2025-26 Rankings
Best Colleges in Texas
Our rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics including academic selectivity, institutional resources, and tuition costs.
Note: Tuition costs shown for public universities reflect in-state tuition rates.
Houston, TX•Private
8%
Acceptance Rate$72,200/yr
1510-1570
93%
"Rice delivers intimate residential college life like Yale's, but sets you loose in Houston's explosive energy hub."
San Antonio, TX•Private
26%
Acceptance Rate$63,398/yr
1340-1500
80%
"Hilltop liberal arts haven in San Antonio where small classes meet city skyline views and undergrad research thrives."
Dallas, TX•Private
63%
Acceptance Rate$74,076/yr
1340-1490
82%
"Polish your Dallas dreams at SMU, where Southern charm fuels ambitious careers amid live oaks and skyline views."
Austin, TX•Public
27%
Acceptance Rate$26,526/yr
1250-1510
84%
"Burnt-orange behemoth fueling ambitious minds amid Austin's live music throb and tech surge."
College Station, TX•Public
57%
Acceptance Rate$21,823/yr
1150-1400
86%
"Gig'em Aggies: A colossal Texas powerhouse where unbreakable traditions and the world's largest student-run military corps forge engineers, leaders, and lifelong networkers."
Fort Worth, TX•Private
44%
Acceptance Rate$70,590/yr
1140-1350
82%
"TCU turns Fort Worth's cowboy grit and Big 12 energy into a spirited launchpad where faith-curious Horned Frogs chase big dreams with Southern swagger."
Waco, TX•Private
51%
Acceptance Rate$67,052/yr
1200-1400
82%
"Baylor wraps you in unapologetic Southern Baptist warmth, where faith fuels football frenzies and future leaders in a quirky Texas river town."
Sherman, TX•Private
48%
Acceptance Rate$57,369/yr
1100-1310
71%
"Texas' tight-knit liberal arts powerhouse where kangaroos roam the mascot lore and global curiosity fuels your path."
Georgetown, TX•Private
43%
Acceptance Rate$63,522/yr
1130-1300
75%
"Texas's oldest chartered university, where Pirates chase big dreams in a small-town liberal arts haven 30 minutes from Austin."
Irving, TX•Private
53%
Acceptance Rate$59,970/yr
1120-1370
73%
"University of Dallas is located in Irving, TX."
Richardson, TX•Public
65%
Acceptance Rate$28,994/yr
1160-1410
69%
"Youthful UT System newcomer founded by Dallas tech pioneers, powering engineering and business innovation in the suburban Telecom Corridor."
Abilene, TX•Private
66%
Acceptance Rate$54,840/yr
1070-1270
65%
"A faith-driven community in the heart of Texas blending tight-knit support with a push for personal growth."
Longview, TX•Private
38%
Acceptance Rate$44,790/yr
990-1330
53%
"LeTourneau University is located in Longview, TX."
San Antonio, TX•Private
98%
Acceptance Rate$46,854/yr
900-1310
61%
"St. Mary's University is located in San Antonio, TX."
Austin, TX•Private
81%
Acceptance Rate$64,754/yr
970-1240
60%
"Saint Edward's University is located in Austin, TX."
Houston, TX•Public
74%
Acceptance Rate$19,971/yr
1160-1340
61%
"Houston's sprawling public research engine, channeling urban energy into engineering, business, and pharmacy prowess."
Lubbock, TX•Public
73%
Acceptance Rate$20,238/yr
1090-1280
67%
"Windy West Texas campus fusing ranching heritage with roaring Big 12 football crowds."
Houston, TX•Private
90%
Acceptance Rate$42,564/yr
980-1210
57%
"Houston's Catholic university blending Thomistic philosophy with urban energy in artsy Montrose."
Seguin, TX•Private
96%
Acceptance Rate$46,500/yr
1030-1230
61%
"Texas Lutheran University is located in Seguin, TX."
San Marcos, TX•Public
89%
Acceptance Rate$20,491/yr
980-1200
63%
"Riverside public powerhouse where San Marcos River floats fuel Bobcat pride amid rapid growth."