10 Top Universities in Texas: Best Ranked Colleges

Think Texas is all about cowboy boots and open skies? You might be surprised — it’s also home to some of the country’s top universities. Whether you're aiming for groundbreaking research, affordable tuition, or small class sizes, the top universities in Texas cater to a wide range of academic and career goals. 

As of 2023-24, its advanced higher education system comprised over 431 active colleges and universities, including 106 public institutions and 325 nonprofit private schools. Our guide sums up the essentials—including program diversity, faculty excellence, campus life, and acceptance rate of University of Texas and other top universities—to help you find one that fits your aspirations.

Top 10 Texas Universities At a Glance

Here’s the list of the top universities in Texas, known for their excellence in education, research, and student success: 

1. Texas A&M University

Location: College Station, TX
QS Ranking: 154
Acceptance rate for Texas A&M: 64%
Average Tuition Fees: 40,328 $

Texas A&M University is one of the best universities in Texas, established in 1876. It offers a diverse range of educational programs across several fields, including Social Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Computer and Information Sciences, and Psychology. Texas A&M University also places special emphasis on providing the best research opportunities to students. 

It’s known for offering world-class curricula at affordable costs and ranks second among public universities that have enrolled National Merit Scholars. Students can also get the chance to be a part of various cocurricular activities, including Corps of Cadets and sports programs for aquatics and indoor rock climbing. 

Check out our comprehensive guide on Texas A&M University admission to navigate your application with ease.

2. Rice University

Location: Houston, TX
QS Ranking: 141
Acceptance Rate: 9%
Average Tuition Fees: 58,128 $

Ranked among the USA’s top 20 universities as per the U.S. News & World Report, Rice University is one of the best online universities in Texas. It has a 6:1 ratio of undergraduate students to faculty members, which helps prioritize individual attention. Students can expect all-around support from the university, which includes intellectual, cultural, and emotional support to ensure their overall development. 

Moreover, the faculty members include Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winners and other distinguished academicians, an aspect that ensures all students receive quality education. 

3. The University of Texas, Austin

Location: Austin, TX
QS Ranking: 66
University of Texas at Austin acceptance rate: 29%
Average Tuition Fees: 42,778 $

Started as early as 1883, the University of Texas at Austin offers over 170 undergraduate, 116 master’s, and 78 doctoral programs in fields ranging from engineering to humanities. 

While students are encouraged to develop their thinking by means of debate, intellectual partnerships, and discussions, they are also tutored through significant workshops free of cost. Moreover, the university campus offers dozens of venues for students to explore, such as the Blanton Museum of Art, the LBJ Presidential Library, and the Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex. 

4. Texas Tech University

Location: Lubbock, TX
QS Ranking: 781-790
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Average Tuition Fees: 24,451 $

Founded in 1923, Texas Tech University has evolved into one of the top universities in Texas with a noteworthy student enrollment in the city. It has a spacious campus spread across 1,800 acres and offers more than 150 programs in various fields. 

Students also get to enjoy an amazing campus life at Texas Tech University, with more than 5550 student organizations providing opportunities for growth and leadership. Furthermore, a range of student activities is conducted at the university, ranging from the Texas Tech Spirit Program to the Red to Black Peer Financial Coaching. 

5. University of Texas, El Paso

Location: El Paso, TX 
QS Ranking: 1001-1200
Acceptance rate: 100%
Average Tuition Fees: 25,512 $

The University of Texas, El Paso (UTEP) began in 1914, when it exclusively focused on metallurgy and mining engineering. However, it currently offers more than 170 degrees across various disciplines, and is known for offering the right balance of academic excellence and affordability. 

The University of Texas is among the most inclusive and accessible universities for international students. The UTEP considers factors such as recommendation letters, coursework difficulty, and extracurricular activities while accepting applications. 

6. The University of North Texas

Location: Denton, TX
QS Ranking: 1001-1200
Acceptance Rate: 72%
Average Tuition Fees: 21,244 $

Forbes has included the University of North Texas among the best colleges in Texas for a record 16 years in a row, which reflects the popularity of this institution among students. It is one of the cheapest universities in Texas, following a student-first approach throughout its functioning, and also offers valuable research opportunities. 

Some educational programs taught at the university that are recognized all over the country and beyond include Engineering, Business, Journalism, Arts & Sciences, Education, and Music. Another feature of the university worth noting is that it has partnerships with top companies, which include the Dallas Cowboys. 

Discover our expert-curated list of the 10 Best Colleges in Texas in 2025 and find the perfect fit for your academic journey.

7. The University of Texas, Dallas

Location: Richardson, TX
QS Ranking: 596
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Average Tuition Fees: 40,064 $

The University of Texas at Dallas, recognized among the top colleges in Texas. It is home to 5,000 international students from more than 110 countries. Currently, it offers 160 educational programs across seven reputed schools, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 25:1. The university was founded in the 1960s by innovators with a vision to create better opportunities for higher education in the North Texas region.

In addition to the high-quality education, students of UT Dallas get a dynamic campus life that allows them to lead a fulfilling life with plenty of recreational activities. Through the guidance of its distinguished faculty and advanced curricula spanning business, science, arts, engineering, and research, the university prepares students for leadership roles. 

8. Baylor University 

Location: Waco, TX
QS Ranking: 1001-1200
Acceptance Rate: 38.6%
Average Tuition Fees: 54,844 $

Baylor University is one of the most well-known private institutions that offer world-class academic programs and a well-rounded educational experience to all its students. Home to over 20,000 students and offering a campus of more than 1000 acres, the university equally emphasises interdisciplinary research and educational excellence.

As per the university’s website, 73% of students who graduated in 2020 from Baylor started graduate school or found a job within three months of completing their graduation. The student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1 is another aspect that makes Baylor University stand out from many other institutions, ensuring individual attention to all students across its programs. 

9. Texas Christian University

Location: Fort Worth, TX
QS Ranking: Not ranked in QS 2025
Acceptance Rate: 43%
Average Tuition Fees: 57,220 $

Texas Christian University trains all students to act and think as responsible citizens and ethical leaders in the global community. Moreover, the wide range of creative and research activities and immersive programs of learning and teaching offered at all academic levels prepares students for distinguished careers across different fields. 

The student-to-faculty ratio at the university is 13:1, which reflects its efforts toward ensuring effective learning for each of its students. It is also among the most sought-after universities for international students, as it is home to students hailing from 90 countries. 

10. Southern Methodist University 

Location: Dallas, TX 
QS Ranking: 1001-1200
Acceptance Rate: 61%
Average Tuition Fees: 64,460 $

We end our list with this prestigious university that functions based on Methodist principles and offers over 100 majors to choose from. Notably, Southern Methodist University is ranked among the top 25% of universities in the country, as per the U.S. News & World Report (2025). 

It has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, helping students interact with the university’s reputed faculty members more effectively. This, in turn, ensures students can clear their concepts and gain a solid understanding of their respective fields. 

Check out our complete guide on Southern Methodist University to see what makes it a standout choice in Texas.

Find Safe and Reliable Housing Near Texas Universities 

Planning to study at one of the top universities in Texas? From the energy of Austin and Houston to the laid-back vibes of Lubbock and San Antonio, the Lone Star State offers diverse living experiences for students across campuses.

If you're searching for secure, comfortable, and budget-friendly off-campus housing in Texas, amber makes the process simple and stress-free. With verified listings and personalized support, you can focus on your studies while we help you find your new home.

Here are some top options for off-campus student housing in Texas:

1. The Block, Austin 
2. Raiders Pass, Lubbock 
3. Texan & Vintage, Austin 
4. Fairways 5, San Antonio 
5. Tower 5040, Houston 

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