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Best Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southwest Region

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2023 Best Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southwest Region

106 Schools Ranked
$21,188 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$26,702 Avg Student Debt

Today's students have lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Also there are many trade schools and bpptcamp that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

The Best Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking is one of many tools that Course Advisor has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 106 schools in the Southwest Region to see which bachelor's degree programs offered the best educational experiences for students. Factors related to overall quality of the school, post-graduation earnings, average student debt, and more accumulated were considered when coming up with this list.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southwest Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Rice University

Houston, Texas
$52,895 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,206 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Rice University to be the best school for students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the Southwest Region .

If you want to attend Rice, expect to pay an average of $52,895 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,206 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that Rice does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 99% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

$20,281 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend The University of Texas at Austin. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list.

By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,281 in student loans.

UT Austin does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 99% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on The University of Texas at Austin

#3

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, Texas
$51,660 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,731 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 106 schools in the Southwest Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Texas Christian University landed the # 3 spot on the list.

The average tuition and fees at TCU is $51,660. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,731 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at TCU. During the 2019-2020 year, about 97% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

$60,236 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,294 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Southern Methodist University. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $60,236 to cover tuition and fees at SMU. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,294 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at SMU, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 24% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Southern Methodist University

#5

Texas A&M University - College Station

College Station, Texas
$12,204 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,847 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Texas A&M University - College Station. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Texas A&M College Station is $12,204. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $38,855. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $19,847 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Texas A&M College Station. In 2019-2020 about 36% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Texas A&M University - College Station

#6

Trinity University

San Antonio, Texas
$47,392 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,545 Avg Student Debt

Trinity University ranked #6 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list.

If you want to attend Trinity U, expect to pay an average of $47,392 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $20,545 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Trinity U. During the 2019-2020 year, about 99% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Trinity University

#7

Arizona State University - Skysong

Scottsdale, Arizona
$10,818 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,041 Avg Student Debt

Arizona State University - Skysong did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #7 on the list.

In-state students pay an average of $10,818 in tuition and fees if they attend ASU - Skysong full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $13,092. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,041 in student loans.

ASU - Skysong is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Read full report on Arizona State University - Skysong

#8

Wayland Baptist University

Plainview, Texas
$22,004 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,096 Avg Student Debt

Wayland Baptist University came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking.

The average tuition and fees at Wayland Baptist University is $22,004. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,096 in student loans.

Wayland Baptist University does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 63% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

$41,357 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, University of Phoenix - Arizona did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree.

On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $41,357 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at UOPX - Arizona, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 100% took at least some of their classes online.

Full University of Phoenix - Arizona Report

$38,966 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,198 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Prescott did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree.

If you want to attend Embry-Riddle Prescott, expect to pay an average of $38,966 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,198 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Embry-Riddle Prescott, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 24% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Prescott Report

#11

Ottawa University - Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona
$13,281 Average Tuition & Fees
$31,724 Avg Student Debt

Ottawa University - Phoenix came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking.

The average tuition and fees at Ottawa University - Phoenix is $13,281. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,724 in student loans.

Since Ottawa University - Phoenix is primarily an online school, it is an excellent choice for undergraduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

Read full report on Ottawa University - Phoenix

#12

Southwestern University

Georgetown, Texas
$26,148 Avg Student Debt

Southwestern University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking.

On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $26,148 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Full Southwestern University Report

#13

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, Texas
$11,852 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,578 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #13, Texas Tech University did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Texas Tech is $11,852. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $24,121. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Texas Tech accumulate an average of $24,578 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Texas Tech. In fact, around 55% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Texas Tech University

#14

Baylor University

Waco, Texas
$23,143 Avg Student Debt

Baylor University came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking.

Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Baylor accumulate an average of $23,143 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Baylor. In fact, around 97% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Baylor University

#15

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, Arizona
$17,189 Average Tuition & Fees
$31,746 Avg Student Debt

Grand Canyon University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #15 on the list.

Grand Canyon University does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $17,189. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $31,746 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Grand Canyon University. In fact, around 90% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Grand Canyon University

$9,244 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,108 Avg Student Debt

Oklahoma State University - Main Campus ranked #16 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list.

In-state students pay an average of $9,244 in tuition and fees if they attend OSU full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $24,764. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,108 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at OSU. In fact, around 93% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Oklahoma State University - Main Campus Report

$11,348 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,760 Avg Student Debt

Arizona State University - Tempe ranked #17 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at ASU - Tempe is $11,348. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $29,438. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from ASU - Tempe accumulate an average of $24,760 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at ASU - Tempe. During the 2019-2020 year, about 93% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Arizona State University - Tempe

$9,312 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,897 Avg Student Debt

University of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking.

Full-time students from Oklahoma pay an average of $9,312 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend University of Oklahoma. Out-of-state students pay an average of $25,116. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,897 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that University of Oklahoma does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 67% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on University of Oklahoma Norman Campus

$7,698 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,456 Avg Student Debt

University of Houston - Clear Lake did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #19 on the list.

In-state students pay an average of $7,698 in tuition and fees if they attend UH Clear Lake full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $20,994. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $24,456 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at UH Clear Lake. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 95% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

$7,363 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,544 Avg Student Debt

Texas A & M University - Central Texas ranked #20 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Texas A & M University - Central Texas is $7,363. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $17,155. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,544 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Texas A & M University - Central Texas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 95% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Texas A & M University - Central Texas

#21

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, Texas
$8,960 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,557 Avg Student Debt

Sam Houston State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #21 on the list.

Students from Texas who attend SHSU full time pay an average of $8,960 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $18,752. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from SHSU accumulate an average of $25,557 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that SHSU does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 58% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Sam Houston State University Report

#22

University of Houston

Houston, Texas
$9,699 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,948 Avg Student Debt

University of Houston ranked #22 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list.

In-state students pay an average of $9,699 in tuition and fees if they attend UH full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $21,891. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,948 in student loans.

UH does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 100% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full University of Houston Report

#23

The University of Texas at Dallas

Richardson, Texas
$21,709 Avg Student Debt

The University of Texas at Dallas ranked #23 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list.

On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,709 in loans while pursuing their degree.

UT Dallas does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2019-2020 year, about 100% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on The University of Texas at Dallas

#24

University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona
$12,404 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,823 Avg Student Debt

University of Arizona landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree programs.

Students from Arizona who attend University of Arizona full time pay an average of $12,404 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $35,153. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from University of Arizona accumulate an average of $21,823 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at University of Arizona. In fact, around 61% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on University of Arizona

$9,234 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,611 Avg Student Debt

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin ranked #25 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list.

Students from Texas who attend UT Permian Basin full time pay an average of $9,234 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $21,474. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,611 in student loans.

UT Permian Basin does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 88% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full The University of Texas of the Permian Basin Report

View Best Bachelor’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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