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2024 Best Bachelor's Degree Schools in Texas

78 Colleges
$39,932 Avg Salary
$25,894 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which school to attend when you have so many options available. One of our goals at College Factual is to give you as much information as we can - such as our Top Texas Colleges for a Bachelor's ranking - to help you make that decision.

What's on This Page: * Our Methodology

Your Choice of School Matters

We analyzed 78 colleges and universities across Texas to determine which ones have the best bachelor's degree programs. Our ranking methodology focuses on different objective factors to make this determination of the best schools. In the next few paragraphs, we'll talk a little about what we use in our analysis and why.

Early-Career Salaries Are Higher

One measure we use to determine the quality of a school is to look at the average salary of bachelor's graduates during the early years of their career. A bachelor's degree holder from a school in Texas makes an average starting salary of $39,932, but the students who attended schools in the top 25 of our list make an average of $41,685.

Starting Salary  ( 34306 to 47561 )
$0
$62,533

Average Student Debt

In addition to average starting salaries, we also consider the average amount of student loans that students take on while pursuing their bachelor's degree. During their time at college, bachelor's degree seekers from schools in Texas take out an average of $25,894. The average debt load at a particular school may not be bad, but it's an important thing to consider in conjunction with post-graduation earnings.

Other Ranking Factors in Our Methodology

In addition to average post-graduation earnings and average student debt loads, we also look at a host of other factors to determining our Best Bachelor's Degree Schools ranking. Several other factors - such as how much the school spends on educational resources, the demand of the school, the availability of online learning options, and the student body caliber - go into our rankings.

We go into more detail on these factors on our best schools ranking methodology page.

Check Out These Other Rankings

Associate Degree Rankings Undergrad Rankings
Master's Degree Rankings Grad School Rankings
Doctorate Degrees Ranking Grad School Rankings
Overall Best Colleges Ranking Overall Rankings
If you'd rather work on your bachelor's degree in a specific area of the country, you might be interested in our rankings by place. Also, check out our other college rankings to help you with your college decision.

Top Bachelor's Degree Schools in Texas

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

1
Rice crest
Rice University
Houston, Texas
1,364 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$62,533 Average Early-Career Earnings
$11,733 Average Student Debt

Our 2024 rankings named Rice University the best school in Texas in terms of overall quality for students working on their bachelor’s degree. Houston, Texas is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 1,364 students in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Rice make an average of $62,533 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $11,733.

Learn More About Rice University

2
10,592 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$47,820 Average Early-Career Earnings
$20,734 Average Student Debt

Out of the 78 bachelor’s degree schools in Texas that were part of this year’s ranking, The University of Texas at Austin landed the #2 spot on the list. Austin, Texas is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 10,592 students in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from UT Austin make an average of $47,820 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $20,734 in student loans. Average monthly loan payments are around $270 for a 10-year repayment plan.

Full The University of Texas at Austin Report

3
13,409 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$47,897 Average Early-Career Earnings
$20,358 Average Student Debt

Out of the 78 bachelor’s degree schools in Texas that were part of this year’s ranking, Texas A&M University - College Station landed the #3 spot on the list. Texas A&M College Station is a public institution located in College Station, Texas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 13,409 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Texas A&M College Station make an average of $47,897 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $20,358 after getting their degree. This translates to an average monthly payment of $304 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.

Full Texas A&M University - College Station Report

4
2,105 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$45,909 Average Early-Career Earnings
$21,548 Average Student Debt

The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at Southern Methodist University helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in Texas. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Dallas, Texas, and it awarded 2,105 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from SMU make an average of $45,909 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $21,548 in student loans. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $446.

Learn More About Southern Methodist University

5
2,396 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$47,940 Average Early-Career Earnings
$22,997 Average Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Texas Christian University. It ranked #5 on our 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Texas list. TCU is a private not-for-profit institution located in Fort Worth, Texas. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,396 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from TCU make an average of $47,940 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $22,997 in student loans. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $664.

Full Texas Christian University Report

6
3,730 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$40,427 Average Early-Career Earnings
$23,828 Average Student Debt

Baylor University came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Texas ranking. Baylor is located in Waco, Texas and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3,730 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.

During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Baylor make an average of $40,427 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $23,828. This translates to an average monthly payment of $686 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.

Read full report on Baylor University

7
Texas Tech crest
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
6,884 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$42,512 Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,442 Average Student Debt

Texas Tech University ranked #7 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Texas list. Located in Lubbock, Texas, the large public school awarded 6,884 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech go into careers with an average salary of $42,512 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $24,442. Average monthly loan payments are around $273 for a 10-year repayment plan.

Read full report on Texas Tech University

8
UH crest
University of Houston
Houston, Texas
8,890 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$43,050 Average Early-Career Earnings
$22,190 Average Student Debt

University of Houston ranked #8 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Texas list. This large public school is located in Houston, Texas, and it awarded 8,890 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from UH is $43,050 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $22,190 after getting their degree. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $248.

Full University of Houston Report

9
4,825 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$41,154 Average Early-Career Earnings
$20,061 Average Student Debt

The University of Texas at Dallas did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Texas ranking, coming in at #9. Located in Richardson, Texas, the large public school awarded 4,825 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from UT Dallas make an average of $41,154 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $20,061 in student loans. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $225.

Full The University of Texas at Dallas Report

10
8,156 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$39,344 Average Early-Career Earnings
$21,869 Average Student Debt

University of North Texas came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Texas ranking. UNT is located in Denton, Texas and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 8,156 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.

During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from UNT make an average of $39,344 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $21,869 in student loans. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $236.

Full University of North Texas Report

11
8,852 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$42,417 Average Early-Career Earnings
$21,968 Average Student Debt

The University of Texas at Arlington did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Texas ranking, coming in at #11. UT Arlington is a large public school situated in Arlington, Texas. It awarded 8,852 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from UT Arlington make an average of $42,417 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $21,968 in student loans. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $163.

Full The University of Texas at Arlington Report

12
Trinity U crest
Trinity University
San Antonio, Texas
701 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$43,960 Average Early-Career Earnings
$22,650 Average Student Debt

Trinity University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Texas ranking. Trinity U is located in San Antonio, Texas and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 701 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.

The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Trinity U is $43,960 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $22,650.

Read full report on Trinity University

13
786 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$45,952 Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,415 Average Student Debt

With a ranking of #13, Wayland Baptist University did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Texas list. Located in Plainview, Texas, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 786 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Wayland Baptist University go into careers with an average salary of $45,952 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $24,415 after getting their degree.

Full Wayland Baptist University Report

14
Texas State crest
Texas State University
San Marcos, Texas
7,822 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$37,563 Average Early-Career Earnings
$23,634 Average Student Debt

Texas State University ranked #14 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Texas list. Texas State is located in San Marcos, Texas and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 7,822 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.

During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Texas State make an average of $37,563 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $23,634. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $233.

Learn More About Texas State University

15
4,926 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$34,222 Average Early-Career Earnings
$15,275 Average Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Texas list. UT Rio Grande Valley is located in Edinburg, Texas and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 4,926 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from UT Rio Grande Valley make an average of $34,222 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $15,275 after getting their degree.

Full The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Report

16
6,440 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$38,427 Average Early-Career Earnings
$23,365 Average Student Debt

The University of Texas at San Antonio landed the #16 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Texas ranking. UTSA is a public institution located in San Antonio, Texas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 6,440 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from UTSA is $38,427 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $23,365. This translates to an average monthly payment of $134 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.

Read full report on The University of Texas at San Antonio

17
4,433 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$37,086 Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,249 Average Student Debt

Sam Houston State University did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Texas ranking, coming in at #17. SHSU is located in Huntsville, Texas and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 4,433 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.

Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $37,086 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $25,249 in student loans. This translates to an average monthly payment of $169 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.

Learn More About Sam Houston State University

18
Southwestern crest
Southwestern University
Georgetown, Texas
364 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$34,783 Average Early-Career Earnings
$26,209 Average Student Debt

Southwestern University ranked #18 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Texas list. Located in Georgetown, Texas, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 364 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Southwestern make an average of $34,783 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $26,209. This translates to an average monthly payment of $434 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.

Learn More About Southwestern University

19
2,404 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$36,562 Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,059 Average Student Debt

Texas Woman’s University ranked #19 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Texas list. This fairly large public school is located in Denton, Texas, and it awarded 2,404 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from TWU make an average of $36,562 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $25,059 in student loans. Average monthly loan payments are around $82 for a 10-year repayment plan.

Full Texas Woman’s University Report

20
486 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$40,085 Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,103 Average Student Debt

University of St. Thomas did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Texas ranking, coming in at #20. University of St. Thomas is a small private not-for-profit school located in Houston, Texas that handed out 486 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $40,085 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $25,103.

Full University of St. Thomas Report

21
2,039 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$40,934 Average Early-Career Earnings
$22,163 Average Student Debt

The University of Texas at Tyler did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Texas ranking, coming in at #21. UT Tyler is a medium-sized public school situated in Tyler, Texas. It awarded 2,039 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from UT Tyler is $40,934 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $22,163. Average monthly loan payments are around $248 for a 10-year repayment plan.

Full The University of Texas at Tyler Report

22
339 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$31,549 Average Early-Career Earnings
$22,975 Average Student Debt

University of Dallas ranked #22 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Texas list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Irving, Texas, and it awarded 339 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from UD make an average of $31,549 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $22,975 after getting their degree.

Read full report on University of Dallas

23
2,435 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$34,576 Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,390 Average Student Debt

Stephen F Austin State University landed the #23 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Texas ranking. SFASU is a public institution located in Nacogdoches, Texas. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,435 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from SFASU is $34,576 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $25,390 after getting their degree. Average monthly loan payments are around $248 for a 10-year repayment plan.

Learn More About Stephen F Austin State University

24
864 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$35,107 Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,985 Average Student Debt

Saint Edward’s University did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Texas ranking, coming in at #24. St. Edward’s University is located in Austin, Texas and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 864 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.

During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from St. Edward’s University make an average of $35,107 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $24,985 after getting their degree. Average monthly loan payments are around $393 for a 10-year repayment plan.

Learn More About Saint Edward’s University

25
935 Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$50,321 Average Early-Career Earnings
$23,960 Average Student Debt

With a ranking of #25, The University of Texas of the Permian Basin did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Texas list. UT Permian Basin is located in Odessa, Texas and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 935 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.

Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from UT Permian Basin go into careers with an average salary of $50,321 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $23,960.

Learn More About The University of Texas of the Permian Basin

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Notes and References

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