2024 Best Colleges 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

• Austin, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  6,699 reviews

Senior: I've had an amazing experience at UT. Pursuing a career in journalism, it's an honor to be studying at one of the best journalism programs in the world! I've learned so much from such amazing and accomplished journalists, and I've been able to grow my knowledge and journalistic writing and center in on exactly what path I want to go down in journalism. Along with that, I've been able to pursue other academic interests of mine through pursuing an additional degree in sociology and a certificate in human rights and social justice. I've been able to broaden my knowledge on the issues that plague marginalized communities around the world and through this I've been able to strengthen my reporting and story telling as a journalist. I've also completed four internships throughout my time at the university, and will be studying abroad in the fall! I've grown and gained so much during my time here, and I can't wait to see how much I'll learn and grow during my last year.... Read 6,699 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $16,589

• SAT range 1230-1500

• College Station, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  7,712 reviews

Alum: Texas A&M is a great place to get an education and make friends and professional connections. The opportunities to get involved in research, service, teaching, and internships are vast! The culture is unique and friendly overall, and it is easy to find your niche and family here. People come from all over Texas and the world and enrich the campus discussions. The professors are usually organized, excellent communicators, and very willing to help students. Classes can be pretty big, so it's important to stay engaged. The dorms and apartments I have lived in (Lechner, Davis-Gary, and the Gardens) have all been spacious, well-maintained, quiet, and safe. There are several good places to dine on campus; however, it can get expensive. Parking and riding the bus can be hectic although it gets easier after the first few weeks of the semester. Sometimes the off-campus activities are limited, but there is normally something happening on campus.... Read 7,712 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $22,253

• SAT range 1140-1380

• 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

• Dallas, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  1,563 reviews

Alum: I loved my professors and program at SMU! The campus is absolutely gorgeous and it's a really good size without being too small or overwhelmingly large. The school is in the perfect location for local restaurants and shops while being 10 minutes away from the nightlife of downtown and the entertainment of the districts. Overall, it was a god experience. The people weren't my favorite, but I was still able to find my own group of people that didn't give in to the "rich-kid" stereotype the school has. I think it good work on its diversity and aid, especially in the art school.... Read 1,563 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $41,986

• SAT range 1340-1510

• Fort Worth, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  1,711 reviews

Senior: TCU has an incredibly inclusive and supportive community. The professors genuinely care about their students and want their students to succeed. Many have their PhD, with years of real-world industry experience. They are great resources as mentors both in an outside the classroom. The school spirit of TCU is unlike any other school. Students are incredibly proud to be horned frogs and hold lots of school pride. This year, students have been calling TCU an "everything school" because of our success in academics and across all sports. TCU has a great campus, with state-of-the-art buildings and facilities. The dorms are well-equipped and updated, and the recreation center is a great facility. The dining hall food in the BLUU isn't great, but there's plenty of dining options on campus (a healthy smoothie bar, chick-fil-a, Peet's, flatbreads, etc.) and others on University Avenue. Fort Worth is full of culture and has great restaurants/places to explore. Overall great people, great place!... Read 1,711 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 54%

• Net price $42,574

• SAT range 1130-1350

• Lubbock, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  5,336 reviews

Junior: What I love most about going to Texas Tech are the people I've met there. I've become close friends with cancer survivors, people from halfway around the world, and people who've led protests! Almost everyone there is kind and willing to give you the time of day to just talk if you want. Classes at Tech are also excellent. The professors and instructors do an excellent job of covering material and are usually very patient with the student body. Speaking of which, Texas Tech has helped me to discover my passion for mathematics. Prior to coming here, I used to struggle and fear the topic, but after taking Calculus I've learned that It can beautiful and sometimes wonderfully simple. There's plenty to do outside of academics at Tech. A myriad of clubs and organizations are always looking for new members to join. Several facilities such as the Rec Center, the Library, and Urbanovsky park allow anyone to get out and explore campus.... Read 5,336 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $17,057

• SAT range 1110-1280

• Houston, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  6,651 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 6,651 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  716 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 716 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $9,447

• SAT range 920-1140

• Waco, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  4,498 reviews

Alum: The atmosphere was amazing! When I went to school here, there were only about 12,500 students but we all felt like a family. The professors really cared for the students. The academics were great. Professors would combine book work with projects that would prepare you best for the type of job you would retain. Even when you have graduated, you are connected with other alumni’s. It’s big enough that you don’t know everyone but small in a sense where you can cross friendship circles. When you come back to campus, many years later, it still feels like home.... Read 4,498 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $46,039

• SAT range 1160-1350

• 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  6,107 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 6,107 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $11,915

• SAT range 1010-1240

• Houston, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  749 reviews

Freshman: As a newly admitted student to the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL), I am thrilled and eager to embark on this exciting academic journey. From the moment I received my acceptance letter, I could sense that UHCL is a university that truly cares about its students' success and overall well-being. As I prepare to start my journey at UHCL, I am filled with anticipation and confidence that this university will provide me with the tools and support necessary to thrive academically and personally. I can't wait to embrace all the opportunities that await me at UHCL!... Read 749 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $16,737

• SAT range 990-1170

• Richardson, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  2,552 reviews

Alum: About me: 12/2022 alum, Healthcare Studies major, off campus, Texas resident. SIZE: Large (20k undergrads, 50+ majors across 7 schools). My classes could range from 20-200. Never felt overwhelmed by the class size. LOCATION: Suburban. Very quiet, very safe. Never felt uneasy at night. Around 20-30 min away from downtown Dallas. Good for studying. MAJORS: There’s a little more focus on STEM/ computer science/ healthcare. However, the business school (JSOM) is really good! Has received national and international recognition. HOUSING: Dorms are pretty big. One dorm set up has 3 separate rooms, each w/ doors, bed &desk. And within that dorm with the three rooms, there’s a living space, an area w/ 3 sinks, and a bathroom that locks. Very spacious. STAFF: Mostly good. Only a few bad apples. STUDENT BODY: Pleasantly diverse! ATMOSPHERE: Serene. EXTRACURRICULARS: No football. Chess, academic clubs. There are a lot of active culture clubs! TL;DR: Life is what you make it here.... Read 2,552 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $12,924

• SAT range 1220-1450

• San Marcos, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  6,535 reviews

Junior: Texas State University is a wonderful school with a beautiful campus and countless resources dedicated to help students of all sorts to succeed. With every decision I made for my education, I felt confident that it was the best one thanks to the staff and faculty who so eagerly assisted me in advising and analyzing each choice and opportunity. As for the community as a whole, it was diverse and colorful in every sense, and contained a spot for everyone, including me. I feel grateful every day that I chose to attend Texas State, that I met those I know now, and that I will be going back soon!... Read 6,535 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $16,385

• SAT range 990-1180

• Edinburg, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  2,824 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 2,824 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

• San Antonio, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,856 reviews

Freshman: This university is a great place for diversity and offers a wide variety of courses. While it’s certainly not a party school, the school has an amazing social climate for those who are more lowkey with their social interactions. They do a lot of diversity and inclusion training, and treat their freshmen class really well. The faculty and staff are extremely welcoming and nice, I have not had a bad experience with them yet! The professors are mostly very friendly and recognize hard work, and their courses are very informative and thorough. The campus is also very compact, so getting from class to class is not a hassle at all, especially if you’re scheduled back to back. The only cons I can see is the high monetary pricing of the school (as most private colleges) and the fact that the campus VA program does not communicate with the on base VA, so you’re basically setting up your benefits without a lot of help, and it also leads to a lot of misscommunication.... Read 1,856 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $21,161

• SAT range 920-1160

• 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

• Longview, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  704 reviews

Senior: Letourneau University boasts an exceptional aviation and engineering program in the United States, offering an especially conducive atmosphere for those focused on the aviation field. Recognized for its strong affiliations with esteemed partner companies, the program's reputation shines brightly. The university's commitment to practical, hands-on education is evident through these industry connections. With a blend of academic excellence and real-world exposure, Letourneau University provides a dynamic learning environment. For those aspiring to excel in aviation and engineering, this program offers an outstanding opportunity to thrive. The valuable skills and industry networks gained here pave the way for a successful future in these dynamic fields.... Read 704 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 54%

• Net price $25,932

• SAT range 1130-1370

• 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

• Abilene, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  1,422 reviews

Sophomore: I adore this place! My family was Catholic, so our upbringing was different. I have always enjoyed both hearing the biblical tales and learning about their background. I will undoubtedly continue my nursing career here at this university. I adore how each lesson includes references to God. It is very dissimilar from the previous universities I have attended.... Read 1,422 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $29,734

• SAT range 1050-1270

• 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

• Stephenville, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  1,916 reviews

Senior: Friendly environment with a lovely small town feel. Coming onto campus my freshman year I was very nervous because it was such a huge transition from high school. I was far away from my hometown friends and family in a town that I had never heard of until I applied to Tarleton. Thankfully, I was approached with open arms and quickly made friends. Tarleton has an amazing student organization that host events often to engage with students and keep the spirit of Tarleton alive. What also makes Tarleton so unique is that the president is often seen at various events and loves to talk with students and engage with them. Throughout my years at Tarleton I have joined various clubs and have made life long friends. The only thing I would change however, is the science department. Most of the professors in the department are very iffy and I have not had the best experience with them or the dean. Otherwise, I am so honored to be apart of such an amazing program and I will forever bleed purple!... Read 1,916 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $13,752

• SAT range 960-1140

• Arlington, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  4,528 reviews

Junior: Transferring to UTA from a community college, I was nervous to meet new students and about the load of the coursework. After my first week of attending classes, I made friends that I still keep in contact with today! My overall experience has impacted my daily life and attitude. UTA has contributed to the woman I am today and I am grateful for every experience! What I enjoyed most about UTA was the professor-to-student ratio. Having personal relationships inside and outside of the classroom is beneficial for both parties. What I would like to see change is the availability of tutors or SI sessions. I had some sessions that fell through due to the cancellation of staffing. Otherwise, UTA has been great for me!... Read 4,528 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $15,301

• SAT range 1000-1220