10 Best Colleges in Texas in 2025

We are here with the best universities in Texas to help you commence the journey. Each year, 150+ revered institutions of higher studies enrol 250,000+ students ready to change the world. Some of the best colleges in Texas, such as the University of Texas at Austin and Rice University, must be known by scholars like you. 

Here, we have the ultimate roundup of the Lone Star State’s finest higher education establishments. From the vibrantly lit streets of Austin to the widely stretched spaces of West Texas, we have compiled a list of the top 10 best colleges in Texas. Ready to move your lens beyond the sprawling cities and towards the knowledge heavens?

Top 10 Best Colleges in Texas

We are here to unveil the top colleges in Texas that students across the world highly prefer. So, what exactly did we look at before presenting you with a significant list of top-rated colleges in Texas? There are multiple factors you need to check before establishing any college/university among the best colleges in Texas. Some of them are ranking, faculty, courses, student/faculty ratio, international student diversity, and benefits, among many others. Thus, the list of the top universities in Texas is the bible you need before admission in 2024. Shall we, then?

1. University of Texas at Austin

Established In: 1883 

Earning Potential for Graduates: 79,000 USD per annum

Notable Alumni: Matthew McConaughey, Owen Wilson, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and many more

Considered a public Ivy, The University of Texas at Austin is one of the best colleges in Texas. From gene evolution to hydrofuel generation and the skin patches capable of detecting disease, the University of Texas at Austin has produced ground-breaking research and inventions for centuries. The faculty at the university includes Nobel Laureates, Pulitzer Prize Winners, the National Medal of Science, and the Wolf Prize, among many other recognitions. The University offers more than 100 undergraduate programs, 170 Graduate programs, 17 libraries, seven museums, and a range of varsity sports. It helps in the holistic development of students and makes it one of the best colleges in Texas. It is a highly preferred institute by students as it is one of the top universities in Texas.

2. Texas A&M University

Established In: 1876

Earning Potential for Graduates: $77,000 per annum

Notable Alumni: Johnny Manziel, Arthur Rinderknech, and many more

Being one of the best top 10 universities in Texas, it is often referred to as Texas A&M or the Texas Agricultural and Mechanical College (as it was called before); this institute is regarded as one of the best colleges in Texas. Texas A&M is the first public university in Texas and is known for its intensive research in plenty of areas, including sustainable fishing. What makes it one of the best colleges in Texas is the association with great minds like Dr. Leonard Berry, who was honoured by the university recently with the Partner in Philanthropy award. With more than 400 programs in 110 countries, 71,000+ students enrolled in the main campus, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, it is at the top of the list of the best colleges in Texas.

3. Rice University

Established In: 1912

Earning Potential for Graduates: $64,400 per annum

Notable Alumni: Lance Berkman, Peggy Whitson, George P. Bush, Howard Huges and many more

Officially known as William Marsh Rice University, it is known to be one of the best universities in Texas because of its prominent contribution to the arena of education. With a campus of around 300 acres, bustling with more than 10,000 students in 100+ programs, it is one of the top universities in Texas. You also can study some inter-disciplinary courses, such as Civic Leadership, Naval Science, and Master of Energy Transition and Sustainability (METS). These factors contribute directly towards making Rice University one of the best colleges in Texas. 

4. Southern Methodist University 

Established In: 1911

Earning Potential for Graduates: $123,000 per annum

Notable Alumni: Kourtney Kardashian, Laura Bush, Rick Scott

Southern Methodist University is a private research university and one of the best universities in Texas. With more than 10,000 students from 87 countries, the institution makes international students feel at home. Nearly 86% of full-time faculty members are doctorates or hold the highest degree. The student-faculty ratio is 1:11, making it one of the best colleges for learning. Also, students can choose from more than 100 programs and enjoy the benefits of being at one of the best colleges in Texas.

5. Texas Tech University 

Established In: 1923

Earning Potential for Graduates: $55,920 per annum

Notable Alumni: George Eads, Rick Husband, John Denver

Texas Tech is a public university and the flagship institution of the five-institution Texas Tech University System. The university offers more than 150 courses for its students and has awarded over 200,000 degrees since 1927. Texas Tech is also classified as R1: Doctoral Universities, which makes it one of the top colleges in Texas. Additionally, you may find a suitable PhD scholarship for yourself if you want to graduate from one of the top 10 universities in Texas. Sports like polo, fencing, and soccer are some of the student favourites. These factors make it one of the top 10 universities in Texas.

6. Baylor University 

Established In: 1845

Earning Potential: $90,000 per annum

Notable Alumni: Bob Schieffer, Lance Broadway, Chris Klein and many more

Apart from being one of the top colleges in Texas for higher studies, Baylor University is known for its noteworthy contribution to research. More than 17,000 students studying in 100+ programs call the beautiful 1,000-acre campus their home. As one of the top Texas universities, Baylor is known for many schools of study, including the Baylor Medical School. Also, one of the major factors that bring it to our list of best colleges in Texas is the diverse programs spanning multiple fields of study, including medicine, engineering, art, history, etc. 

7. University of Houston

Established In: 1927

Earning Potential for Graduates: $31,931 per annum

Notable Alumni: Jim Parsons, Lil Wayne and many more

The University of Houston is a public research university and among the best universities in Texas. The University has a wide range of programmes for its students and offers over 310 degree courses in its curriculum. The University of Houston is also regarded as an R1: Doctoral University, making it one of the top Texas universities for research. The University also researches in areas like superconductivity, space commercialization and exploration, biomedical sciences and engineering, energy and natural resources, and artificial intelligence. The economic impact of the University of Houston is high enough for it to generate around $6.4 Billion annually for the economy of Texas and also create around 62,000 jobs (source: Office of the Texas Governor). It is no doubt one of the best colleges in Texas. 

8. Texas Christian University 

Established In: 1873800 W Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX 75080, United States

Earning Potential for Graduates: USD49,200 per annum

Notable Alumni: Naveen Jindal, James F. Reilly II, Michael Burgess

The University of Texas at Dallas is a public research university and one of the best colleges in Texas, the University is associated with four Nobel prizes and also has members of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering on its faculty. You can also avail high-value scholarships to study in one of the best universities, the University of Texas at Dallas, such as The McDermott Scholars Program and The National Merit Scholars Program. The University is also one of the top Texas universities for research and has been classified among R1: Doctoral Universities. 

9. University of Texas at Arlington 

Established In: 1895

Earning Potential for Graduates: USD 41,200 per annum

Notable Alumni: Kalpana Chawla, Lou Diamond Phillips and many more

The University of Texas at Arlington is a public research university in Arlington with ten affiliated schools and colleges. Known for being one of the top 10 universities in Texas, the University was founded in 1895 and is also classified as R1: Doctoral Universities, making it one of the best universities in Texas. The University enrols more than 40,000 students, making it the fifth-largest University in Texas alongside one of the top best colleges in Texas. It offers over 180 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. There are many popular sports played at the University, which include baseball, basketball, golf, tennis, track and field, softball and volleyball.

10. Trinity University

Established: 1869

Earning Potential for Graduates: USD 46,700 per annum

Notable Alumni: Jaclyn Smith, Uma Pemmaraju and many more

Trinity University is a private liberal arts university and one of the best colleges in Texas. It offers more than 49 majors and 61 minors among 6-degree programmes. With an average class size of 9:1 student/ faculty ratio, it is one of the top-rated Texas universities you can choose from. Its Liberal Arts College is ranked at 59, making it one of the best colleges in Texas for the field of study, among many other recognised schools and colleges under it. 

These were all the best universities in Texas; hopefully, you will be able to make the universities that suit your needs! If you are moving to Texas to study, here are a few student accommodations there that you need to look out for!

Honourable Mentions In Our List Of Best Universities In Texas

1. Texas State University

2. The University of Texas at Arlington

3. University of North Texas

4. University of Dallas

5. Texas A&M International University

6. Tarleton State University

7. University of St. Thomas

Cost of Living in Texas

The cost of living in Texas varies widely, typically ranging from $3,000 to $7,000 per month, depending on many factors, such as choice of locality, student housing you choose near any of the top colleges in Texas, and lifestyle. For more detailed insights, you may want to read a comprehensive guide on the expenses and be financially prepared.

Eligibility Criteria For Admissions

There are a number of things you need to keep in mind before you apply to the best colleges in Texas. Some of the eligibility criteria include international exam scorecards, like TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT, and SAT, among others. There are a number of criteria that you need to check during your application. As the intake season in the USA is approaching, you may go ahead and learn more about it.

Best Scholarships in the USA For You!

If you are planning to study abroad but might need some financial assistance, the scholarships below are among the top five in the USA. However, there are many other top scholarships in the USA you can explore. Here you with the best five:

1. US Fulbright Scholar Program

2. Fulbright Foreign Students scholarship

3. Clark Global Scholarship Program

4. Yale University Scholarships USA

5. Treasure Scholarship at Boise State University