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2019 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
    • 5,761
    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 5,761 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
    • 6,497
    2 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Freshman: I love being an Aggie! The A&M community is the most inclusive I've seen and as an out-of-state student has made me truly feel at home. There are countless clubs and organizations to be a part of and the research and academic opportunities here are outstanding. Whatever your interests, you will find something here to match. For engineers, the Zachry Engineering building is state-of-the-art and a great place to hang out and do homework outside of class. I can also highly recommend the University Honors program. Gig 'em!
    Read 6,497 Reviews

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

  3. Texas Tech University

    • 4 Year
    • Lubbock, TX
    • 4,426
    3 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 4,426 Reviews

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

    Southwestern Assemblies of God University

    • 4 Year
    • Waxahachie, TX
    • 777

    Senior: This is an incredible place to pursue God's calling on your life. The administration wants you to find your purpose more than they want your tuition or your enrollment count.

    If you're looking to party, don't come here. If you're looking to grow, then come and take advantage of relationships with friends, faculty, and administration. The academic rigor here is not exactly what I had hoped it would be, but a university's classes don't need to pummel you into the ground for you to learn beneficial information.

    Overall, this is an awesome place to be challenged in your faith, to sharpen and refine it, and to figure out God's purpose for you. This school holds fast to the Bible as its direction as an institution.

    I can barely recognize the freshman me who came here a few years ago. Southwestern didn't "fix" me, but the people here modeled for what it really looks like to honor God with your life while still being a fun, normal individual.
    Read 777 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 28% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,463 Net Price
    • 900-1080 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. University of Texas - Dallas

    • 4 Year
    • Richardson, TX
    • 2,031
    4 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Junior: This past semester was my first since transferring. This college has made the transition so incredibly easy! The advisors are always available and extremely helpful. All of my professors have been wonderful in the styles of teaching and ease of access if any help is needed. The campus is beautiful, and provides a long list of tools to help any student to succeed. Some of these tools include workshops to gain certifications in programs such as excel, torturing labs for just about any class, and even mock interviews and resume building to prepare students for their future careers. I love UTD!
    Read 2,031 Reviews

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

  6. University of Houston

    • 4 Year
    • Houston, TX
    • 5,708
    5 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Alum: My time at the University of Houston Main campus I had such an amazing experience from my first semester all the way to graduation day I feel confident on achieving my goals every semester. Academic Advisors were available and assigned to you to help you finish your POS (Program of Study) on time. From student life, organizations, etc.. U of H had many personal and professional enrichment opportunities. I graduated from Bauer College of Business with a B.A. Degree focused in Marketing in 2014. As a first-generation student having the opportunity to further my knowledge skills within University of Houston made me a better individual personally and professionally. Such an amazing school and system!
    Read 5,708 Reviews

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

  7. Texas State University

    • 4 Year
    • San Marcos, TX
    • 5,593
    6 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Junior: Texas State University is a beautiful campus that has much to offer both academically and socially. With hundreds of degree plans, there is surely something for everyone to get excited about learning at Texas State. The professors and staff are always willing to lend a helping hand and fellow students are just as friendly. Furthermore, there are multiple organizations available to aid in student academic, social and career success. My favorite aspect about the campus is the geography of the area within and around it: tall, forested hills, lakes, and, my favorite, the San Marcos River that snakes around campus and through beautiful parks. Overall, I highly recommend Texas State University to all prospective undergrad and graduate students. Go Bobcats!
    Read 5,593 Reviews

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

    • 4 Year
    • Denton, TX
    • 5,190
    7 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 5,190 Reviews

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

  10. University of Texas - Arlington

    • 4 Year
    • Arlington, TX
    • 3,758
    8 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Sophomore: The University of Texas at Arlington is a pretty nice school. Plenty of majors, and lots of people who go here. Don't quote me on this, but I'm pretty sure that at least 45 thousand students attend this school, and that's not including those taking online classes.

    Lots of the funding this school receives goes towards STEM related majors, which is good for you if you're interested in that field. Engineering majors are a big thing here, and from my understanding there is a really good nursing program here as well.

    Being a music major, my department is not the most well-funded, but I still really enjoy the professors here!
    Read 3,758 Reviews

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

  11. Sam Houston State University

    • 4 Year
    • Huntsville, TX
    • 3,271
    9 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Freshman: SHSU is honestly a really nice school. There are so many clubs and activities for students to be a part of. It is a very welcoming environment and there is never a dull moment. We have amazing facilities such as our rec center, which has a gym, pool, rock climbing wall, etc. Our LSC building just got done being expanded and it now has a number of food places, like Steak n' Shake. The LSC also includes our Kat Klub Game Room, which has bowling, billiards, video game consoles, pinball, and arcade games! Academically SHSU performs at a pretty high level, which is amazing. Many of my classes aren't just about reading a textbook. We have engaging discussions about topics we learn about. The one and only thing I would change is the places around it. There isn't much outside of the university but because SHSU has so much to offer, it doesn't feel like there aren't enough places to go hang out and have fun.
    Read 3,271 Reviews

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

  14. Texas A&M International University

    • 4 Year
    • Laredo, TX
    • 1,218
    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 1,218 Reviews

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

  15. West Texas A&M University

    • 4 Year
    • Canyon, TX
    • 1,102
    11 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Freshman: I love being at WT a lot. New Student Orientation was amazing. Everyone was having fun and connecting with each other. The campus is absolutely beautiful at WT. My Nusing Professor is such a wonderful and caring person. Everyone was so nice and always said how much they were glad for us to be there. I havent started school yet, but I cant wait to see what my future at WT has in store for me!
    Read 1,102 Reviews

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

  16. University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley

    • 4 Year
    • Edinburg, TX
    • 2,222
    12 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Freshman: My experience here at the Vaquero nation has been nothing but a great experience! Yes classes can be stressful, but there are plenty of extra curricular activities that can help ease the edge off. However, one thing I’d like to see change is for our University to start a football team, I’m sure there’s a lot to factor when considering a football team, but the vibe that spreads when volleyball and basketball season starts? I can only imagine what it’d be like for a football season!
    Read 2,222 Reviews

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

  18. University of Texas - San Antonio

    • 4 Year
    • San Antonio, TX
    • 4,015
    13 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Graduate Student: I truly have enjoyed my time at this school because of the immense opportunities it has to offer. Whether it be grow academically, grow spiritually, grow in your group of friends, UTSA makes it possible. I've been able to use majority of the resources it has to offer, and will probably end up graduating without having tried them all! There are so many things to do. You'll never end up bored. You'll find people with the same interests as you, and you'll be able to share many wonderful moments with them! Professors are understanding and kind, yet stern and ready to teach. UTSA, overall, has improved in many areas, and its three campuses allow students to visit different areas of San Antonio and still be connected with their school. UTSA is the place to be! GO ROADRUNNERS!
    Read 4,015 Reviews

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

  19. Stephen F Austin State University

    • 4 Year
    • Nacogdoches, TX
    • 2,454
    14 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Junior: SFA is a great 4-year education! I am personally attending in an online program through SFA to earn my Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (4th-8th grades) with a specialty in Social Studies. We attend campus one time a semester for 2 days of meetings. Every time I attend the college, the professors, advisers, students, and staff are some of the best people I have ever met. The college is grade A in hospitality. The professors we met with genuinely want each and every student to succeed. They are very quick to help in any way to reach you goals of achieving your degree.
    Read 2,454 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,650 Net Price
    • 990-1180 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. Texas A&M University - Commerce

    • 4 Year
    • Commerce, TX
    • 1,008
    15 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Niche User: One thing that I liked about Texas A&M-Commerce is that the campus was very diverse and I also liked how the food tasted when I visited this campus back in February 2018. When I visited this campus for the first time, I was amazed that a big building like this was smack dab in the middle of a small city and how close everything was, so getting to class was so easy that you didn't need to worry about sleeping late and realize you only have 5-10 minutes left before your next class. I also liked how the classes were medium sized and you did not have to yell at the professor every time you miss something important. Overall, I liked how this campus looked both inside and out and I hope to attend this college in the fall of 2019. I can't wait to be a Future Lion!
    Read 1,008 Reviews

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

  21. Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

    • 4 Year
    • Corpus Christi, TX
    • 1,845
    16 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Sophomore: I love School at TAMUCC! I do have a few concerns though. I sometimes wish the professors could speak better english for the students to understand. And student living is very expensive compared to other universities and I've only attended school here for a year and a half and the prices everywhere have increased by at least 20 percent.
    On the bright side, the campus is a beautiful here! I could not have asked for a more inviting place to be. The weather is nice and the garage parking is super helpful when it comes to the rainy days or when the university holds large events. I have made friendships and memories that will last forever and I cannot see myself earning my degree anywhere else.
    Read 1,845 Reviews

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

  22. University of Texas - Tyler

    • 4 Year
    • Tyler, TX
    • 1,046
    17 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 1,046 Reviews

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

  25. Tarleton State University

    • 4 Year
    • Stephenville, TX
    • 1,625
    18 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 1,625 Reviews

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

  26. Texas Woman's University

    • 4 Year
    • Denton, TX
    • 1,915
    19 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 1,915 Reviews

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

  27. University of Texas - El Paso

    • 4 Year
    • El Paso, TX
    • 2,531
    20 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 2,531 Reviews

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

  28. Midwestern State University

    • 4 Year
    • Wichita Falls, TX
    • 981
    21 Top Public Universities in Texas

    Sophomore: Professors are wonderful, the school is beautiful and at a very accommodating location! It's an easy school to navigate around and the classrooms aren't too big meaning that the headcount in classes aren't too big so that you're able to have one on ones with professors. The department of psychology is also wonderful and have multiple resources such as counseling, psychology clinic, and more. I love being involved in the clubs here and being a part of student life.
    Read 981 Reviews

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

  29. Texas A&M University - Texarkana

    • 4 Year
    • Texarkana, TX
    • 186
    22 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 186 Reviews

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

  32. University of Texas - Permian Basin

    • 4 Year
    • Odessa, TX
    • 592

    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 592 Reviews

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

  33. Angelo State University

    • 4 Year
    • San Angelo, TX
    • 1,186

    Sophomore: I love the school, town, and people! If you come from a smaller town and want to keep the small town feel then I highly recommend ASU! It has the great perks of a big school, yet it makes you feel such at home. The town is definitely older and somewhat rundown but nothing that will ruin your experience. ASU ALWAYS has stuff going on and things to do. The education here is amazing. Most of your classes will be on the small side of the number of people, for a college campus. You get to know your professor pretty well, as long as you make an effort to get to know them. All-n-all it is a great school and a great place for you to start your own life. RAM EM'
    Read 1,186 Reviews

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

  34. University of Houston - Downtown

    • 4 Year
    • Houston, TX
    • 1,148

    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 1,148 Reviews

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

    Houston Baptist University

    • 4 Year
    • Houston, TX
    • 739

    Freshman: Houston Baptist University is a great university to go to because of the environment and the staff members who work at the university. The environment is not only clean, but also positive as the people get along with one another. The staff members at Houston Baptist University always strive to encourage the students to do their best in classes and in their personal lives. They also create many different events and to try and engage with the students. The most important thing that Houston Baptist University offers is spiritual growth. The campus has a variety of programs (Bible studies, convocations, etc.) that allow the students to fellowship with their mentors and increase their love for God. Houston Baptist University is an excellent college to attend and a person would not regret applying to this university!
    Read 739 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 68% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,084 Net Price
    • 1030-1190 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  36. Sponsored

    Worcester Polytechnic Institute

    • 4 Year
    • Worcester, MA
    • 639

    Sophomore: I began my experience at WPI when I was a little girl going to my dad’s work, seeing his lab and wanting to be a scientist there just like him. I now attend school there and work in the psychology lab and study psychological science. WPI is on the smaller side and allows me to navigate, build relationships with my professors and easily recognize people all around campus. The reputation and opportunities the school has to offer are incredible. They really set you up for a career after graduation. One thing I want to see change is the diversity in majors and growing the humanities department. Science and math mixed with cultural studies, english, religion, language and psychology would make an even more well rounded individual and school. Overall I love my experience.
    Read 639 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 48% Acceptance Rate
    • $43,027 Net Price
    • 1310-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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