Last Updated on September 30, 2026
Quick answer: Top colleges in Texas include Rice University, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, Southern Methodist University, Baylor University, and Texas Christian University. When choosing, compare academic programs, campus size, location, and application platforms, plus automatic admission rules for Texas residents at public universities.
A Guide to the Top Colleges in Texas
So, you want to attend a top college in Texas. Whether you’ve grown up in the Lone Star State your whole life or you want to move south because you love warmer weather, the area has numerous options when it comes to undergrad institutions. But the question is, how do you look through the many colleges in Texas and decide which ones to put on your school list?
You might be drawn in by the UT Austin football stadium, or you’re possibly more interested in checking out the undergraduate engineering school at a private university like Rice. You could also be wondering what other institutions are out there, especially given that there are so many Texas schools that they’ve even got their own separate application system! [2] To help you sort through the choices ahead, I’ve outlined the acceptance rates at a few of the top colleges in Texas, explained the different types of schools that exist, gone over academic opportunities at these institutions, and finally provided some application tips as you navigate the process.
List of Top Colleges in Texas
As expected from a large state, Texas is home to a range of schools that vary in size and offerings. The following table lists several top colleges in Texas, with the cities where they’re located and the acceptance rates each school reports in its Common Data Set:
| School | City | Acceptance Rate (Fall 2025 CDS) |
|---|---|---|
| Rice University | Houston | 8.0% |
| Southern Methodist University | Dallas | 47.6% |
| Texas A&M University – College Station | College Station | 51.7% |
| Baylor University | Waco | 52.2% |
| Texas Christian University | Fort Worth | 48.1% |
| University of Texas – Dallas | Richardson | 69.1% |
Alongside these, Texas is also home to private liberal arts colleges such as Trinity University in San Antonio, a private university known for small classes and a liberal arts focus. If you’re wondering whether your numbers are on par with these schools, check out their median scores below:
| School | Median SAT, Enrolled First-Years (Fall 2025 CDS) |
|---|---|
| Rice University | 1540 |
| Southern Methodist University | 1410 |
| Texas A&M University – College Station | 1280 |
| Baylor University | 1280 |
| Texas Christian University | 1240 |
| University of Texas – Dallas | 1290 |
Understandably, you should check whether your SAT scores align with those of admitted students when making your school list. If your scores are near the low 1400s, Rice would likely be a reach, but you’d still be a very competitive candidate for the other universities. Admissions factors can also be affected by whether or not an applicant is from Texas when it comes to public universities, where selectivity and other advantages vary depending on your residential status.
The Different Types of Colleges in Texas
The UT System
When you’re thinking about which of the colleges in Texas to apply to, you should also keep in mind whether campus and size may play a role in the matter. [1] Many of the larger schools in the state fall under the University of Texas (UT) umbrella, one of the largest public university systems in the US. Its nine academic universities include Stephen F. Austin State University along with the UT campuses below: [1]
- The University of Texas at Arlington
- The University of Texas at Austin
- The University of Texas at Dallas
- The University of Texas at El Paso
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- The University of Texas at San Antonio
- The University of Texas at Tyler
- The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
The system also includes four health institutions, among them UT Southwestern Medical Center and MD Anderson Cancer Center. [1] If you’re someone who’s suited to a large public university setting, consider looking into the different UT campuses. These come with in-state benefits for Texans. For example, UT Austin offers automatic admission to eligible Texas applicants in the top 5% of their high school class for summer/fall 2027 entry. [3] At most other public universities in the state, including Texas A&M, Texas residents in the top 10% of their graduating class qualify for automatic admission. [4] Learn more about UT Austin’s application requirements.
Because automatic admission applies only to Texas residents, out-of-state applicants to public universities like UT Austin are evaluated without that advantage. If you live outside Texas, check each public university’s requirements for nonresident applicants early.
Private Colleges
Schools such as Rice University, Texas Christian University, Trinity University, Baylor University, and Southern Methodist University are all private colleges in Texas. While they don’t offer specific advantages for in-state candidates, they do still provide solid academic options, along with smaller classes and close-knit communities. Rice University, in particular, is one of the most prestigious colleges in the country and is known for its engineering, music, and architecture programs. Baylor University also offers health-focused majors through its programs in health and human sciences and nursing. If you’re pre-med, look for research and shadowing opportunities early, whichever Texas campus you choose.
Unique Opportunities at the Different Texas Colleges
You may also be curious to learn about what awaits you once you’re at these institutions and why you should be motivated to apply in the first place. Each campus has its own mix of undergraduate schools, majors, and first-year programs, so explore the academic pages of the schools on your list to see what each one offers.
Of course, where you apply depends on your priorities. If you value a college with plenty of funding allocated towards research, look more into Texas A&M, while if you want smaller class sizes, Baylor or Trinity may be more of the right path for you. As you work on your list, remember that research is absolutely key in this process. Look through the websites, read brochures, and talk to people so that you can discover which of the colleges in Texas has programs, courses, and resources that can help you reach your goals.
Applying to Colleges in Texas
Different colleges in Texas use different centralized application systems. Every Texas public university accepts the ApplyTexas portal, along with many private colleges. [2] Some overlap with other application systems as well, for example, Texas A&M University and UT Austin accept both ApplyTexas and the Common App. [4] Baylor also lets you apply through the Common App. Meanwhile, Rice University is notably missing from ApplyTexas and can be found on the Common Application. But if you’ve got your eyes on multiple colleges in Texas, chances are that you’ll have to use ApplyTexas.
ApplyTexas starts off by inquiring about your family and educational background to provide the schools with more context on where you come from and how you’ve challenged yourself in the classroom. The portal also asks you to list your extracurricular activities, volunteer work, employment, and awards. These all convey your interests to admissions officers so that they understand how you’ve pursued your interests.
When filling out these application systems, remember to prioritize your most impressive achievements first. Think about activities where you’ve held leadership positions, made tangible achievements, and showed impressive commitment to over the years. Colleges in Texas don’t just want to see good grades and SAT scores – you need to show that you’ve actively pursued your interests outside the classroom as well.
Build a Balanced List of Colleges in Texas
Texas gives you enough options to build an entire list inside one state. Pair one or two reach schools, such as Rice or UT Austin for most applicants, with target and likely schools where your grades and scores sit comfortably in the middle of the admitted range. If you are a Texas resident, check early whether your class rank qualifies you for automatic admission, since that can turn a public university into a likely school. For a step-by-step approach, read our advice on how to make a college list.
Required Essays for Colleges in Texas
Most schools also ask for at least one personal essay, along with school-specific short answers. Length limits vary: Texas A&M, for example, sets a 750-word limit for its required essay. [4] The questions are:
Essay A
Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?
Essay B
Most students have an identity, an interest, or a talent that defines them in an essential way. Tell us about yourself.
Essay C
You’ve got a ticket in your hand – Where will you go? What will you do? What will happen when you get there?
The prompts that are required depend entirely on the school, although most require at least Essay A. Texas A&M requires Essay A plus several short answers, while UT Austin asks for one essay on a topic of your choice (the Common App personal essay counts) and two required short answers. [5] Carefully read the instructions for each of your schools before writing your responses. Think about what makes your story unique, because it’s all about distinguishing yourself from other applicants! You can learn more about how to tackle each of these prompts here.
Essays for Rice University
If you’re applying to Rice University or one of the other colleges in Texas that uses the Common App, you’ll have to write a 650-word personal statement, as well as answer school-specific questions. These essays help admissions officers understand why you have chosen their institution, how you will contribute to the college community, and what makes you a unique applicant.
Rice is also famous for its signature supplemental prompt, “The Box,” where you have to include a photo of something that “appeals to you,” without any space for an explanation using words. Rice notes that the image is not used for evaluative purposes. [6] For more on Rice’s written questions, see our post on how to write the Rice supplemental essays. For such a question, you have to think about how to choose a photo that can best demonstrate your personality, interests, and aspirations. It doesn’t have to be extremely deep, but it should still convey a meaningful message.
No matter where your interests lie, there’s probably one or more options for you as you look through the colleges in Texas. Carefully weigh your options as you uncover more information and continue doing research. And if you want your application to shine, make sure you work hard in your classes and take on leadership roles in your extracurriculars. If you’re a solid applicant, your application will get noticed as memorable to admissions officers, which is absolutely essential during this process.
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