
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Small Colleges in Texas 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Texas 2024 #7 Best Christian Colleges in Texas 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$48K
Acceptance
59%
Graduation
72%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1285/27
Career Outlook for degree at University of Dallas
Cost of Degree: $48,000Expenses: $18,430Starting Salary: $51,400Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Dallas known for?
University of Dallas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
26%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
965/18
Career Outlook for degree at Sul Ross State University
Cost of Degree: $7,649Expenses: $16,404Starting Salary: $41,400Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Sul Ross State University known for?
Sul Ross State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$49K
Acceptance
45%
Graduation
72%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1237/27
Career Outlook for degree at Southwestern University
Cost of Degree: $48,450Expenses: $15,300Starting Salary: $63,400Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southwestern University known for?
Southwestern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Economics
- Mathematics
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 Best Small Colleges in Texas 2024 #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas #23 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024 #24 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
39%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Texas
Cost of Degree: $35,620Expenses: $17,994Starting Salary: $51,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Concordia University Texas known for?
Concordia University Texas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Concordia University Texas’s Online Degrees
BA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAAS in Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Computer Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice & Criminology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication
Degree Concentrations
- Public Relations and Advertising Concentration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Multidisciplinary
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #20 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #22 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #6 Best Small Colleges in Texas 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Texas 2024
Other Rankings
- #10 Best Christian Colleges in Texas 2024
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Christian Counseling Degree Programs
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's of Theology Degree Programs in 2024
- #11 Best Online Master’s in Human Services
- #13 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs
- #13 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
- #13 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
49%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/24
Career Outlook for degree at Houston Christian University
Cost of Degree: $36,600Expenses: $14,892Starting Salary: $52,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Houston Christian University known for?
Houston Christian University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Medical
- Law
- Nursing
- Literature
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Business
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
Houston Christian University’s Online Degrees
BBA in Managerial Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Marketing
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Managerial Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Management
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Theological Studies
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Biblical Studies
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 27
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Texas 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Texas 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges in Texas 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$49K
Acceptance
31%
Graduation
76%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1390/31
Career Outlook for degree at Trinity University
Cost of Degree: $49,264Expenses: $16,534Starting Salary: $68,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Trinity University known for?
Trinity University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Literature
- Psychology
- Medical
- Sociology
- Mathematics
- Business
- Education
- Computer Science
- Anthropology
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Small Colleges in Texas 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Texas 2024 #6 Best Christian Colleges in Texas 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
56%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at St. Mary's University, Texas
Cost of Degree: $35,226Expenses: $15,948Starting Salary: $52,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is St. Mary's University, Texas known for?
St. Mary's University, Texas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Law
- Political Science
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
- Engineering
- Religious Studies
- Economics
- Business
- History
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #10 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #15 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #2 Best Small Colleges in Texas 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Texas 2024
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Texas 2024
- #6 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Texas
- #3 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2024
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2024
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2024
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2024
- #9 The Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Bachelor's Degrees
- #9 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
- #10 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies
- #13 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
- #17 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
- #17 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #19 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
- #21 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
- #24 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #12 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
60%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1175/24
Career Outlook for degree at Abilene Christian University
Cost of Degree: $40,400Expenses: $16,022Starting Salary: $48,900Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Abilene Christian University known for?
Abilene Christian University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Social Work
- Chemistry
- History
- Physics
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
Abilene Christian University’s Online Degrees
BS in Digital Media
Degree Concentrations
- Film Production
- General Track
- Graphic Design
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Management
Degree Concentrations
- Leadership
- Human Resource Management
- Operations
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Marketing
Degree Concentrations
- General Track
- Analytics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Technology Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Cyber Security
- App Development
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Integrated Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Customized
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Applied Communication
Degree Concentrations
- Organizational Change
- Healthcare Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Child and Family Services
Degree Concentrations
- General Track
- Child Life
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Christian Service and Formation
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Communication Disorders
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health and Human Performance
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Healthcare Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Change Management
- General Track
- Public and Community Health
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #18 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #19 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #24 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #3 Best Grad Schools In Texas 2024
- #3 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024
- #3 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
- #15 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #17 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #19 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #20 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #23 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
- #23 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #24 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
- #3 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #5 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
- #24 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$55K
Acceptance
9%
Graduation
94%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1530/35
Career Outlook for degree at Rice University
Cost of Degree: $54,960Expenses: $19,150Starting Salary: $91,600Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Rice University known for?
Rice University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Business
- History
- Earth Sciences
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #15 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #10 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Online Master’s in Executive MBA
- #4 HBCU MBA Programs Online
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2024
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #10 Best HBCU Online Programs
- #10 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
- #12 Best Online Master's in English
- #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
- #17 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
- #23 Best Online Master’s in Education
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
26%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
910/17
Career Outlook for degree at Texas Southern University
Cost of Degree: $8,637Expenses: $16,286Starting Salary: $37,600Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Texas Southern University known for?
Texas Southern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Law
- Medical
- Education
- History
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Literature
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
Texas Southern University’s Online Degrees
BS in Administration of Justice
- Required Credits: 99
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Emergency Management & Homeland Security
- Required Credits: 121
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #24 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #9 Best Small Colleges in Texas 2024 #25 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
Tuition + fees
$51K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
65%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1150/23
Career Outlook for degree at St. Edward's University
Cost of Degree: $50,766Expenses: $18,012Starting Salary: $55,700Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is St. Edward's University known for?
St. Edward's University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Political Science
- Communications
- Economics
- Business
- Biology
- Philosophy
- History
- Religious Studies
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
41%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Midwestern State University
Cost of Degree: $9,776Expenses: $14,522Starting Salary: $47,000Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Midwestern State University known for?
Midwestern State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Literature
- Medical
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Business
- Education
- Communications
- History
- Nursing
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Texas 2024 #7 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2024 #8 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs #11 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
41%
Student body
12K
Median SAT/ACT
1025/20
Career Outlook for degree at Angelo State University
Cost of Degree: $8,186Expenses: $15,280Starting Salary: $46,300Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Angelo State University known for?
Angelo State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Physics
- Education
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Earth Sciences
- Communications
- Medical
- Business
- History
Most Influential Alumni
Angelo State University’s Online Degrees
BSS in Border and Homeland Security
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSS in Intelligence and Analysis
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBS in Border Security
Degree Concentrations
- AU-ABC (Enlisted Airmen Only)
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BIA in Intelligence and Analysis
Degree Concentrations
- AU-ABC (Enlisted Airmen Only)
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
54%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1081/21
Career Outlook for degree at University of Houston–Clear Lake
Cost of Degree: $7,698Expenses: $15,532Starting Salary: $52,900Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Houston–Clear Lake known for?
University of Houston–Clear Lake’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Physics
- Sociology
- Business
- Medical
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Cybersecurity #14 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs #15 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas #15 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
44%
Student body
12K
Median SAT/ACT
1110/21
Career Outlook for degree at University of Texas at Tyler
Cost of Degree: $9,448Expenses: $15,520Starting Salary: $50,500Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Texas at Tyler known for?
University of Texas at Tyler’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- History
- Medical
- Nursing
- Education
- Business
- Engineering
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
University of Texas at Tyler’s Online Degrees
BAAS in Applied Arts & Sciences
Degree Concentrations
- General Studies
- Business Occupations
- Healthcare Management
- Health Occupations
- Human Behavior
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #9 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Texas 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools In Texas 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024
- #5 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
- #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
- #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
- #9 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity
- #10 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
- #11 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
- #14 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
- #19 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
52%
Graduation
82%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1440/32
Career Outlook for degree at Southern Methodist University
Cost of Degree: $61,980Expenses: $21,150Starting Salary: $77,900Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southern Methodist University known for?
Southern Methodist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Law
- Anthropology
- Business
- Social Work
- Earth Sciences
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- History
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
41%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
955/18
Career Outlook for degree at Prairie View A&M University
Cost of Degree: $11,299Expenses: $15,556Starting Salary: $40,700Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Prairie View A&M University known for?
Prairie View A&M University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Medical
- Social Work
- Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Mathematics
- Education
- Computer Science
- Nursing
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #15 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #8 Best Christian Colleges in Texas 2024 #9 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Texas 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online Associate in Health Science Degree Programs
- #9 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #10 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology
- #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
- #11 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
- #11 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
- #11 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #12 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #15 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #17 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
- #20 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
53%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1021/19
Career Outlook for degree at University of the Incarnate Word
Cost of Degree: $34,400Expenses: $16,622Starting Salary: $52,500Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of the Incarnate Word known for?
University of the Incarnate Word’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of the Incarnate Word’s Online Degrees
BBA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Human Resources
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Organizational Development
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- General Business
- Information Systems
- Marketing
- Social Marketing
- Management
- Project Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Leadership Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Sciences
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2024 #7 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Texas
Other Rankings
- #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
- #11 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #14 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs
- #14 Best Online Master's in Project Management
- #15 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
- #15 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #19 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
- #19 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #25 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
- #2 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs
- #11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
38%
Student body
22K
Median SAT/ACT
930/16
Career Outlook for degree at Lamar University
Cost of Degree: $8,690Expenses: $15,972Starting Salary: $46,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lamar University known for?
Lamar University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- Physics
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Computer Science
- History
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Lamar University’s Online Degrees
BBA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Entrepreneurship
- General Business
- Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Industrial Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Computer Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #7 Most Affordable Online Master's of Speech Pathology Programs #13 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) #17 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024 #17 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
48%
Student body
20K
Median SAT/ACT
1035/20
Career Outlook for degree at Texas Woman's University
Cost of Degree: $8,311Expenses: $14,586Starting Salary: $49,100Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Texas Woman's University known for?
Texas Woman's University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024 #12 Best Online Master’s in Human Services #15 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024 #22 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
53%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1065/21
Career Outlook for degree at Stephen F. Austin State University
Cost of Degree: $10,600Expenses: $14,518Starting Salary: $46,400Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Stephen F. Austin State University known for?
Stephen F. Austin State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- History
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Political Science
- Communications
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
Stephen F. Austin State University’s Online Degrees
BBA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Business Communication and Corporate Education
- General Track
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Human Sciences
Degree Concentrations
- Human Development and Family Studies
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
Degree Concentrations
- EC-6 Teacher Certification
- 4-8 Teacher Certification
- Special Education Teacher Certification
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #9 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2024 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2024 #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Texas #7 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
47%
Student body
29K
Median SAT/ACT
980/19
Career Outlook for degree at University of Texas at El Paso
Cost of Degree: $9,544Expenses: $14,640Starting Salary: $43,300Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Texas at El Paso known for?
University of Texas at El Paso’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Engineering
- History
- Political Science
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
- Earth Sciences
- Computer Science
- Medical
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
University of Texas at El Paso’s Online Degrees
BA in Media Advertising
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Security Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAAS in Applied Arts and Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Chicano Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Organizational and Corporate Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #1 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #4 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #6 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #10 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Texas 2024
- #3 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #6 Best Grad Schools In Texas 2024
- #6 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024
- #6 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
- #11 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
- #2 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Speech Pathology
- #2 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
- #3 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
- #5 Top 7 Best Online Social Work PhDs (DSW Programs) 2024
- #5 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity
- #5 Best Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
- #7 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
- #8 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
- #8 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
- #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
- #8 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
- #13 Best Online Master’s in Communications
- #16 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
- #16 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
- #17 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
- #17 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
- #18 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #19 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$52K
Acceptance
46%
Graduation
81%
Student body
23K
Median SAT/ACT
1320/30
Career Outlook for degree at Baylor University
Cost of Degree: $51,738Expenses: $18,433Starting Salary: $58,400Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Baylor University known for?
Baylor University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Texas’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest
Colleges and Universities in Texas
Texas offers more than 30 colleges and universities that serve communities of 10,000 students or more. The largest school in the bunch (and in the nation), Texas A&M University in College Station serves more than 65,000 students. The University of Texas at Austin is the next largest, serving about 45,000 students - but it too has a big claim to fame, as the wealthiest public university in the United States. Texas’s private colleges and universities, including Baylor University and Southern Methodist University, are also impressive in size and scope. The majority of these schools have religious affiliations and offer degrees in a variety fields, such as nursing, religious studies, criminal justice, business, and education.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
For students who prefer a more intimate educational environment, Texas offers a long list of smaller public and private colleges and universities, such as Abilene Christian University and University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Additionally, Texas has generous loan forgiveness programs for qualifying nurses, physicians, teachers, legal aid attorneys, and lawyers who work in the Texas Attorney General’s office.
Texas is known for doing things big. Big cities, big open spaces and, of course, big fun. Whether you’re hitting up the live music scene in Austin, catching a Cowboys game in Dallas, or strolling down the River Walk in San Antonio, you’re sure to have a good time. And, with more than 150 higher education institutes, it’s safe to say The Lone Star State is big on education too.
If you’re looking to earn your degree in the state of Texas, you’ll have plenty of higher learning institutes to choose from.
What are Texas’s Colleges & Universities?
- 28 Research Universities
- 46 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 43 Graduate Schools
- 36 Public Colleges & Universities
- 38 Private Colleges & Universities
- 36 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 39 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 46 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 53 Community Colleges
- 36 Online Colleges