Rankings / By State
Best Engineering Colleges in Texas
- 27
- Schools
- $59,269
- Avg. Earnings
- 58%
- Avg. Graduation
- $16,716
- Avg. Net Price
- $20,009
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 27 schools run from $45,411 to $89,718, a 2.0× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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Texas A & M International University delivers the most for the money: roughly $48,386 in median earnings against $3,637 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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Texas A & M International University is the lowest-cost school here at $3,637 a year in net price.
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Rice University graduates 95% of its students, versus a 58% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Rice University carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.12× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- Texas A & M International University costs $3,637 a year and Southern Methodist University costs $40,892. Yet their graduates earn $48,386 and $78,354, nowhere near the $37,255 price gap.
- On value, Texas A & M International University beats Rice University: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
- Graduation rates split the field: Rice University finishes 95% of students while Texas A&M University-Texarkana finishes 30%. Same ranking, very different odds of leaving with a degree.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with Texas A & M International University and Rice University. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
Why this ranking matters
Engineering is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $57K within a decade, and mechanical engineer roles are projected to grow 10%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
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 ▲ +51% vs avg | $13,370 | 95% | 89 |
| 2 The University of Texas at Austin #2 overall | $75,121 ▲ +27% vs avg | $19,857 | 88% | 81 |
| 3 The University of Texas at Dallas #3 overall | $68,227 ▲ +15% vs avg | $18,267 | 75% | 78 |
| $72,097 ▲ +22% vs avg | $21,315 | 84% | 78 | |
| $57,103 ▼ -4% vs avg | $28,185 | 60% | 76 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Engineering Colleges in Texas
This analysis ranks 27 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $59,269 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 58% and an average net price of $16,716.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Texas A & M International University — Net Price: $3,637 | Graduation Rate: 48%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Rice University — 95% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Rice University — Median alumni earnings: $89,718
Research Note
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Engineering Talent Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about America’s engineering talent pipeline?
$57,010
Median earnings (10yr)
52%
Median graduation rate
$15,225
Median net price
2.4%
Avg. mobility rate
Engineering programs supply the people who build the physical economy: infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and the reshoring of advanced production. Earnings are high and unusually stable. ABET accreditation and licensure structure the field, and demand is being pulled forward by infrastructure spending and a wave of retirements.
The median graduation rate across these 27 schools is 52%. Median graduate earnings reach $57,010 ten years after enrollment, roughly $9,010 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $15,225 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $19,500. Some 39% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 2.4%.
What we’re seeing: ABET-accredited, co-op-heavy programs convert strong starting pay into durable careers, and reshoring keeps widening demand. Median earnings of $57,010 sit well above most fields. Engineering remains one of the most dependable returns in higher education.
The podium
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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 89/100 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, 51% 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 81/100 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, 27% 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
The University of Texas at Dallas lands at #3 with a 78/100 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, 15% 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
College Station, TX · 57% accepted · $21,315 net
Why it ranks #4
Texas A&M University-College Station lands at #4 with a 78/100 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, 22% 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 #5
LeTourneau University lands at #5 with a 76/100 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, 4% below 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 puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
The University of Texas at Arlington lands at #6 with a 76/100 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, 7% 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 #7
Trinity University lands at #7 with a 75/100 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, 21% 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 #8
The University of Texas at Tyler lands at #8 with a 75/100 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, 4% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
The University of Texas Permian Basin lands at #9 with a 75/100 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, 5% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Texas Tech University lands at #10 with a 74/100 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, 5% 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 puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Lamar University lands at #11 with a 74/100 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, 16% 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 #12
The University of Texas at El Paso lands at #12 with a 73/100 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, 14% 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 #13
University of North Texas lands at #13 with a 73/100 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, 4% below 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 carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
San Antonio, TX · 87% accepted · $10,836 net
Why it ranks #14
The University of Texas at San Antonio lands at #14 with a 73/100 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, 4% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Southern Methodist University lands at #15 with a 70/100 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, 32% 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 #16
Abilene Christian University lands at #16 with a 68/100 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, 6% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Texas A&M University-Kingsville lands at #17 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (66/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $51,450 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,090 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 #18
Schreiner University lands at #18 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $52,228 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,507 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 #19
University of Houston lands at #19 with a 67/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (72/100) and pulled down by social mobility (61/100). Graduates earn a median $62,377 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,276 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Texas A & M International University lands at #20 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $48,386 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,637 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
Edinburg, TX · 94% accepted · $4,831 net
Why it ranks #21
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley lands at #21 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by social mobility (57/100). Graduates earn a median $49,620 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,831 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 #22
University of Houston-Clear Lake lands at #22 with a 65/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (71/100) and pulled down by social mobility (61/100). Graduates earn a median $59,004 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,563 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Texas A&M University-Texarkana lands at #23 with a 63/100 composite, led by value per dollar (65/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $45,515 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,997 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 #24
Prairie View A & M University lands at #24 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (68/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $45,411 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,570 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 #25
St. Mary's University lands at #25 with a 61/100 composite, led by academic quality (68/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $56,955 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,145 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
Corpus Christi, TX · 89% accepted · $15,225 net
Why it ranks #26
Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi lands at #26 with a 61/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (65/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $51,865 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,225 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Houston Christian University lands at #27 with a 58/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (67/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $55,933 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,629 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 27 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become Mechanical Engineers and related roles — a field with $99,510 median pay and 10% projected growth.
See the Mechanical Engineer career guide →Engineering programs in Texas are among the most competitive in the nation, shaping the next generation of innovators and problem solvers. With 29 colleges offering engineering degrees in the state, students have a wealth of options to consider as they plan their futures. Understanding what these schools have in common—and how they differ—can help families make informed choices.
The schools on this list stand out based on critical outcomes like earnings, graduation rates, and debt burden. These factors matter not just for securing a degree, but for ensuring a successful transition into the workforce. For example, the average earnings of graduates from these programs is $58,556, but there's significant variation among institutions, highlighting the importance of looking beyond the surface.
Take Rice University and the University of Houston as examples. Graduates from Rice earn an impressive $89,718 on average, with a 95% graduation rate, while those from the University of Houston earn $62,377, graduating at a rate of 65%. This contrast underscores how different choices can lead to vastly different outcomes. As you dive into the rankings below, keep these metrics in mind to find the best fit for your goals.
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 16 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.4%. 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 LeTourneau University (3.8%) and The University of Texas Permian Basin (3%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 8.7% 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 31.7% 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 1.64, 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 examining the data, a key difference emerges between Texas A&M and the University of Texas at Dallas. Texas A&M graduates have an average earning of $72,097 and an 84% graduation rate, while UT Dallas graduates earn $68,227 with a graduation rate of just 75%. This illustrates how a slightly higher investment in education can lead to better financial outcomes.
After reviewing the rankings, reflect on how these outcomes align with your priorities. Consider factors such as campus culture, location, and how much debt you're willing to take on. If you value a high graduation rate and potential earnings, schools like Rice and Texas A&M may be more appealing, while others might offer programs that fit better with your career aspirations or lifestyle.
This data reveals critical insights into the connection between education and economic stability. A degree in engineering can lead to a solid financial footing, but the path isn't the same for everyone. Choosing the right institution is about finding a balance between the cost of education and the potential return on that investment for your family's future.
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 Engineering Colleges in Texas: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Engineering Colleges in Texas ranking? +
Rice University in Houston, TX ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Engineering 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 $59,269 average across the 27 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, Texas A & M International University leads: graduates earn a median $48,386 against net price of about $3,637 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 58% 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 $16,716 a year across the 27 ranked schools with cost data. Texas A & M International University is among the most affordable at roughly $3,637. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Engineering 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 27 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
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