2024 Best Colleges for Middle-Class Students in Texas

• Houston, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  1,110 reviews

Junior: I came into Rice as a transfer student this past semester. I'm happy to say I've found a place where I feel completely welcomed and appreciated. This is where I was meant to be. I am academically challenged and my curiosity is constantly mirrored in my classmates/friends. The conversations are fun and the people are genuine. Don't think that you can't apply because of how competitive it looks. They really practice the holistic approach and if you bring your unique story, passion, and perspective you have a shot. I didn't have perfect test scores, but I had a great work ethic and passion for what I do. If you want a home away from home- highly recommend!... Read 1,110 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $18,521

• SAT range 1490-1570

• San Antonio, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  742 reviews

Alum: The professors seemed to care deeply about their students' individual success; this is why I believe the very small average class size is so appealing. The campus is gorgeous and fosters creativity, tranquility, and a strong urge to cultivate one's higher will and gain a deeper understanding of the beautiful spot in time and space that we find ourselves. The coaches are all tremendous motivators, so they really arouse the desire to strive for balance and to be well-rounded in the physical in addition to the obvious mental that comes along with attending the prestigious Trinity University! My mindset was transformed at Trinity, and I learned from the genius professors, outstanding coaches, and my based colleagues that peace, purpose, and fulfillment does not involve hedonism nor a self-serving agenda. I think choosing to attend Trinity was one of the two best choices I have ever made. It is very difficult to imagine a better university filled with people half as awesome as Trinity peeps... Read 742 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 34%

• Net price $27,356

• SAT range 1280-1440

• Houston, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  6,649 reviews

Senior: Overall, my experience with the University of Houston has been vey wonderful. The staff at the student center are very helpful. One time one of the staff members walked me all the way to the building where my class is being held at. The professors at the University of Houston are very helpful as well, considering that they have 50-100 students in their class. The University of Houston made me feel right at home the first time I showed up for orientation. One thing I would change about the University of Houston would be their parking permit. I believe the parking permits are a bit overpriced, considering that we pay a lot for tuition already, but other than that their are no complaints!... Read 6,649 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $14,339

• SAT range 1140-1330

• Odessa, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  715 reviews

Freshman: It’s a great experience especially for a small university it’s very easy to get around and the hospitality in the classroom and in sports is perfect. They will welcome you with open arms and treat you like family here. I definitely recommend this college if you’re not yet ready for a big d1 school this is something you could look forward to starting off with!... Read 715 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $9,447

• SAT range 920-1140

• Lake Jackson, TX•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  243 reviews

Sophomore: Brazosport College is an easy place campus to remember where everything is at. The college is not so spread out, so that means it takes less time to get from one place to another. I enjoyed the campus; it has a friendly and peaceful environment with many helpful people. There is plenty of parking all around the campus, which is a plus, so you will not be far from your vehicle. The campus will also have these mini celebrations with free food and some little prizes for students. Brazosport College is also very close to Lake Jackson with many restaurants and stores just in case you need to stop by and grab a few things. I would just like to see Brazosport College have a few more widespread courses for different fields.... Read 243 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,891

• SAT range —

• Tyler, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  1,204 reviews

Senior: College students may have many different experiences while attending college, as each individual's experience will be unique to them. Some common experiences that college students may have include attending classes, studying for exams, participating in extracurricular activities, making new friends, and adjusting to living on their own. College can be a challenging and rewarding time for students, and their experiences will depend on a variety of factors, including the college they attend, their major, and their personal interests and goals. There are many things that students may like about college. Some common reasons why students enjoy college include the opportunity to learn new things, the chance to meet new people and make lasting friendships, the independence and freedom that come with being away from home, and the chance to explore new interests and hobbies. Additionally, many students enjoy the social and cultural events that often available on college campuses.... Read 1,204 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $11,183

• SAT range 1040-1250

• Denton, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  6,106 reviews

Junior: UNT has been the most inclusive and beneficial school for me. I have been introduced to so many wonderful peers and professors, all who are rooting for my success as a future educator. The courses I have taken have been beyond informational and inspiring with my dream career being so close! I have been educated on so many parts of our educational history that have never been mentioned to me prior, such as the Native American Boarding Schools, and the Lemon Grove Incident. I have found myself welcomed into the Mean Green community immediately upon arrival, and I recommend the University of North Texas to everyone considering!... Read 6,106 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $11,915

• SAT range 1010-1240

• San Antonio, TX•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  801 reviews

Freshman: There’s many thing to love to about St. Philip’s College! From the people, experience, studies, student life, and outside of St. Philip’s Campus. There is many people from many cultures and places that is meant to be for everyone. The studies aren’t as wide but are for those who need a degree in a year or two to work. Including the great opportunities like CNA, Cyber security, and mechanic jobs. Including possible certification after the degree plan. The student life page and alerts provide great details about events that will take place in campus, zoom, and other opportunities for college or jobs. My most favorite event is culture feast which is full of foods, people from the college or around town, and can be a called a small San Antonio experience in one place. The outside of Antonio is great when there is downtime. The San Antonio river walk with many attractions, shops, and restaurants to try.... Read 801 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,334

• SAT range —

• Carthage, TX•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  168 reviews

Sophomore: I love how personable this college is, they understand that we're all human. I've never had teachers care so much! I love how affordable it is and how easily accessible it is.... Read 168 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,080

• SAT range —

• Edinburg, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  2,823 reviews

Freshman: University with adverse culture and programs that are for every single interest a student may want to pursue. Quiet campus for those who love studying, new programs are offered for all students as innovation increases and various clubs for those with different interests while pursuing a Undergraduate/graduate degree. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers growth and advancement opportunities while creating lifelong moments in ones' educational cycle of life! P.S., They offer programs to not pay much in tuition all by passing and apply as much help as possible for you to learn!... Read 2,823 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $6,244

• SAT range 900-1120

• Victoria, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  531 reviews

Freshman: UHV is a very nice campus with great teacher. The campus has a great atmosphere for new students and with many opportunities for future internships. The campus is also very active and the school holds many functions for students to interact with one another and possible hirers. UHV also finds it a priority to celebrate all cultural backgrounds and traditions, and there are many international students to get to know. Everyone is welcomed at UHV! The exciting part is UHV is continuing to expand, especially for the athletic community UHV has shared possible expansion to their own gymnasium facilities. However, the school still accommodates the athletes they have in investing in new locker rooms for the soccer team, which I am apart of, and investing in the usage of the Victoria community baseball and softball fields for their players.... Read 531 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $11,375

• SAT range 930-1090

• Laredo, TX•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  540 reviews

Sophomore: Laredo College cares about its students, so faculty and professors are always doing their best for the students' benefit. Professors are always available to meet with students during office hours and answer questions via email. In addition, most of the credits taken at this institution transfer to other Universities in Texas. It's a great place to start! The only negative side is that most online classes are 8 weeks instead of 16. So, the classes are extremely fast and I personally would of learn the material better if the courses were longer.... Read 540 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,780

• SAT range —

• Amarillo, TX•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  626 reviews

Graduate Student: Amarillo College is an academically challenging institution of higher learning. I have gone on to become a Family Nurse Practitioner- but got my start at AC many years ago. AC is very well known for being a tough school- and I’m so glad I graduated with my first degree from there. Amarillo was a large but very clean and nicely maintained city when I lived there back then- but I cannot believe how much Amarillo has since boomed! Metroplex population of almost 300k! Anyway, AC is definitely worth it!... Read 626 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,302

• SAT range —

• San Angelo, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  1,360 reviews

Junior: Angelo State University has been very helpful to me and my future. The time I have spent here at this school has been useful. I have got an internship at an insurance company to start accounting, none of this would be possible without this university. I have had so many accounting classes that has extended my knowledge to bring me to this point. The staff has also been amazing! I may be taking online classes, but the staff is there for me at any point I need. Angelo State University is amazing and I'm glad I chose this school!... Read 1,360 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $12,835

• SAT range 950-1160

• Irving, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  529 reviews

Sophomore: The University of Dallas has opened so many doors for me in terms of lifetime friendships, growing in knowledge, and in my faith! I can't think of any other university that cares more about it's individual students and their thirst for truth.... Read 529 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $25,620

• SAT range 1110-1390

• Lufkin, TX•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  281 reviews

Sophomore: Being a student at Angelina College is not only educational, it is fun! There are lots of student involvement activities to do throughout the year. Going to watch basketball and soccer is also lots of fun! My favorite is softball, though, since I play it. Some things that I think should change are maybe some of the foods that are served in the cafeteria and the meal plan for Saturdays and Sundays. I think there should be breakfast, lunch, and supper for all days of the week. Overall, I have really enjoyed attending Angelina College.... Read 281 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,332

• SAT range —

• Waco, TX•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1,174 reviews

Graduate Student: I had a pretty good experience here! There were some teachers within the nursing program who acted like they didn’t care, but there were far more who did! They helped motivate me and even talked me off the ledge when I was thinking about quitting! In my Final semester, I didn’t have any financial aid to pay my tuition, but with the help of my advisor and financial aid, which one of my instructors told me to do, I was able to find and apply for a scholarship and finish my degree! I take loved the fact that I didn’t have to enroll myself in my classes also, so I never had to guess on what to take, even before I was in my program! They took great care of me. No educational institution is perfect, but this one shows they care!... Read 1,174 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,698

• SAT range —

• Laredo, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  1,376 reviews

Freshman: TAMIU is a great school for those just entering higher education. As a student who has attended since high school, in conjunction with the Early College Highschool in Laredo, I have gotten to see how accommodating TAMIU is for all of its students! The UNIV courses are tailored to connect you with student mentors, advisors, tutors, and other students to help you get comfortable and feel like you belong. TAMIU also has a lot of student engagement opportunities from chalk art with elementary students to booths about on-campus help like counseling and medical services. The professors at TAMIU are pioneers in their fields and have helped students succeed for years.... Read 1,376 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 54%

• Net price $5,155

• SAT range 910-1110

• San Antonio, TX•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  1,636 reviews

Niche User: Northwest Vista is an incredible college with a beautiful campus. There are some really incredible professors employed at Northwest Vista College. In particular, Robert DiGiovanni was an excellent professor who made himself available by phone via call or text! He had excellent pre-recorded videos prior (many years prior) to covid. His methodologies of working through problems were superb. I think that he is reflective of most of the professors I had at Northwest Vista College. The great thing about Northwest Vista college is that it is one of five other 2 year universities within the Alamo Colleges umbrella. This means that you have a massive selection of professors, as well as online options. The prices of courses within the Alamo Colleges system are outstanding. If you want quality for an affordable price, please check out Northwest Vista and the rest of the colleges within the Alamo College System.... Read 1,636 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,290

• SAT range —

• Waco, TX•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  655 reviews

Alum: My experience at MCC was great! All the professors I had were great and were invested in their students success. It is a good place to go to if you are not ready for a big university. They have so many resources available to students that it is impossible not to succeed, not only academically but personally as well. They also have two universities on campus that students could go to if they can not quite afford to go off to an expensive university. I had a good time at MCC but at the end of it, I knew it was time to move on. I recommend going here to anyone trying to cut costs.... Read 655 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,691

• SAT range —

• El Paso, TX•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  1,933 reviews

Sophomore: El Paso Community College (EPCC) is a beacon of higher education in the borderland. With dedicated faculty, diverse programs, and modern facilities, it stands out. The campus fosters a supportive learning environment, and outreach efforts strengthen community ties. EPCC excels in providing quality education and is a shining example of a community college. Highly recommended!... Read 1,933 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $3,982

• SAT range —

• Denton, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  2,264 reviews

Senior: My time at Texas Woman's University has been very kind to me. I am currently a Pre Pt- KINES major and I have come across some of the most graceful and professional professors during my time here. I am now in my senior year and I can confidently say that I have little to no complaints. The environment is peaceful, the staff is supportive, and our opportunities are endless! I would definitely recommend Texas Woman's University to anyone who may be interested in finding a university to become their second home.... Read 2,264 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $11,627

• SAT range 950-1160

• Beaumont, TX•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  191 reviews

Sophomore: The Dental Hygiene Degree Program is the main reason I chose LIT as my college. As a first year student, I have completed Orofacial Anatomy, Instrumentation, Preventive Care and Dental Radiology. These classes alone have helped me identify the head and neck anatomy and record any atypical findings, show me how to properly use instruments, educate my patients about proper care and take acceptable radiographs. I really enjoy being in the program. This curriculum will prepare and teach me the skills for the Dental Hygiene National Board Exam and the Clinical Regional Exam. I also chose LIT because of their offering of free classes and reduced tuition due to COVID-19. LIT has been one of the few colleges that care about their students’ health, wellbeing, and success. They offer tutoring sessions and dual credit classes for future undergraduate students planning to attend LIT. They also offer amenities at Lamar University such as the dorms, library, and the recreational sports center.... Read 191 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,627

• SAT range —

• Nacogdoches, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  2,743 reviews

Other: One of SFA's qualities is its faculty, which is committed to instructing and giving each student their undivided attention. SFA enables individualized training and coaching. The community on campus, where students can join a variety of clubs and groups, is renowned for being warm and accepting. SFA provides a broad range of academic programs in its six colleges, including those in liberal and applied arts, business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, and science and mathematics. The university also provides a variety of artistic and physical pursuits, musical performances, and much more! Overall, Stephen F. Austin State University is a renowned university with an excellent academic standing and a welcoming neighborhood. SFA is a great option for those looking for a well-rounded educational experience in a stunning location.... Read 2,743 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $16,819

• SAT range 980-1160

• Pasadena, TX•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1,958 reviews

Other: I think San Jacinto College is great! It's a helpful and cost-effective way to get your basics done and out of the way while not having to pay the considerably higher price tags that 4-year universities like to put on their introductory classes. The teachers and students I've met are all very nice, the campus isn't that bad looking and the fries in the student cafe are heavenly. My favorite parts are when the clubs or the school itself hold festivals and such. I've received a custom-made license plate, flowers, and even ice cream for free at them! Overall I'm very satisfied with my San Jac experience and would recommend it to anyone who may not want to pay the 4-year universities their high price for basics that can be done at San Jac.... Read 1,958 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,391

• SAT range —