Best Colleges in Texas
The second largest state in both area and population, Texas spans through several climate zones so weather varies widely across The Lone Star State. There are six university systems, the University of Houston System, University of North Texas System, University of Texas System, Texas A&M University System, Texas State University System, and the Texas Tech University System. There are also a large number of private liberal arts colleges, theological institutions, and 9 historically black colleges and universities in Texas, to go along with the extensive community college system. Baylor University is the oldest institution in the state, whereas Rice University has the most selective admissions process. Petroleum and natural gas, farming, steel, and banking are top-ranking industries in Texas. The Alamo, Big Bend National Park, and San Antonio’s River Walk are popular attractions.
How Were the Top Schools in Texas Chosen?
Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.
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What if your next four years exceeded all expectations? Rice University sits in the heart of Houston on a 300-acre, tree-lined campus next to the Texas Medical Center and the Houston Museum District. As a top-tier research institution, we offer more...
Most professors teach well, and expect students to attend lectures and read the assigned material, which leads to good retention of information. Unfortunately, the workload can be somewhat heavy at times, depending on classes taken.
” – Bianca from Angel Fire, NM
Founded in 1869, Trinity University is a private liberal arts and sciences institution situated in San Antonio, TX. Trinity is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and offers undergrad degrees in 47 academic majors. All freshmen must take a First...
The professors at Trinity University are all very knowledgeable in their fields and outside and are passionate about what they do, which makes the classes interesting and challenging. However, the professors truly care about their students and will...
” – Kayleigh from Waco, TX
A Public Ivy and space-grant institution, the University of Texas at Austin is one of nine academic universities in the UT system, and also the first. Founded in 1883 and home to 18 schools and colleges, it is one of the largest schools in the US but...
I know you are hearing all about how big UT is and how big the classes are and how big campus is. All this might be a little intimidating and even scary for you! But no worries! There will certainly be one or two classes that you will have that are...
” – Lila from Houston, TX
The Southern Methodist University is a private research institution in Texas featuring a liberal arts curriculum. The Dallas campus provides more than 200 areas of study to choose from, along with the Locomotor Lab to address scientific questions on...
My experience at SMU has been very rewarding since it has open up for me many opportunities. After taking organic chemistry, I realized that I have a great passion for learning about how things happen at the atomic and molecular level. In addition, I...
” – Sarah from Richardson, TX
Founded in 1840, Southwestern University is a 4-year liberal arts college in the Austin metro area and the oldest university in Texas. Southwestern grants undergrad degrees in over 40 academic majors and minors. Additionally, Southwestern originated...
This school is extremely informative- classes are small, reading is crucial, student-professor relationships are personal. In such a class setting, it is difficult to let the information slide past you. Also, attendance policy is strict- you can be...
” – Cheyney from San Antonio, TX
The University of Dallas is a small, private Catholic institution based in Irving, Texas. The school offers programs in business, liberal arts, and ministry. A majority (approximately 80%) of students participate in the Rome study abroad programs. It...
This University is definitely a challenge. You will learn to make connections between two or more subjects you're studying simultaneously, and can therefore more easily apply your knowledge to everyday life and your future career...UD is big on the...
” – Amanda from Clint, TX
Founded in 1845 by the Baptist General Convention of Texas, Baylor University is a 4-year Christian institution and the oldest continuously-operating university in Texas. Baylor offers bachelor’s degrees in 128 academic fields of study. As a...
Perhaps my favorite thing about Baylor is the opportunity I have had as an honor student to have the interdisciplinary major called University Scholars. If you have high enough SAT's and enough AP classes and a good application essay, you can be...
” – Meaghan from Keller, TX
At Texas Christian University you'll find more than 100 areas of study at a Top 100 National Institution. Professors who are among the finest minds in their fields. A vibrant, active campus life where Horned Frogs cheer on comrades in Big 12...
The professors here take their jobs very seriously, and most, if not all, are always willing to help you out. They're easy to approach if you have questions or concerns, and teach their classes so that you will actually learn something. There is a...
” – Lauren from Baytown, TX
Founded by a Presbyterian missionary, Austin College is a 4-year liberal arts college in northeast Texas. Austin grants bachelor’s degrees in over 55 academic areas of study. Additionally, Austin oversees a JanTerm program where students are given...
Austin College is a great school that has a lot to offer and teach the students who attend there. This college is definitely challenging when it comes to academics to ensure that the students are prepared to graduate and be the best in whatever...
” – Cassandra from Lake Jackson, TX
LeTourneau University is a private, Christian polytechnic institution situated in Longview, Texas. On top of providing education for traditional students, LETU operates education centers for nontraditional students in Longview, Dallas, and Houston. A...
LeTourneau does not offer many, if any, fluff classes. Everything is educational, and since it is a Christian university, there is actually meaning in what you learn.
History, for example, is not a bunch of names, dates, and places that need to be...
Texas Lutheran University is a private institution situated in Seguin, TX, offering professional studies as well as the liberal arts and sciences. It is home to a biology field station and the 400-seat Chapel of the Abiding Presence which is used as...
I sure am! I was accepted to TLU in December of 2008 and started attending August of 2008 and have been there since. Providing small classes that consist of around 20 to 25 students really does make a difference. At TLU you matter unlike other...
” – Cassandra from Pleasanton, TX
Founded in 1899, Texas State University is a 4-year public school in south Texas and the largest campus in the TSU system. TSU hosts nine colleges conferring undergraduate degrees in 98 academic majors. Every year, Texas State unveils a Common...
I received 42 credit hours from IB and AP classes in high school and my first semester courses were just basically review classes for me. However, since I have all of my core classes out of the way, I can take Upperclassmen and Honors courses for my...
” – Laura from Garland, TX
Founded in 1961 by three Texas Instruments executives, the University of Texas at Dallas is a 4-year public institution in the Dallas metro area and a campus of the UT system. UT Dallas encompasses eight schools granting degrees in over 140 fields of...
Before I came, here I wasn't sure what to expect. In all honesty, I thought I'd only be learning things pertinent to my major. But it turns out that the prerequisite learning itself opens up opportunities in other fields. Although I am on the track...
” – Perry from Cypress, TX
Founded in 1852 by the Society of Mary, St. Mary’s University is a Catholic liberal arts college in San Antonio. The oldest Catholic university in Texas, St. Mary’s awards undergrad and graduate degrees in more than 75 academic programs. As a...
I can definitely say that I am learning a lot here at St. Mary's University! When I say I am learning a lot I don't only mean in a classroom. At St. Mary's University I've learned to speak out, help out, and go all out. I haven't only grown mentally...
” – Patricia from El Paso, TX
Originally founded as the Childers Classical Institute, Abilene Christian University is a 4-year Christian institution in west Texas affiliated with the Churches of Christ. ACU confers bachelor’s degrees in over 70 academic majors with a focus on...
I have learned and grown so much here. The teachers are amazing and care so much for you as a student and as a person. You will learn a ton in your classes, and will be more than prepared when you enter the work field or continue on with your...
” – Brittany from Abilene, TX
Texas Tech University is a 4-year public research university and the flagship campus of the TTU System. Texas Tech encompasses 12 colleges and schools and is the only Texas college to feature an undergraduate university, law school, and medical...
The professors that teach here are wonderful! They are understanding, compassionate and encouraging. They are always open to questions and outside-class time you may need to fully understand the concept.
” – Samantha from Katy, TX
The University of Houston is a public research institution and the third-largest university in Texas. UH is home to 16 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in 108 fields of study. A diverse campus, UH has been designated an Hispanic-...
No matter what major you'll get into, you'll definitely learn a lot. There a many professors who care if you're actually learning or not and they will try to engage you as best as they can with the amount of students they have. I'm in the Honors...
” – Gregory from Houston, TX
Opening its doors on October 4, 1876, Texas A&M University’s College Station campus was the first institution of higher education in Texas. A&M is home to 17 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 133 undergraduate degree...
I'm a chemical engineering major, which in my opinion is the hardest major at school not only because of the homework but because it challenges you to think in a completely new way. While other schools might emphasize by-the-book engineering, you're...
” – Bryn from Dallas, TX
Texas A&M University-Commerce is the second-largest of the 11 campuses in the A&M system. The public research campus features an agricultural center, which includes artificial wetlands, a native prairie reserve, an equine arena and boarding facility...
The classes here are really small which is great for me because I grew up in a small town. However, there are a lot of students that go here are from Dallas Texas. Big or small if you get involved it never gets boring.
” – Brooklyne from Commerce, TX
The University of St. Thomas is a 4-year private institution and the only Catholic university in Houston. St. Thomas confers undergraduate degrees in over 35 academic majors and the university has been designated an Hispanic-serving institution. As a...
This is an amazing school. I have learned so much. My faith has also been enhanced. They really stress the balance between faith and reason. The professors really care about who you are. You are not just a number, but a person. They enjoy teaching...
” – Karen, Houston, TX