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2018 Top Public Universities in TexasAbout this List

The Top Public Universities ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of reviews from students and alumni. The ranking compares over 500 public colleges and state universities. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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45 results

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  1. University of Texas - Austin

    • 4 Year
    • Austin, TX
    • 5,644
    1 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Junior: In one sentence:there.is.something.for.everyone! UT Austin is simply the best in making a large school feeling immediately smaller by the countless communities you can jump right into. From political to adventurous student organizations, to meeting the very brightest professors and students in your chosen field, you will never cease to be amazed by the unlimited amount of opportunities available to you. For instance, I am a double major in Government and International Relations and Global Studies and am continuously amazed at the amount of programs, events, lectures , courses, and books available just for students in those majors. Your college's department of Career Services will blow you away as well, they will provide any and all resources to ensure your success after graduation. Most of all, UT is a highly respected university in the state of Texas and beyond, a degree from UT will go a very long way! I highly recommend studying here.
    Read 5,644 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 40% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,010 Net Price
    • 1140-1410 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Texas A&M University

    • 4 Year
    • College Station, TX
    • 6,354
    2 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Senior: This is a large school, however it feels small. The people are friendly and you often see people you know on campus. College Station is not the most interesting place, but it has everything you need. Game days in the fall as a student are incredible, there is nothing else quite like it! There are plenty of ways to get involved and find your niche, through clubs, organizations or Greek life. Most importantly, academics are great here. Programs are rigorous and the instructors are highly qualified. There are plenty of resources available to help you succeed. TAMU is also steeped in traditions that make it an incredibly unique college experience!
    Read 6,354 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 67% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,455 Net Price
    • 1070-1310 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. University of Texas - Dallas

    • 4 Year
    • Richardson, TX
    • 1,970
    3 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Alum: UT Dallas has a great return on investment. They place a lot of emphasis on academic growth and career success, and many students are offered generous scholarships during their undergrad. If money is a concern for you, I would strongly consider applying and seeing what scholarships you earn, because that was the deciding factor for me when I was in high school. Social life is lacking a bit but improving overall. It's important to get yourself out there and get involved in organizations, people I know in Greek life have also really enjoyed their experience. UTD is fairly close to Dallas and has a modern-type campus with many new buildings recently built. Campus food is excellent now with many options, there is also a full Starbucks store on campus.

    Overall, UTD is actually a great school that focuses on academics but has also improved in many other areas recently. If value is a crucial factor for you, I would strongly recommend going here for college!
    Read 1,970 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 68% Acceptance Rate
    • $10,254 Net Price
    • 1140-1380 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Texas Tech University

    • 4 Year
    • Lubbock, TX
    • 4,312
    4 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Freshman: Texas Tech University is a fantastic place to go to school. The school is vibrant, the students are largely enthusiastic, both the locals and more experienced students alike are welcoming, and most importantly, it isn't the most expensive option. With a police response time beneath a minute thanks to their blue light system set up all around campus, the massive number of resources available to the average student (including a free use 3D printer in the library!), and food that's relatively cheap with a massive student discount available, living and schooling at Texas Tech is a phenomenal experience that I would recommend to anyone looking to go to school in Texas.

    So long as you don't mind the 8 hour trip to get to anywhere noteworthy, that is!
    Read 4,312 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 63% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,235 Net Price
    • 1020-1200 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. University of Houston

    • 4 Year
    • Houston, TX
    • 5,587
    5 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Freshman: Amazing university. All the staffs energy is used to help students excel and succeed. There are many different orangizations that can aid students in their academic course work. The variety of clubs and diversity of the university allows students to feel included and involved. There is a wide spectrum of majors and minors. Everything from gender studies to Chinese culture! The university of Houston has many amenities that may benefit residential and commuting students such as a recreational center, three different food courts, an eight floor library, and three tutoring centers! My experience here has been nothing but the best!
    Read 5,587 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 59% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,571 Net Price
    • 1040-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. University of North Texas

    • 4 Year
    • Denton, TX
    • 5,050
    6 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Junior: I have now attended UNT for almost 3 years now. What drew to the school was its affordability, as well as, the diversity. The campus includes a broad range of students, but even though many are from different backgrounds, the campus has the ability of bringing everyone together. While living on campus, I have never felt more safe, safety is a top priority for the school and I am proud to call myself an eagle. The resources available on school are simply amazing, so you should never feel behind on anything course related. For the future, I am considering on continuing with a graduate academic career in the near future at UNT. Go Mean Green!
    Read 5,050 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $10,424 Net Price
    • 980-1200 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. Texas State University

    • 4 Year
    • San Marcos, TX
    • 5,472
    7 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Sophomore: TXST is very diverse and accepting of all different types of individuals. Coming into my freshman year of college I was extremely shy and avoidant but my professors and classmates definitely brought me out of my comfort zone in a way that I feel my absolute best and most confident, especially academically. The amount of resources offered here at TXST are helpful, there is always help around every corner! My favorite part about being a bobcat is the energy associated walking through TXST’s campus, someone is always giving out free food (always accept free food in college), people play music, programs are out in the Quad doing activities at times and the overall feeling from being a student here at Texas State is powerful. If I could restart from my freshman year, I wouldn’t change a thing. Becoming a bobcat at Texas State University was the best decision I’ve ever made, and I am grateful for my high level of education.
    Read 5,472 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,647 Net Price
    • 930-1120 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. University of Texas - Tyler

    • 4 Year
    • Tyler, TX
    • 1,020
    8 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Junior: I transferred to the University of Texas at Tyler after I finished my basics and have loved every second of it here! The atmosphere of the school is very peaceful. As a current Nursing student in the Bachelors program, I could not ask for better professors to be teaching. They really want us to succeed and do everything they can to help get us where we want to be. I know that when I graduate I will be the utmost prepared for my future career as an RN. UT Tyler encourages students to push themselves, but also their staff is willing to aide the students in anyway they need to be successful.
    Read 1,020 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 69% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,492 Net Price
    • 950-1150 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. University of Texas - Arlington

    • 4 Year
    • Arlington, TX
    • 3,651
    9 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Sophomore: I am a single mother of 2 girls (9&7) and I am finally finishing my degree in want I want to do. I am in the teaching program and the teachers are wonderful! They really take the time to help, especially professor Glenda Mitchell. My teaching advisor Miss Little has been wonderful in helping me finishing my teaching degree.
    I have had friends that have gone through the teaching program at UTA and all of them have gotten jobs before they have even graduated. There are high praises for the teaching program at UTA Arlington.
    I am truly impressed with the way the professors are really there to help you out. And if you cannot make their office hours they accommodate you with a different time so they can assist you.
    I am very impressed with the math program at UTA Arlington. I honestly did not think UTA Arlington was that good of a college until it started going there. I am very impressed.
    Read 3,651 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 70% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,952 Net Price
    • 950-1190 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  12. Sponsored

    Southwestern Assemblies of God University

    • 4 Year
    • Waxahachie, TX
    • 767

    Senior: Southwestern Assemblies of God University is the type of place where you just feel right at home and welcomed as soon as you arrive. The students as well as the faculty go out of their way to help others when they need it. One of the best parts of living on campus is the dorm life. Upon reading this, you may seem a bit skeptical seeing as how its an "Assemblies of God" campus which in your mind is summed up as "reserved, strict, and overall an anti-'good time' living." However, although the University are somewhat strict and frowns upon most cases of going out partying and drinking and has a curfew during the academic year, the atmosphere on each of the halls I wouldn't describe as anything less than family-like. Living on a small campus may seem to some as a disadvantage, but it enables you to become familiar with almost everyone on the campus which can have several benefits.
    Read 767 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 23% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,466 Net Price
    • 800-1030 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  13. Texas A&M International University

    • 4 Year
    • Laredo, TX
    • 1,193
    10 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Junior: TAMIU is an amazing college in many aspects including housing, sports, extra curricular activities, organizations, clubs, community service, etc. They focus on making Dust-devils feel at home, and help them grow to achieve all of their goals. TAMIU academics are excellent, and if anyone would like to get involved, they have 150+ clubs and organizations. Our professors are great and completely qualified to teach, also they are absolutely easy to contact and get acquainted with. Our offices and staff are there to help students with anything they need. There are plenty of facilities as well to help students get active. We also have a Student Center where students come together to eat at the diner, relax in the couches or use the computers at the Skylab. This is the next amazing destination! The International U.
    Read 1,193 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 53% Acceptance Rate
    • $7,021 Net Price
    • 820-1020 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Stephen F Austin State University

    • 4 Year
    • Nacogdoches, TX
    • 2,410
    11 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Sophomore: Stephen F. Austin is located in a small city with not much to do, which is its biggest downfall, however everything else is exceptional. The professors are overly nice, welcoming, and really do care about the success of their students. I have not met one professor who doesn’t want to help their students. Besides academics, the athletic department is amazing. SFA is LOUD! We have soooo much school spirit, and win at almost everything. Everyone I have met so far has been very nice and you make new friends everyday.
    Read 2,410 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 62% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,987 Net Price
    • 870-1090 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Sam Houston State University

    • 4 Year
    • Huntsville, TX
    • 3,193
    12 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Junior: I am a first year transfer student from Lone Star College to Sam Houston State University. I was apprehensive and nervous about attending such a large, well-known university, but I now feel more comfortable here. I have been making good grades so far (3.5 GPA) and all of my teachers have been very open to student communication. I can tell that they genuinely want to help their students succeed. My only prominent complaint is all of the construction on campus. Maneuvering through the dirty sidewalks and the one-way streets outlined in cones can be annoying. However, I know that the finished structures will improve academics and student life in the long run, and I cannot wait to see what else Sam Houston State has in store for me in the coming semesters!
    Read 3,193 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,365 Net Price
    • 870-1070 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  17. University of Texas - San Antonio

    • 4 Year
    • San Antonio, TX
    • 3,921
    13 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Sophomore: The University of Texas at San Antonio is a great place to obtain a higher education due to the good student- to-teacher ratio, the extremely helpful professors, and the friendly campus atmosphere. For UTSA being a relitavley new school, it has established itself well in the Alamo city with its engaging Fiesta events such as Best Fest during the spring semester. I love how transparent Roadrunner’s are and how we are always willing to lend a hand to a friend in need. The parking situation can be a bit tedious at times, but besides that, UTSA has been a wonderful college experience so far!
    Read 3,921 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,107 Net Price
    • 920-1130 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. West Texas A&M University

    • 4 Year
    • Canyon, TX
    • 1,081
    14 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Niche User: I love West Texas A&M University! It is located in Canyon, TX. Canyon is a very calm town with just enough happening around it to keep you busy on and off campus. Once you step onto campus, you will find yourself feeling right at home. However, some parts of the dorms are under construction and that can be a slight hassle. Other than that, WTAMU is a great place to further your education!
    Read 1,081 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 60% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,022 Net Price
    • 850-1060 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Texas A&M University - Commerce

    • 4 Year
    • Commerce, TX
    • 978
    15 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Freshman: Commerce is a great place to attend college! The campus is small, so you get more one on one time in class. This helped me to learn more and made me more confident around my classmates. We were even division II National Campions in football this year! It really boosted morale and made us feel bigger than our small campus. Everything I experienced in Commerce made me appreciate the small campus and I loved every moment. If one can look past the isolated feeling at times, it is a great place to learn and make life long friends.
    Read 978 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 46% Acceptance Rate
    • $9,032 Net Price
    • 870-1080 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley

    • 4 Year
    • Edinburg, TX
    • 2,145
    16 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Freshman: I love UTRGV because it's so close to my own house. If you're looking for a college that'll ensure you get your basics done and career into Engineering/Nursing, then this school is the one! The people I've met at UTRGV aren't the best individuals, but the ones that stick around in your life are the real treasure here. The culture here is very friendly and despite me working part-time here, all my 'customers' are nice and friendly and very patient with New comers! The teachers you meet show that they actually put genuine thought and belief into the subject that they teach, unlike most Highschools you recently get out of. The people you meet with when assigned for groups actually care about their grade, so I doubt you'll find much slackers trying to sink the group down by not contributing. It's a small college though, but I'm okay with it!
    Read 2,145 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 64% Acceptance Rate
    • $4,432 Net Price
    • 850-1050 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

    • 4 Year
    • Corpus Christi, TX
    • 1,815
    17 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Alum: My time at TAMUCC started off rocky due to having had an academic advisor that didn't direct me to the degree plan that best suited me. After changing to a different degree plan that contained classes that were more relevant to my career goal, the department of Kinesiology guided me the entire way! They were very encouraging and willing to help their students to the best of their abilities. Although I am grateful that I graduated, I miss taking classes at TAMUCC.
    Read 1,815 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,025 Net Price
    • 850-1060 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  22. Sponsored

    Trinity University - Texas

    • 4 Year
    • San Antonio, TX
    • 671

    Sophomore: I am an international student at Trinity.

    Trinity has furnished me with countless great memories. With three years of required on-camps housing, you will definitely feel at home here and experience the southern hospitality on campus.

    Also, Trinity's challenging courses and respectful + intellectual student body will help you grow as a well-rounded and open-minded person.

    Enrolling at Trinity was one of the best decisions of my life! My amazing teachers and friends made this campus my sanctuary, San Antonio my hometown, and Spurs my favorite team!

    I hope it will be home for many great people as well.
    Read 671 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 41% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,569 Net Price
    • 1160-1370 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  23. University of Texas - El Paso

    • 4 Year
    • El Paso, TX
    • 2,469
    18 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Freshman: The school is located near downtown. There are many restaurants nearby. Also, there are bars and clubs nearby if you are interested in the night life! I am a freshman. So far, my instructors have taught well! A lot of work is required, but I'm sure that goes for any university. There are students of all ages. The parking is TERRIBLE. The school has purchased all parking anywhere near the school and parking permits are needed everywhere. I tried to buy a parking permit but there were no more available. So I was forced to walk a mile to classes, and even still had to pay at parking meters. I didn't mind the walk, but sometimes could not find parking. Another thing I didn't appreciate is that there are no places where I could pump my breast milk, since I am a breastfeeding momma. I always had to pump in restrooms which seemed unsanitary and quite frankly stinky at times. My adviser has been great! She is very helpful. I really do like the school, these were just a few concerns of mine.
    Read 2,469 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $5,713 Net Price
    • 820-1030 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  24. University of Texas - Permian Basin

    • 4 Year
    • Odessa, TX
    • 582
    19 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Senior: I did not think that I would love this school as much as I do. It is bigger than a 2 year school, but it is not too big that it is overwhelming. Rather than being in a class with 400 people, you are in much smaller classes and the professors really care to get to know you. There are so many resources available to the students that many of the students use on a regular basis. Housing, recreational, dining, and student activities are many of the things that make this school so great. Falcons up!
    Read 582 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 81% Acceptance Rate
    • $9,109 Net Price
    • 850-1060 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. Tarleton State University

    • 4 Year
    • Stephenville, TX
    • 1,576
    20 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Freshman: Tarleton is a very welcoming college straight from the start. You couldn’t ask for better people, from the students to the professors. Very rarely will you run into someone that is impolite. The campus is very nice. There are some rough professors that don’t teach very well but they are outnumbered by ones that you will have an easier time learning from. The campus has many organizations you can join, you will not get bored here. Also, the president and his wife are very involved in student life and never hesitates to carry a conversation! Highly recommend this school.
    Read 1,576 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 50% Acceptance Rate
    • $10,615 Net Price
    • 850-1050 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. University of Houston - Downtown

    • 4 Year
    • Houston, TX
    • 1,108
    21 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Freshman: It's cheap, easy to get scholarships, easy to get recognized, safe, and it has a small environment which is ideal for a college student to get to know their professors. Plus, it's right in downtown! I am part of a honor society for STEM majors and they provided the opportunity for me to do scientific research, and I am in my freshmen year! (also getting a stipend for it). The university is also down the block from the world's largest medical center (hint hint pre-med and pre-nursing students)! As for the social life, one can say that students do somewhat lack is school spirit because it is a commute school so once students are done with classes, they leave. However, it is easier to get involved because of the small environment! I work as a personal trainer at the campus recreation center and I am also part of the orientation team. So I would say that I have been very blessed here at UHD! As my freshmen year is coming to an end, I realize I would not want it anywhere else.
    Read 1,108 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 83% Acceptance Rate
    • $6,450 Net Price
    • 820-990 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. Angelo State University

    • 4 Year
    • San Angelo, TX
    • 1,162
    22 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Freshman: Everyone is super friendly & the classes are a decent size! The professors take their job very seriously. There could be more events that were more inclusive of everyone, but overall there is lots of activities to do! There is also a ton of job opportunities on campus, which will work with your school schedule.
    Read 1,162 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $10,943 Net Price
    • 870-1060 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  30. Texas Woman's University

    • 4 Year
    • Denton, TX
    • 1,871
    23 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Senior: I am currently on my second and last year at Texas Woman’s University (TWU) in Denton Tx. I transferred from a community college to TWU as an incoming Junior to attend the dental hygiene program for the class of 2019. This university has open many doors for me and has allowed me to grow both as a student and as a future healthcare provider. The campus is great, not huge, not small but just the perfect size. During my time I have attended numerous student life events and the students are awesome. As far as academics go, the school offers many opportunities to choose from so I’m sure incoming students will feel at home. Moreover, the professors are friendly and really want you to succeed, so if you’re the type that worries about not having individual attention, no need to worry here because the class ratio is perfect for that matter. Overall, I am proud to have chosen this school as my number one choice to further my higher education. Go, Pioneers!
    Read 1,871 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 86% Acceptance Rate
    • $8,881 Net Price
    • 830-1050 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  31. Midwestern State University

    • 4 Year
    • Wichita Falls, TX
    • 962

    Junior: Midwestern State University is a good school overall. There are a lot of opportunities on campus to get involved. These include, numerous clubs, fraternities, sororities as well as athletics and the arts. Academically, Midwestern State is excellent and its different departments offer different opportunities for its students to get scholarships as they are posted in each department. Midwestern State also encourages the all rounded education of its students as it requires each student to take classes outside of their major. The institution is also home to a variety of students from all over the world; it boasts students from the Caribbean, Africa, as well as Asia. Its diverse range of students encourages students to interact with cultures different from their own and encourages inclusivity and acceptance of everyone irregardless of their background.
    Read 962 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $9,777 Net Price
    • 870-1080 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. Prairie View A & M University

    • 4 Year
    • Prairie View, TX
    • 2,089

    Sophomore: My experience at this University was like no other! The campus has a very welcoming spirit to all visitors and incoming freshman. I didn't look at this campus as just the college I was attending, but more or so a family! I wouldn't change my experience at all. I've met some lifelong friends that I can truly say that has my back. Of course there's are going to be a couple of issues here and there with teachers, peers, and financial aid, but overall the experience made a huge and positive impact on my life.
    Read 2,089 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 85% Acceptance Rate
    • $9,813 Net Price
    • 750-940 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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