Rankings / By State
Best Colleges in Texas
- 50
- Schools
- $54,135
- Avg. Earnings
- 52%
- Avg. Graduation
- $15,913
- Avg. Net Price
- $17,935
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $36,515 at the low end to $89,718 at the top. That 2.5× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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College of the Mainland offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $39,639 against $1,342 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is College of the Mainland, at $1,342 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: Rice University graduates 95% of its students, well above the 52% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Rice University: graduates owe only 0.12× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. College of the Mainland ($1,342/yr) and Baylor University ($41,104/yr) produce graduates earning $39,639 and $65,793 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $39,762 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, College of the Mainland outperforms Rice University: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
- Completion is where this ranking's schools diverge most: Rice University graduates 95% of its students versus 24% at Wharton County Junior College. Access without completion is opportunity unclaimed.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with College of the Mainland and Rice University. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $56K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Rice University #1 overall | $89,718 ▲ +66% vs avg | $13,370 | 95% | 81 |
| 2 The University of Texas at Austin #2 overall | $75,121 ▲ +39% vs avg | $19,857 | 88% | 76 |
| 3 Trinity University #3 overall | $71,668 ▲ +32% vs avg | $23,464 | 83% | 73 |
| $68,227 ▲ +26% vs avg | $18,267 | 75% | 73 | |
| $57,053 ▲ +5% vs avg | $13,323 | 51% | 72 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Colleges in Texas
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $54,135 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 52% and an average net price of $15,913.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: College of the Mainland — Net Price: $1,342 | Graduation Rate: 30%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Rice University — 95% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Rice University — Median alumni earnings: $89,718
Data Insight
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Texas Opportunity Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about higher education and opportunity in Texas?
$55,254
Median earnings (10yr)
50%
Median graduation rate
$14,106
Median net price
2.3%
Avg. mobility rate
Students tend to study where they live and work where they study, which makes a state's colleges its most important economic development asset. This ranking evaluates how well institutions across Texas serve that role: producing graduates with strong earnings, keeping talent in the regional economy, and offering affordable paths for local students.
Across the 50 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $55,254 ten years after they first enrolled, about $7,254 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 50%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $14,106 a year, with about $19,553 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 32% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 2.3%.
For Texas, the institutions that combine manageable costs with strong graduate outcomes are the ones building the local workforce. With a median net price of $14,106 and graduates earning a median of $55,254, these schools sit where the talent pipeline and economic development meet.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Rice University lands at #1 with a 81/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (81/100). Graduates earn a median $89,718 a decade after enrolling, 66% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,370 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
The University of Texas at Austin lands at #2 with a 76/100 composite, led by academic quality (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $75,121 a decade after enrolling, 39% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,857 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Trinity University lands at #3 with a 73/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $71,668 a decade after enrolling, 32% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,464 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
The University of Texas at Dallas lands at #4 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $68,227 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,267 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
The University of Texas at Tyler lands at #5 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (69/100). Graduates earn a median $57,053 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,323 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Texas Woman's University lands at #6 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (68/100). Graduates earn a median $56,544 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,963 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
East Texas A&M University lands at #7 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (92/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $50,296 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,841 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
University of North Texas lands at #8 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $57,010 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,649 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
The University of Texas Permian Basin lands at #9 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (65/100). Graduates earn a median $56,073 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,723 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
The University of Texas at Arlington lands at #10 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $63,199 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,951 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Western Texas College lands at #11 with a 71/100 composite, led by value per dollar (92/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $42,508 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,562 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Texas Christian University lands at #12 with a 71/100 composite, led by academic quality (89/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $68,424 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,660 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Texas State University lands at #13 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $56,906 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,805 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Austin College lands at #14 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $61,296 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,107 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
College Station, TX · 57% accepted · $21,315 net
Why it ranks #15
Texas A&M University-College Station lands at #15 with a 70/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $72,097 a decade after enrolling, 33% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,315 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Sam Houston State University lands at #16 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $54,211 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,404 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
San Antonio, TX · 87% accepted · $10,836 net
Why it ranks #17
The University of Texas at San Antonio lands at #17 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $57,131 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,836 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Texas Tech University lands at #18 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $62,454 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,070 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Lamar University lands at #19 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $49,652 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,366 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Angelo State University lands at #20 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $50,116 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,091 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Stephen F Austin State University lands at #21 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $49,634 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,260 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Southern Methodist University lands at #22 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $78,354 a decade after enrolling, 45% above this list's average, and net price runs $40,892 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
University of Dallas lands at #23 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $58,285 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,610 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Concordia University Texas lands at #24 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $60,883 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,131 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
The University of Texas at El Paso lands at #25 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $50,923 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,403 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Midwestern State University lands at #26 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $55,747 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,656 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Temple College lands at #27 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $38,678 a decade after enrolling, 29% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,682 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
North Central Texas College lands at #28 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (65/100). Graduates earn a median $45,809 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,587 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Wharton County Junior College lands at #29 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $44,960 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,666 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Tarleton State University lands at #30 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $53,040 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,783 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Baylor University lands at #31 with a 67/100 composite, led by academic quality (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $65,793 a decade after enrolling, 22% above this list's average, and net price runs $41,104 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Amarillo College lands at #32 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (84/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $41,302 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,600 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
Odessa College lands at #33 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (87/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $42,026 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,368 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Tarrant County College District lands at #34 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $42,727 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,337 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Southwestern University lands at #35 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $56,878 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,224 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Victoria College lands at #36 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (44/100). Graduates earn a median $42,382 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,043 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
Dallas Baptist University lands at #37 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $56,807 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,516 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Southwestern Adventist University lands at #38 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $52,946 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,778 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
Abilene Christian University lands at #39 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $55,736 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,182 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
College of the Mainland lands at #40 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (95/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $39,639 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $1,342 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Sul Ross State University lands at #41 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (44/100). Graduates earn a median $41,871 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,286 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
Hardin-Simmons University lands at #42 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $54,771 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,555 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
Paris Junior College lands at #43 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $36,515 a decade after enrolling, 33% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,690 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #44
McMurry University lands at #44 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $48,779 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,581 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #45
South Plains College lands at #45 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $41,276 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,791 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #46
McLennan Community College lands at #46 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $39,163 a decade after enrolling, 28% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,051 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #47
University of the Incarnate Word lands at #47 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $56,733 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,775 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #48
Clarendon College lands at #48 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $38,696 a decade after enrolling, 29% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,390 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #49
Hill College lands at #49 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (44/100). Graduates earn a median $39,572 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,577 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #50
LeTourneau University lands at #50 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $57,103 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,185 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Texas is home to a diverse array of colleges, each offering unique opportunities and challenges. With 50 institutions on this list, families are evaluating their options based on key factors like graduation rates, earnings, and student debt. Understanding these elements can help students make informed decisions about their future.
What sets the higher-performing schools apart from the rest? It boils down to a few critical outcomes: how much graduates earn, their chances of completing their degree, the level of student debt they incur, and their mobility after college. The list below highlights schools that excel in these areas, providing a clearer picture of where students might find success.
Take Rice University and the University of Texas at Austin, for example. Rice boasts impressive earnings of $89,718 and a graduation rate of 95%, while UT Austin has earnings of $75,121 with an 88% graduation rate. This difference in earnings may reflect the distinct career paths and support systems available at each institution, giving students valuable insights as they consider their choices.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 49 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.3%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. The University of Texas at El Paso leads the group at 6.8%, with Sul Ross State University (5.2%) and Odessa College (4.7%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 10.7% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. The University of Texas at El Paso enrolls the most, at 28%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 24.9% across the list, peaking at 48.7% at Rice University.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.51, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Rice University is highest at 1.86.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
When we look closely at Rice University and Texas A&M University-College Station, a clear picture emerges. Rice graduates earn an average of $89,718, while Texas A&M graduates earn $72,097. The stark contrast in earnings reflects not only the academic environment but also the types of career opportunities available to graduates, underscoring the importance of aligning program strengths with career aspirations.
After reviewing 50 schools, it’s essential to find the right fit for your needs. Consider factors like location, specific programs, campus culture, and financial implications when weighing this data. For instance, while Rice offers higher earnings, its net price of $13,370 may not be feasible for all families. On the other hand, the University of Houston presents a lower debt burden with an average of $18,194. Use these insights to prioritize what matters most to you.
Ultimately, this data highlights the critical role a college education plays in shaping a stable financial future. Each family faces unique challenges and opportunities in this decision-making process. Carefully weighing these metrics can lead to a choice that sets students on a path to success and stability in life. A thoughtful decision today can pave the way for a better tomorrow.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Colleges in Texas: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Colleges in Texas ranking? +
Rice University in Houston, TX ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Colleges in Texas ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $89,718 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 95% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Rice University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $89,718 ten years after enrollment, well above the $54,135 average across the 50 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, College of the Mainland leads: graduates earn a median $39,639 against net price of about $1,342 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Rice University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 95%, compared with a 52% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $15,913 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. College of the Mainland is among the most affordable at roughly $1,342. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Colleges in Texas ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 50 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
Related Rankings
