1. University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)
Overview
Location: Austin, Texas
Founded in 1883, the University of Texas at Austin is the flagship institution of the University of Texas System and one of the largest public research universities in the country. UT Austin is known for its programs in engineering, business, law, and computer science. The McCombs School of Business and the Cockrell School of Engineering are among the top in the nation. UT Austin is also a cultural hub, located in one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant cities in the U.S.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #38 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 52,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 29%
- Average SAT Score: 1230-1480
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Texas Longhorns Athletics
- Student government
- Texas Exes (alumni association)
- Performing arts and theater groups
- UT Student Media (The Daily Texan)
Famous Alumni
- Matthew McConaughey – Actor
- Michael Dell – Founder and CEO of Dell Technologies
- Laura Bush – Former First Lady of the United States
- Roger Clemens – MLB pitcher
- Neil deGrasse Tyson – Astrophysicist (attended briefly)
Top Employers
- Dell Technologies
- Apple
- ExxonMobil
- Amazon
2. Rice University
Overview
Location: Houston, Texas
Founded in 1912, Rice University is a private research university known for its small class sizes and top-tier programs in engineering, computer science, and business. The university has a strong focus on interdisciplinary research and offers its students ample opportunities for hands-on learning and research collaboration. Rice’s proximity to the Texas Medical Center also makes it an ideal destination for students interested in health sciences.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #17 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 7,100
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
- Average SAT Score: 1460-1560
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Rice Owls Athletics
- Rice Thresher (student newspaper)
- Baker Institute for Public Policy programs
- Marching Owl Band
- Entrepreneurship and business clubs
Famous Alumni
- Howard Hughes – Business magnate, inventor
- Alison Smith – Journalist and television news anchor
- Larry McMurtry – Pulitzer Prize-winning author
- Robert Woodrow Wilson – Nobel laureate in Physics
- Annise Parker – Former Mayor of Houston
Top Employers
- NASA
- Microsoft
- Texas Medical Center
- Chevron
- Goldman Sachs
3. Texas A&M University
Overview
Location: College Station, Texas
Founded in 1876, Texas A&M University is a public land-grant and sea-grant university and one of the largest universities in the country. Texas A&M is known for its engineering, business, and agriculture programs. The university is also deeply tied to military service, with a Corps of Cadets program that remains active today. Its emphasis on research and innovation has earned it a strong reputation nationally and internationally.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #47 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 73,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
- Average SAT Score: 1160-1380
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Aggies Athletics
- Corps of Cadets
- Student government
- Fish Camp (freshman orientation program)
- The Battalion (student newspaper)
Famous Alumni
- Rick Perry – Former Governor of Texas and U.S. Secretary of Energy
- Robert Gates – Former U.S. Secretary of Defense
- Johnny Manziel – Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback
- Lyle Lovett – Singer and songwriter
- James Benjamin Blish – Science fiction writer
Top Employers
- ExxonMobil
- Halliburton
- Schlumberger
- Texas Instruments
- Accenture
4. Southern Methodist University (SMU)
Overview
Location: Dallas, Texas
Founded in 1911, Southern Methodist University is a private research university known for its strong business, law, and engineering programs. SMU is home to the Cox School of Business, which is highly regarded for its MBA and executive education programs. The university is located in the heart of Dallas, providing students with abundant internship and career opportunities in one of the country’s largest metropolitan areas.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #72 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 12,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Average SAT Score: 1300-1480
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Mustangs Athletics
- Greek life
- Student government
- SMU Daily Campus (student newspaper)
- Business and entrepreneurship clubs
Famous Alumni
- Laura Bush – Former First Lady of the United States
- Kathy Bates – Academy Award-winning actress
- Ray L. Hunt – CEO of Hunt Oil
- Aaron Spelling – Television producer
- Ross Perot Jr. – Real estate developer and businessman
Top Employers
- AT&T
- JPMorgan Chase
- Southwest Airlines
- Deloitte
- American Airlines
5. Baylor University
Overview
Location: Waco, Texas
Founded in 1845, Baylor University is a private Christian university known for its strong programs in business, law, and health sciences. Baylor is the oldest continually operating university in Texas and has a rich tradition of academic excellence combined with Christian values. The Hankamer School of Business and Baylor Law School are among the best in the country. Baylor is also renowned for its commitment to service and community engagement.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #76 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 19,500
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Average SAT Score: 1210-1370
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Baylor Bears Athletics
- Student government
- Baylor Lariat (student newspaper)
- Greek life
- Mission and service programs
Famous Alumni
- Robert Griffin III – Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback
- Ann Richards – Former Governor of Texas
- Jeff Dunham – Comedian
- Angela Kinsey – Actress (The Office)
- Trey Wingo – ESPN anchor
Top Employers
- Baylor Scott & White Health
- AT&T
- Dell Technologies
- PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
- JPMorgan Chase
6. Texas Christian University (TCU)
Overview
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Founded in 1873, Texas Christian University is a private university known for its programs in business, communication, and nursing. TCU’s Neeley School of Business is highly respected for its undergraduate and MBA programs, while the Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers top-tier healthcare education. TCU combines rigorous academics with a strong sense of community and school spirit, especially during its football season.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #98 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 11,500
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
- Average SAT Score: 1150-1340
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Horned Frogs Athletics
- Student government
- TCU 360 (student media organization)
- Greek life
- Campus ministry and service groups
Famous Alumni
- LaDainian Tomlinson – NFL Hall of Famer
- Bob Schieffer – Journalist and news anchor
- Trisha Yearwood – Country singer
- Davey O’Brien – Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback
- Chris Klein – Actor
Top Employers
- Lockheed Martin
- JPMorgan Chase
- American Airlines
- Texas Health Resources
- BNSF Railway
7. University of Houston
Overview
Location: Houston, Texas
Founded in 1927, the University of Houston (UH) is a public research university with strong programs in business, engineering, and law. UH’s C.T. Bauer College of Business and Cullen College of Engineering are nationally ranked. UH has a large and diverse student body, and its location in Houston—one of the nation’s largest cities—provides students with many opportunities for internships and careers in the energy, healthcare, and technology sectors.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #182 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 47,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Average SAT Score: 1130-1310
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Cougars Athletics
- Student government
- Frontier Fiesta (annual festival)
- Bauer Business Honor Society
- Greek life
Famous Alumni
- Jim Parsons – Actor (The Big Bang Theory)
- Lizzo – Singer and rapper (attended briefly)
- Hakeem Olajuwon – NBA Hall of Famer
- Clyde Drexler – NBA Hall of Famer
- Tilman Fertitta – Businessman and owner of the Houston Rockets
Top Employers
- ExxonMobil
- Chevron
- Shell
- Texas Children’s Hospital
- JPMorgan Chase
8. University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas)
Overview
Location: Richardson, Texas
Founded in 1969, the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) is a rapidly growing public research university known for its programs in engineering, computer science, and business. UT Dallas has a strong focus on STEM education and innovation, with the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science being particularly well-regarded. The university is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth technology corridor, offering students excellent opportunities for internships and job placements.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #115 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 30,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Average SAT Score: 1220-1440
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Comets Athletics
- Esports and gaming clubs
- Student government
- Business and entrepreneurship organizations
- Engineering and robotics clubs
Famous Alumni
- Naveen Jindal – Indian business magnate
- Brian Krzanich – Former CEO of Intel
- Tim Head – Executive Director of Faith & Freedom Coalition
- Clay Jenkins – Dallas County Judge
- Kim Jong-nam – North Korean political figure
Top Employers
- Texas Instruments
- AT&T
- Raytheon
- Amazon
- JPMorgan Chase
9. Texas Tech University
Overview
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Founded in 1923, Texas Tech University is a public research university known for its programs in engineering, agriculture, law, and business. The Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering and the Rawls College of Business are highly regarded. Texas Tech also has a strong focus on research, particularly in areas like wind energy and agricultural sciences, making it a key player in the state’s economic development.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #219 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 40,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Average SAT Score: 1070-1260
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Red Raiders Athletics
- Student government
- Greek life
- Ranching Heritage Association
- Texas Tech University Press (student publications)
Famous Alumni
- Patrick Mahomes – NFL quarterback
- John Denver – Singer-songwriter (attended briefly)
- George Eads – Actor (CSI)
- Rick Husband – NASA astronaut
- Willie McCool – NASA astronaut
Top Employers
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
- AT&T
- ExxonMobil
- ConocoPhillips
- United Supermarkets
10. St. Edward’s University
Overview
Location: Austin, Texas
Founded in 1877, St. Edward’s University is a private Catholic university known for its liberal arts programs and commitment to social justice. The university emphasizes small class sizes and personal attention, making it a popular choice for students seeking a close-knit academic community. St. Edward’s is particularly known for its programs in business, education, and the humanities.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #8 Regional Universities West
- Number of Students: About 3,900
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Average SAT Score: 1090-1280
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Hilltoppers Athletics
- Campus Ministry
- Volunteer and service organizations
- Performing arts and theater groups
- Study abroad programs
Famous Alumni
- Tim League – Founder of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
- George Strait – Country music singer (attended briefly)
- John Layfield – Professional wrestler and commentator
- Luci Baines Johnson – Daughter of President Lyndon B. Johnson
- Gail Berman – Television and film producer
Top Employers
- Dell Technologies
- Amazon
- Apple
- St. Edward’s University