Best Small Colleges in Texas 2025
Key Takeaways
- The best small colleges in Texas are characterized by their small student body, exceptional student support services, and high graduation rates.
- There are numerous advantages to attending the best small colleges in Texas, from small class sizes to close-knit student-alumni communities.
- Students in these small colleges receive more personalized attention than their counterparts in the largest schools in the Lone Star State.
10 Best Small Colleges in Texas 2025
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.
Trinity University remains the best small college in Texas for 2025. The University of St. Thomas is the biggest mover in our ranking between 2024 and 2025, gaining 4 positions to move into the number 8 position. Trinity has a student-to-faculty ratio of just 13-1, the university continues to emphasize personal attention, including providing every undergraduate with an online success coach. The institution is also committed to keeping education accessible through initiatives like the St. Thomas Promise, which covers all four years of undergraduate tuition for students from families earning less than $50,000 a year, ensuring students graduate debt-free.
Attending a Small College in Texas
Small colleges in Texas are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.
Did you know that some of the best small colleges in Texas were established and supported by churches? Southwestern University, established in 1843, was known as Rutersville University after its founder, Methodist minister Martin Ruter. Austin College, established in 1849, was started by the Brazos Presbytery.
Even today, the standard Texas Christian university maintains religious affiliations that strengthen the quality of higher education in these institutions.
Trinity University, a private liberal arts college, was founded by Cumberland Presbyterians in 1869. Abilene Christian University, a private university, is affiliated with the Churches of Christ. Houston Baptist University, now known as Houston Christian University, is a private Christian institution.
While these universities are considered “small colleges” due to the size of their student body—5,000 or less students in the undergraduate programs—these are big on benefits! But be sure to look at the few disadvantages of small colleges, too.
Best Small Colleges in Texas 2025
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Texas 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges in Texas 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025
Tuition + fees
$49K
Acceptance
31%
Graduation
76%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1390/31
Career Outlook for degree at Trinity University
Cost of Degree: $49,264Expenses: $16,534Starting Salary: $68,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Trinity University known for?
Trinity University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Literature
- Psychology
- Medical
- Sociology
- Mathematics
- Business
- Education
- Computer Science
- Anthropology
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Texas 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #6 Best Online Master's in Theology 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
56%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at St. Mary's University, Texas
Cost of Degree: $35,226Expenses: $15,948Starting Salary: $52,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is St. Mary's University, Texas known for?
St. Mary's University, Texas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Law
- Political Science
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
- Engineering
- Religious Studies
- Economics
- Business
- History
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Texas 2024 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Texas 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024 #7 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$48K
Acceptance
59%
Graduation
72%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1285/27
Career Outlook for degree at University of Dallas
Cost of Degree: $48,000Expenses: $18,430Starting Salary: $51,400Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Dallas known for?
University of Dallas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #10 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #17 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Texas 2024
Other Rankings
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in Texas 2024
- #6 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
- #3 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2024
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2025
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Texas 2025
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #7 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
- #9 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies 2025
- #9 The Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Bachelor's Degrees
- #9 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
- #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2025
- #13 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
- #17 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
- #17 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #19 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
- #21 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
- #24 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #12 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
60%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1175/24
Career Outlook for degree at Abilene Christian University
Cost of Degree: $40,400Expenses: $16,022Starting Salary: $48,900Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Abilene Christian University known for?
Abilene Christian University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Social Work
- Chemistry
- History
- Physics
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
Abilene Christian University’s Online Degrees
BS in Digital Media
Degree Concentrations
- Film Production
- General Track
- Graphic Design
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Management
Degree Concentrations
- Leadership
- Human Resource Management
- Operations
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Marketing
Degree Concentrations
- General Track
- Analytics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Technology Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Cyber Security
- App Development
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Integrated Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Customized
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Applied Communication
Degree Concentrations
- Organizational Change
- Healthcare Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Child and Family Services
Degree Concentrations
- General Track
- Child Life
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Christian Service and Formation
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Communication Disorders
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health and Human Performance
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Healthcare Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Change Management
- General Track
- Public and Community Health
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$49K
Acceptance
45%
Graduation
72%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1237/27
Career Outlook for degree at Southwestern University
Cost of Degree: $48,450Expenses: $15,300Starting Salary: $63,400Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southwestern University known for?
Southwestern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Economics
- Mathematics
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Texas 2024 #9 Best Christian Colleges in Texas 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024
Tuition + fees
$45K
Acceptance
54%
Graduation
73%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1265/27
Career Outlook for degree at Austin College
Cost of Degree: $44,212Expenses: $15,608Starting Salary: $52,800Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Austin College known for?
Austin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- History
- Medical
- Economics
- Education
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
- Anthropology
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$10K
Graduation
16%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Texas College
Cost of Degree: $10,108Expenses: $12,200Starting Salary: $28,000Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Texas College known for?
Texas College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Criminal Justice
- Mathematics
- Religious Studies
- Education
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Associate's of Counseling Degree Programs #13 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
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: $32,484Expenses: $14,756Starting Salary: $59,600Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of St. Thomas known for?
University of St. Thomas ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Communications
- Engineering
- Medical
- Business
- Political Science
- Philosophy
- Literature
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Texas 2024 #4 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies #6 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry #7 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
57%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1085/22
Career Outlook for degree at Dallas Baptist University
Cost of Degree: $35,310Expenses: $13,947Starting Salary: $49,200Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Dallas Baptist University known for?
Dallas Baptist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
- Business
- Philosophy
- History
- Education
- Communications
- Psychology
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
Dallas Baptist University’s Online Degrees
BBS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBS in Finance
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Health Care Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBS in Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Management Information Systems
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBS 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
BBS in Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Biblical Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Christian Ministries
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Christian Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Christian Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
26%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
965/18
Career Outlook for degree at Sul Ross State University
Cost of Degree: $7,649Expenses: $16,404Starting Salary: $41,400Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Sul Ross State University known for?
Sul Ross State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #19 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #21 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Texas 2024 #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Christian Counseling Degree Programs 2025
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's of Theology Degree Programs in 2025
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
- #11 Best Online Master’s in Human Services
- #13 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies 2025
- #13 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs
- #13 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
49%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/24
Career Outlook for degree at Houston Christian University
Cost of Degree: $36,600Expenses: $14,892Starting Salary: $52,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Houston Christian University known for?
Houston Christian University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Medical
- Law
- Nursing
- Literature
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Business
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
Houston Christian University’s Online Degrees
BBA in Managerial Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Marketing
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Managerial Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Management
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Theological Studies
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Biblical Studies
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 27
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #14 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024 #15 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs #17 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs
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: $31,686Expenses: $14,233Starting Salary: $48,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hardin–Simmons University known for?
Hardin–Simmons University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- History
- Medical
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #23 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #25 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
Tuition + fees
$51K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
65%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1150/23
Career Outlook for degree at St. Edward's University
Cost of Degree: $50,766Expenses: $18,012Starting Salary: $55,700Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is St. Edward's University known for?
St. Edward's University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Political Science
- Communications
- Economics
- Business
- Biology
- Philosophy
- History
- Religious Studies
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #25 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #12 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
33%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1005/17
Career Outlook for degree at Texas Wesleyan University
Cost of Degree: $36,128Expenses: $15,432Starting Salary: $44,400Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Texas Wesleyan University known for?
Texas Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Medical
- Biology
- History
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Computer Science
- Education
- Political Science
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
Texas Wesleyan University’s Online Degrees
BBA in Pathway Degree Completion
- Required Credits: 54
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
19%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Wayland Baptist University
Cost of Degree: $22,368Expenses: $13,910Starting Salary: $47,200Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wayland Baptist University known for?
Wayland Baptist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
- Political Science
- Earth Sciences
- Religious Studies
- Law
- Education
- Mathematics
- Social Work
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
57%
Graduation
29%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Paul Quinn College
Cost of Degree: $13,798Expenses: $11,250Starting Salary: $29,800Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Paul Quinn College known for?
Paul Quinn College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Medical
- Law
- Religious Studies
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- History
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Texas 2025 #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Texas 2024 #8 Best Online Associate in Cybersecurity #10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
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: $34,470Expenses: $14,868Starting Salary: $56,800Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is LeTourneau University known for?
LeTourneau University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Medical
- Business
- Religious Studies
- Communications
- History
- Nursing
- Computer Science
- Sociology
- Education
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
- #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas #23 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024 #24 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
39%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Texas
Cost of Degree: $35,620Expenses: $17,994Starting Salary: $51,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Concordia University Texas known for?
Concordia University Texas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Concordia University Texas’s Online Degrees
BA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAAS in Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Computer Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice & Criminology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication
Degree Concentrations
- Public Relations and Advertising Concentration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Multidisciplinary
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$14K
Graduation
24%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Wiley College
Cost of Degree: $12,500Expenses: $6,800Starting Salary: $30,700Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wiley College known for?
Wiley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Religious Studies
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
- Education
- Literature
- Biology
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
50%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Schreiner University
Cost of Degree: $35,614Expenses: $11,832Starting Salary: $44,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Schreiner University known for?
Schreiner University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
62%
Graduation
32%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1025/20
Career Outlook for degree at Howard Payne University
Cost of Degree: $31,650Expenses: $13,812Starting Salary: $40,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Howard Payne University known for?
Howard Payne University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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: $30,212Expenses: $13,800Starting Salary: $46,400Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #19 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #3 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates) #7 Top 7 Best Online Social Work PhDs (DSW Programs) 2024 #16 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$31K
Graduation
38%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Our Lady of the Lake University
Cost of Degree: $31,124Starting Salary: $42,500What is Our Lady of the Lake University known for?
Our Lady of the Lake University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Our Lady of the Lake University’s Online Degrees
BSW in Social Work
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$3K
Graduation
37%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Brazosport College
Cost of Degree: $3,314Starting Salary: $43,500What is Brazosport College known for?
Brazosport College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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: $26,300Expenses: $15,406Starting Salary: $50,500Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lubbock Christian University known for?
Lubbock Christian University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Medical
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Religious Studies
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Big Fish in a Small Pond: Merits of Being Students in a Small Colleges
Many of the best small colleges in Texas are liberal arts colleges that offer academic programs in social sciences, criminal justice, and interdisciplinary studies, among others. With under 5,000 students, the student-to-faculty ratio ranges from 10:1 to 5:1.
With that in mind, numerous benefits of small colleges can be concluded.
- Small class sizes. In contrast with large research universities, small colleges have correspondingly small class sizes—lecture halls with a hundred students are unlikely. In many small colleges, a class can consist of 50 or less students; many classes can even have 20 or less students. Small class sizes means more opportunities for class discussions and social interactions.
Professors teach the classes themselves. Most of the best small colleges in Texas don’t have graduate programs, thus, teaching assistants are uncommon in classrooms. Professors then assume most, if not all, the teaching responsibilities in and out of the classroom that, in turn, encourages stronger commitment to education. (Professors aren’t subjected to the publish-or-perish mindset with emphasis on research in large universities).
Higher quality of evaluation and feedback. Since professors handle small classes, there’s more time and attention given to the evaluation of the students’ academic performance. Students benefit from the more constructive feedback and suggestions, thus, allowing them more opportunities for personal growth.
Professors are also more likely to assign more papers and projects that enable students to develop their communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
More personalized attention for students. With small class sizes comes the opportunity for more personalized attention from professors toward students.
One-on-one attention is of particular importance when writing a senior thesis project and other activities that benefit from academic advising. More student-professor collaborations are also possible.
- Greater curricular freedom. Small colleges are more likely to give students more leeway in their studies, particularly in their choices of courses that meet their individual needs. Interdisciplinary studies are popular in small colleges for this reason.
Most importantly, a small college has a more closely knit community than large universities—the latter can have an isolating effect (i.e., being alone in a large crowd).
But small colleges have their disadvantages, too, including, fewer research resources and facilities; less variety in its social and sports programs; and fewer choices in majors.
Suitable Candidates: Are You Right for a Small College?
First off, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons of small colleges. Ask yourself these questions. If you respond “yes” to most or all of them, then a small college may be right for you.
- Do you enjoy the class discussions and participation in a small class?
- Do you thrive in close relationships—appropriate, of course—with your teachers and see them as mentors?
- Do you like more detailed constructive criticism of your work?
- Do you like the freedom of choosing your academic program of study?
But even with affirmative answers, you should do a campus tour of the small colleges you want to be in! It’s the best way to see whether you will fit in or not.
The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Texas is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 39 small colleges in Texas. The list below of the 25 best small colleges in Texas. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.