Best Universities in Texas

Top 10 Universities in Texas

Rice University

Rice University, located in Houston, Texas, is a prestigious private research university known for its strong programs in science, engineering, and the humanities. Founded in 1912, Rice offers a rigorous academic environment with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning. The university’s small class sizes and dedicated faculty contribute to a vibrant intellectual community.

U.S. News Ranking:

#17 (National Universities)

Number of Students:

Approximately 7,000

Degrees Offered:

Rice offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in over 50 majors and minors.

Acceptance Rate:

9%

Average SAT Score:

1460-1570

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

• Residential Colleges
• Student Government
• Research Opportunities
• Performing Arts Groups
• Entrepreneurship Programs

Famous Alumni:

1. Howard Hughes – Business Magnate and Aviator
2. Condoleezza Rice – Former U.S. Secretary of State
3. Wes Anderson – Filmmaker
4. Jim Parsons – Actor
5. Robert Curl – Nobel Prize-winning Chemist

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. ExxonMobil
2. NASA
3. Google
4. McKinsey & Company
5. Goldman Sachs

University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin, often referred to as UT Austin, is a flagship public research university located in the heart of Austin, Texas. Founded in 1883, UT Austin is known for its world-class faculty, diverse student body, and strong academic programs across various disciplines. The university’s vibrant campus culture and rich traditions make it a top choice for students seeking a dynamic learning environment.

U.S. News Ranking:

#42 (National Universities)

Number of Students:

Approximately 51,000

Degrees Offered:

UT Austin offers over 170 undergraduate and 250 graduate programs.

Acceptance Rate:

32%

Average SAT Score:

1230-1480

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

• Longhorn Athletics
• Student Government
• Cultural Organizations
• Research Opportunities
• Volunteer Programs

Famous Alumni:

1. Matthew McConaughey – Actor
2. Michael Dell – Founder of Dell Technologies
3. Farrah Fawcett – Actress
4. Walter Cronkite – Journalist
5. Roger Clemens – Former MLB Pitcher

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. Dell Technologies
2. Google
3. Amazon
4. ExxonMobil
5. Apple

Southern Methodist University

Southern Methodist University (SMU), located in Dallas, Texas, is a private research university founded in 1911. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence and leadership development, SMU offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The university’s vibrant campus community and proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex provide students with numerous opportunities for internships, research, and cultural enrichment.

U.S. News Ranking:

#66 (National Universities)

Number of Students:

Approximately 12,000

Degrees Offered:

SMU offers over 200 programs of study at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels.

Acceptance Rate:

47%

Average SAT Score:

1250-1430

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

• Greek Life
• Mustang Athletics
• Student Government
• Community Service Organizations
• Entrepreneurship Clubs

Famous Alumni:

1. Laura Bush – Former First Lady of the United States
2. Kathy Bates – Actress
3. Aaron Spelling – Television Producer
4. Gerald Ford – Former President of the United States
5. Eric Dickerson – Former NFL Player

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. AT&T
2. Deloitte
3. JPMorgan Chase
4. PwC
5. Texas Instruments

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, located in College Station, Texas, is a renowned public research university known for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and business. Established in 1876, Texas A&M is one of the largest universities in the United States and boasts a proud tradition of excellence in academics, athletics, and service. The university’s commitment to leadership development and hands-on learning prepares students for success in their chosen fields.

U.S. News Ranking:

#66 (National Universities)

Number of Students:

Approximately 71,000

Degrees Offered:

Texas A&M offers over 130 undergraduate and 240 graduate degree programs.

Acceptance Rate:

68%

Average SAT Score:

1180-1380

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

• Aggie Athletics
• Corps of Cadets
• Student Government
• Engineering Organizations
• Service Clubs

Famous Alumni:

1. Rick Perry – Former Governor of Texas
2. C. Slocum – Former Texas A&M Football Coach
3. Von Miller – NFL Player
4. Lyle Lovett – Singer-songwriter
5. Eliot Shapleigh – Former Texas State Senator

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. ExxonMobil
2. Chevron
3. Texas Instruments
4. Amazon
5. Lockheed Martin

Baylor University

Baylor University, located in Waco, Texas, is a private Christian university known for its strong programs in business, law, and health sciences. Founded in 1845, Baylor offers a comprehensive liberal arts education with a Christian worldview. The university’s commitment to academic excellence, faith integration, and service provides students with a transformative educational experience.

U.S. News Ranking:

#76 (National Universities)

Number of Students:

Approximately 19,000

Degrees Offered:

Baylor offers over 250 undergraduate and graduate programs.

Acceptance Rate:

45%

Average SAT Score:

1220-1400

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

• Spiritual Life Groups
• Greek Life
• Intramural Sports
• Student Government
• Community Service Projects

Famous Alumni:

1. David Crowder – Christian Musician
2. Angela Kinsey – Actress
3. Robert Griffin III – NFL Player
4. Willie Nelson – Musician
5. Jim Morris – Former MLB Player and Subject of “The Rookie”

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. Baylor Scott & White Health
2. Amazon
3. Deloitte
4. PwC
5. Baylor University

Texas Christian University

Texas Christian University (TCU), located in Fort Worth, Texas, is a private Christian university known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus community. Founded in 1873, TCU offers a personalized educational experience with small class sizes and a focus on experiential learning. The university’s commitment to faith, innovation, and service prepares students for success in their careers and communities.

U.S. News Ranking:

#80 (National Universities)

Number of Students:

Approximately 11,000

Degrees Offered:

TCU offers over 130 undergraduate areas of study and 55 graduate programs.

Acceptance Rate:

47%

Average SAT Score:

1160-1340

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

• Frog Camp (New Student Orientation)
• Greek Life
• Intramural Sports
• Service Organizations
• Performing Arts Groups

Famous Alumni:

1. Bob Schieffer – Former CBS News Anchor
2. Angela Stanford – Professional Golfer
3. LaDainian Tomlinson – Former NFL Player
4. Dan Jenkins – Sports Writer
5. David Boreanaz – Actor

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. Lockheed Martin
2. American Airlines
3. AT&T
4. JPMorgan Chase
5. PwC

University of Houston

The University of Houston (UH), located in Houston, Texas, is a public research university known for its diverse student body and strong ties to industry. Founded in 1927, UH offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional degrees in law, business, and optometry. The university’s urban location and commitment to innovation make it a hub for research, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange.

U.S. News Ranking:

#176 (National Universities)

Number of Students:

Approximately 47,000

Degrees Offered:

UH offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs.

Acceptance Rate:

57%

Average SAT Score:

1130-1320

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

• Cougar Athletics
• Student Government
• Cultural Organizations
• Research Opportunities
• Community Service Projects

Famous Alumni:

1. Jim Parsons – Actor
2. Dennis Quaid – Actor
3. Carl Lewis – Olympic Track and Field Athlete
4. Lizzo – Musician
5. Jim Nantz – Sportscaster

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. ExxonMobil
2. Chevron
3. Shell
4. BP
5. NASA

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University, located in Lubbock, Texas, is a public research university known for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and health sciences. Founded in 1923, Texas Tech offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as opportunities for research, innovation, and community engagement. The university’s commitment to student success and academic excellence makes it a top choice for students seeking a comprehensive education.

U.S. News Ranking:

#217 (National Universities)

Number of Students:

Approximately 40,000

Degrees Offered:

Texas Tech offers over 150 undergraduate and 100 graduate programs.

Acceptance Rate:

69%

Average SAT Score:

1070-1270

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

• Red Raider Athletics
• Greek Life
• Student Government
• Research Opportunities
• Community Service Projects

Famous Alumni:

1. Brian Price – Former MLB Player
2. John Denver – Musician
3. Montel Williams – Television Host
4. Spike Dykes – Former Texas Tech Football Coach
5. Susan Graham – Opera Singer

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. Texas Instruments
2. Lockheed Martin
3. AT&T
4. IBM
5. Dell Technologies

Texas State University

Texas State University, located in San Marcos, Texas, is a public research university known for its strong programs in education, business, and the arts. Founded in 1899, Texas State offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as opportunities for research, internships, and professional development. The university’s scenic campus and vibrant student life make it a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded college experience.

U.S. News Ranking:

#293 (National Universities)

Number of Students:

Approximately 39,000

Degrees Offered:

Texas State offers over 200 undergraduate and 100 graduate programs.

Acceptance Rate:

81%

Average SAT Score:

1050-1220

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

• Bobcat Athletics
• Greek Life
• Student Government
• Cultural Organizations
• Outdoor Adventure Clubs

Famous Alumni:

1. Lyndon B. Johnson – Former President of the United States
2. George Strait – Country Musician
3. Roy F. Mitchell – Former MLB Player
4. Ed Foreman – Former U.S. Congressman
5. Eva Longoria – Actress and Producer

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. Texas State University
2. H-E-B
3. Dell Technologies
4. Amazon
5. USAA

University of North Texas

The University of North Texas (UNT), located in Denton, Texas, is a public research university known for its strong programs in music, engineering, and business. Founded in 1890, UNT offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as opportunities for research, internships, and professional development. The university’s vibrant campus culture and commitment to innovation make it a top choice for students seeking a dynamic educational experience.

U.S. News Ranking:

#284 (National Universities)

Number of Students:

Approximately 40,000

Degrees Offered:

UNT offers over 200 undergraduate and 100 graduate programs.

Acceptance Rate:

71%

Average SAT Score:

1060-1250

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

• Mean Green Athletics
• Greek Life
• Student Government
• Performing Arts Groups
• Environmental Organizations

Famous Alumni:

1. Norah Jones – Musician
2. Stone Cold Steve Austin – WWE Hall of Famer
3. Thomas Kretschmann – Actor
4. Bill Moyers – Journalist
5. Lovie Smith – NFL Coach

Top 5 Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. University of North Texas
2. Lockheed Martin
3. AT&T
4. Texas Health Resources
5. IBM