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The 10 Cheapest Colleges in Texas
What’s Covered:
Texas is full of opportunities. The second most populous state in the U.S., it 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.
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.
Most Affordable Colleges in Texas
1. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $2,531/$7,438
Location: Odessa
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Undergrad Enrollment: 4,700
Part of the University of Texas System, UTPB was founded in 1973. Today, it offers more than 75 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 42% 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: $3,600/$4,860
Location: Midland
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Undergrad Enrollment: 5,400
MC is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including three bachelor’s degrees. Students also have access to upper-level degrees via University Center partners. The college partners with local businesses as well, helping to prepare students for the workforce.
Learn more about Midland and what it takes to get accepted.
3. Texas A&M International University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $3,818/$13,634
Location: Laredo
Acceptance Rate: 6,900
Undergrad Enrollment: 59%
A Member of The Texas A&M University System, TAMIU serves a multicultural and multilingual community. The university encompasses four colleges, through which it offers more than 100 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree levels.
TAMIU has been ranked 4th among Southern Colleges for “Best Bang for the Buck” by Washington Monthly and in the Top 10 among Top Public Universities in Texas by Niche.
Learn more about TAMIU and what it takes to get accepted.
4. Angelo State University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $4,412/$14,228
Location: San Angelo
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Undergrad Enrollment: 8,600
ASU has been ranked among The Princeton Review’s “Best Colleges” in the nation every year since 2010. Offering more than 100 majors and concentrations across six colleges, the university has robust undergraduate and graduate programs. It is the second-largest campus within the Texas Tech system.
ASU has been ranked a “Best of the Best” veteran-friendly school by US Veterans. The school is also known for its housing, ranking in the top 10 among “2020 Best College Dorms in Texas.”
Learn more about ASU and what it takes to get accepted.
5. Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state:
Location: San Antonio
Acceptance Rate: 60%
Undergrad Enrollment: 5,700
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 28 undergraduate degrees and 14 graduate degrees 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.
6. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $4,719/$14,897
Location: Corpus Christi
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Undergrad Enrollment: 9,700
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.
Also of note: the campus is one of just seven federal test sites for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the nation, and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences has been recognized by the White House
Learn more about TAMUCC and what it takes to get accepted.
7. Texas A&M University-Commerce
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $4,790/$17,060
Location: Commerce
Acceptance Rate: 60%
Undergrad Enrollment: 8,200
“Educate. Discover, Achieve.” is the motto of A&M-Commerce. The university offers 140 degrees across six colleges, with several programs ranked among the top in the nation by U.S. News. It is also known for its diversity, as well as a friendly campus environment.
The third-largest institution in the TAMU system, A&M-Commerce is the fourth-oldest state university or college in Texas. 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.
Learn more about TAMUC and what it takes to get accepted.
8. Tarleton State University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $4,951/$14,123
Location: Stephenville
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Undergrad Enrollment: 11,300
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 six 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.
9. University of Houston-Victoria
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $5,002/$14,818
Location: Victoria
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Undergrad Enrollment: 3,200
UHV offers more than 80 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.
The university is ranked no. 2 on Texas Online Colleges’ Most Affordable Online Colleges list. Meanwhile, UHV’s College of Business Administration appeared on The Princeton Review’s list of Best Business Schools.
Learn more about UHV and what it takes to get accepted.
10. Texas A&M University–Kingsville
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $5,217/$18,158
Location: Kingsville
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Undergrad Enrollment: 6,900
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.
Find more affordable colleges in Texas.
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!
