Public Colleges in Texas: Complete List of Schools

Updated on October 11, 2023

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Public colleges in Texas offer a vibrant culture and lower-than-average cost of living — and there are over 30 schools for you to choose from.

Among the best colleges in Texas, public colleges offer an accessible and affordable education. Public colleges in the Lone Star State offer diverse educational opportunities and include renowned academic programs and research facilities.

But your college experience is more than just academics. The best public colleges in Texas provide culturally vibrant campuses while simultaneously playing home to some of the most celebrated teams in college football.

Continue reading as we help you navigate public colleges in Texas.

5 Popular Public Colleges in Texas

Here, we spotlight five popular public universities in Texas. We chose these based on factors like number of applicants, overall academic rigor, and institutional prestige.

1. The University of Texas at Austin

Avg. Annual Net Price: $17,434
Acceptance Rate: 31%
Total Student Enrollment: 52,384

UT Austin is the state’s flagship institution. This large public college serves over 50,000 students and offers standout academics from respected schools like the McCombs School of Business, the Cockrell School of Engineering, and the Moody College of Communication.

Alongside academics, UT Austin has a vibrant campus with a storied sports tradition.

2. Texas A&M University

Avg. Annual Net Price: $20,375
Acceptance Rate: 63%
Total Student Enrollment: 74,014

Established in 1876, TAMU is a public research institution that’s also one of the largest public schools in the United States. This popular Texas school is home to strong academics, renowned research opportunities, and an extensive alumni network.

Some of the most popular majors at TAMU include engineering, business administration, and biology.

3. Texas Tech University

Avg. Annual Net Price: $17,896
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Total Student Enrollment: 40,378

With over 40,000 students, Lubbock’s TTU is among the most popular public colleges in the Lone Star State.

Located in West Texas and established in 1923, TTU has a century-long history of offering standout academics, and the school’s main campus is home to various undergraduate and graduate programs, along with law and medical schools.

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4. The University of Texas at Dallas

Avg. Annual Net Price: $13,555
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Total Student Enrollment: 31,570

Established in 1961 as a private research facility, UT Dallas is now one of the best public colleges in Texas. Owing to its R&D roots, UT Dallas is recognized for STEM research in areas like computer science, electrical engineering, and neuroscience.

Alongside UT Dallas’s tech focus and research opportunities, the school sits within the Metroplex’s thriving job market and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

5. University of Houston

Avg. Annual Net Price: $14,056
Acceptance Rate: 66%
Total Student Enrollment: 46,700

UH is one of Texas’s largest public institutions and offers more than 300 degree programs. Whether you enroll in the CT Bauer College of Business or the Moores School of Music, UH stands out for its quality programs.

In addition to quality academic programs, UH is one of the most ethnically diverse institutions in the United States.

List of All Public Colleges in Texas

We’ve created a complete list of all four-year public universities in Texas. You can use the table below to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.

The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). We did not include schools that enroll fewer than 500 undergraduates.

All Public Colleges in Texas
School	Total Student Enrollment	Avg. Annual Net Price	Acceptance Rate	Number of Applicants
Angelo State University	10,599	$12,838	79%	4,209
Lamar University	16,803	$11,757	84%	6,214
Midwestern State University	5,784	$11,361	92%	5,507
Prairie View A&M University	9,056	$12,875	76%	5,691
Sam Houston State University	21,480	$13,632	85%	16,316
Sul Ross State University	1,987	$13,130	97%	717
Tarleton State University	14,092	$13,755	87%	5,788
Texas A&M International University	8,505	$5,383	48%	7,848
Texas A&M University-Central Texas	2,198	$5,465	96%	70
Texas A&M University-College Station	74,014	$20,375	63%	43,422
Texas A&M University-Commerce	11,306	$13,025	86%	6,604
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi	10,778	$15,181	88%	8,421
Texas A&M University-Kingsville	6,092	$11,347	97%	5,768
Texas A&M University-San Antonio	7,309	$11,043	96%	9,110
Texas A&M University-Texarkana	2,110	$10,646	91%	2,018
Texas Southern University	8,632	$11,826	97%	8,582
Texas State University	38,171	$14,120	88%	28,908
Texas Tech University	40,378	$17,896	67%	35,400
Texas Woman’s University	15,958	$11,682	94%	7,286
The University of Texas at Arlington	43,946	$14,262	81%	21,963
The University of Texas at Austin	52,384	$17,434	31%	60,055
The University of Texas at Dallas	31,570	$13,555	85%	21,500
The University of Texas at El Paso	23,880	$9,563	100%	10,493
The University of Texas at San Antonio	34,393	$12,664	87%	23,295
The University of Texas at Tyler	9,322	$13,248	94%	3,493
The University of Texas Permian Basin	5,848	$10,370	95%	1,475
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley	31,559	$8,105	88%	13,744
University of Houston	46,700	$14,056	66%	29,783
University of Houston-Clear Lake	8,562	$17,871	69%	1,985
University of Houston-Downtown	14,208	$14,911	88%	6,131
University of Houston-Victoria	4,057	$11,761	82%	1,970
University of North Texas	44,767	$15,283	79%	32,016
University of North Texas at Dallas	3,685	$10,351	94%	2,474
West Texas A&M University	9,242	$17,001	92%	4,695

Source: NCES

Benefits of Studying in Texas

Affordability: Public Texas colleges often offer lower tuition rates, making education more accessible and affordable.
Strong Job Market: Texas has a robust economy with diverse industries, providing ample internship and job opportunities.
Vibrant Culture: Texas is known for its rich history, diverse cuisine, music, and lively festivals.
Networking Opportunities: Colleges in Texas often have extensive alumni networks and industry connections for students and graduates alike.
Research: Many Texas institutions invest heavily in research facilities and initiatives, with students engaging in groundbreaking research projects.

Accreditation for Colleges in Texas

College accreditation in Texas refers to the evaluation and recognition process by organizations such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and for online schools, the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

Accreditation ensures that your institution meets specific quality, integrity, and effectiveness standards. Accreditation also signifies that the school has undergone a rigorous assessment of its programs, faculty, student support services, and resources.

Frequently Asked Questions About Public Colleges in Texas

What’s the cost of living in Texas?

The cost of living in Texas can vary dramatically depending on the city and region, but overall, the Lone Star State is known for having a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other states. Still, students in cities like Austin and Dallas can expect to pay higher-than-average rent.

What are the most popular majors in Texas?

While the popularity of various college majors can vary between schools, some of the most popular majors in Texas include business administration, computer science, and engineering. When researching prospective schools in Texas, be sure to seek out colleges that offer programs that align with your academic and career goals.

What colleges in Texas are online?

As online programs become more and more popular, it’s no surprise that public colleges in Texas are home to numerous distance learning options. These institutions provide a variety of online programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their education remotely and at their own pace.

What are the most in-demand jobs in Texas?

According to the Texas Workforce Commission, the fastest-growing jobs in the state include diverse fields like financial managers, software developers, and petroleum engineers. Public colleges in Texas can prepare you with the skills needed to tackle any of these rapidly growing fields.