Best Small Colleges in Texas 2025

Badge for BEST IN TEXAS SMALL COLLEGES

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.

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. #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: $49,264
    Expenses: $16,534
    Starting Salary: $68,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. 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: $35,226
    Expenses: $15,948
    Starting Salary: $52,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. 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: $48,000
    Expenses: $18,430
    Starting Salary: $51,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. 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: $40,400
    Expenses: $16,022
    Starting Salary: $48,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
  5. #5

    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: $48,450
    Expenses: $15,300
    Starting Salary: $63,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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: $44,212
    Expenses: $15,608
    Starting Salary: $52,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. #7

    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: $12,200
    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

  8. 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: $32,484
    Expenses: $14,756
    Starting Salary: $59,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. 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: $35,310
    Expenses: $13,947
    Starting Salary: $49,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  10. 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: $7,649
    Expenses: $16,404
    Starting Salary: $41,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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

  11. 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: $36,600
    Expenses: $14,892
    Starting Salary: $52,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  12. 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: $14,233
    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
  13. 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: $50,766
    Expenses: $18,012
    Starting Salary: $55,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  14. #14

    Texas Wesleyan University

    Fort Worth , TX

    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: $36,128
    Expenses: $15,432
    Starting Salary: $44,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Texas Wesleyan University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Texas Wesleyan University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Pathway Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 54
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    19%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Wayland Baptist University

    Cost of Degree: $22,368
    Expenses: $13,910
    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

  16. #16

    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: $13,798
    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

  17. #17

    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: $34,470
    Expenses: $14,868
    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
  18. Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Texas

    Cost of Degree: $35,620
    Expenses: $17,994
    Starting Salary: $51,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  19. #19

    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
  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: $35,614
    Expenses: $11,832
    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. #21

    Howard Payne University

    Brownwood , TX

    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: $31,650
    Expenses: $13,812
    Starting Salary: $40,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  22. #22

    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: $30,212
    Expenses: $13,800
    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
  23. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Our Lady of the Lake University

    Cost of Degree: $31,124
    Starting Salary: $42,500
    What 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
  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: $3,314
    Starting Salary: $43,500
    What is Brazosport College known for?

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

  25. 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: $26,300
    Expenses: $15,406
    Starting Salary: $50,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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

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.

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