2026 Best Science & Tech Schools in Southwest
Looking for the best Science & Tech degree programs in Southwest? Our ranking highlights 656 schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated 484 schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Science & Tech Degree Schools in Southwest
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Rice University tops our 2026 ranking of the best Science & Tech degree schools in Southwest. Located in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. Rice University posts a six-year graduation rate of 95%. In-state tuition and fees average $61,247. Students borrow a median of $11,904 to complete their Science & Tech program here. See the full Rice University profile
A rank of #2 makes The University Of Texas At Austin one of the top choices in Southwest. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The median Science & Tech program debt is $21,275. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
The strong Science & Tech programs at Texas Christian University earned it the #3 place in Southwest. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Texas Christian University posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. In-state tuition and fees average $61,740. Students borrow a median of $22,960 to complete their Science & Tech program here. See the full Texas Christian University profile
Out of the 484 schools in Southwest in this year's ranking, Texas A And M University College Station landed the #4 spot. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $20,031. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
A rank of #5 makes Southern Methodist University one of the top choices in Southwest. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dallas, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,040. Graduates carry a median of $20,712 in student loans. Read more about Southern Methodist University
Trinity University landed the #6 spot in Southwest this year. Set in San Antonio, TX, Trinity University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,676. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $23,314. Read the full report on Trinity University
El Centro College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Science & Tech schools. Based in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,730, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. El Centro College Science & Tech students take on a median of $14,557 in debt. Get the full El Centro College report
Central Texas College did well this year, earning the #8 position. Based in Killeen, TX, Central Texas College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,750, with out-of-state students paying around $7,500. The median Science & Tech program debt is $11,290. Read more about Central Texas College
Rio Salado College placed #9 among Science & Tech schools in Southwest. Based in Tempe, AZ, Rio Salado College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,958 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $13,679. Read more about Rio Salado College
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott landed the #10 spot in Southwest this year. Located in Prescott, AZ, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is a private not-for-profit institution. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott graduates 68% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $43,974 in tuition and fees. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,707 in debt. Read the full report on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott
Panola College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Science & Tech schools. Panola College is a public school based in Carthage, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,352, compared with $5,232 for out-of-state students. Read more about Panola College
Collin County Community College District did well this year, earning the #12 position. Collin County Community College District is a public school based in McKinney, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,014, while out-of-state students pay about $6,064. Students borrow a median of $9,716 to complete their Science & Tech program here. See the full Collin County Community College District profile
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #13 in this year's ranking. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Students borrow a median of $23,742 to complete their Science & Tech program here. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
University Of Phoenix Arizona ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Science & Tech schools. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. University Of Phoenix Arizona posts a six-year graduation rate of 16%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,552. Students borrow a median of $35,323 to complete their Science & Tech program here. More on University Of Phoenix Arizona
Lee College landed the #15 spot in Southwest this year. This public school is set in Baytown, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,520, with out-of-state students paying around $5,045. Lee College Science & Tech students take on a median of $10,941 in debt. See the full Lee College profile
Baylor University placed #16 among Science & Tech schools in Southwest. Located in Waco, TX, Baylor University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,100. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $23,928. Read the full report on Baylor University
Texas Tech University came in at #17 in this year's ranking. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Texas Tech University graduates 69% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,271 in student loans. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Mclennan Community College came in at #18 in this year's ranking. Located in Waco, TX, Mclennan Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,660, compared with $5,910 for out-of-state students. Mclennan Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $11,598 in debt. Get the full Mclennan Community College report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best Science & Tech schools. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $22,337. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Lone Star College System placed #20 among Science & Tech schools in Southwest. Based in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,664, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,425 to complete their Science & Tech program here. More on Lone Star College System
Chandler Gilbert Community College came in at #21 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Chandler, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $10,447. More on Chandler Gilbert Community College
Mesa Community College came in at #22 in this year's ranking. Based in Mesa, AZ, Mesa Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,750 in student loans. Read more about Mesa Community College
Wayland Baptist University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best Science & Tech schools. Located in Plainview, TX, Wayland Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Wayland Baptist University graduates 19% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $23,782. Wayland Baptist University Science & Tech students take on a median of $30,204 in debt. Read the full report on Wayland Baptist University
Austin Community College District did well this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,550, compared with $10,590 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,519 in student loans. Get the full Austin Community College District report
South Texas College landed the #25 spot in Southwest this year. Set in McAllen, TX, South Texas College is a public institution. About 20% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,920, compared with $7,620 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $6,868. Read the full report on South Texas College
Rest of the Top 50 Best Science & Tech Degree Schools in Southwest
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
Tarrant County College District placed #26 among Science & Tech schools in Southwest. Set in Fort Worth, TX, Tarrant County College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,863, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. Students borrow a median of $15,148 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Get the full Tarrant County College District report
The University Of Texas At Dallas came in at #27 in this year's ranking. The University Of Texas At Dallas is a public school based in Richardson, TX. The University Of Texas At Dallas graduates 76% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,644, while out-of-state students pay about $40,144. Students borrow a median of $20,531 to complete their Science & Tech program here. More on The University Of Texas At Dallas
Arizona State University landed the #28 spot in Southwest this year. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Arizona State University graduates 68% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $21,842 in student loans. More on Arizona State University
University Of Houston placed #29 among Science & Tech schools in Southwest. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. About 65% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Students borrow a median of $21,255 to complete their Science & Tech program here. See the full University Of Houston profile
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #30 in this year's ranking. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. The median Science & Tech program debt is $23,138. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Sam Houston State University landed the #31 spot in Southwest this year. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. Roughly 55% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Sam Houston State University Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,850 in debt. More on Sam Houston State University
University Of Houston Clear Lake landed the #32 spot in Southwest this year. University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public school based in Houston, TX. Roughly 52% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $8,346 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,290. The median Science & Tech program debt is $21,100. Read more about University Of Houston Clear Lake
University Of Dallas landed the #33 spot in Southwest this year. University Of Dallas is a private not-for-profit school based in Irving, TX. About 73% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,930. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $23,411. More on University Of Dallas
Scottsdale Community College landed the #34 spot in Southwest this year. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Scottsdale Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. The median Science & Tech program debt is $13,084. Read the full report on Scottsdale Community College
Weatherford College placed #36 among Science & Tech schools in Southwest. Weatherford College is a public school based in Weatherford, TX. Students from in state pay about $5,250 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,860. The median Science & Tech program debt is $14,099. Read more about Weatherford College
Grand Canyon University came in at #37 in this year's ranking. Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. Roughly 44% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,508. The median Science & Tech program debt is $30,027. More on Grand Canyon University
Remington College Dallas Campus placed #38 among Science & Tech schools in Southwest. Based in Dallas, TX, Remington College Dallas Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $15,876 in tuition and fees. The median Science & Tech program debt is $21,108. See the full Remington College Dallas Campus profile
University Of Arizona placed #39 among Science & Tech schools in Southwest. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Students borrow a median of $21,861 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Get the full University Of Arizona report
Texas A And M University Central Texas landed the #40 spot in Southwest this year. This public school is set in Killeen, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,363, compared with $17,155 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $23,160. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Central Texas
Texas State Technical College landed the #41 spot in Southwest this year. Set in Waco, TX, Texas State Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,212, while out-of-state students pay about $11,812. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $12,953. Get the full Texas State Technical College report
Lubbock Christian University placed #42 among Science & Tech schools in Southwest. Located in Lubbock, TX, Lubbock Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Lubbock Christian University graduates 51% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,540. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $28,337. Get the full Lubbock Christian University report
The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin landed the #43 spot in Southwest this year. Located in Odessa, TX, The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 40%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,607, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $20,052. See the full The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin profile
Texas Wesleyan University came in at #44 in this year's ranking. Based in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 32% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,582. Students borrow a median of $26,461 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Read the full report on Texas Wesleyan University
Northwest Vista College came in at #45 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in San Antonio, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $3,412, while out-of-state students pay about $9,952. The median Science & Tech program debt is $9,189. Read more about Northwest Vista College
Midland College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best Science & Tech schools. Located in Midland, TX, Midland College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,180 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,180. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $9,000. More on Midland College
Oklahoma City Community College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Science & Tech schools. Set in Oklahoma City, OK, Oklahoma City Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,059, with out-of-state students paying around $9,810. Graduates carry a median of $13,919 in student loans. See the full Oklahoma City Community College profile
University Of Houston Downtown did well this year, earning the #48 position. This public school is set in Houston, TX. University Of Houston Downtown posts a six-year graduation rate of 33%. Students from in state pay about $7,582 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,434. Students borrow a median of $23,925 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Get the full University Of Houston Downtown report
Texas Lutheran University placed #49 among Science & Tech schools in Southwest. Set in Seguin, TX, Texas Lutheran University is a private not-for-profit institution. Texas Lutheran University graduates 54% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $36,230 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,510 in student loans. Read more about Texas Lutheran University
The University Of Texas At Arlington ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best Science & Tech schools. Set in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,950, with out-of-state students paying around $29,582. Graduates carry a median of $21,632 in student loans. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Arlington
University Of Tulsa placed #51 among Science & Tech schools in Southwest. Set in Tulsa, OK, University Of Tulsa is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 72%. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,546. The median Science & Tech program debt is $23,638. More on University Of Tulsa
More Science & Tech Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Region · 484 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 656 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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