Texas offers some of the very best college options in the country. It is known for its booming economy, diverse industries, and growing job market.
The Lone Star State attracts students from across the nation who are looking for both quality education and career opportunities after graduation. From major research universities to smaller liberal arts schools, Texas institutions provide programs that fit different goals, whether you’re interested in business, engineering, healthcare, technology, or the arts.
But with so many choices, it’s essential to find the school that matches your academic needs, personal goals, and budget. For this 2026 ranking of the Best Colleges in Texas, we reviewed several trusted sources and considered factors such as academic reputation, graduation outcomes, student satisfaction, affordability, and career prospects.
Best Colleges in Texas
Explore our list of the top 10 best Colleges in Texas and discover schools that combine academic excellence, affordability, and strong career outcomes.
1. Rice University (Houston, TX)
Rice University, located in Houston, is one of the most respected private research universities in Texas. The university offers around 50 undergraduate programs across fields such as architecture, engineering, business, humanities, music, natural sciences, and social sciences. Whether you’re interested in designing buildings, advancing technology, or studying human culture, Rice has a program that matches your interests.
Rice is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
2. University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)
The University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest and most prestigious public universities in the state. As the flagship of the UT System, it attracts students from across the country and around the world.
UT Austin offers an impressive range of academic programs, including more than 100 undergraduate majors, 116 master’s programs, and 78 doctoral degrees. From business and law to engineering, liberal arts, and sciences, the university provides opportunities for nearly every field of study.
3. Texas A&M University (College Station)
Texas A&M University, located in College Station, is one of the largest and most recognized public universities in the nation. As a land-grant research institution, it has built a reputation for combining academic excellence with real-world impact.
The university offers more than 140 undergraduate programs along with over 270 graduate and professional degrees. Students can choose from a wide variety of fields, including agriculture, engineering, business, sciences, and the liberal arts.
4. Trinity University
Trinity University, located in San Antonio, is a liberal arts college that blends tradition with innovation. Students here can choose from 47 majors and 59 minors across areas such as the arts, sciences, business, engineering, and fine arts. The university also offers graduate-level programs in fields like accounting, education, psychology, school administration, and health care administration.
One of Trinity’s unique features is its focus on creativity and expression; it’s the only university in San Antonio that gives students the option to pursue a minor in creative writing. Trinity is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
5. Southern Methodist University (SMU)
Southern Methodist University, located in Dallas, is a private research university known for its strong academics and vibrant campus life. SMU offers a wide range of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, giving students the flexibility to pursue their passions while building solid career skills.
Students can choose from disciplines such as arts, engineering, history, biochemistry, chemistry, creative computing, dance, and even unique areas like human rights.
6. University of Houston
The University of Houston, located in the heart of Texas’s largest city, is a major public research university that attracts students from across the state and beyond.
UH offers more than 310 degree programs across undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels, including 51 doctoral programs. With such a wide variety of options, students can pursue almost any field of interest while also gaining access to research opportunities, internships, and strong connections to local and global employers.
7. University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas)
The University of Texas at Dallas has earned its place on our list of the Best Colleges in Texas 2026. It is located in Richardson, just outside Dallas, and is a public research university that has become a top choice for students who want to combine academic excellence with real-world opportunities.
UT Dallas offers 56 bachelor’s degrees, 59 master’s programs, and 31 doctoral degrees, along with 33 certificates at both undergraduate and graduate levels. With its emphasis on STEM and close ties to the booming tech industry in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the university provides a pathway to careers in fields like engineering, computer science, and data analytics, while still offering strong programs in the arts, social sciences, and business.
8. Baylor University
Baylor University, located in Waco, is one of the most recognized private research universities in Texas. Students at Baylor can choose from more than 125 majors and minors offered across its 12 schools and colleges. Programs range from business and law to health sciences, engineering, education, and the arts, giving students plenty of options to align their studies with future career goals.
In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, Baylor earned a spot among the nation’s top universities, ranking No. 88 overall, which is why Baylor features prominently on our list of the Best Colleges in Texas.
9. Texas Christian University (TCU)
Texas Christian University, located in Fort Worth, is a private research university known for its balance of academic rigor and vibrant student life. TCU has become a popular choice for students who want a strong education in a supportive community.
The university offers 117 undergraduate majors, 62 master’s programs, and 25 doctoral degrees across fields such as business, education, science, engineering, and the arts. This variety makes it easy for students to find a program that aligns with their passions and career goals.
In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, TCU is ranked No. 97 among National Universities, further securing its place on our list of the Best Colleges in Texas.
10. Texas A&M University–San Antonio
Texas A&M University–San Antonio is a public university located in the heart of San Antonio, Texas. The institution is organized into four main academic divisions: the College of Business, the College of Education and Human Development, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Graduate Studies. Together, these schools offer a wide range of programs that prepare students for careers in business, education, science, technology, and the liberal arts.
The university holds full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, giving it the authority to award both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
FAQs About the Best Colleges in Texas
Is Texas a good state for job growth after graduation?
Yes. Texas continues to add thousands of new jobs every month. Between early 2024 and early 2025 alone, the state created more than 180,000 new nonfarm jobs. That’s an annual growth rate of about 1.3%, slightly higher than the national average. This steady growth makes Texas a great place for graduates, especially in industries like healthcare, technology, construction, and education.
What’s the unemployment rate like in Texas?
Texas has a relatively low unemployment rate, sitting at around 4.1% in early 2025. This shows that the job market is stable and that opportunities are consistently available, which is encouraging for graduates looking to enter the workforce.
How affordable are colleges in Texas?
Public universities in Texas are known for being more affordable than private schools. On average, in-state students at four-year public universities pay about $8,400 a year in tuition and fees. By contrast, private colleges in Texas charge an average of about $27,800 per year. This means that for students who qualify for in-state tuition, public schools can offer a much more budget-friendly option.