2027 Best Value Public Policy Schools in Texas

1

Rice University
Houston, TX

Rice University tops our 2027 list of the best value public policy schools in Texas. Located in the city of Houston, Rice University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. Typical student debt for public policy graduates is $11,904. Public Policy graduates of Rice University earn a median of $75,299 early in their careers. Set against $11,904 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rice University admits about 8% of applicants.

2

University Of Houston
Houston, TX

Students looking for strong value in public policy will find it at University Of Houston, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Houston, University Of Houston is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $21,255 in student loans. Public Policy graduates of University Of Houston earn a median of $57,529 early in their careers. Set against $21,255 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%.

3

The University Of Texas At Dallas
Richardson, TX

A rank of #3 makes The University Of Texas At Dallas one of the best values for public policy. Located in the city of Richardson, The University Of Texas At Dallas is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,644 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,144. Students borrow a median of $16,750 to complete the public policy program here. Early-career public policy graduates make about $43,837. That is a strong return on a $16,750 median debt. The University Of Texas At Dallas admits about 65% of applicants.

4

The University Of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public policy, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $21,275 in student loans. Early-career public policy graduates make about $71,723. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.

5

Texas A And M University College Station
College Station, TX

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas A And M University College Station earned it the #5 place for public policy. Located in the city of College Station, Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. Early-career public policy graduates make about $64,891. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%.

6

Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value public policy schools. Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Dallas. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,040. Students borrow a median of $19,615 to complete the public policy program here. Early-career public policy graduates make about $40,434. Set against $19,615 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Methodist University admits about 63% of applicants.