Top Colleges in Texas

A Guide to the Top 10 College and Universities in Texas for Students and Parents

Texas offers an incredible number of prestigious higher education institutions. 

In fact, there are 35 public and 31 private universities awarding four-year degrees in the state. 

Below is a list of ten of the top colleges in Texas, Lone Star State! Some you are sure to recognize, and hopefully, you find a few new ones to research further.

University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)

Texas A&M University

Rice University

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Baylor University

Texas Christian University (TCU)

University of Houston (UH)

Trinity University

Texas Tech University

University of Texas - Dallas

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1. University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)

• Type: Public, Research University

• Location: Austin, TX

• Notable Programs: Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Law

• Why You Want to Attend? As one of the largest and most prestigious public universities in the U.S., UT Austin offers strong academic programs, a vibrant campus life, and access to a large alumni network.

• What You Need to Know: It can be really difficult to earn admission, even for highly-competitive academic high school graduates. It can be even harder if you’re applying as an out-of-state or international student. The acceptance rate and admission figures you find online can be deceiving. More stats and figures can be found here.  

2. Texas A&M University

• Type: Public, Research University

• Location: College Station, TX

• Notable Programs: Engineering, Agriculture, Business, Biomedical Sciences

• Why Consider Texas A&M? Probably THE strongest student and alumni traditions of any university in the US, certainly within Texas, A&M provides a top-notch student experience alongside a top-tier engineering programs. Texas A&M is an excellent choice for students seeking a rigorous academic experience.

• What You Need to Know: It can be really difficult to earn admission, even for highly-competitive academic high school graduates. Unlike UT Austin, engineering applicants to A&M are admitted into General Engineering and will select specialties from there. Admission to A&M can be even harder to earn if you’re applying as an out-of-state or international student. 

3. Rice University

• Type: Private, Research University

• Location: Houston, TX

• Notable Programs: Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Music

• Why Consider Rice? Known for its small class sizes, high-quality research opportunities, and close-knit community, Rice is the most selective university in Texas. Excellent at just about everything they do academically, Rice is well-known for pre-med, medical science, computer science, engineering, architecture, music, and social sciences. 

• What You Need to Know: Rice University is one of the most highly-selective higher education institutions in the US. With an acceptance rate below 15%, approach the admission process at Rice with caution – no one is a ‘slam dunk’ and admission at Rice is never guaranteed. 

4. Southern Methodist University (SMU)

• Type: Private, Research University

• Location: Dallas, TX

• Notable Programs: Business, Law, Engineering, Humanities

• Why Consider SMU? With a strong emphasis on leadership, networking, and business education, SMU offers students great opportunities for career advancement. 

• What You Need to Know: Most competitive majors include business and engineering. SMU is known for small class sizes 11:1, school spirit and gorgeous campus. For students that want more rigor and challenge, consider University Honors Program. 

5. Baylor University

• Type: Private, Christian University

• Location: Waco, TX

• Notable Programs: Health Sciences, Business, Law, Education

• Why Consider Baylor? Baylor provides a faith-based education (Baptist, specifically) with strong academic offerings and a tight-knit student community in a smaller Texas metro environment. The school prioritizes service-based learning through mission trips, volunteerism. 

• What You Need to Know: As a private, Christian university, faith is incorporated into the curriculum at Baylor. Students are required to attend chapel services during their enrollment. Well-known for pre-med and health science majors, these are also the most competitive for admission. The most-selective program is the Baylor2Baylor program. 

6. Texas Christian University (TCU)

• Type: Private, Christian University

• Location: Fort Worth, TX

• Notable Programs: Business, Communications, Fine Arts, Health Sciences

• Why Consider TCU? TCU combines rigorous academics with a strong athletic culture, strong Greek life community, and personalized student support. The university leverages the Dallas-Fort Worth area to create internships and research opportunities for undergraduates. 

• What You Need to Know: Particularly recognized for majors in business, education, and communications. Business is the most competitive major to enter. Notable program in business is the TCU Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. 

7. University of Houston (UH)

• Type: Public, Research University

• Location: Houston, TX

• Notable Programs: Business, Law, Engineering, Pharmacy

• Why Consider UH? With its location in one of the largest cities in the U.S., UH provides students with numerous internship and job opportunities. UH is a Tier One Research Institution. 

• What You Need to Know: Tier One Scholars - a competitive, application-based, full-ride scholarship for undergraduates. Most competitive majors include engineering and business. As a public university, automatic admission is a part of the admission process at UH, but admission into your first choice major is reviewed individually. Details here.

8. Trinity University

• Type: Private, Liberal Arts College

• Location: San Antonio, TX

• Notable Programs: Business, Psychology, Biology, Engineering

• Why Consider Trinity? Trinity offers a strong liberal arts education on a small, intimate campus in the San Antonio metro area. There is an emphasis on being active campus members and a deep sense of connection amongst students. Excellent outcomes for undergraduate students applying to medical school, law school, and other Master’s programs.

• What You Need to Know: Most competitive majors are business and natural sciences. Students are encouraged to consider Early Action application to Trinity if it is at the top of their list. Demonstrated interest is a factor at Trinity, so do the interview, and if you have a chance, register for an attend an admission information session and campus tour!

9. Texas Tech University

• Type: Public, Research University

• Location: Lubbock, TX

• Notable Programs: Engineering, Business, Agriculture, Health Sciences

• Why Consider Texas Tech? A well-rounded university with strong research programs in engineering, business, health science, sustainability. Texas Tech is a true college experience in a college town. Big sports culture and lots of Raider pride! 

• What You Need to Know: As a public university, assured admission standards are noted on the Texas Tech website. Note that some majors will only accept incoming freshman who meet or exceed the the assured admission standards. Texas Tech is a big school, for students seeking a smaller campus feeling and added academic rigor, consider the Honors College. 

10. University of Texas - Dallas

• Type: Public, Research University

• Location: Richardson, TX

• Notable Programs: Engineering, Business Management, Social Sciences

• Why Consider UT-Dallas? Strategically located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, UT Dallas’ Tier One Research status means it leverages university and community resources to create research and internship opportunities for undergraduates.  

• What You Need to Know: Lots of strong programs at the intersection of business and technology make UT Dallas a unique and notable choice amongst Texas’ many strong public universities. Programs in engineering, computer science, and healthcare technology are the most competitive, along with business. As a public university, automatic admission policies will get you general admission, but entry into the most competitive majors often requires exceeding the minimum. 

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There are so many more great options for both public and private universities in the state of Texas. We will keep adding helpful information to this list, but in the meantime, other notable universities in Texas that should be considered seriously include: 

University of North Texas

University of Texas - San Antonio

St Edwards University

Texas State University

Tips for Applying in Texas

Because the state of Texas operates auto-admission policies at public universities, applicants from both inside and outside the state must carefully understand the admission requirements, admission process, and selectivity (especially of highly-ranked universities) before categorizing safeties and targets. 

If your ultimate goal is to earn admission inside the state of Texas, learning more about the public and private universities beyond UT Austin, Texas A&M, and Rice University is the only way to create a balanced university list.