Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Texas 2024

Badge for BEST IN TEXAS LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES

Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in Texas offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.

10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Texas

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  1. Trinity University
  2. Abilene Christian University
  3. St. Mary's University, Texas
  4. University of Dallas
  5. Prairie View A&M University
  6. Austin College
  7. Houston Christian University
  8. Southwestern University
  9. Angelo State University
  10. Texas College
  1. Trinity University
  2. St. Mary's University, Texas
  3. University of Dallas
  4. Abilene Christian University
  5. Southwestern University
  6. Wiley College
  7. Prairie View A&M University
  8. Austin College
  9. Angelo State University
  10. Texas College
  1. University of St. Thomas 97%
  2. Sul Ross State University 97%
  3. Midwestern State University 92%
  4. West Texas A&M University 92%
  5. University of Houston–Downtown 88%
  6. Hardin–Simmons University 88%
  7. Tarleton State University 87%
  8. St. Mary's University, Texas 86%
  9. Concordia University Texas 86%
  10. St. Edward's University 85%
  1. Paul Quinn College 20 to 1
  2. Tyler Junior College 20 to 1
  3. Texas A&M International University 19 to 1
  4. Concordia University Texas 18 to 1
  5. Angelo State University 18 to 1
  6. University of Houston–Downtown 18 to 1
  7. Wiley College 18 to 1
  8. Texas College 17 to 1
  9. Tarleton State University 17 to 1
  10. West Texas A&M University 17 to 1
  1. St. Edward's University $50,766
  2. Trinity University $49,264
  3. Southwestern University $48,650
  4. University of Dallas $48,000
  5. Austin College $44,950
  6. Abilene Christian University $40,500
  7. Houston Christian University $36,750
  8. Concordia University Texas $35,620
  9. Schreiner University $35,614
  10. St. Mary's University, Texas $35,226
  1. University of Dallas $33,750
  2. Austin College $29,415
  3. St. Edward's University $28,980
  4. Abilene Christian University $24,174
  5. Trinity University $23,597
  6. Schreiner University $22,752
  7. University of St. Thomas $20,934
  8. St. Mary's University, Texas $19,224
  9. McMurry University $17,334
  10. LeTourneau University $16,875
  1. McMurry University
  2. Tyler Junior College
  3. Lubbock Christian University
  4. LeTourneau University
  5. Hardin–Simmons University
  6. University of Houston–Downtown
  7. Brazosport College
  8. Wayland Baptist University
  9. Paul Quinn College
  10. Sul Ross State University
  1. Tyler Junior College
  2. University of Houston–Downtown
  3. Lubbock Christian University
  4. Texas A&M International University
  5. Brazosport College
  6. McMurry University
  7. West Texas A&M University
  8. LeTourneau University
  9. Schreiner University
  10. Concordia University Texas
  1. Trinity University 31%
  2. Southwestern University 45%
  3. Texas A&M International University 48%
  4. LeTourneau University 49%
  5. Austin College 54%
  6. McMurry University 57%
  7. Paul Quinn College 57%
  8. University of Dallas 59%
  9. Abilene Christian University 66%
  10. University of Houston–Clear Lake 69%
  1. Wayland Baptist University 8 to 1
  2. Trinity University 9 to 1
  3. St. Mary's University, Texas 11 to 1
  4. Southwestern University 11 to 1
  5. Austin College 11 to 1
  6. Sul Ross State University 12 to 1
  7. Lubbock Christian University 12 to 1
  8. University of Dallas 12 to 1
  9. Abilene Christian University 13 to 1
  10. McMurry University 13 to 1
  1. Tyler Junior College $2,208
  2. Brazosport College $2,629
  3. Texas A&M International University $3,818
  4. Tarleton State University $4,416
  5. Angelo State University $4,495
  6. Sul Ross State University $5,419
  7. Midwestern State University $5,877
  8. University of Houston–Downtown $5,994
  9. University of Houston–Clear Lake $6,024
  10. West Texas A&M University $6,372
  1. Texas A&M International University $3,350
  2. Angelo State University $4,181
  3. Midwestern State University $4,246
  4. Sul Ross State University $4,316
  5. Tarleton State University $4,356
  6. West Texas A&M University $5,088
  7. Prairie View A&M University $5,191
  8. University of Houston–Clear Lake $7,920
  9. University of Houston–Downtown $8,073
  10. Paul Quinn College $9,456

Key Takeaways

  • The best liberal arts colleges will help you develop in-demand soft skills, including critical thinking, which you’ll need to compete in the job market.
  • While liberal arts colleges offer a broad curriculum and prepare you for diverse career paths through the guidance of hands-on faculty, a liberal arts education may result in lower earnings and intense career planning unless you choose a major focus.
  • Due to its small class sizes, tuition fees for the best liberal arts colleges in Texas range from $8k to $50K. The cheapest liberal arts colleges in Texas include Tarleton State University. The most expensive is St. Edward’s University.

Liberal Arts in the Lone Star State

Texas is mainly known for its football fields, religious colleges, such as TX Texas Christian University and Southern Methodist University, and large schools and institutions, such as Texas Tech University, Rice University, and Baylor University. Some people might now know that Texas has some of the best liberal arts colleges in the nation.

Due to their unmatched advantages, a liberal arts college is becoming increasingly popular with students seeking a bachelor’s degree.

About The Liberal Arts Education

You will study various topics while taking different perspectives on the world and its people. You will gain knowledge of the principles and ideals that have influenced civilizations for thousands of years and served as a guide for people. You’ll query yourself on issues like:

  • What does being a human mean?
  • What have people done, considered, and felt?
  • What are the meanings of truth and beauty in life?
  • How have our physical and natural environments shaped us, and how have we shaped them?
  • What knowledge, methodologies, or approaches can be used to study the Earth and its inhabitants?

A liberal arts education is broad and diverse as opposed to specific and focused. You can gain a comprehensive and practical education by selecting courses from several disciplines.

Liberal Arts Majors and Degrees

Humanities

The topics of Romantic-era poetry, ancient and contemporary languages, and empire rise and fall are all topics humanities students cover. The humanities are fundamental to a liberal arts education and explore literature, history, culture, and moral principles.

Humanities majors develop their writing, critical thinking, and research abilities while studying these subjects.

The humanities often encompass the following majors:

  • Communication
  • Philosophy
  • History
  • Language
  • English

A few of the best liberal arts colleges for a humanities degree are Abilene Christian University, Trinity University, and Austin College.

Social sciences

Social science is the study of interpersonal relationships. Social scientists investigate how societies function, looking at what makes people happy, spurs economic growth, and creates unemployment. Their findings are used to guide public policies, educational initiatives, urban planning, marketing plans, and numerous other projects.

The list of typical social science degrees that follows demonstrates the range of disciplines that make up this area of study:

  • Anthropology
  • Criminal justice
  • Economics
  • Political science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

A few of the best liberal arts colleges for a social science degree are Southern Methodist University, Texas College, and Schreiner University.

Fine Arts

A major in the arts integrates several academic disciplines, including painting, art history, sculpture, and photography. The business of the visual arts and art therapy are two more areas of study. These degrees, as examples, include:

  • Art history
  • Theater arts
  • Graphic design
  • Music
  • Film
  • Interactive media

A few of the best liberal arts colleges for an arts degree are Wayland Baptist University, Sul Ross State University, and Houston Baptist University.

Natural Sciences

Programs in the natural sciences are frequently interdisciplinary and include multiple sciences at once. Typically, they consist of the following five majors or fields:

  • Astronomy
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Geology
  • Physics

A few of the best liberal arts colleges for a natural science degree are Southwestern University, Southern Methodist University, and Trinity University.

Most Useful Liberal Arts Skills

A liberal arts degree gives you a well-rounded education compared to higher education programs focused on a certain profession. As a result, finding a job with precise criteria might be difficult. Fortunately, a liberal arts education teaches you skills you can use to pin down job opportunities. Here are the most important skills you gain from liberal arts:

  1. Foreign languages and cross-cultural knowledge
  2. Research and information retrieval
  3. Numeracy
  4. Critical thinking
  5. Creative thinking

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

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 46 liberal arts colleges in Texas. To be ranked among the 30 best liberal arts colleges in Texas, schools must fully accredited institutions.

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Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Texas 2023

  1. #1

    Trinity University

    San Antonio , TX
    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: $51,352
    Expenses: $16,872
    Starting Salary: $68,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Other Rankings

    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: $42,240
    Expenses: $17,022
    Starting Salary: $48,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  3. 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: $36,242
    Expenses: $16,120
    Starting Salary: $52,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. 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: $50,880
    Expenses: $18,980
    Starting Salary: $51,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #5

    Prairie View A&M University

    Prairie View , TX

    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: $11,299
    Expenses: $16,499
    Starting Salary: $40,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. #6

    Austin College

    Sherman , TX

    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: $46,063
    Expenses: $16,120
    Starting Salary: $52,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. Other Rankings

    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: $38,100
    Expenses: $17,018
    Starting Salary: $52,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Houston Christian University known for?

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

    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
  8. #8

    Southwestern University

    Georgetown , TX

    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: $50,858
    Expenses: $16,548
    Starting Salary: $63,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. #9

    Angelo State University

    San Angelo , TX
    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: $8,319
    Expenses: $16,870
    Starting Salary: $46,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Angelo State University known for?

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

    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
  10. #10

    Texas College

    Tyler , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    16%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Texas College

    Cost of Degree: $10,108
    Expenses: $11,800
    Starting Salary: $28,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Texas College known for?

    Texas College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  11. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1010/18

    Career Outlook for degree at Texas A&M International University

    Cost of Degree: $7,845
    Expenses: $14,046
    Starting Salary: $46,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Texas A&M International University known for?

    Texas A&M International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  12. 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: $51,384
    Expenses: $19,468
    Starting Salary: $55,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  13. Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Texas

    Cost of Degree: $36,690
    Expenses: $17,592
    Starting Salary: $51,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
  14. 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: $8,322
    Expenses: $16,630
    Starting Salary: $52,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Houston–Clear Lake known for?

    University of Houston–Clear Lake’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  15. Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of St. Thomas

    Cost of Degree: $33,660
    Expenses: $15,244
    Starting Salary: $59,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  16. #16

    Wiley College

    Marshall , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Wiley College

    Cost of Degree: $12,500
    Expenses: $6,800
    Starting Salary: $30,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  17. #17

    Midwestern State University

    Wichita Falls , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Midwestern State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,950
    Expenses: $14,816
    Starting Salary: $47,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Midwestern State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  18. #18

    Tarleton State University

    Stephenville , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Tarleton State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,878
    Expenses: $16,222
    Starting Salary: $47,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Tarleton State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  19. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/20

    Career Outlook for degree at West Texas A&M University

    Cost of Degree: $9,101
    Expenses: $15,503
    Starting Salary: $46,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    West Texas A&M University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Economics
    Degree Concentrations
    • Digital Collaboration and Economics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAc in Accounting
    Degree Concentrations
    • General
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Economics
    Degree Concentrations
    • Law and Economics Specialization
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in General Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAAS in Applied Arts and Sciences
    Degree Concentrations
    • Animal Science
    • Art
    • Behavioral Sciences
    • Biology
    • Business Law and Ethics
    • (Speech) Communication
    • Computer Art
    • Criminal Justice
    • Economics
    • Engineering Technology
    • English
    • Geology
    • History
    • Legal Studies
    • Mass Communication–Broadcasting
    • Mathematics
    • Political Science
    • Psychology
    • Public Administration
    • Public Relations
    • Science and Technology
    • Social Work
    • Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BGS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  20. #20

    Schreiner University

    Kerrville , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Schreiner University

    Cost of Degree: $37,396
    Expenses: $12,032
    Starting Salary: $44,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Schreiner University known for?

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

  21. 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: $7,592
    Expenses: $17,324
    Starting Salary: $41,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Sul Ross State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  22. #22

    Paul Quinn College

    Dallas , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Paul Quinn College

    Cost of Degree: $13,498
    Expenses: $11,250
    Starting Salary: $29,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Paul Quinn College known for?

    Paul Quinn College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  23. Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    19%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Wayland Baptist University

    Cost of Degree: $23,186
    Expenses: $13,436
    Starting Salary: $47,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wayland Baptist University known for?

    Wayland Baptist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  24. #24

    Brazosport College

    Lake Jackson , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Brazosport College

    Cost of Degree: $3,286
    Starting Salary: $43,500
    What is Brazosport College known for?

    Brazosport College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  25. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1030/18

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Houston–Downtown

    Cost of Degree: $7,536
    Starting Salary: $49,300
    What is University of Houston–Downtown known for?

    University of Houston–Downtown’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    University of Houston–Downtown’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Finance
    • General Track
    • Insurance and Risk Management
    • International Business
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in ​Technical Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Humanities
    Degree Concentrations
    • Art
    • Drama
    • Music
    • Foreign Language
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  26. Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1104/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Hardin–Simmons University

    Cost of Degree: $31,686
    Expenses: $14,996
    Starting Salary: $48,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Hardin–Simmons University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Science
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  27. #27

    LeTourneau University

    Longview , TX
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/24

    Career Outlook for degree at LeTourneau University

    Cost of Degree: $35,500
    Expenses: $16,758
    Starting Salary: $56,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is LeTourneau University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    LeTourneau University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Aviation
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBM in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Aviation Management
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 125
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Biblical Studies and Ministry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Christian Ministry
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Education EC-6
    • Education 4-6
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Scripture and Theology
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Theological Studies
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Services
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 125
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Care Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Information Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  28. Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Lubbock Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $27,298
    Expenses: $15,686
    Starting Salary: $50,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lubbock Christian University known for?

    Lubbock Christian University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  29. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    21%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for degree at Tyler Junior College

    Cost of Degree: $4,056
    Expenses: $16,224
    Starting Salary: $37,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Tyler Junior College known for?

    Tyler Junior College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Tyler Junior College’s Online Degrees

    BS in BS Dental Hygiene Completion Program
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  30. #30

    McMurry University

    Abilene , TX

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/22

    Career Outlook for degree at McMurry University

    Cost of Degree: $31,162
    Expenses: $13,338
    Starting Salary: $46,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is McMurry University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    McMurry University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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Texas’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 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 Dallas
  2. Houston Christian University
  3. St. Mary's University, Texas
  4. Trinity University
  5. University of St. Thomas
  6. Southwestern University
  7. Hardin–Simmons University
  8. LeTourneau University
  9. Howard Payne University
  10. Abilene Christian University
  11. St. Edward's University
  12. Austin College
  13. Texas A&M International University
  14. Midwestern State University
  15. Southwestern Adventist University
  16. Southwestern Assemblies of God University
  17. West Texas A&M University
  18. Tarleton State University
  19. Texas Lutheran University
  20. Schreiner University

Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.

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