Is Studying in Texas Worth It?

Students have many reasons to study in Texas. In this state, learners have access to hundreds of universities and colleges, including some of the country’s most affordable colleges. A diverse state, Texas offers many outdoor recreation opportunities, lively cities, and a lower than average cost of living.

Despite these incentives, Texas also has some potential drawbacks for students, including long commutes, extreme weather conditions, and fast-growing class sizes. To help you make the best decision for your future, we examine the pros and cons of Texas as a college destination.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Texas had 244 degree-granting institutions in 2019-2020, third-most among all states. The state has 109 public institutions, the second-most in the country. Texas is also home to 56 community colleges, the third-most of any state.

The high number of schools gives prospective students plenty of options when searching for the best colleges in Texas, best online colleges in Texas, and best community colleges in Texas. They can also choose among 88 nonprofit private colleges as of 2022, including several renowned schools.

The strong selection of colleges in Texas increases the chances that degree-seekers will find a school and program that work well for them.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that more than six million new jobs will be created between 2019 and 2029. The Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) 2020 Report on Texas Growth Occupations projected the addition of approximately 1.7 million new jobs in Texas alone between 2018 and 2028.

With targeted training aiming to satisfy the growing demand for workers in the state, degree-seekers can gain access to the fastest-growing careers in Texas and the highest-paying jobs. According to the TWC, the best opportunities will be available in the technical and professional services, healthcare, and finance and insurance industries.

Texas is home to several of the best cities to work in as well. According to the BLS, the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area added nearly 200,000 nonfarm jobs in 2021, and jobs in the Austin-Round Rock region grew by 7.3%. These are some of the largest growth rates in the country.

According to the World Population Review, Texas has a cost of living index of 91.5, lower than the national baseline of 100. With a lower cost of living than 30 other states, Texas is one of the most affordable places to live in the U.S..

The state’s lower cost of living also means students from various socioeconomic backgrounds can afford school and housing costs in Texas.

Texas has several popular cities and some of the best college towns in the country, including Denton and College Station. Forty percent of the population of College Station are college students. Since 2010, Houston, Fort Worth, and Austin have been some of the fastest-growing cities in the country.

While Texas schools and communities attract students from around the world, the state also ranks in the top 10 in retaining its students after graduation, as per the Senate Joint Economic Committee. Educated citizens flock to dynamic states and cities with large metropolitan centers and thriving economies, and Texas has much to offer in these areas.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Texas had the largest population increase in 2021, adding more than 310,000 people. It also had the seventh-highest percentage growth, increasing its population by 1.1%. This significant population increase has helped make Texas one of the most diverse states in the nation.

This diversity transforms the state’s schools and cities. Campus diversity improves learning outcomes, leading to more diverse cities with vibrant and inclusive communities. Applicants and graduates may seek out diverse locations when choosing a college as an LGTBTQ+ student or looking for a city in which to start their career.

In Texas, students have access to many recreational opportunities to strike a healthy school and life balance. According to Travel Texas, the state is home to lakes, rivers, and beaches for water lovers. Students excited about the outdoors can also visit national parks and hiking trails.

Texas’ college towns host countless sporting events, arts and cultural exhibitions, and music festivals. Texas cuisine takes inspiration from many cultures. Students can enjoy Tex-Mex, barbecue, and European-inspired cuisines.

Texans sometimes encounter extreme weather conditions. In 2021, a winter storm left millions of people without electricity. La Niña weather patterns can create extensive dryness and drought in the south, and over 130 tornadoes touch down in Texas each year on average.

Extreme weather can cause danger and disruptions for college students, including evacuations and shelter-in-place orders. Texas supports its residents in several ways, including law reforms governing the weatherization of the state’s power grid and facilities and resource initiatives like Ready South Texas. Most colleges in Texas offer their own severe weather support resources as well.

Most colleges in Texas try to limit the number of students in each class, but large student populations and continued rapid growth have led to big class sizes. For example, enrollment numbers at the University of Texas at Austin have reached all-time highs in recent years, including record numbers of underrepresented students.

While the increased diversity offers several benefits, large classes can have drawbacks. Students may have difficulties navigating large college classrooms, be too intimidated to participate, have trouble standing out, and have less one-on-one interaction with their instructors.

The polarizing politics in Texas can create issues for students, particularly those who fall in the political minority. Some degree-seekers in the state may have a more difficult time finding like-minded students and organizations that represent their identities.

For example, colleges in Texas have been banned from teaching critical race theory, whereas controversial groups have a college presence with fewer barriers. Texas also has a campus carry law that allows gun owners to carry concealed weapons on campus, which could make some students feel unsafe.

With income inequality impacting educational attainment and financial need disproportionately affecting minority students, Texas’ degree completion rate sits below the national average. According to the World Population Review, 30% of Texans have a bachelor’s degree compared to 42% of Americans aged 25 and older.

While Austin is one of the national leaders in educated residents, McAllen, Mission, and Brownsville are at the bottom of the list. Colleges in Texas can combat this with more financial aid for undocumented students.

Learners can explore the available Texas scholarships and financial aid appeal process for additional support.

As the rapid population growth in Texas continues, the state’s roads and transportation systems are under increasing pressure. The state’s large size and urban sprawl can make for long commutes for students.

Public transportation does give students options, including a light-rail system, trains, and buses. Depending on what school they attend and where they live, however, students may need a car to commute reliably.

Students can find many reasons to study in Texas. The state’s natural beauty and diverse cultural attractions offer something for everyone. Learners can keep busy in metropolitan areas and cities. And students looking for a more rural lifestyle can apply to colleges in the state’s smaller towns.

The sheer number of colleges in Texas allows students to find their ideal program and school. They can choose from among the most affordable colleges in Texas, compare program curriculums and faculties, or look for the student services that best support their needs.

Students who study in Texas also have access to the Texas job market, which features considerable growth in many fields, including education, healthcare, and the professional and technical services industries.

With such an enormous selection of schools, choosing the right college in Texas can be difficult. In addition to program costs, prospective students should consider travel costs and room and board. They should also look at how in-state and out-of-state tuition rates might impact them.

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