Best Colleges in Texas 2023

Best Colleges in Texas 2023

Here are the best colleges and universities in Texas. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.

10 Best Colleges in Texas

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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.

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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?

Texas’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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We’ve identified 75 colleges and universities in Texas that meet our criteria. This list of the top 30 colleges in Texas below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Texas.

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Best Colleges and Universities in Texas 2022

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    29%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    45K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1340/29

  2. #7

    Texas Tech University

    Lubbock , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    36K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/24

    Texas Tech University’s Online Degrees

    BAAS/BS in Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAAS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Child Care
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAAS in Applied Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAAS/BS in Human Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Digital Media and Professional Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Technical Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Multidisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in University Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Plant and Soil Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  3. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    36K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/23

    University of North Texas’s Online Degrees

    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Learning Technologies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Integrative Studies
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAAS in Applied Arts and Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Rehabilitation Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/24

    University of Texas at Arlington’s Online Degrees

    BS in Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 51
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 51
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 35
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. #11

    Texas Christian University

    Fort Worth , TX
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1215/28

    Texas Christian University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in to DNP
    Degree Concentrations
    • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/22

    University of Texas at San Antonio’s Online Degrees

    BIA/BSS in Intelligence and Analysis
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Multidisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    20K

    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
  8. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    965/18

    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
  9. #16

    Texas State University

    San Marcos , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    32K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/22

  10. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1045/20

    Sam Houston State University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Homeland Security Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Victim Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Communications
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Care Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  11. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/24

    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
  12. #21

    Lamar University

    Beaumont , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1041/20

    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
  13. Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    987/19

  14. Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1045/20

    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
  15. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/22

    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
  16. #28

    Angelo State University

    San Angelo , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1020/20

    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
  17. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/21

    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
  18. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1091/19

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Texas’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Rice University
  2. University of Texas at Austin
  3. Southern Methodist University
  4. University of Dallas
  5. Houston Christian University
  6. St. Mary's University, Texas
  7. Trinity University
  8. University of Houston
  9. University of Texas at Dallas
  10. Baylor University
  11. Texas A&M University
  12. University of St. Thomas
  13. Southwestern University
  14. Hardin–Simmons University
  15. LeTourneau University
  16. Howard Payne University
  17. Texas Tech University
  18. Abilene Christian University
  19. Texas Christian University
  20. St. Edward's University
  21. Austin College
  22. University of North Texas
  23. Sam Houston State University
  24. University of Texas at Arlington
  25. Texas A&M International University

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