Top Universities in Texas

Texas has one of the largest and most comprehensive university systems in the US, anchored by flagship public universities and bolstered by strong private research institutions.

University of Texas at Austin
The flagship of the UT System and one of the largest universities in the US (~50,000 students). UT Austin is a member of the Association of American Universities and is ranked among the top public universities nationally. The McCombs School of Business, Cockrell School of Engineering, and the LBJ School of Public Affairs are highly regarded. The natural history and art museums on campus are world-class. The Longhorns' football program is one of the most storied in college sports.

Texas A&M University (College Station)
The state's land-grant university and one of the largest universities in the US by enrollment. Texas A&M is exceptionally strong in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. The Corps of Cadets and the traditions-rich campus culture make Aggieland unique. The Bush Presidential Library is on campus. A&M's research enterprise is enormous — over $1 billion in annual research expenditures.

Rice University (Houston)
A small (4,000 undergrad) private research university consistently ranked among the top 20 nationally. Rice is known for its exceptional architecture (Cram, Goodhue & Ferguson design), distinctive residential college system, and very strong programs in engineering, natural sciences, architecture, and music. The Rice-Houston Medical Center collaboration gives pre-med students extraordinary research access.

Southern Methodist University (Dallas)
A private university in University Park with strong programs in business (Cox School), law, and the arts. SMU's Meadows School of the Arts is notable; the Dedman School of Law is well-regarded in Texas legal circles. The Bush Institute on campus hosts policy research.

Texas Tech University (Lubbock) and University of Houston round out the tier of major comprehensive universities, with Texas Tech strong in agriculture and engineering and UH notable for its petroleum engineering and law programs.