Best Colleges in Texas of 2023

Rice University, a private research institution located in Houston, has a student-faculty ratio of just 6:1 - these small class sizes encourage relationship-building and facilitate mentorships. There's great diversity among the student population, and Rice's world-class professors rank as some of the best in the United States. This loan-free institution offers income-based grants under The Rice Investment program, which often cover full tuition, fees, and room and board. Although Rice is best known for their applied science programs, they also have more than 50 other majors for you to choose from.

The flagship school of the University of Texas system, UT Austin offers 156 undergrad and 237 graduate degree programs on a 431-acre campus. This highly ranked public university's commitment to an accessible first-class education is evidenced by a cost of tuition much lower than that of its public competitors. A major center for academic research, UT Austin specializes in artificial intelligence, health care, engineering, national security, and energy - with claim to 786 international and U.S. patents. It boasts some of the most powerful supercomputers in the world and receives over $650 million annually in research grants and contracts. UT Austin's McDonald Observatory is a partner in constructing Chile's Giant Magellan Telescope. As one of the prestigious "Public Ivy" schools, UT Austin provides a rigorous academic experience for the 32% of applicants accepted without the hefty tuition found at private Ivy League universities.

Thanks to its Dallas location, Southern Methodist University's eight degree-granting schools provide students with access to internships at some of the world's leading companies. Nearly 87% of SMU graduates have jobs (or are in grad school) within six months of graduation, and SMU alumni are among the top 5% of highest-paid graduates. On campus, the Big iDeas program offers training and coaching for entrepreneurial projects and hosts pitch competitions in which students win funding for a business launch. The [email protected], a dedicated business workspace, and the Deason Innovation Gym support students by providing collaborative, immersive environments rich in opportunities for education, training, and mentoring.

The Don & Ellie Knauss Veteran Resource Center (VRSC) at Texas A&M University has been providing personalized support for the school's undergraduate and graduate student veterans since 2012. In addition to new student and transfer conferences, VRSC implements an evidence-based "Application to Vocation" support model that's proactive, inclusive, and focused on students' strengths. The Military Admissions office offers transitional support and academic advising, and the Scholarships & Financial Aid department certifies and processes education benefit eligibility for federal and state VA benefits and scholarships. A designated Veteran Career Liaison helps student veterans with resume reviews, career fair prep, mock interviews, and salary negotiation. Also, Vet-Connect Lunch & Learns and Veteran Career Expos promote direct connections and networking when graduates are ready for employment.

Fort Worth's Texas Christian University is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). This values-centered institution on 302 acres welcomes students from more than 60 faiths, helping them become ethical leaders and responsible global citizens. Business, nursing, and biology are the most popular majors. The Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences and Neeley School of Business are regularly recognized for their proven academic excellence. With nearly 700 professors (98% of whom teach undergrads) and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, this school offers learners a lot of personalized attention.

Baylor is the oldest continually operating university in Texas and boasts over 100,000 in-state alumni. The Hankamer School of Business is especially impressive as it offers majors such as accounting, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship, and Baylor is one of the few universities in the country to offer a Professional Seller program. The Baylor Angel Network allows students to get real-world experience as an analyst for an investment fund as well.

With nearly 21% of its student body comprised of international students from over 100 countries, University of Texas at Dallas has a reputation for welcoming diversity. In 2021, more than 4,900 international students were enrolled in classes. The school's unique recruiting process is grounded in building trust and helping students feel safe on campus. UTD facilitates connections with programs and events that include International Week, the iFriend cultural exchange program, and a comprehensive International Student Orientation. The university offers 56 bachelor's, 59 master's, and 30 Ph.D. programs.

The University of Houston is an excellent choice if you're interested in studying abroad. UH provides a Learning Abroad 101 workshop, a program matching quiz, and access to Global Guides, who are individuals who have previous study abroad experience and now serve as ambassadors and mentors. UH faculty-led programs have been taught in many different countries, including Turkey, Tunisia, Italy, and France. The Reciprocal Educational Exchange Program allows students to study at a partner university while paying UH tuition rates (students from all majors are eligible to study at Swansea University in Wales).

This public university, located in the South Plains region of West Texas, is the only campus in the state with a major law school and medical school. They also offer a College of Architecture, College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, and School of Veterinary Medicine. Overall, Texas Tech allows you to choose from more than 150 undergraduate, 100 graduate, and 50 doctoral degrees. They are most notable for their Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy program, which will teach you about the characteristics of renewable resources as well as techniques for project development and management. They offer undergraduate certification in Wind Energy and graduate certification in Wind Energy programs as well.

Sam Houston State University's PGA Golf Management program is one of only 19 such programs accredited by the PGA in the United States and the only one in Texas. The 4.5-year curriculum, which is offered by the school's College of Business Administration, prepares students to succeed in the competitive golf industry and combines classroom learning with internships and player development. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in PGA Golf Management. Upon graduation, you will become a "Class A" member of the PGA of America.