2026 Best Value Science & Tech Schools in Texas
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech degree programs in Texas? We have ranked 403 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed 107 schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Texas
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Collin County Community College District this year in Texas. This public school is set in McKinney, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,014, compared with $6,064 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,716 in student loans. Collin County Community College District alumni report median earnings of $48,701 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Collin County Community College District
A rank of #2 makes Central Texas College one of the best values in Texas. Central Texas College is a public school based in Killeen, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,750, compared with $7,500 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $11,290. Median earnings reach $40,995 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Central Texas College profile
A rank of #3 makes Lamar Institute Of Technology one of the best values in Texas. Based in Beaumont, TX, Lamar Institute Of Technology is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,844 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,924. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $14,278. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,991 ten years after entry. Set against $14,278 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Lamar Institute Of Technology
A rank of #4 makes Tarrant County College District one of the best values in Texas. This public school is set in Fort Worth, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,863, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. Graduates carry a median of $15,148 in student loans. Tarrant County College District alumni report median earnings of $42,727 a decade after entry. Set against $15,148 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Tarrant County College District profile
You'll get strong value at Galveston College, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Galveston, TX, Galveston College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,726, with out-of-state students paying around $6,176. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $15,183. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,233. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Galveston College
El Centro College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,557 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $41,714 ten years out. Set against $14,557 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on El Centro College
Lee College placed #7 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Texas. This public school is set in Baytown, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,520 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,045 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,941 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,178 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lee College
San Jacinto Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,490 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Graduates carry a median of $11,376 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,062. That is a strong return on a $11,376 median debt. Read the full report on San Jacinto Community College
Amarillo College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Amarillo, TX, Amarillo College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,136 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,704. The median Science & Tech program debt is $15,720. Amarillo College alumni report median earnings of $41,302 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Amarillo College
College Of The Mainland landed the #10 spot for value in Texas this year. Based in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,310, while out-of-state students pay about $4,140. The median Science & Tech program debt is $10,928. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,639 ten years after entry. Set against $10,928 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on College Of The Mainland
Mclennan Community College landed the #11 spot for value in Texas this year. Mclennan Community College is a public school based in Waco, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,660, compared with $5,910 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $11,598. Median earnings reach $39,163 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,598 median debt. More on Mclennan Community College
Alvin Community College placed #12 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Texas. Based in Alvin, TX, Alvin Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,906, while out-of-state students pay about $4,402. The median Science & Tech program debt is $8,600. Alvin Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,762 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,600 median debt. Read the full report on Alvin Community College
South Texas College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in McAllen, TX, South Texas College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,920, with out-of-state students paying around $7,620. The median Science & Tech program debt is $6,868. Median earnings reach $36,788 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full South Texas College profile
The University Of Texas At Brownsville came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Brownsville, TX, The University Of Texas At Brownsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,148, with out-of-state students paying around $4,948. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $10,058. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,900. Set against $10,058 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full The University Of Texas At Brownsville profile
Odessa College landed the #15 spot for value in Texas this year. This public school is set in Odessa, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,926 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $9,087. Median earnings reach $42,026 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Odessa College report
El Paso Community College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in El Paso, TX, El Paso Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,274 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,314 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $8,542. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,212. That is a strong return on a $8,542 median debt. See the full El Paso Community College profile
Wharton County Junior College placed #17 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Texas. This public school is set in Wharton, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,192, with out-of-state students paying around $5,904. Students borrow a median of $10,916 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $44,960 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Wharton County Junior College profile
Lone Star College System came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,664 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,425 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Lone Star College System alumni report median earnings of $42,466 a decade after entry. Set against $10,425 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lone Star College System profile
Grayson College placed #19 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Texas. Set in Denison, TX, Grayson College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,000, compared with $6,300 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $11,627. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,873 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Grayson College report
Tyler Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Set in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. Tyler Junior College Science & Tech students take on a median of $14,869 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,140. Set against $14,869 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Tyler Junior College
Midland College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Midland, TX, Midland College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,180, while out-of-state students pay about $6,180. Students borrow a median of $9,000 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,958. That is a strong return on a $9,000 median debt. Get the full Midland College report
Houston Community College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Houston, TX, Houston Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,040, with out-of-state students paying around $5,460. Houston Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $19,223 in debt. Houston Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,254 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,223 median debt. More on Houston Community College
Navarro College placed #23 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Texas. Located in Corsicana, TX, Navarro College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,008, compared with $6,578 for out-of-state students. Navarro College Science & Tech students take on a median of $13,781 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,716 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,781 median debt. See the full Navarro College profile
Temple College landed the #24 spot for value in Texas this year. This public school is set in Temple, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,000, while out-of-state students pay about $7,524. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $16,617. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,678. Set against $16,617 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Temple College
South Plains College placed #25 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Texas. Located in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,733, with out-of-state students paying around $5,157. Students borrow a median of $13,788 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,276 ten years after entry. Set against $13,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full South Plains College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Texas
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Weatherford College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Weatherford, TX, Weatherford College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,250, while out-of-state students pay about $10,860. Weatherford College Science & Tech students take on a median of $14,099 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,397. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Weatherford College
Howard College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Big Spring, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,766, with out-of-state students paying around $6,716. Graduates carry a median of $14,242 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,382 ten years after entry. Set against $14,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Howard College
Southwest Texas Junior College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Southwest Texas Junior College is a public school based in Uvalde, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,646, while out-of-state students pay about $6,294. Students borrow a median of $7,157 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $35,563 ten years out. Set against $7,157 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Southwest Texas Junior College
Del Mar College landed the #29 spot for value in Texas this year. Based in Corpus Christi, TX, Del Mar College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,500, with out-of-state students paying around $6,050. Students borrow a median of $7,476 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,656 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Del Mar College
Laredo Community College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Laredo Community College is a public school based in Laredo, TX. Students from in state pay about $3,300 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,748. Graduates carry a median of $6,000 in student loans. Laredo Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,934 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,000 median debt. Read more about Laredo Community College
Northeast Texas Community College placed #31 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Texas. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,980, while out-of-state students pay about $5,620. The median Science & Tech program debt is $15,089. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,870. That is a strong return on a $15,089 median debt. Get the full Northeast Texas Community College report
Texarkana College landed the #32 spot for value in Texas this year. This public school is set in Texarkana, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,476, compared with $5,332 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $11,686. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,647. That is a strong return on a $11,686 median debt. More on Texarkana College
Vernon College landed the #33 spot for value in Texas this year. Based in Vernon, TX, Vernon College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,720 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,120 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $12,513. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,464. Set against $12,513 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Vernon College profile
Kilgore College placed #34 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Texas. Located in Kilgore, TX, Kilgore College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,160, with out-of-state students paying around $5,256. Kilgore College Science & Tech students take on a median of $16,734 in debt. Kilgore College alumni report median earnings of $37,975 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,734 median debt. Read more about Kilgore College
Northwest Vista College placed #35 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Texas. Set in San Antonio, TX, Northwest Vista College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,412, compared with $9,952 for out-of-state students. Northwest Vista College Science & Tech students take on a median of $9,189 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,490 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Northwest Vista College
Trinity Valley Community College placed #36 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Texas. Based in Athens, TX, Trinity Valley Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,640, with out-of-state students paying around $5,970. Students borrow a median of $12,323 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,567 ten years after entry. Set against $12,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Trinity Valley Community College profile
Texas State Technical College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Waco, TX, Texas State Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,212 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,812. The median Science & Tech program debt is $12,953. Texas State Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,916 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,953 median debt. More on Texas State Technical College
San Antonio College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in San Antonio, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,412, with out-of-state students paying around $9,952. The median Science & Tech program debt is $11,839. Median earnings reach $39,711 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,839 median debt. Read more about San Antonio College
Blinn College landed the #39 spot for value in Texas this year. Based in Brenham, TX, Blinn College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,890, while out-of-state students pay about $11,370. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $16,465. Median earnings reach $46,318 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Blinn College report
Texas A And M University Central Texas ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Killeen, TX, Texas A And M University Central Texas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,363 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,155. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $23,160. Texas A And M University Central Texas has an acceptance rate of 100%. Get the full Texas A And M University Central Texas report
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Science & Tech students take on a median of $21,275 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
Austin Community College District offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Austin Community College District is a public school based in Austin, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,550, compared with $10,590 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,519 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,177. That is a strong return on a $14,519 median debt. More on Austin Community College District
University Of Houston Clear Lake ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,346, while out-of-state students pay about $22,290. Students borrow a median of $21,100 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $59,004 ten years out. Set against $21,100 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Houston Clear Lake
University Of Houston Downtown placed #44 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Texas. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Downtown is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,582 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,434. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $23,925. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,551 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,925 median debt. University Of Houston Downtown has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full University Of Houston Downtown report
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #45 spot for value in Texas this year. This public school is set in College Station, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin landed the #46 spot for value in Texas this year. Set in Odessa, TX, The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,607, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. The median Science & Tech program debt is $20,052. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,073. That is a strong return on a $20,052 median debt. The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin report
Sam Houston State University landed the #47 spot for value in Texas this year. Set in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $24,850. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,211 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,850 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Sam Houston State University profile
Tarleton State University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located in Stephenville, TX, Tarleton State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,302 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,142. Students borrow a median of $23,222 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,040. Set against $23,222 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Tarleton State University report
Angelo State University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Angelo, TX, Angelo State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,460 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,300 for out-of-state students. Angelo State University Science & Tech students take on a median of $21,237 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,116. Set against $21,237 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Angelo State University profile
Texas Womans University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Located in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,640, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. The median Science & Tech program debt is $24,211. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas Womans University
More Science & Tech Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 107 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 403 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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