Nearly 800,000 students attend the 196 colleges and universities in the Lone Star state.

Some of the best schools in the nation call Texas home, and the top five schools in the state are powerhouses in research, academics, and athletics.

Here are the 2022 best colleges and universities in Texas.

Rice University — Located in downtown Houston between eccentric neighborhoods and the medical district, Rice house eight schools and colleges, each devoted to academic rigor. The schools of architecture, music, business, and engineering are highly respected. Rice University ranks third in undergraduate teaching and is considered a best-value choice. Annual tuition and fees cost $47,350.

University of Texas – Austin – More than 51,500 students have chosen to attend the school ranked #49 in the nation. This campus is in the heart of the state’s capital, where music and technology merge to create a vibrant scene. UTA, as it is known, has 18 colleges within the system, and the school is known for business, nursing, and engineering. Students can choose from more than 900 clubs and organizations to round out their college experiences. This university has a 36% acceptance rate. The annual in-state tuition and fees are $10,606.

Southern Methodist University – This university offers a secular liberal arts education that comes in at #59 nationally. There are seven colleges on campus, most notably business and education. The university also has a prestigious lecture program. SMU is veteran-friendly and is considered a best-value school. The acceptance rate here is 49%, and annual tuition and fees and this private school cost $54,493.

Texas A&M University – College Station – College Station – Formerly known as Texas Agricultural & Mechanical College, this school educates nearly 67,580 students in College Station. A&M is a public research school known for its veterinary medicine, but it also has highly respected programs in business, education, and engineering. The school placed 66th in the nation. A&M has also established a campus in Qatar. In-state tuition and fees are $10,968 annually.

Baylor University – Another private Texas school in the top 100 universities in the nation, Baylor is ranked # 78 and has a 39% acceptance rate. Students at Baylor are active volunteers in their communities, and this faith-based campus is a research university. Baylor is an excellent choice for veterans, and it’s also considered a best-value school. The annual tuition and fees are $45,542.

Many more colleges and universities have earned top places among regional schools, suggesting that there’s something for everyone in Texas.

Click here to learn more about the ranking methodology that we used to compile this list.

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