Top Value Colleges in Texas
Top Value Texas Colleges
Below you will find a list of the top value colleges in Texas that we found to provide the highest academic and career-based value for students. In our study, we utilized a number of data sources from the US Census Bureau to the US Department of Education coupled with student and alumni feedback to ascertain the important elements of value in a college education. Our team collected college data and arrived at the top value Texas colleges for you to research further. Remember to use your best judgment and prioritize your academic goals and career aspirations to narrow down your list of top colleges.
List of Top Value Texas Colleges
School of Automotive Machinists & Technology
The School of Automotive Machinists & Technology or SAM Tech is a career and technical school specializing in machining and technical training specifically for the high-performance racing industry. The school, located in Houston, Texas, has been offering programs for more than 30 years. The school offers 6 main programs namely Engine Block Machining, Engine Cylinder Head Machining, CNC Machining, Engine Block & Cylinder Head Machining Certificate, EFI Tuning & Calibration, and Automotive Engine/Block & Cylinder Head Machining Associate Degree. Throughout the program, students are trained and certified by experienced faculty members for careers in the automotive racing industry. The program curriculum strictly focuses on race engines where advanced theory and cutting-edge design principles are complemented by hands-on experience. SAM Tech is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and is affiliated to National Muscle Car Association, Specialty Equipment Market Association, and National Hot Rod Association.
Hallmark University – Technology Campus
Hallmark University is a private university with a main campus in San Antonio, Texas, and an additional campus named College of Aeronautics within the same city. Originally called the Hallmark Aero-Tech, the university has been serving the community since 1969 with its mission of changing lives through education, integrity, and efficiency. The university specializes in providing baccalaureate and graduate degrees in the fields of aeronautics, business, healthcare, and technology through its accreditation with the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Hallmark houses 4 schools and colleges namely the School of Nursing, College of Aeronautics, School of Business, and School of Information Technology. It is also voted as one of the best online colleges in Texas as it provides 100% online programs in all of the said fields. The university is also known for its compressed objective-driven courses which allow students to complete a degree program within 28 months or less.
Concorde Career College – Dallas
Operated by the Concorde Career Colleges, Inc., Concorde Career College – Dallas is one of the leading healthcare academic institutions in Texas. It was officially established in 2010 as a branch of the Concorde campus at Aurora, Colorado. Concorde Dallas offers 11 career-focused healthcare programs that lead to a diploma and associate degrees. Some of the programs offered on the campus are Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Vocational Nursing, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Office Administration, Surgical Technology, and Respiratory Therapy. The programs can be finished from 7 to 21 months, depending on the type of program and schedule which can be day or evening classes. As an accredited institution of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, the campus is also in partnership with the Career Colleges and Schools of Texas, and Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Concorde Career Institute
Concorde Career Institute is one of the campuses under the Concorde Career Colleges, Inc. It was founded in 2009 as a branch of Concorde Career Institute – Jacksonville in Florida. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Concorde Orlando offers diploma and degree programs in the field of nursing, dental., patient care, and allied health. The campus has 5 programs in the healthcare industry that include: Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Medical Office Administration, Pharmacy technician, and Surgical Technology. Students may choose to take accelerated classes in the daytime and evening which typically last from 7 to 18 months. There are also online programs offered like bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene, and RN to BSN degree program.
Rice University
Established as the William Marsh Rice University in 1891, Rice University is among the leading research universities in the United States based in Houston, Texas. Known for its strong campus tradition of keeping close-knit, diverse communities, it consistently ranks for providing the best quality of life among private institutions. Rice houses 8 schools namely George R. Brown School of Engineering, Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business, School of Architecture, School of Humanities, School of Social Sciences, Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies, The Shepherd School of Music, and Wiess School of Natural Sciences. The university offers more than 50 undergraduate degree programs as well as minors, interdisciplinary, and pre-professional programs that complement its comprehensive curriculum and collaborative research opportunities. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Rice also offers online degree programs which have been accessed by more than 1.5 million students worldwide. In addition, the university handles multiple centers and institutes that collaborate to provide value and useful insights to different fields and these include Humanities Research Center, Chao Center for Asian Studies, Kinder Institute for Urban Research, and Laboratory for Nanophotonics.
The University of Texas at Austin
Commonly referred to as UT Austin, The University of Texas at Austin is a public research university located in Austin, Texas. Founded in 1883 as the flagship institution of the University of Texas System, it is one of the 40 best universities worldwide. With nearly 52,000 students across 18 colleges and schools, UT Austin offers over 150 undergraduate programs, 230 graduate programs, and 12,000 courses in various fields. Among the colleges and schools are Cockrell School of Engineering, College of Fine Arts, College of Pharmacy, Dell Medical School, Jackson School of Geosciences, Moody College of Communication, School of Information, Steve Hicks School of Social Work, and School of Undergraduate Studies. Students are guided by the university’s Sanger Learning Center where they undergo tutoring, coaching, and free workshops to meet their academic and professional goals. UT Austin also partnered with TEXAS Extended Campus where continuing education programs, customized training solutions, and degrees for working professionals are offered to individuals within the state.
Trinity University
Trinity University, located in the heart of San Antonio, Texas, is a private university known for having a collaborative and resourceful community that allows students to learn and grow. Founded in 1869 by the Presbyterian Church, the university serves over 2,500 students aiming to prepare them in pursuing a meaningful life with a purpose. With more than 100 majors and minors and 6 graduate programs, Trinity offers a wide variety of interdisciplinary programs and learning opportunities across 27 academic departments which include Art and Art History, Geosciences, Economics, Human Communication and Theatre, Sociology and Anthropology, and Physics and Astronomy. Students design their own path based on the guidelines of Pathways Curriculum which include First-Year Experience, Approaches to Creation and Analysis, Core Capacities, Interdisciplinary Clusters, The Major, and Fitness Education, as well as optional elements like Experiential Learning, Minors, and A Second Major. Listed as a living laboratory on the National Register of Historic Places, Trinity houses several centers that aim to provide experiential learning opportunities to students, and these include Student Success Center, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Center for International Engagement. Students also have access to academic facilities centered on student success and well-being and some of these are Coates Library, Richardson Communication Center, and Ruth Taylor Fine Arts Center.
Baylor University
Situated in Waco, Texas, Baylor University is a private Baptist research university that was chartered in 1845. It is the oldest continually operating university in Texas that houses more than 16,000 students from all over the world. Having an accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the university offers more than 126 undergraduate, 79 master’s, and 48 doctoral and specialist degree programs. It has 12 schools and colleges namely College of Arts & Sciences, Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Hankamer School of Business, Louise Herrington School of Nursing, and School of Engineering & Computer Science, among others. As one of the top universities in the United States, Baylor offers nationally accredited online graduate and professional programs such as Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Laws, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Public Health. The university also has a wide range of centers, institutes, libraries, and museums centered in different disciplines to provide more experiential learning to students and these include the Center for Astrophysics, Space Physics & Engineering Research, Armstrong Browning Library and Museum, Institute for Air Science, and McMullen-Connally Family Collection.
Texas Christian University
Founded in 1973 as a progressive and personal college for men and women, Texas Christian University (TCU) is a private university located in Fort Worth, Texas. It provides holistic education to more than 11,000 students from all over the world. TCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College to grant baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the fields of agriculture, beauty & cosmetics, engineering, health care, manufacturing, technology, marketing, and many more. The university houses 10 schools and colleges namely AddRan College of the Liberal Arts, College of Education, College of Science & Engineering, Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, and Neeley School of Business, among others. With more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, TCU also manages several centers and institutes in various fields, and these include AddRan College Center for Digital Expression, Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, Luther King Capital Management Center for Financial Studies, and Center for Supply Chain Innovation. Students who want to expand their knowledge abroad through study, work, and internships may coordinate with the Center for International Studies to assist them in choosing and applying for programs and grants.
Southern Methodist University
Southern Methodist University (SMU) is one of the nationally ranked private universities based in Dallas, Texas. Founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1981, it is considered a global research university that specializes in liberal arts and professional education. It also has locations in Dallas-Fort Worth, and in Northern New Mexico namely SMU-in-Taos. The university supports roughly 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students from all over the world through a wide selection of undergraduate programs which sums up to 185 majors and minors, extensive research opportunities, and leadership development programs. SMU houses 8 schools which include Cox School of Business, Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Dedman School of Law, Lyle School of Engineering, Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, and Simmons School of Education and Human Development. As part of the top 20% among the research universities in the country, SMU also offers professional certificates, short courses, college preparation programs, and customized learning programs in the fields of Career Building, Communications and Marketing, Humanities and Fine Arts, Languages, Management and Leadership, and many more through its Continuing and Professional Education Division. With more than 1,000 international students, the university provides limitless academic, research, and career opportunities through internships, organizations, research grants, and engaged learning projects.
University of Dallas
University of Dallas (UD) is a private, Catholic institution for higher education located in Irving, Texas. It started operating in 1956 through a partnership between the Diocese of Dallas and the Sisters of Saint Mary of Namur. With accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, UD offers more than 70 certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs that lead to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The university houses 4 colleges and schools namely Constantin College of Liberal Arts, Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business, Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts, and Ann & Joe O. Neuhoff School of Ministry. Shared by more than 2,500 students, the UD Core Curriculum consists of courses in English, philosophy, history, economics, politics, theology, mathematics, science, and fine arts. The university also offers a wide variety of continuing and professional education programs such as certificates, non-credit courses, professional development programs, and summer institutes.
Texas A & M University
As the first public institution of higher education in the state, Texas A&M University was chartered in 1876 to transform students into future leaders. Housing more than 69,000 students in its main campus in College Station, Texas, the university is among the largest universities in the nation. With 17 schools and colleges, the university offers more than 130 undergraduate, 175 master’s, 90 doctoral, and 5 professional degrees across various fields of study. Some of the schools and colleges offering these programs are College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, College of Liberal Arts, College of Geosciences, Mays Business School, and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The university, with two more campuses located in Galveston, Texas, and Doha, Qatar, enrolls more than 5,000 international students yearly from over 120 countries. Students also have access to 5 campus libraries like Sterling C. Evans Library and Medical Science Library, as well as other academic facilities like University Writing Center and a Digital Library to support student’s academic and professional activities.
Austin College
Having an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church, Austin College is a private liberal arts college situated in Sherman, Texas. It was established in 1849 making it the oldest institution of higher education in the state that operated under its original charter. Serving approximately 1,300 students from more than 15 countries, the college offers more than 55 areas of study at the undergraduate level that focuses on its Compass Curriculum that covers the Experience, Engage, Discover, Develop, and Focus aspects of interdisciplinary education. The college is also known for its Teaching Program that allows students to finish the program with bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as a teaching certification within 4.5 years. As part of the holistic professional education provided by the college, students can join and participate in different internships and practicums, intercultural experiences, research projects, community-based learning, and integrative learning projects within and outside the college. Austin also embraces environmental sustainability through sourcing 100% of its electricity from wind energy that significantly reduced its greenhouse gas emissions despite on-going expansions.
Southwestern University
Southwestern University is a private four-year university headquartered in Georgetown, Texas. It was granted a charter in 1840, five years after its founding by the members of the United Methodist Church, making Southwestern the oldest institution of higher learning in the state. Named as the best undergraduate liberal arts university in 2019, Southwestern offers an integrated arts and sciences curriculum in the fields of humanities, social sciences, fine arts, and natural sciences. With more than 30 areas of study in the said fields, the university also offers certification programs in Education, and pre-professional pathways programs for dentistry, engineering, law, medicine, ministry, physical therapy, and veterinary medicine. Almost one-third of 1,500 students yearly choose to study abroad through summer programs in Argentina, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Perú, and Spain, as well as International Student Exchange Program and internships. The Center for Academic Success also provides the required resources to motivate and empower its students to achieve success through peer academic mentoring, tutoring, videos and tools for academics, and special programs like Captain’s Academy and Planning for Academic Success at Southwestern.
Lincoln Tech – Grand Prairie
The Lincoln College of Technology – Grand Prairie is a career and technical college based in Grand Prairie, Texas, right in the center of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The campus specializes in providing instruction and training in the automotive and skilled trades industries. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, the Grand Prairie campus offers certificate, diploma, and associate degree program options in the field of automotive and skilled trades. There are 6 main programs offered by the campus namely Automotive Technology, Collision Repair and Refinishing, Diesel Technology, HVAC, Machining and Manufacturing, and Welding Technology. These programs can be taken either part-time or full-time, with options to take some classes online. With more than 60 welding booths, and fully equipped auto and diesel bays, the campus is chosen by leading employers in the industry like MINI and Hussmann to offer partnership training programs for its students, increasing their chances of employment opportunities.
Vet Tech Institute of Houston
Vet Tech Institute of Houston is one of the 4 campuses of the Vet Tech Institute, along with Chicago, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh. The Houston campus was founded in 1958 as Zorn Business College. The college is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities and Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to offer its only program that leads to an associate degree. The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Veterinary Technology is an 18-month program that trains students for a successful career in the animal health care industry. Graduates of the program are eligible for a Licensed Veterinary Technician credential upon graduation and passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination. The college is fully equipped with facilities like on-site kennels, on-site surgical suites, radiography areas with safety and imaging equipment, and animal-friendly classrooms for hands-on learning.
LeTourneau University
Founded as LeTourneau Technical Institute in 1946, LeTourneau University is a private, interdenominational Christian polytechnic university situated in Longview, Texas. It has additional educational centers located in Dallas, Plano, and Houston, Texas. With more than 3,000 students on its main campus, the university offers over 140 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 8 schools namely School of Arts & Sciences, School of Aviation & Aeronautical Science, School of Business, School of Education, School of Engineering & Engineering Technology, School of Nursing, School of Psychology & Counseling, and School of Theology & Vocation. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees through the schools above. LeTourneau also offers online degree programs as well as programs in the 3 educational centers to more than 1,000 students. Students may choose from 30 clubs and organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Lambda Omega Chi – Women’s Society, and Stage Right (Theater Club).
Universal Technical Institute
With campuses in Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston, Texas, the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) is a trade school known for training students in the professional automotive, diesel, and collision repair fields, among others. In the past 50 years, the school graduated more than 200,000 individuals. The Dallas/Fort Worth campus offers 3 main programs namely Automotive Mechanic Training, Diesel Mechanic Training, and Welding Technology, while the Houston campus offers an additional Collision Repair & Refinish Technology program. The diploma and associate degree programs can be finished in 36 to 51 weeks where graduates will be eligible to take the certification exams for their respective fields like ASE and I-CAR certifications. Upon graduation, students may apply for the Manufacturer-Specialized Advanced Training to gain brand-specific training needed to pursue careers with companies like Ford, Nissan, and Peterbilt. The college also offers scholarships and grants, as well as hosts for possible relocation of students.
Western Technical College – Plaza Campus
Western Technical College (Western Tech) is a locally owned college providing technical education on its two campuses in El Paso, Texas since 1970. The Plaza Campus, the main campus, sits on a 13-acre facility that provides quality programs and training across various fields in a professional learning environment. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Western Tech Plaza Campus offers programs such as Advanced Welding, bachelor’s in business administration, Commercial Driver Training, Diesel Mechanics, Medical/Clinical Assistant, Automotive Technology, and Refrigeration/HVAC Technology. It also houses a Learning Resource Center, several student computer laboratories, and a Matco Tool store. With various programs in the fields of skilled trades, business, healthcare, and technology, students are prepared to enter the workforce through Western Tech’s Internship Program. The college also offers multiple scholarships for high school students, military veterans, and current students.
Western Technical College – Diana Campus El Paso
With two campuses in El Paso, Texas, Western Technical College is a locally owned college that has been providing technical education since 1970. The campus is housed in a 5-acre facility that offers professional programs and training needed to prepare individuals for successful careers in their chosen industries. Offering programs in the fields of business, skilled trades, healthcare, and technology, Western Tech Diana Campus is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in the said fields. The programs offered on the campus are Aerospace and Defense Technology, bachelor’s in business administration, bachelor’s in nursing, Information Systems and Security, Electronics Engineering Technology, Medical Billing & Coding, Master of Business Administration, and Physical Therapy Assistant. Students may also access the Learning Resource Center, the student break area, and an outside patio for relaxing. Upon completion of the programs, graduates are eligible to take the certification exams for their respective fields.
University of California, Merced
The University of California, Merced (UC Merced) is a public land-grant research university based in Merced, California. Founded in 2005, it is the newest among the 10 campuses of the University of California. It is also ranked as one of the top 40 public universities in the nation. With three schools namely School of Engineering, School of Natural Sciences, and School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Arts, UC Merced offers 22 majors, 24 minors, and 18 graduate programs in the fields of natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, humanities, management, business, languages, and social sciences. The university has 4 more locations called Promenade, Castle, Mondo, and Downtown Center, as well as research institutes namely Health Sciences Research Institute and Sierra Nevada Research Institute where undergraduate and graduate students can conduct their projects. Some of the programs at UC Merced are offered through the Center for Educational Partnerships, Engineering Service Learning, Extension Campus, and Karen Merritt Writing Program. There are also 58 online accredited certificate programs offered through the Extension Campus which are centered in the fields of business management, leadership, education, engineering, information technology, and environment & facilities.
Community Care College
Community Care College (CCC) is a private community college headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma with branch campuses in the same area called Clary Sage College and Oklahoma Technical College. The college was founded in 1995 as the Dental Directions, The School of Dental Assisting. CCC operates under the Community HigherEd as it continues to provide career-focused education and learning opportunities to students in the fields of business and healthcare. Some of the programs offered are Accounting Assistant, Business & Industry Management, Dental Assistant, Early Childhood Education, Fitness & Health Trainer, Health Care Administration, and Paralegal Studies. The programs are offered either on-campus or 100% online and can typically be finished within a year or two. CCC also partnered with ed2go to offer online open enrollment programs in various in-demand occupations in the fields of arts and design, business, computer science, construction & trades, health & fitness, hospitality, language, and many more.
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