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The 10 Cheapest Colleges in Texas
What’s Covered:
Everything is big in Texas, including its higher education opportunities. The second most populous state in the U.S., Texas has a huge number of public and private colleges and universities. And if you’re looking for an affordable education, you have plenty of options.
Here are the cheapest colleges in the Lone Star State.
Most Affordable Colleges in Texas
1. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $1,500/$13,770
Location: Odessa, TX
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Undergrad Enrollment: 4,654
Part of the University of Texas System, UTPB was founded in 1973. Today, it offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degrees across five academic colleges:
- Arts and Sciences
- Business
- Education
- Engineering
- Health Sciences and Human Performance
UTPB caters to a diverse student population, with 51% first-generation college students. There are five modes of instruction: online courses, remote courses, hybrid courses, HyFlex courses, and face-to-face courses. The campus is also home to STEM Academy, an open-enrollment charter school.
Learn more about UTPB and what it takes to get accepted.
2. Midland College
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $3,180/$6,180
Location: Midland, TX
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Undergrad Enrollment: 6,059
MC is a public community college offering two bachelor’s degree programs and more than 30 associate’s degree programs. Students also have access to upper-level degrees via University Center partners. The college offers classes in a variety of formats, ranging from in-person to online to hybrid, providing students with the flexibility needed to achieve their academic and career goals.
The college also partners with local businesses to help prepare students for the workforce.
Learn more about Midland and what it takes to get accepted.
3. University of Houston-Victoria
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $6,388/$19,156
Location: Victoria, TX
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Undergrad Enrollment: 2,645
UHV offers more than 50 academic programs across four colleges: Business, Education & Health Professions, Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, and Natural & Applied Science. Many are ranked among the best of their kind.
UHV is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI)—40% of its undergraduates are Hispanic. UHV is consistently ranked among the most affordable colleges in the Lone Star State, and awards more than $35 million in financial aid annually.
Learn more about UHV and what it takes to get accepted.
4. Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $8,032/$18,877
Location: San Antonio, TX
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Undergrad Enrollment: 6,994
A&M-SA was founded as the first upper-division institution of higher education in South San Antonio in 2009. Today, the young institution offers 50 undergraduate and 50 graduate programs across in-demand fields like business, education, information technology, cybersecurity, criminology, and biology.
Nearly three-quarters of students are the first in their families to attend college. The university is also a Hispanic-Serving Institution, with a majority Hispanic student body.
Learn more about A&M-SA and what it takes to get accepted.
5. Texas A&M International University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $9,496/$23,930
Location: Laredo, TX
Acceptance Rate: 59%
Undergrad Enrollment: 7,004
A member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMIU serves a multicultural and multilingual community. The university encompasses four colleges:
- College of Arts & Sciences
- College of Business Administration
- College of Education
- College of Nursing & Health Science
TAMIU offers roughly 100 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree levels. The university is consistently considered among the best value and best public universities in Texas.
Learn more about TAMIU and what it takes to get accepted.
6. Angelo State University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $9,584/$21,884
Location: San Angelo, TX
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Undergrad Enrollment: 9,779
Angelo State University (ASU) offers 50 undergraduate degrees, 32 master’s degrees, and four doctoral degrees through its six colleges:
- Archer College of Health and Human Services
- College of Arts and Humanities
- College of Education
- College of Graduate Studies and Research
- College of Science and Engineering
- Norris-Vincent College of Business
ASU is the second-largest university in the Texas Tech system, a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), and extremely military-friendly—for more than a decade, it’s been designated a “Military Friendly School” by G.I. Jobs magazine.
Learn more about ASU and what it takes to get accepted.
7. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $9,748/$20,897
Location: Corpus Christi, TX
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Undergrad Enrollment: 8,320
Offering more than 85 programs across seven colleges, the TAMU Corpus Christi campus is a prestigious university that provides numerous opportunities—well beyond academics. TAMUCC partners with local businesses to offer internships and research experiences to students, while sharing art, theater, and live performances.
TAMU Corpus Christi is one of just 135 institutions listed as a R2-High Research Activity campus by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. It’s also a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI)—nearly half the student body is Hispanic.
Learn more about TAMUCC and what it takes to get accepted.
8. Texas A&M University–Kingsville
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $9,892/$25,806
Location: Kingsville, TX
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Undergrad Enrollment: 5,386
The oldest continuously operating public institution of higher education in South Texas, A&M-Kingsville was founded in 1925, originally as South Texas State Teachers College. It became a member of the TAMU system in 1989. Today, the university offers more academic programs and degrees than any other college or university in the region.
A&M-Kingsville serves a diverse student body and is committed to a high quality of research, teaching, and service.
Learn more about TAMUK and what it takes to get accepted.
9. East Texas A&M University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $10,026/$22,266
Location: Commerce, TX
Acceptance Rate: 42%
Undergrad Enrollment: 7,201
“Educate. Discover, Achieve.” is the motto of East Texas A&M University, formerly known as Texas A&M-Commerce. The university offers 140 degrees across six colleges, with several programs highly ranked nationally.
The third-largest institution in the TAMU system, East Texas A&M is the fourth-oldest state university or college in the state. It offers one of the country’s only agriculture colleges where students experiment with sustainable growing methods, and it is a leading producer of Texas teachers.
East Texas A&M is also known for its friendly campus, which is home to a thriving Greek community and more than 115 student organizations.
Learn more about TAMUC and what it takes to get accepted.
10. Tarleton State University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $10,181/$22,331
Location: Stephenville, TX
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Undergrad Enrollment: 12,012
A founding member of the TAMU system, TSU offers nearly 100 undergraduate and graduate degrees, along with a doctorate in education and two associate degrees, across seven academic colleges and five different locations. The university also has a vibrant community, with more than 120 student organizations.
Learn more about TSU and what it takes to get accepted.
Tips for Saving Money on College
1. Apply to schools that meet 100% of demonstrated need.
Many schools, including top institutions, are committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all accepted students. Find a complete list of these schools here.
2. Attend in-state public schools.
In-state public institutions are typically more affordable than other schools, although some private schools do offer generous aid. And if you’re a competitive applicant, you can expect to receive ample scholarships to top schools in Texas.
3. Apply for scholarships.
Both internal and external scholarships can be excellent resources for offsetting the cost of a college education. Many organizations award scholarships to students within particular niches or communities. Try targeting these types of awards since they draw smaller audiences than broader scholarships.
How Much Will You Pay for College?
No matter where you’re planning on attending college, the sticker price you see advertised is rarely the one you’ll end up paying. Find out your expected net price for hundreds of colleges and universities across the U.S. It’s easy to calculate thanks to our free financial aid calculator!
