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2020 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 for 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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  1. University of Texas - Austin

    • 4 Year
    • Austin, TX
    • 5,915 reviews
    #1 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Freshman: The University of Texas at Austin has so much to offer to its students. There is never a dull moment on campus. Not only are students taught by world-renowned faculty, who want their students to succeed, but there are over a thousand student organizations, visits by famous world leaders, musical performances, and exciting athletic events year around. The University of Texas at Austin does a great job providing resources to fit every students' needs. No matter what your situation is there is a team of people eagerly waiting to help. The best part about the University of Texas at Austin is that its located in Austin, Texas. In Austin, you will never run out of things to do. If you have a more active lifestyle there are countless opportunities to go hiking, swimming, or rock climbing. If you like music, art, and film then head over to the 200 plus venues, museums, art galleries, and theaters located all across the city. Austin is my home away from home, and I hope it can be yours too!
    Read 5,915 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 36% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,356 Net Price
    • 1220-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Texas A&M University

    • 4 Year
    • College Station, TX
    • 6,706 reviews
    #2 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Sophomore: Texas A&M is an amazing school that makes every student feel apart of something important. It is incredible that such a large school can still find a way to assure that every student feels apart of the family that is the Aggies. There are so many amazing opportunities that comes along with attending Texas A&M which is another reason it is such an awesome school. Aggies helping Aggies. There is a club for everyone, there are people for everyone, there is a special place for everyone. Classes are great and professors truly want the best for the students. I have learned so much, school wise and about myself during my first year at TAMU and I can't wait to go back!
    Read 6,706 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,554 Net Price
    • 1140-1360 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. University of Texas - Dallas

    • 4 Year
    • Richardson, TX
    • 2,115 reviews
    #3 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Sophomore: I currently attend UTD and will be a sophomore in the Fall 2019 semester. I like how it's academically rigorous and mainly keeps its students focused (competitive school grade-wise) yet the professors care about us taking the right steps to succeed! The professors make themselves extremely available IF the student is actively willing to improve how they are doing in a specific class. However, there are other ways that UTD could improve student life. I commute and find that most social events occur during the evening when I must be back home as well as many of the organizations' meetings. UTD must have a better way of promoting it and should invest in a more interactive app for all of the social events to be posted on! I feel that not everyone goes on the Galaxy website and look at the Comet Calendar. They host plenty of study sessions and academic events but not enough is done for the social side and if that were to be refined the university would be at an even better standing.
    Read 2,115 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $10,036 Net Price
    • 1220-1430 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  4. Texas Tech University

    • 4 Year
    • Lubbock, TX
    • 4,562 reviews
    #4 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Senior: Texas Tech is a great size school, being a mid-to-large-sized university but also has a bit of a smaller feel in that you know more people than expected with such a student population size. People in the city of Lubbock and at Tech are generally friendly. Tech for its size tries very hard to support its students and offers great student amenities all the time - you just have to take advantage! I'm not sure how the difficulty of Tech's academic programs compare to other programs, but while it is good some classes seem a waste of time due to extreme easiness or an abundance of busy work with no adequate learning. However, other classes can be very challenging so it really depends on the department's chosen approach and expectations for the course and the professor(s) teaching the course. Lubbock as a city is a good college town, however, I would not like to stay here past my graduation as it is quite spread out and less "happening" than I am used to being from the Houston area.
    Read 4,562 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 69% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,820 Net Price
    • 1070-1240 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. University of Houston

    • 4 Year
    • Houston, TX
    • 5,881 reviews
    #5 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Graduate Student: University of Houston is a phenomenal school to invest the next 4 years of your life as well as money! For a university level education, it is very affordable and located in an area where living is also very affordable. Even if the school is considered a commuter school there are many organizations ( fraternity, sorority, dance teams, anime club, business clubs ) students can join to make friends and feel more involved in the community. The university offers many majors, 2 professional schools, and many graduate programs. They have branches all over the state of Texas. This university is reputable where freshly graduates do not have trouble finding a job! It is located in an area where major companies or the company of your dreams will hire fresh graduate students full time or offer internships . I would highly recommend this University!
    Read 5,881 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,664 Net Price
    • 1110-1280 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. University of North Texas

    • 4 Year
    • Denton, TX
    • 5,330 reviews
    #6 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Freshman: The professors here are very personable and the campus is easy to get around! UNT features awesome amenities like a huge food court with plenty of options (the University Union,) free bus transportation, and so many tutoring opportunities if you're struggling! They really care for us students here and offer free mental health counseling, a clinic for any health issues, and assistance with testing/essays. The only downsides would be the parking situation for students that live off campus and freshmen who have to park across I-35 and the older residence halls. Aside from these little obstacles, UNT is a wonderful university (and definitely worth the price!) Go Mean Green!
    Read 5,330 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,053 Net Price
    • 1060-1260 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. Texas State University

    • 4 Year
    • San Marcos, TX
    • 5,735 reviews
    #7 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Sophomore: I work and attend courses at Texas State University, and there really isn’t much I can complain about. All the professors I’ve had have been great, with some of them winning distinguished awards within the past few years. I’ve had a couple of classes in buildings where the rooms could definitely use some renovating, especially in the Art building, and some of the dorms are quite dated. However, the rest of campus completely makes up for this! There is a gorgeous river flowing right through the center of campus, and many beautiful trees that make me feel lucky to have chosen a campus so rich with nature. There are tons of diverse food options around, and a student organization that could meet any interest a person could have. I would definitely recommend attending Texas State University!
    Read 5,735 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 73% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,579 Net Price
    • 1020-1200 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  8. University of Texas - Arlington

    • 4 Year
    • Arlington, TX
    • 3,885 reviews
    #8 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Niche User: I had a great experience overall in the University of Texas at Arlington. It has great food, and has many opportunities for students! Campus life is amazing also, there is many places to visit within campus. The area that it is around is also amazing. Arlington has theme parks and even has the Texas Rangers ball park near. The gym is so spacious. There is a big track space where you’re able to run however you’d like. The basketball court is amazing too! Let me talk to you about diversity. I have been searching for a school that has amazing diversity and I can talk about this school very well. I felt comfortable being who I am. There is endless opportunities when you are attending the University of Texas at Arlington. There is a right amount of student to teacher ratio as well. You have opportunities to network with people and time to ask your professor questions! Their basketball team is amazing and they are even working on expanding their sport options. Awesome university!
    Read 3,885 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,533 Net Price
    • 1060-1270 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  9. West Texas A&M University

    • 4 Year
    • Canyon, TX
    • 1,143 reviews
    #9 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Sophomore: Hey guys, I am Amya Johnson, a sophomore who goes to West Texas A&M. My first year was amazing the staff truly does care about their students. However i did not like the little diversity in the school itself- i am a minority and there is not much attending West Texas. The scholarship services need improvement as well, they rather give the people that they see hard at work the left over funding because We did not apply early enough for a countious scholarship (senior year of highschool early). However, i am still standing and i have some life impacting friends thats right there ( at West Texas A&M) with me!
    Read 1,143 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,806 Net Price
    • 980-1170 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  12. Texas A&M International University

    • 4 Year
    • Laredo, TX
    • 1,244 reviews
    #10 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Sophomore: I love my school, it has a lot of good people there. It has international people and I love having friends from all around the world. My classmates are helpful. Also the professors are amazing. The installations are amazing! I love how welcome you feel every time you get into a classroom, the cafeteria, the professors office, and even the restroom! I love my school, I love the pride.
    Read 1,244 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 50% Acceptance Rate
    • $4,857 Net Price
    • 930-1110 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  13. Sam Houston State University

    • 4 Year
    • Huntsville, TX
    • 3,376 reviews
    #11 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Freshman: Sam Houston State University is an absolutely incredible campus, the people are incredible, the classes, and the organizations. Everyone belongs and has something on campus that they can fit into or even create on their own. Not only is it an incredible campus but it’s also a very welcoming campus. My very first day, plenty of kids welcomed me to the campus and even offered to show me around. SHSU is the nicest campus in town, maybe even in the state. Being here makes me proud to be a bearkat, eat em up Kats!
    Read 3,376 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,742 Net Price
    • 1000-1140 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Texas A&M University - Commerce

    • 4 Year
    • Commerce, TX
    • 1,051 reviews
    #12 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Senior: Campus is beautiful, professors are awesome! Online environment is simple, but you're still able to get the same engagement similar to if you were in a classroom. College services (helpdesk, financial aid, security, events, sports, etc.,) are all outstanding. TAMUC also likes to get the student body involved in numerous events and also keep students in the loop of campus news. Is there inclement weather before an event? TAMUC will be sure to let you know to save you the trouble and time, they're also doing it for your safety as well. So, safety is a good priority at TAMUC. Love the college!
    Read 1,051 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 35% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,396 Net Price
    • 960-1150 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. University of Texas - Tyler

    • 4 Year
    • Tyler, TX
    • 1,067 reviews
    #13 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Senior: This is a great school overall! The campus is scenic, there are plenty of resources for students on campus to help with job searches, tutoring, etc. UT Tyler is just big enough to feel like a university, but still small enough, in size and in enrollment count, for you to feel like an individual rather than a number. This goes for your interactions with the professors as well. They see your face every day and learn your name. It is very easy to build a strong professional relationship with your professors should you desire to. The school is growing and we need more parking, it makes no sense to pay as much as you do for a decal and then have to park down the street to get to class. We also need more advisors for certain majors, mine included. Those are my only critiques.
    Read 1,067 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,776 Net Price
    • 1070-1240 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. University of Texas - San Antonio

    • 4 Year
    • San Antonio, TX
    • 4,148 reviews
    #14 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Junior: My experience with the professors and other staff members at UTSA has been excellent. My academic advisor is efficient and cheerful, and all of my professors have actually been invested in my success. The facilities are always clean, and there are plenty of food options available on campus. The only thing I would like to change is the process for scheduling student organization events, as it's lengthy and confusing, which makes reserving rooms difficult. However, I have had a wonderful time at UTSA overall and look forward to graduating!
    Read 4,148 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 79% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,861 Net Price
    • 1030-1210 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  17. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

    • 4 Year
    • Edinburg, TX
    • 2,304 reviews
    #15 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Sophomore: Being born and raised in Brownsville, The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley has been well exposed to me though friends, family and high school facility staff. To be completely honest, the campus is great! Everyone, including other students and professors, are all there to help one another and most importantly get that "A". I am blessed enough to have been doing successfully for the past 2 years. Such as, earning a spot on the Dean's list, which is due to many of my helpful professors. Whom have helped me expand my knowledge and my abilities. UTRGV is the place to be! I cannot wait to see what my future holds and what UTRGV has left to offer me as I strive for my Bachelors Degree and soon after, my Masters. V's up!
    Read 2,304 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 80% Acceptance Rate
    • $4,095 Net Price
    • 950-1120 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

    • 4 Year
    • Corpus Christi, TX
    • 1,902 reviews
    #16 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Senior: Would like to see some fees decrease, or more financial aid for unemployed senior students. Some who are in education are basically working a full time job while having to study for certification exams and quit their jobs. Health is also taking a toll and not having health insurance doesn't help. Everything about this school is great! Even cheaper than others but some things are played out more than it should be, especially residents of the coastal bend and surrounding areas.
    Read 1,902 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 60% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,948 Net Price
    • 850-1060 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. University of Houston-Downtown

    • 4 Year
    • Houston, TX
    • 1,191 reviews
    #17 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Junior: The school itself is beautiful and it’s in an awesome area! The middle of downtown Houston! I love how the classes are smaller than usual about 30 people so you get to understand lessons better compared to a class with 200 people where you wouldn’t learn as much because the class is huge. The school really cares about its students and I really appreciate that, they are very dedicated to making you succeed which is a really good things to have. The support is amazing and I love attending this school!
    Read 1,191 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 84% Acceptance Rate
    • $8,766 Net Price
    • 920-1080 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. Midwestern State University

    • 4 Year
    • Wichita Falls, TX
    • 1,009 reviews
    #18 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Junior: I love that MSU is now so close to where I live and has many options for online classes. This has kept tuition costs down and has saved me in gas! With their use of technology and the new campus they have made that is five minutes from my house, I can complete my bachelor's degree in education. What is even better is that they have partnered with NCTC, where I received my associate's degree, and all of my credits transferred. Every single one. Not worrying about that or having to retake classes has been such a relief. My professors have been stellar and the rest of the faculty and staff has been very friendly and accommodating, despite me being a distance learner!
    Read 1,009 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 81% Acceptance Rate
    • $10,210 Net Price
    • 930-1120 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  23. Texas A&M University - Texarkana

    • 4 Year
    • Texarkana, TX
    • 190 reviews
    #19 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Niche User: I like Texas A&M- Texarkana because they are very organized, thoughtful, and caring. I love how it is a small university and it has the family vibe to it. Everyone knows everyone in the department and they are super nice and very helpful when you are in need of something. The whole school is just one big family from the students, to the faculty, to even the cafeteria staff. I absolutely recommend it!
    Read 190 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,567 Net Price
    • 1010-1150 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  24. Tarleton State University

    • 4 Year
    • Stephenville, TX
    • 1,660 reviews
    #20 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Freshman: Everyone is welcome at Tarleton State University. From the moment you step onto campus, you feel at home. Everyone is very friendly and you always have people that will support you in your decisions and help you whenever you need it. Overall, Tarleton State University is an amazing university!
    Read 1,660 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 50% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,831 Net Price
    • 950-1130 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. Angelo State University

    • 4 Year
    • San Angelo, TX
    • 1,215 reviews

    Alum: The best thing about Angelo State University is its overall affordability. They are an elite higher education establishment that is available to anyone willing to apply. The university goes above and beyond by offering the CARR scholarship to any student who takes an ACT or SAT, and based on their reported score they'll be offered a scholarship. That alone is enough to make any student contemplating a public university to at least apply. The location in San Angelo, TX is great as well. It is a historic metro-area in beautiful West Texas with plenty of activities to keep any college student busy during the week and on weekends. Angelo State is growing as well they have recently broke 10,000 students enrolled which is a major accomplishment for any NCAA Division II school. Overall, I can't recommend Angelo State University to anyone and everyone because they make everyone feel like someone!
    Read 1,215 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,742 Net Price
    • 900-1090 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. Stephen F Austin State University

    • 4 Year
    • Nacogdoches, TX
    • 2,501 reviews

    Senior: I love the academic opportunities that my university offers! Since we are a small campus, the classrooms are more intimate than other state universities in Texas. However, everyone has the opportunity to develop a genuine relationship with their professors. When a student stops by their office, the professors know their name! It is beneficial when preparing for exams and presentations because it feels more comfortable to ask for help in case of any questions or concerns students may have. This aspect alone has greatly impacted my academic success. One of the many reasons why I love my school, Stephen F. Austin State University!
    Read 2,501 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,650 Net Price
    • 990-1180 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. Texas Woman's University

    • 4 Year
    • Denton, TX
    • 1,972 reviews

    Sophomore: There are endless things to do and see in and around Texas Woman's University: from the beauty of the campus to the endless exciting activities you can find both on campus and around town. The daily life here is wonderful. Whether you live on-campus or commute you will find your experience to be streamlined and overall quite positive. The campus itself is quite small, however, the potential for enjoyable activities is huge. There are plenty of great spots to visit on and off-campus. These spots range from popular and delicious food joints such as ‘J&J’s Pizza’ to interesting and fun-to-visit oddities, such as the ‘Minifigs, Bricks, & More’ lego store! There aren’t many guarantees in life, but I can assure you that your time at Texas Woman’s University will be accompanied by countless positive experiences and will leave you with many wonderful memories.
    Read 1,972 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 86% Acceptance Rate
    • $9,129 Net Price
    • 890-1080 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  30. University of Texas - El Paso

    • 4 Year
    • El Paso, TX
    • 2,608 reviews

    Graduate Student: Several degree opportunities, diverse environment. Enjoying the learning experience along with my classmates. Great athletic program with a huge college campus. Professors are the best and work with students when juggling work, family, school, other adult activities. If I had to start over, UTEP would be my selection for the graduate degree program. Go miners!
    Read 2,608 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $6,785 Net Price
    • 920-1130 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  31. University of Texas - Permian Basin

    • 4 Year
    • Odessa, TX
    • 612 reviews

    Freshman: For a small college, it's great! An actual person instead of a number to the school. See a little bit of everything on terms of diversity. Campus is very clean, dorms are well taken care of. Food's pretty good. Always something going on for the students to get involved and meet new people on campus instead of going somewhere off campus possibly risking their safety here in the West Texas oilfields as you see not so friendly environments.
    Read 612 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 89% Acceptance Rate
    • $9,930 Net Price
    • 950-1120 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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    Texas Christian University

    • 4 Year
    • Fort Worth, TX
    • 1,535 reviews

    Senior: Texas Christian University embodies a unique social and academic culture that has allowed me to grow in more ways that I would have ever imagined. Students are confident and passionate to pursue their deep desires. I love the wide variety of opportunities the school offers to be involved on campus or in the Fort Worth community. Class size is medium to small, which is perfect for discussions and getting to know the professors. The population is small enough to feel like a family, yet large enough to get the full "college" experience. TCU can also be challenging, because you are surrounded by high achievers and competition. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming to compare to people around you, but ultimately it has spurred me on to be the best version of me. TCU is a world-changing place!
    Read 1,535 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 41% Acceptance Rate
    • $35,363 Net Price
    • 1130-1330 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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    University of Puget Sound

    • 4 Year
    • Tacoma, WA
    • 730 reviews

    Junior: The University of Puget Sound has a beautiful campus and genius professors. Most, if not all courses can be quite difficult if a student is irresponsible and does not make studying their utmost priority. However, there is much to be learned from every and any class. I have enjoyed all my classes here so far. The students, faculty, and staff are all very friendly and kind. If you are a student here or are thinking about applying to this university, the University of Puget Sound is the school for you because as the saying goes "Once a logger, always a logger."
    Read 730 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 84% Acceptance Rate
    • $40,065 Net Price
    • 1110-1330 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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    Angelo State University

    • 4 Year
    • San Angelo, TX
    • 1,215 reviews

    Alum: The best thing about Angelo State University is its overall affordability. They are an elite higher education establishment that is available to anyone willing to apply. The university goes above and beyond by offering the CARR scholarship to any student who takes an ACT or SAT, and based on their reported score they'll be offered a scholarship. That alone is enough to make any student contemplating a public university to at least apply. The location in San Angelo, TX is great as well. It is a historic metro-area in beautiful West Texas with plenty of activities to keep any college student busy during the week and on weekends. Angelo State is growing as well they have recently broke 10,000 students enrolled which is a major accomplishment for any NCAA Division II school. Overall, I can't recommend Angelo State University to anyone and everyone because they make everyone feel like someone!
    Read 1,215 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,742 Net Price
    • 900-1090 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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