So you want to study in Texas? Great choice! The Lone Star State has some of the best universities, not just for its natural beauty, but also for its academic programs. There are over 200 colleges and universities in the state, and these educational establishments offer highly competitive admission processes to their top students. If you’re looking at colleges in Texas, we recommend that you explore other than just one university. Instead, spend time researching a few options and find the best fit for your academic goals and personal life as well.
If you don’t know where to start, read on for some useful information on the best schools in Texas and how they stack up against their peers across the U.S. This article looks at the top universities in Texas ranking by the latest data. The goal of this article is to help you choose which university is best for your needs, taking into account various factors such as academic programs offered, extracurricular activities, cost and more.
Universities in Texas Ranking
| Texas Rank | US College Rank | University | City | Official website |
| 1 | 18 | Rice University | Houston | Click here |
| 2 | 60 | University of Texas at Austin | Austin | Click here |
| 3 | 79 | Texas A&M University | College Station | Click here |
| 4 | 94 | Southern Methodist University | Dallas | Click here |
| 5 | 106 | Trinity University | San Antonio | Click here |
| 6 | 154 | Texas Christian University | Fort Worth | Click here |
| 7 | 170 | Baylor University | Waco | Click here |
| 8 | 238 | Southwestern University | Georgetown | Click here |
| 9 | 261 | Austin College | Sherman | Click here |
| 10 | 323 | University of Houston | Houston | Click here |
Rice University
Rice University is a private research university in Houston, Texas. In 2017, Rice was ranked #1 among American colleges and universities in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings. The university has more than 15,000 students from more than 160 nations and all 50 states and territories of the United States. Rice is also one of only two schools in the nation to have achieved Gold-level status from the National Science Foundation’s “Program for International Students.”
The school offers more than 100 undergraduate majors, 100 graduate programs and 80 minors. In total, Rice has 23 national, international or specialty honor societies recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and designated as one of America’s 26 best institutions by The Princeton Review
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Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University is ranked #2 in the state and #140 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. It was established in 1876, and it has a total undergraduate enrollment of over 50,000 students. Some of the most popular programs at Texas A&M include:
- Business/Management
- Engineering
- Veterinary Medicine
- Law Enforcement
- Nursing
Texas A&M also offers over 200 different academic programs that are available for undergraduate students to enroll in through the university’s Department of Academic Affairs. The school also offers a variety of co-op opportunities and internships for its students to get hands on experience working in their field of study.
University of Texas at Dallas
The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) is a public research university situated on the grounds of the former Southland Mall in Richardson, Texas. It is a member institution of The University of Texas System, and the city is home to many other notable institutions of higher learning. UTD offers more than 135 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in more than 100 fields. The university also offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate degrees in an array of disciplines. UTD has been ranked one of the top 50 universities in the country by numerous publications including U.S. News & World Report and Forbes Magazine.
UTD was founded in 1963 as part of the UT System, which was created to offer low-cost public education that would put Texas’ public schools on par with those across the nation. This commitment to quality education is evident in each facet of UTD’s academic life: competitive admission rates for its academic programs; well-regarded research institutes; excellent facilities; and ample extracurricular opportunities for students from all walks of life. Students have access to an extensive network consisting over 900 organizations that support clubs and activities on campus such as: International Student Association, Humanitarian Club, Photography Club, Art Club and more!
Texas State University
Texas State University is one of the most highly ranked universities in Texas and it is also the number one public university. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including medical, dental, and pharmacy programs. Texas State has an impressive acceptance rate of just over 79 percent, making it a great option for recent high school graduates or those who have already obtained their bachelor’s degree. This university boasts a total annual budget of $582 million, which includes all funding sources like state, federal and student support.
Along with a high level of student support and funding, this university offers many extracurricular activities such as debate team, journalism club and student government. There are also many on-campus housing options available to students at Texas State University. The cost per year for tuition at Texas State University is $10,695 for residents and $32,735 for non-residents.
The University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington is the top university in Texas. It has a 6 star rating, according to ARWU, and offers 13 different undergraduate majors. These programs are offered in its College of Education, College of Science & Engineering, and College of Liberal Arts. UTA has a diverse student body as well as an international student population that includes students from over 40 countries. The campus is located in Arlington which provides students with easy access to cultural spots, museums and more.
The University of Texas at El Paso
There are over 200 colleges and universities in the state, and these educational establishments offer highly competitive admission processes to their top students. One of the best, based on admissions rates, is The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
UTEP offers a wide range of academic majors in fields such as engineering, education, social work and psychology. Additionally, UTEP’s undergraduate population has an average SAT score of 1409. That’s nearly 600 points higher than the national average!
The university also offers more extracurricular activities than most institutions with a diverse range of clubs for every interest level. Students can participate in everything from frisbee golf to volunteerism. With over 1,000 clubs and organizations on campus, students are sure to find plenty to keep them busy.
Other Recommended Universities in Texas
Below are some of the most popular universities in Texas.
- University of Houston-Houston, TX
- University of Texas at Austin-Austin, TX
- Baylor University-Waco, TX
- Texas A&M University-College Station, TX
- University of Texas at Dallas-Irving, TX
- Texas Tech University-Lubbock, TX
Other Options for Study in Texas
In addition to the top-ranked university, there are a myriad of other options in Texas. You might want to consider looking into one of these schools if you’re interested in branching out and exploring something new or if you want a less competitive process. Other options for studying in Texas include the University of Houston, Rice University, Baylor University, and Texas A&M University.
Final Words: Which University in Texas is the Best?
The University of Texas at Austin has a lot going for it. It is number two in the United States for best value and offers many programs that would be considered difficult to find elsewhere. The university has one of the oldest and most reputable research departments in the nation, as well as one of the strongest engineering schools. However, this school does not offer an undergraduate program in architecture or film studies.
If you want to study abroad, UT-Austin ranks first out of all institutions in Texas. Though some students might be turned off by the academic rigor that comes with studying in such a competitive environment, there are plenty of opportunities for extracurricular activities including cheerleading, theater and athletics (the Longhorns have won five national championships).
Summary
Of the Best Universities in Texas ranking, the University of Texas at Austin is the top university in Texas. The school offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including business, law, medicine and engineering. Other universities ranked among the best in Texas include University of Houston, Rice University, and St. Mary’s University.