2023 Most Popular Schools in Texas
There are so many programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school or bootcamp that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.
To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Course Advisor has developed this Most Popular Schools in Texas ranking. This report analyzed 381 schools in Texas to see which ones were the most popular programs for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.
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Most Popular Schools in Texas
Learn more about these popular schools below:
Our 2023 rankings named Texas A&M University - College Station the most popular school in Texas for students working on their degree. Located in College Station, Texas, the large public school awarded 19,908 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $19,847 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $304. During the early years of their career, Texas A&M College Station graduates make an average of $57,177 annually. Around 51% of those degree recipients were women.
The programs at The University of Texas at Austin helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in Texas. UT Austin is a public institution located in Austin, Texas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 17,613 degrees in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,281 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $270, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UT Austin graduates make an average of $53,632 annually. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.
The programs at The University of Texas at Arlington helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in Texas. UT Arlington is located in Arlington, Texas and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 14,417 degrees to qualified students.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,737 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $163, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UT Arlington graduates make an average of $48,602 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.
The programs at El Centro College helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in Texas. El Centro College is located in Dallas, Texas and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 12,775 degrees to qualified students.
Degree recipients from El Centro College accumulate an average of $18,288 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, El Centro College graduates make an average of $38,417 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.
A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Lone Star College System is a great place for students. North Harris Montgomery is a public institution located in The Woodlands, Texas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 11,684 degrees in 2020-2021.
Degree recipients from North Harris Montgomery accumulate an average of $14,481 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from North Harris Montgomery, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,839 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.
University of Houston came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Texas ranking. UH is a public institution located in Houston, Texas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 11,581 degrees in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,948 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $248, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UH graduates make an average of $48,769 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.
University of North Texas did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #7 on the list. This large public school is located in Denton, Texas, and it awarded 10,800 degrees in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $22,773 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $236. Once they receive their degree, UNT graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,493 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.
Texas Tech University ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Texas list. Located in Lubbock, Texas, the large public school awarded 9,710 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $24,578 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $273 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Texas Tech graduates make an average of $45,903 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.
Texas State University landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Texas State University is a large public school located in San Marcos, Texas that handed out 9,313 degrees in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $23,697 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $233 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Texas State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,351 during the early years of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.
Tarrant County College District came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Texas ranking. Tarrant County College District is a large public school located in Fort Worth, Texas that handed out 8,528 degrees in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $17,851 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Tarrant County College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,816 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.
With a ranking of #11, The University of Texas at Dallas did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. This large public school is located in Richardson, Texas, and it awarded 8,460 degrees in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $21,709 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $225 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UT Dallas, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,037 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 47% were women.
The University of Texas at San Antonio came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Texas ranking. UTSA is a public institution located in San Antonio, Texas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 8,095 degrees in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,833 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $134, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UTSA, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,609 during the early years of their career. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.
With a ranking of #13, San Jacinto Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. San Jacinto Community College is a large public school located in Pasadena, Texas that handed out 7,278 degrees in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $14,185 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, San Jacinto College graduates make an average of $36,140 annually. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.
With a ranking of #14, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Edinburg, Texas is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 6,962 students in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,544 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, UT Rio Grande Valley graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,119 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.
Houston Community College landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Houston Community College is a large public school situated in Houston, Texas. It awarded 6,693 degrees in 2020-2021.
Degree recipients from Houston Community College accumulate an average of $21,482 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Houston Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,283 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.
Austin Community College District landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Austin Community College District is a large public school situated in Austin, Texas. It awarded 5,876 degrees in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $16,267 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Austin Community College District, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,063 during the early years of their career. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.
With a ranking of #17, Collin County Community College District did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Collin County Community College District is a large public school located in McKinney, Texas that handed out 5,703 degrees in 2020-2021.
Degree recipients from Collin County Community College District accumulate an average of $17,379 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Collin County Community College District graduates make an average of $42,890 annually. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.
South Texas College landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. South Texas College is a large public school located in McAllen, Texas that handed out 5,669 degrees in 2020-2021.
Degree recipients from South Texas College accumulate an average of $8,601 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from South Texas College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $29,327 during the early years of their career. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.
Lamar University landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Beaumont, Texas is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 5,520 students in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $28,227 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Lamar University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,498 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.
Sam Houston State University ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Texas list. SHSU is a public institution located in Huntsville, Texas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 5,395 degrees in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $25,557 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $169.After graduating from SHSU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,564 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.
Baylor University landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Waco, Texas, the large private not-for-profit school awarded 5,321 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.
Degree recipients from Baylor accumulate an average of $23,143 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $686 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Baylor graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,980 during the early year of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.
The University of Texas at El Paso ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Texas list. Located in El Paso, Texas, the large public school handed out 5,322 degrees in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $22,669 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $73 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UTEP graduates make an average of $44,186 annually. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.
With a ranking of #23, El Paso Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. El Paso Community College is a large public school situated in El Paso, Texas. It awarded 4,333 degrees in 2020-2021.
On average, students take out $10,989 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, El Paso Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $27,128 during the early year of their career. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.
Texas Woman’s University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #24 on the list. TWU is located in Denton, Texas and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 4,310 degrees to qualified students.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,747 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $82. Once they receive their degree, TWU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,718 during the early year of their career. Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.
With a ranking of #25, Southern Methodist University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in Dallas, Texas, the fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 4,258 degrees in 2020-2021.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,294 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $446 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, SMU graduates make an average of $62,901 annually. Around 50% of those degree recipients were women.
Rest of the Top 50 Most Popular Schools in Texas
Not only did these schools make the top 50 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:
Most Popular Schools in the Southwest Region
View Most Popular Schools Nationwide >
Rest of the Top 15% Most Popular Schools in Texas
To learn more about the schools below, just click on their names:
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 51 | Del Mar College | Corpus Christi, TX |
| 52 | Prairie View A & M University | Prairie View, TX |
| 53 | Texas A&M University - Kingsville | Kingsville, TX |
| 54 | The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston | Houston, TX |
| 55 | Palo Alto College | San Antonio, TX |
| 56 | Odessa College | Odessa, TX |
| 57 | Laredo College | Laredo, TX |
| 58 | South Plains College | Levelland, TX |
Honorable Mentions
These schools also performed well in our most popular schools ranking:
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 59 | Grayson College | Denison, TX |
| 60 | Texas A&M University - San Antonio | San Antonio, TX |
| 61 | North Central Texas College | Gainesville, TX |
| 62 | University of Houston - Victoria | Victoria, TX |
| 63 | Trinity Valley Community College | Athens, TX |
| 64 | Texas Southern University | Houston, TX |
| 65 | The University of Texas of the Permian Basin | Odessa, TX |
| 66 | MSU Texas | Wichita Falls, TX |
| 67 | Southwest Texas Junior College | Uvalde, TX |
| 68 | The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio | San Antonio, TX |
| 69 | Abilene Christian University | Abilene, TX |
| 70 | Navarro College | Corsicana, TX |
| 71 | Wayland Baptist University | Plainview, TX |
| 72 | College of the Mainland | Texas City, TX |
| 73 | Tulsa Welding School-Houston | Houston, TX |
| 74 | The University of Texas Medical Branch | Galveston, TX |
| 75 | Alvin Community College | Alvin, TX |
| 76 | Dallas Baptist University | Dallas, TX |
| 77 | The College of Health Care Professions - Northwest | Houston, TX |
Notes and References
Footnotes
*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.
References
- 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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