Best Public Colleges in Texas 2025

Badge for BEST IN TEXAS PUBLIC COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • The biggest public university in Texas and the second in the nation is Texas A&M University, with over 65,000 students.
  • The average tuition fee of the best public colleges in Texas is $8,016, excluding school fees, room and board, and textbooks and supplies.
  • Public colleges and universities in Texas offer various financial aid opportunities for their students through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

10 Best Public Colleges in Texas in 2025

  1. University of Texas at Austin
  2. Texas A&M University
  3. University of Houston
  4. Texas Tech University
  5. University of North Texas
    +1
  6. University of Texas at Dallas
    –1
  7. University of Texas at Arlington
  8. University of Texas at El Paso
    +1
  9. Texas Southern University
    +1
  10. Texas State University
    +1

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

The top 4 schools in our 2025 ranking of the best public colleges in Texas remain unchanged.

Texas A&M University has commenced construction on the Texas A&M-Fort Worth campus, featuring the Law & Education Building, set to open in 2025. This facility will offer advanced academic programs and collaborative research opportunities. Additionally, the university has approved an $80 million renovation of Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park, aiming to expand seating and upgrade facilities to enrich the student experience.

A $35 million campus transformation is underway at the University of Houston, featuring the creation of Centennial Plaza, a central gathering space designed for events and ceremonies. Additionally, the university is constructing a new 75,000-square-foot Technology Building at its Sugar Land campus, set to open in 2025, which will house state-of-the-art classrooms and labs for engineering and technology programs.

This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 37 public universities in Texas. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Texas, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.

Best Public Colleges in Texas 2025

  1. #1

    University of Texas at Austin

    Austin , TX
    #4 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #4 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #4 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    55K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1365/29

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Texas at Austin

    Cost of Degree: $11,678
    Expenses: $19,894
    Starting Salary: $73,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Texas A&M University

    College Station , TX
    #24 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    77K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1270/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Texas A&M University

    Cost of Degree: $12,841
    Expenses: $20,408
    Starting Salary: $67,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Texas A&M University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Texas A&M University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Houston

    Houston , TX
    #4 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    53K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1245/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Houston

    Cost of Degree: $9,711
    Expenses: $17,023
    Starting Salary: $60,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Houston known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Texas Tech University

    Lubbock , TX
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025 #7 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Texas 2024 #13 Best Colleges and Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Texas Tech University

    Cost of Degree: $11,852
    Expenses: $16,170
    Starting Salary: $61,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Texas Tech University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
    Compare school
  6. #5

    University of North Texas

    Denton , TX
    #8 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    49K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/23

    Career Outlook for degree at University of North Texas

    Cost of Degree: $11,164
    Expenses: $15,823
    Starting Salary: $49,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of North Texas known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Texas at Arlington

    Arlington , TX
    #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025 #10 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024 #10 Best Colleges in Texas 2024 #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    57K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/22

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Texas at Arlington

    Cost of Degree: $11,727
    Expenses: $17,048
    Starting Salary: $54,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Texas at Arlington known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
    Compare school
  9. #8

    University of Texas at El Paso

    El Paso , TX
    #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Texas 2025 #7 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2025 #8 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
    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: $9,544
    Expenses: $16,172
    Starting Salary: $43,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Texas at El Paso known for?

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

    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
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Texas Southern University

    Houston , TX
    #5 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #15 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025 #3 Best Online Master’s in Executive MBA
    Other Rankings

    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: $8,637
    Expenses: $18,596
    Starting Salary: $37,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Texas Southern University known for?

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

    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
    Compare school
  12. #10

    Texas State University

    San Marcos , TX
    #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    42K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Texas State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,450
    Expenses: $17,180
    Starting Salary: $51,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Texas State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Sam Houston State University

    Huntsville , TX
    #10 Best Colleges and Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025 #1 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice #4 Best Online Master’s in Executive MBA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Sam Houston State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,228
    Expenses: $16,966
    Starting Salary: $49,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Sam Houston State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
    Compare school
  15. #13

    University of Texas at San Antonio

    San Antonio , TX
    #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Texas 2025 #6 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/22

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Texas at San Antonio

    Cost of Degree: $9,279
    Expenses: $15,775
    Starting Salary: $49,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Texas at San Antonio known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Lamar University

    Beaumont , TX
    #2 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Texas 2025 #7 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $8,904
    Expenses: $16,612
    Starting Salary: $46,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lamar University known for?

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

    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
    Compare school
  18. #15

    Texas Woman's University

    Denton , TX
    #7 Most Affordable Online Master's of Speech Pathology Programs #15 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025 #17 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs 2025 #17 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024

    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: $8,640
    Expenses: $16,062
    Starting Salary: $49,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Texas Woman's University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  19. #16

    Prairie View A&M University

    Prairie View , TX
    #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Texas 2024

    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
    What is Prairie View A&M University known for?

    Prairie View A&M University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  20. #17

    Angelo State University

    San Angelo , TX
    #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Texas 2024 #5 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2025 #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: $8,319
    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
    Compare school
  21. #18

    University of Houston–Clear Lake

    Houston , TX
    #7 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Finance Degree Programs 2024

    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

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Stephen F. Austin State University

    Nacogdoches , TX
    #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: $10,600
    Expenses: $16,204
    Starting Salary: $46,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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

    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
    Compare school
  24. #20

    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

    Compare school
  25. #21

    University of Texas at Tyler

    Tyler , TX
    #6 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Cybersecurity 2025 #14 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs #14 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs #15 Best Online Master's in English 2025
    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: $9,452
    Expenses: $16,662
    Starting Salary: $50,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Texas at Tyler known for?

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

    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
    Compare school
  26. #22

    Midwestern State University

    Wichita Falls , TX
    #13 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling 2025

    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

    Compare school
  27. #23

    West Texas A&M University

    Canyon , TX
    #14 Best Colleges and Universities for Biology Degrees 2025 #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Biology 2025 #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for 2025 #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs
    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
    What is West Texas A&M University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
    Compare school
  28. #24

    Texas A&M International University

    Laredo , TX
    #9 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates) #9 Best Online Master's in Public Administration Degree Programs 2025 #12 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates) 2025 #16 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025

    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

    Compare school

Studying in a Public College in Texas

Texas is tops in national rankings for education, which is why students are fighting for spots in the state’s top public universities.

Many students enroll in public colleges and universities because they are one of the most affordable options for a college degree. But affordability is just one of the factors that contribute to the popularity of these types of institutions.

Aside from affordable tuition fees, public colleges and universities in Texas offer many financial aid opportunities, diverse student bodies, world-class research opportunities, and a wide range of academic programs.

The Cost of Education in Texas

While tuition has been increasing in the past few years, primarily because of inflation, Texas has still managed to have a low average annual cost for college education.

According to recent data, undergraduate tuition in Texas for in-state students is $8,016, which is significantly lower compared to the national average of $9,375.

Two of the most expensive public colleges in Texas include Texas A&M University at College Station, with an average of $8,974, and the University of Texas at Dallas, with an average of $13,992

Aside from tuition, students should also expect to pay additional fees in Texas public colleges. Fees for printing, registration, your application, and on-campus parking are a few examples.

For online students, some schools additionally charge a technology fee. Fees can mount up, even if they seem like a small fraction of your expenses.

Other factors aside from tuition and fees affect the cost of a college education in Texas. These factors include textbooks and supplies, with an average cost of $1,290 at a public four-year institution, and on-campus housing, with an average cost of $11,557.

Pros and Cons of Public College or University in Texas

Pros:

  • Excellent academic programs
  • Employment and economic opportunity
  • Low cost of living
  • Range of college cities and communities
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Lifestyle and recreation

Cons:

  • Larger enrollments and class sizes compared to private colleges
  • Registration for preferred courses is often difficult
  • Overwhelming campus navigation

Ways to Lower the Cost of Public Colleges in Texas

Apply for Financial Aid

Public university students can expect to receive many financial aid opportunities. And on top of state and federal funding opportunities, many students are granted an institutional exemption and waiver programs from their universities, which reduces their tuition and fees significantly. 340,000 students in public colleges and universities in Texas have benefited from the institutional exemption and waiver programs.

Some of the best federal financial aid options in Texas include:

Public colleges and universities that offer the most financial aid include:

  • Texas Tech University
  • Tarleton State University
  • Texas Rio Grande Valley
  • University Of Houston
  • West Texas A& M University
  • Texas A&M International University
  • University of North Texas

Transfer Credits

Prospective students should consider transferring credits from a community college to lower their overall college expenses. Transferring credits to a four-year institution in Texas is simple, thanks to the state’s accredited community institutions.

Apply for Life Experience

By receiving college credit for prior experience, students can cut costs. Job experience, volunteer work, and military service may all be accepted as credit toward a degree. Additionally, students can use national assessment programs to test out of courses. Students who pass these exams can earn up to 30 college credits, equal to one year of undergraduate study.

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

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Texas’s Best Public College in 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

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

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