Best Grad Schools In Texas 2023

Best Grad Schools In Texas 2023
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Texas offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

10 Best Grad Schools in Texas

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  1. University of Texas at Austin
    2. 73%
  2. Rice University
    3. 63%
  3. Texas A&M University
    4. 61%
  4. University of Houston
    5. 59%
  5. Southern Methodist University
    6. 56%
  6. Baylor University
    7. 55%
  7. Texas Tech University
    8. 50%
  8. University of North Texas
    9. 47%
  9. University of Texas at Dallas
    10. 45%
  10. University of Texas at Arlington
    11. 43%
  1. University of Texas at El Paso
    2. 100%
  2. Sam Houston State University
    3. 97%
  3. University of the Incarnate Word
    4. 94%
  4. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
    5. 94%
  5. University of Texas at Arlington
    6. 93%
  6. University of Texas at San Antonio
    7. 90%
  7. Lamar University
    8. 88%
  8. St. Mary's University, Texas
    9. 88%
  9. University of Texas at Dallas
    10. 87%
  10. Houston Christian University
    11. 85%
  1. University of Texas at San Antonio
    2. 27 to 1
  2. University of North Texas
    3. 26 to 1
  3. University of Texas at Dallas
    4. 25 to 1
  4. University of Texas at Arlington
    5. 24 to 1
  5. University of Houston
    6. 23 to 1
  6. Texas State University
    7. 22 to 1
  7. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
    8. 21 to 1
  8. University of Texas at El Paso
    9. 21 to 1
  9. Sam Houston State University
    10. 21 to 1
  10. Texas A&M University
    11. 19 to 1
  1. Southern Methodist University
    2. $60,236
  2. Rice University
    3. $52,895
  3. Texas Christian University
    4. $51,660
  4. Baylor University
    5. $50,232
  5. University of Dallas
    6. $46,864
  6. Abilene Christian University
    7. $39,350
  7. Houston Christian University
    8. $35,500
  8. St. Mary's University, Texas
    9. $34,564
  9. University of the Incarnate Word
    10. $33,100
  10. University of Texas at Dallas
    11. $14,564
  1. Rice University
    2. $49,279
  2. Baylor University
    3. $37,674
  3. University of Dallas
    4. $33,750
  4. Texas Christian University
    5. $32,220
  5. Southern Methodist University
    6. $30,672
  6. Abilene Christian University
    7. $24,174
  7. St. Mary's University, Texas
    8. $18,684
  8. University of the Incarnate Word
    9. $18,540
  9. University of Texas at Dallas
    10. $15,088
  10. University of Texas at Austin
    11. $12,050
  1. Houston Christian University
    2. 25%
  2. University of the Incarnate Word
    3. 29%
  3. Stephen F. Austin State University
    4. 30%
  4. Prairie View A&M University
    5. 34%
  5. University of Dallas
    6. 34%
  6. Abilene Christian University
    7. 34%
  7. Lamar University
    8. 35%
  8. Sam Houston State University
    9. 35%
  9. St. Mary's University, Texas
    10. 36%
  10. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
    11. 37%
  1. Rice University
    2. 9%
  2. University of Texas at Austin
    3. 29%
  3. Southern Methodist University
    4. 53%
  4. Texas Christian University
    5. 54%
  5. Baylor University
    6. 57%
  6. University of Dallas
    7. 58%
  7. Texas Southern University
    8. 63%
  8. Texas A&M University
    9. 64%
  9. University of Houston
    10. 66%
  10. Texas Tech University
    11. 68%
  1. Rice University
    2. 6 to 1
  2. Southern Methodist University
    3. 11 to 1
  3. University of the Incarnate Word
    4. 12 to 1
  4. St. Mary's University, Texas
    5. 12 to 1
  5. University of Dallas
    6. 12 to 1
  6. Texas Christian University
    7. 13 to 1
  7. Abilene Christian University
    8. 13 to 1
  8. Texas Southern University
    9. 14 to 1
  9. Baylor University
    10. 15 to 1
  10. Stephen F. Austin State University
    11. 16 to 1
  1. Sam Houston State University
    2. $5,856
  2. Lamar University
    3. $6,228
  3. University of Texas at San Antonio
    4. $6,237
  4. Texas Southern University
    5. $6,941
  5. Prairie View A&M University
    6. $7,387
  6. University of Texas at El Paso
    7. $7,704
  7. Stephen F. Austin State University
    8. $7,842
  8. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
    9. $7,857
  9. University of North Texas
    10. $8,295
  10. Texas A&M University
    11. $8,578
  1. Prairie View A&M University
    2. $5,191
  2. Stephen F. Austin State University
    3. $5,262
  3. Sam Houston State University
    4. $5,765
  4. University of Texas at El Paso
    5. $5,865
  5. University of North Texas
    6. $6,350
  6. Lamar University
    7. $6,471
  7. Texas Southern University
    8. $6,858
  8. Texas A&M University
    9. $6,885
  9. Texas Tech University
    10. $6,956
  10. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
    11. $7,002

Key Takeaways

  • The majority of the best grad schools in Texas are located in Fort Worth, San Antonio, El Paso, Corpus Christi, Houston, Dallas, and Austin.
  • Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin are some of world’s most prominent universities with a rolling admission of over 40,000 students yearly. These two schools always top the national rankings.
  • Texas is not only home to a few of the biggest schools in the US but also several small liberal arts colleges and well-known private colleges and universities that offer a vast selection of master’s and doctoral degrees.

Texas’ Pride: The Country’s Top Grad Schools

Texas is the second largest state, which means bigger or greater options for advanced education. Texas is home to the first Space Center, Smithsonian-worthy institutions, and more airports than any other state in America. Prospective students for graduate degrees can find a rare combination of protected history and urban innovation in the Lone Star state.

Cost of Higher Education in Texas

A public university in Texas charges in-state students an average of $8,000 for tuition and other fees. Nearly twice as much is charged to out-of-state students as it is to in-state students. Remember that this does not include other college costs, such as housing, food, and transportation.

At a Texas public institution, the average cost for in-state students, including housing and food, is $18,000. If you decide to study at a private institution, you should expect to spend at least $48,000 yearly.

Since location affects costs like rent, food, and gas, it also helps to calculate the overall cost of college. Certain locations, like Dallas, have a higher cost of living than others. Cities like Amarillo and Brownsville, as well as more remote areas, are among Texas’s least expensive neighborhoods.

The cheapest graduate schools in Texas include:

  • Texas Southern University ($7,660)
  • University of Texas Rio Grande Valley($9,541)
  • University of Texas at El Paso ($9,544)
  • Lamar University ($10,586)
  • Stephen F. Austin State University ($10,600)
  • Sam Houston State University ($10,756)
  • The University of Texas at San Antonio ($10,966)
  • Prairie View A&M University ($11,299)
  • Texas State University ($11,851)
  • Texas Tech University ($11,852)
  • The University of Texas at Arlington ($11,728)
  • University of Houston ($11,870)
  • University of North Texas ($11,994)
  • The University of Texas at Dallas ($14,564)

If you’re an out-of-state student, expect to pay twice the in-state tuition.

The most expensive graduate schools in Texas include:

How to Lower the Cost of Graduate Programs in Texas

Become a Resident of the State

If you’re an out-of-state student, working on your residency status is important. Texas requires you to spend a full year in the state before you are regarded as a resident.

Unfortunately, being in the state for one year as a college student in a dorm room on campus does not count. What you can do is rent an apartment instead of living on campus. It’s also important to have the right paper trails, including a driver’s license in the state, registering to vote, and paying taxes.

Talk to the Financial Aid Office

Contact the financial assistance office if you have your eye on a specific college but are concerned about the expense of attending as an out-of-state student. Getting financial aid, scholarships, and grants can help cut the cost of attending college.

Attend a Public College or University

Enrolling in a public college or university is the way to go if you really want to save money. The Texas government funds public colleges, which reduces a student’s tuition and fees significantly. Public universities have fewer requirements and more lenient admissions than private institutions.

Transfer Credits

Students can lower their overall college expenses by transferring credits from previous education. To be able to transfer credits, make sure that your last degree is from an accredited institution.

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?

Texas’s Best Overall


Texas's Best Grad Schools Badge
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There are 45 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Texas. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Texas is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

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Best Grad Schools in Texas 2022

  1. #1

    University of Texas at Austin

    Austin , TX
    #4 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #5 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2023 #6 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2023 #10 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    29%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    45K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1340/29

    What is University of Texas at Austin known for?

    University of Texas at Austin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  17. #15

    Texas State University

    San Marcos , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    32K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/22

    What is Texas State University known for?

    Texas State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  19. #16

    Sam Houston State University

    Huntsville , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1045/20

    What is Sam Houston State University known for?

    Sam Houston State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  23. #20

    Lamar University

    Beaumont , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1041/20

    What is Lamar University known for?

    Lamar University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  25. #21

    University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

    Edinburg , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    987/19

    What is University of Texas Rio Grande Valley known for?

    University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  29. #25

    Stephen F. Austin State University

    Nacogdoches , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/21

    What is Stephen F. Austin State University known for?

    Stephen F. Austin State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

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Texas’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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. University of Texas at Austin
  2. Rice University
  3. Texas A&M University
  4. University of Houston
  5. Southern Methodist University
  6. University of Texas at Dallas
  7. Texas Tech University
  8. Baylor University
  9. University of North Texas
  10. University of Texas at Arlington
  11. Sam Houston State University
  12. Texas Christian University
  13. Houston Christian University
  14. St. Mary's University, Texas
  15. Texas State University
  16. University of Dallas
  17. Abilene Christian University
  18. Texas A&M International University
  19. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
  20. University of St. Thomas
  21. Hardin–Simmons University
  22. Stephen F. Austin State University
  23. West Texas A&M University
  24. University of the Incarnate Word
  25. Dallas Baptist University

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