2025 Texas College Guide

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2025 TEXAS College Guide

INSIDE

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College Dictionary

Learning college’s highly specific lexicon will make you look like you’ve been strolling campus for years.

Compiled by Lauren Green

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2025 Texas College Guide Listings

All the information you’ll need to learn about Texas universities and colleges to help you make the right decision for where to apply. Picking the right school is a numbers game—this guide will help you crunch them all.

Compiled by Roger Munford

THE CRITERIA

Texas has close to 200 colleges and universities throughout the state. For this guide, we included schools that met the following criteria: award bachelor’s degrees, own their own facilities, are SACS accredited, and are Texas-based. The private institutions listed are members of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas.*

STAFF

PROJECT MANAGER

Kendall M. Talbot

DESIGN

Alison Whitworth

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Aaron Chamberlain

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER, CONTENT DEVELOPMENT

Kathy McFarland

LISTINGS EDITOR

Roger Munford

PRODUCTION TRAFFIC

COORDINATORS

Evelyn Barber

Stephanie Johnson

ON THE COVER

Getty Images / Alison Whitworth

©Copyright 2025 Texas Monthly LLC

*Confirmation that each school met the criteria was made by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas.

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By the Numbers

An updated collection of statistics including tuition, test scores, undergraduate enrollment, and more.

P. 45, 49, 53, 61, 63

Texas Talk

Sage advice from Texas college students.

P. 62

Next Steps

Congratulations, you’ve been accepted to college! Here’s what to do next.

The University of Texas at Arlington

editor in chief Dan Goodgame

creative director Emily Kimbro

deputy editor Ross McCammon

deputy editor , digital Sandi Villarreal

director of editorial operations Anna Walsh

executive producer : tv , film , podcasts Megan Creydt

video and events director Melissa Reese

executive editors Kathy Blackwell, J. K. Nickell, Jeff Salamon

distinguished writers

Russell Gold, Michael Hall, Skip Hollandsworth, Patricia Sharpe, Mimi Swartz, Katy Vine

senior editors

Courtney Bond, Rose Cahalan, Jason Heid, Allegra Hobbs, Kimya Kavehkar, Aaron Parsley, Ben Rowen

senior writers

Josh Alvarez, David Courtney, Michael Hardy, Peter Holley, Lauren Larson, Emily McCullar, Dan Solomon, Forrest Wilder

staff writer Sasha von Oldershausen

barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn

taco editor José R. Ralat

assistant managing editor Alicia Maria Meier

copy chief Marilyn Bailey

editors Amy Weaver Dorning, Kristen Steenbeeke

copy

copy editor / web producers Lea Konczal, Andrea Ordonez

senior fact checkers Paul Knight, Doyin Oyeniyi

fact checker Will Bostwick

editorial coordinator Meher Yeda

design director Victoria Millner

art director Jenn Hair Tompkins

art producer Darice DeLane Chavira

assistant photo editor Kayla Miracle

associate designer Juleanna Culilap

senior engagement editor Amanda O’Donnell

newsletter editor Taylor Prewitt

social media editor Lauren Castro

director of audio Brian Standefer

podcast producer Patrick Michels

senior video producers Owen Schwartzbard, Michael Snyder

tv , film , and podcast coordinator Aisling Ayers

events manager Madison Maris

editorial legal counsel Julie Ford

editor at large Bryan Burrough

contributing writers

Eric Benson, Sarah Bird, Nate Blakeslee, Jordan Breal, Sterry Butcher, Oscar Cásares, Jason Cohen, Robert Draper, Peter Elkind, Michael Ennis, Paula Forbes, Tom Foster, S. C. Gwynne, Stephen Harrigan, Sarah Hepola, Christopher Hooks, Andy Langer, Prudence Mackintosh, Karen Olsson, Sean O’Neal, R. G. Ratcliffe, John Phillip Santos, Sonia Smith, Loren Steffy

contributing editors Rafe Bartholomew, Leah Prinzivalli

contributing senior designer Kim Thwaits Moehring

contributing photographers

Darren Braun, Kenny Braun, James H. Evans, Randal Ford, Jody Horton, Artie Limmer, O. Rufus Lovett, Wyatt McSpadden, Michael O’Brien, Platon, Adam Voorhes, Jeff Wilson, Sarah Wilson, Dan Winters, Peter Yang

president Scott Brown

chief operating officer Carolyn Davis Chavana

chief revenue officer Joe D. Weir

chief financial officer Erin Beil

general manager Caitlyn Perry

senior vice president , audience development Emily Allen

senior vice president , broadcast and custom sales Frank Librio

vice president , development David B. Dunham

vice president , research Robert Henry Vela Davila

texas sales director Sunday Leek

web development technical lead Tim Biery

digital product manager Dennis Budde

digital product designer Grace Davila

media and communications director Michelle Williams

audience development manager Kristen Fletcher

brand marketing coordinator Yamila B. Maldonado

research assistant , audience development Amrita Biswas

audience development coordinator Mia Lovoi

operations director Erin Kubatzky

senior project manager , content development

Kathy McFarland

project managers Travis English, Kendall M. Talbot

creative services director Harrison Albrecht

designers , tm studio Peter Shults, Alison Whitworth

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director , integrated marketing Hannah Vickers

integrated marketing coordinators Ann Clardy Byrd, Luke Coerver, Sydney Panter

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production director Aaron Chamberlain

production coordinator Stephanie Kramp Johnson

associate production coordinator Evelyn Barber

digital ad operations & marketing specialist Morgan Riley

digital ad operations & marketing associate Marina Garcia

texas sales director 214-871-7717 Sunday Leek

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controller Stephanie Dentinger

director of human resources Anna Asie

senior hr representative Patrick Lynch

senior it support specialist Jim Maguire

office coordinator Adrian Almy

TEXAS COUNTRY REPORTER

host and executive producer J. B. Sauceda

general manager Martin Perry

producers Abigail Adams, Quintin Blackwell, Scott Ray, Dan Stricklin

TEXAS MONTHLY LLC

chairman Randa Duncan Williams

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chief operating officer emerita Lorelei Calvert chief revenue officer emerita Jalaane Levi-Garza

For questions regarding your subscription or to submit a change of address, please go to texasmonthly.com or call 800-759-2000.

A DEFINITIVE COLLEGE DICTIONARY

COLLEGE HAS ITS OWN LANGUAGE , AND IT IS HELPFUL TO BECOME AWARE OF SOME OF THESE TERMS AS YOU ARE LOOKING AT COLLEGE MATERIALS, INCLUDING BROCHURES, COURSE DESCRIPTIONS, COST OF ATTENDANCE INFORMATION, AND MORE.

Here’s a definitive dictionary for this highly specific lexicon that will make you look like you’ve been strolling campus for years, along with phrases that a recent college graduate found useful during her time on campus.

ADD/DROP: The period of time at the beginning of the semester where you can still change your class schedule without penalty. See: Drop date.

ALL-NIGHTER: When a student skips sleep and stays up overnight to cram for an exam or write an entire paper the night before.

BLOW-OFF CLASS: A course that students take in order to get class credits without doing very much hard work.

COHORT: A group of students working through a curriculum together towards the same degree.

CORE COURSES OR CORE CURRICULUM: These include fundamental classes—such as English, math, general science, government, and history—which provide a foundation for major-specific classes.

CORNHOLE: A simple game, which involves tossing a small bean bag onto a raised platform with various holes in it, trying to get the bag into the holes; often played at football game tailgates.

CREDIT HOUR: All degree plans require a certain number of hours of coursework to graduate; a typical class is three credit hours and twelve hours is (usually) considered the course load of a “full-time” student.

DEAD WEEK/DAYS: The last week of classes leading up to finals where there are typically no new assignments and no or little class. The idea is students will use this time to study.

DEAN’S LIST: A list of students based on their academic excellence, usually based on Grade Point Average (GPA), published at the end of each semester.

DROP DATE: Until the drop date, you can drop a class with no penalty academically. Look for this date on your syllabus, especially if it’s a class you’re worried about.

EARLY ACTION VS. EARLY DECISION: Both early action and early decision allow college applicants to apply earlier and find out the results sooner. Generally, students can apply to as many schools as they’d like with early action. But if you apply early decision and are accepted, you must enroll in that school.

ELECTIVES : Classes students choose to fulfill a general education requirement or just because they’re interested in a topic outside of their major’s core courses. See: Blow-off class.

BY

FASFA: Stands for “Free Application for Federal Student Aid.” A document that prospective students and/or their parents complete to determine eligibility for federal loans and grants.

FIFTEEN-MINUTE RULE: A mythical rule that says if the professor doesn’t show up within the first fifteen minutes of class, students can leave with no penalties. (Do so at your own risk.)

FIFTH-YEAR SENIOR: Not everyone makes it to the graduation ceremony in four years—these are the folks who are still working on earning that degree after senior year.

FOMO: Stands for “fear of missing out.” Irrational fear some college students have that they will miss something amazing if they stay home one evening. (Honestly, not true. Get your rest!)

FORMAL: A college dance usually thrown by a sorority or fraternity; typically, an extravagant event.

FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES: Social and academic organizations for college students formed to pursue a common goal or ideals. Most are identified by letters of the Greek alphabet (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, etc.) and as whole comprise what is known as a school’s “Greek life.”

FRESHMAN 15: The fifteen pounds some freshman may (or may not) gain eating dining hall food and snacks during their first semester away from home.

GPA: Stands for “grade point average.” Represents the average of a student’s final grades in all their courses. This is typically calculated by adding the final grades divided by the number of credit hours.

HYBRID CLASS: A class taught both in person and via Zoom or other means.

LOCOTRIP, OR LOW-COST TRIPLE: Refers to the lower rate some residence halls offer if you go to a bigger room with a third roommate. Either creates lifelong friends or lifelong nemeses.

MAYMESTER: Classes taken in the month of May, usually right after the spring semester has ended. These classes are often options for students who wish to earn quick credits between main semesters.

MIDTERM: An exam given approximately halfway through a course term that generally covers all course material presented so far. See: All-nighter.

MIXER: When two campus organizations hold an event or party in order for the groups to meet.

N.A.R.P.: A non-athletic regular person.

OFFICE HOURS: Time a professor sets aside so students may meet in their office to discuss grades and assignments or to get remedial help with a subject. Use them!

PASS-FAIL: When you do not get a letter grade for a class, you may be eligible to either “pass” the class or “fail” it. If you pass, you earn credit; if you fail, you do not. You’ll get either a “P” or an “F” on your transcript, but it does not usually affect your GPA.

PRACTICUM: A course designed to give students a practical application of what they have been learning in their major.

PRE-REQUISITE: A class required to take as entry into a higher-level course.

REGULAR DECISION: The most common timeline for college admissions. For regular decision, most schools require prospective students to apply by early January so applicants can hear back by April 1st

RIZZ: Effortless ability to charm people or get girls’ attention.

RUSH: Greek life’s way of recruiting people to be a part of their sorority/fraternity organization.

SHOWER CADDY: Your new best friend. This will hold all the toiletries you need to brave the dorm hall collective showers.

SPREAK: Slang for Spring Break.

“SYLLY” WEEK: The first week of the semester where most class time is spent going over the course syllabus.

T.A.: Stands for “Teacher’s Assistant.” A professor’s assistant that aids in grading and teaching—often, this is a graduate student who is usually there for you when your professor isn’t available.

TOWNIE: Usually someone who grew up in the college town but isn’t affiliated with the college. They’ll be sure to tell you how much better the town was back in the day.

WEED-OUT CLASS: Some of the first classes within your major designed to be hard in order to eliminate or identify students who do not perform well enough to continue or move on.

ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY ANGELO STATE UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Wildcats • ADDRESS 1949 ACU Dr., Abilene, TX 79699

WEBSITE ACU.edu • PHONE 800-460-6228 • FACEBOOK AbileneChristian

INSTAGRAM @ACUedu • X @ACUedu • YOUTUBE ACU

SPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

For the past five years, the student experience at Abilene Christian University has been ranked as one of the nation’s best. In the 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings, ACU was honored nationally in the categories of “Study Abroad,” “Learning Communities,” “Service Learning,” “First-Year Experience,” and “Senior Capstone.”

In collaboration with Natura Resources, the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Laboratory is designing and building a molten salt-fueled research reactor at ACU’s new Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center.

According to the university, the acceptance rate of ACU students into medical and dental schools has been twice the national average over the past five years. Some 20 percent of each incoming class pursues a career in healthcare.

ACU competes in the NCAA Division I Western Athletic Conference. Only five colleges and universities have won more NCAA national team championships than the Wildcats.

UNDERGRADUATE

4,414

ome of the world’s brightest students attend Abilene Christian University (ACU), seeking to connect faith and education at a Christcentered national research university. Home to more than 6,500 students from 54 nations, ACU attracts top scholars through its Honors College, an internationally recognized engineering and physics department, rapidly growing online programs, and the Center for Pre-Health Professions.

Undergraduates enjoy 88 baccalaureate majors with 175 areas of study and research opportunities alongside professors in world-class facilities. Graduate students choose among 77 areas of study in master’s degree and specialist programs and five doctoral programs.

Students study abroad, volunteer, and participate in internships that provide a valuable edge in the marketplace. Chapel is an inspirational time for worship and faith-based conversations.

Abilene is a college city with three universities and six schools of higher education. ACU’s beautiful 272-acre campus is less than three hours from the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, where ACU Online is headquartered.

TEAM NAME Rams and Rambelles • ADDRESS 2601 W. Avenue N., San Angelo, TX 76904

WEBSITE Angelo.edu • PHONE 800-946-8627 • FACEBOOK AngeloStateUniversity

INSTAGRAM @AngeloState • X @AngeloState • YOUTUBE AngeloStateU

APOINTS OF DISTINCTION

ASU has been recognized by The Princeton Review on its annual “Best Colleges” list every year since 2010.

There are more than six hundred scholarship programs, with nearly 90 percent of ASU students receiving some form of financial aid.

ASU has been designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education since 2010.

Our partner flight school opened a new commercial aviation hangar in 2024, and ASU’s new state-of-the-art aviation training facility will open next door in 2025.

The National Security Agency has validated the bachelor’s degree in computer science as an NSA Program of Study for Cybersecurity.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

9,779

ngelo State University (ASU) prepares students for careers and educational aspirations by balancing academic study with hands-on experience through learning labs, internship programs, and study abroad opportunities. With more than one hundred majors and concentrations to choose from, students find areas of study that fit their interests.

ASU encourages undergraduates to participate in faculty-mentored research projects that enhance student resumes and improve credentials for graduate school. The six-thousandacre ASU Ranch, as well as state-ofthe-art labs and equipment for meat and food science, nursing, commercial aviation, computer game design, cybersecurity, biology, education, psychology, engineering, physics, health science professions, and other disciplines, are among many ASU facilities available for student research.

Angelo State University cultivates a friendly campus community with students from 221 Texas counties, 48 states, and 33 countries. On-campus students live in award-winning modern residence halls, and all ASU students enjoy a nationally recognized university center, fitness center, intramural complex, Lake House, and state-of-the-art athletics facilities. ASU’s core values of integrity, diversity and inclusion, significance, community, and commitment are integrated throughout the campus and the Ram Family.

Students at ASU enjoy a nationally recognized intramural program and more than one hundred student-run clubs and organizations. Off-campus entertainment includes a thriving arts community, live music, and activities in San Angelo.

AUSTIN COLLEGE BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Kangaroos • ADDRESS 900 N. Grand Ave., Sherman, TX 75090

WEBSITE AustinCollege.edu • PHONE 903-813-3000 or 1-800-KANGAROO • X @AustinCollege

FACEBOOK AustinCollege • INSTAGRAM @AustinCollege • LINKEDIN AustinCollege

APOINTS OF DISTINCTION

The Princeton Review named Austin College one of its “Best Value Colleges” for 2024 based on academics, cost, financial aid, graduation rates, and student debt.

Austin College is a top producer of the Fulbright awardees in Texas per capita.

Students of color represent 50 percent of the student body.

Acceptance rates for first-time medical/health science school applicants are more than double national and Texas averages.

Austin College is designated an AANAPISI (Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution).

Austin College’s Finish in Four Guarantee means that any full-time student who meets the requirements when they enroll will graduate in four years, or the college waives tuition costs for any courses needed for degree completion.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

1,167

ustin College is a private liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman. The college’s engaged, diverse student body is near enough to Dallas and Fort Worth to easily take advantage of “big city” internship and entertainment opportunities while enjoying the perks of small-town living.

A 11:1 student-faculty ratio allows students to act as partners in learning with expert faculty whose priorities are teaching and mentoring. Each student is connected with a faculty mentor before arriving on campus, ensuring guidance and academic support throughout the college experience.

More than 55 areas of study include programs in data science and analytics, public health, creative writing, kinesiology, neuroscience, social justice and community engagement, and engineering physics. Students can engage with preprofessional tracks in the fields of medicine, law, and more. In addition to bachelor programs, Austin College provides a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Master of Medical SciencePhysician Assistant (PA) program.

Austin College’s Compass Curriculum meets the ever-changing needs of the twenty-first century and prepares students for a lifetime of success. All students are guaranteed a hands-on, applied learning experience supported by innovative programs.

The college’s Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) heritage cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports every student’s faith journey, regardless of tradition or background.

TEAM NAME Bears • ADDRESS One Bear Place, #97056, Waco, TX 76798

WEBSITE Baylor.edu • PHONE 800-BAYLOR-U • FACEBOOK BaylorUniversity1845

INSTAGRAM @bayloruniversity • X @Baylor, @BaylorProud

BPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Baylor consistently ranks in the top one hundred national doctoral-granting universities in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges” rankings.

The U.S. Department of State recognizes Baylor as an official Fulbright Top Producing Institution.

Baylor ranked in the top ten “Most Trusted Universities” in the U.S. by global research firm Morning Consult.

Graduate programs—including law, business, sciences, education, social sciences, nursing, engineering, and health disciplines—are nationally ranked among “Best Graduate Schools” by U.S. News & World Report

Baylor is among the select 10 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter.

The student-faculty ratio is 15:1, and the average undergraduate class size is 27.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

14,915

aylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The university provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship.

Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continuously operating university in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred countries to study a broad range of degrees among its twelve nationally recognized academic divisions. The University offers 126 undergraduate and more than one hundred master’s and doctoral degree programs.

Students participate in more than 375 clubs and organizations, including the first collegiate chapter of Habitat for Humanity and forty sororities and fraternities. Baylor sponsors seventeen varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY TEXAS CRISWELL COLLEGE

TEAM NAME Tornados • ADDRESS 11400 Concordia University Dr., Austin, TX 78726

WEBSITE Concordia.edu • PHONE 512-313-4CTX • FACEBOOK ConcordiaTX

INSTAGRAM @ConcordiaTX • LINKEDIN ConcordiaTX

CPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Modern residence halls with lounge spaces, an outdoor amphitheater, community kitchens, high-tech mail centers, and no-cost laundry facilities.

The Concordia Texas Tornados men’s and women’s athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division III level in baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. The Tornados compete in Women’s Flag Football (coming Spring 2025) and esports as nonNCAA sports.

Minutes from downtown Austin, the 250-acre Concordia Texas campus is nestled within a protected nature preserve, offering city access and natural beauty.

As one of 29 private four-year Hispanic-Serving Institutions in Texas, Concordia Texas empowers students from diverse backgrounds to thrive in higher education.

Students are prepared for lives of service through Concordia Texas’s many clubs and organizations, major exploration, mission trip opportunities, and chapel services on campus.

oncordia University Texas (CTX) welcomes students from all backgrounds to begin their journey of fearless exploration in higher education on its campus. Providing a high-quality education at a lower price and including all required fees in the cost of tuition, CTX creates spaces for students to belong while thriving academically through challenging coursework, making lasting connections, and preparing to impact their communities with confidence.

Concordia Texas offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in over thirty programs across seven colleges, master’s degrees in business administration and education, and a doctoral degree in education.

Concordia Texas offers customizable majors and is flexible with minors, concentrations, and pre-professional tracks. Through engagement, open discussions, and challenging ideas, all students are guided to become compassionate leaders who create a lasting and meaningful difference in their careers and communities. Students are mentored by expert faculty who guide them through their academic journey and foster their professional growth.

ADDRESS 4010 Gaston Ave., Dallas, TX 75246 WEBSITE Criswell.edu

PHONE 214-818-1395 • FACEBOOK CriswellCollege • INSTAGRAM @CriswellCollege X @CriswellCollege • YOUTUBE Criswell_College

CPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Every undergraduate student receives a double major, one in Bible and Theology and one in their chosen field of study.

All undergraduate students are assigned to carefully chosen peer groups for their first three semesters. These groups meet weekly with mentors to process their experiences and explore important topics related to student success.

All undergraduate students take a global learning and service trip to Israel the summer after sophomore year, which helps them orient themselves to international and diversity issues firsthand.

All undergraduate students learn to serve the local community through a crosscultural project during their junior year.

All undergraduate students are prepared to “launch” during their senior year through internships, capstone projects, and other professional development opportunities.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT 132

1,188

riswell College is a Christian liberal arts college in Dallas. Its mission is to provide ministerial and professional higher education for men and women preparing to serve as Christian leaders throughout society.

By equipping students to know and love scripture, Criswell prepares graduates who embody the college’s core values and serve the world as ambassadors, cultivators, peacemakers, problem-solvers, and professionals. Criswell’s common student experience, Criswell 360°, gives students numerous opportunities to grow in these areas through a sequence of challenging and supportive activities in the classroom, campus, and off-campus.

Criswell’s location in the heart of Dallas provides an exciting environment for students to begin living out their calling. The college’s residence hall offers a safe, comfortable, and spacious living experience and functions as an extension of the classroom by providing opportunities for holistic development.

Criswell offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Undergraduate fields of study include biblical studies, Christian ministry, education, psychology, philosophy, politics, and economics. Graduate fields of study include Christian leadership, Christian studies, theological and Biblical studies, and divinity.

DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Patriots • ADDRESS 3000 Mountain Creek Pkwy., Dallas, TX 75211

WEBSITE Discover.DBU.edu • PHONE 214-333-5360

FACEBOOK DBUPatriots • INSTAGRAM @DBUPatriots • X @DBUPatriots

FPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

One of the “Best Colleges for Business and Education” in Texas by Niche.com.

DBU graduates have a 70 percent acceptance rate into medical school, higher than the national average.

Dallas Baptist University graduates have one of the lowest debt burdens among schools in the state of Texas.

New engineering program in partnership with Baylor School of Engineering and Computer Science.

DBU teaching students have earned a 100 percent passing rate on the Texas teacher certification exam since 2019.

DBU is ranked among the “Top 20 Best and Safest U.S. College Campuses” by Niche.com.

UNDERGRADUATE

2,816

or over 125 years, Dallas Baptist University (DBU) has stood as a Christ-centered institution that integrates faith and learning, equipping students to be transformational servant leaders. Situated near the dynamic city of Dallas, on a picturesque campus atop a hill overlooking Mountain Creek Lake, DBU shines as a place of academic excellence and spiritual growth.

A nationally ranked liberal arts university, DBU fully integrates biblical faith with academics through more than 75 undergraduate degree programs and several accelerated bachelor’s and master’s degrees. With small class sizes taught by world-class professors and not graduate assistants, students receive dedicated attention, guiding them in intellectual and personal development. DBU’s focus as a teaching institution allows students to experience a transformative education that challenges them to discover their calling and live it out in their chosen career path.

The Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, the fourth fastest-growing metroplex in the country, gives students vast opportunities for internships and careerenhancing experiences. With more than twenty Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Dallas–Fort Worth, DBU provides an unmatched environment for career advancement.

Through a transformative, Christian educational experience, Dallas Baptist University disciples and mentors students to be bold servant leaders in the classroom, courtroom, boardroom, and beyond.

EAST TEXAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Tigers • ADDRESS One Tiger Dr., Marshall, TX 75670

WEBSITE ETBU.edu • PHONE 800-804-3828 • FACEBOOK EastTexasBaptistUniversity

INSTAGRAM @EastTexasBaptistUniversity • X @ETBU

EPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

ETBU Tiger Softball claimed the 2024 NCAA DIII Softball National Championship title. This marks the first time in modern-day history that a team has hosted and won the NCAA Division III National Championship.

Numerous opportunities to engage with diverse cultures and perspectives through local ministries and international mission trips.

The Tiger Athletic Mission Experience (TAME) allows East Texas Baptist University student-athletes to share their faith with people around the world. Since 2016, ETBU Athletics has sponsored more than twenty trips to countries worldwide.

Master’s and doctoral programs are offered 100 percent online.

B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary officially joined with ETBU in the summer of 2024.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

1,634

stablished in 1912, East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) is a vibrant, Christ-centered community driven by faith, educational excellence, and a commitment to servant leadership development.

ETBU’s guiding light is its unwavering faith in God and the belief in the transformative power of education rooted in biblical teachings. On campus, in the local community, and across the globe, ETBU students are actively involved in making a difference for the Kingdom of God.

East Texas Baptist University provides a diverse range of academic opportunities, offering over 45 undergraduate majors, more than fifteen graduate programs, and four doctoral degrees. The beautiful 270-acre campus is nestled in the Piney Woods of Marshall, Texas. With over 1,900 students, a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, and an average undergraduate class size of twenty, students experience a nurturing environment with rigorous curricular and cross-cultural learning experiences such as the University Honors Program and Global Study and Serve.

With more than fifty student organizations and ministries, ETBU offers a dynamic campus life experience for students to engage and grow in mind, body, and spirit. ETBU competes in eighteen NCAA sports and has five club sports.

HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Cowboys • ADDRESS 2200 Hickory St., Abilene, TX 79698 • WEBSITE HSUTX.edu

PHONE 325-670-1206 • FACEBOOK Hardin-Simmons University • INSTAGRAM @HSUTX

SNAPCHAT+ X + TIKTOK @HSUTX • YOUTUBE Hardin-Simmons University

FPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

College of Distinction included HSU on its 2024–2025 lists for best colleges both nationally and in Texas. It also recognized the university in the categories of affordability, Christian schools, career development, nursing, education, and business.

Hardin-Simmons University is a Military Friendly School designation.

HSU is a Hispanic-Serving Institution designation.

HSU leads the American Southwest Conference with the most conference championships.

$24K+ is the average student discount on tuition.

Distinctive programs include the Julius Olsen Honors Program, Fast Track Program, and Study Abroad.

U.S. News & World Report ranked HSU’s physician assistant program among the best in 2023.

ounded in 1891, Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) is a Christian university rated among the “Top Private Universities in Texas” by CollegesOfDistinction.com. The school offers students the chance to discover their God-given potential in an atmosphere that feels like home.

As a nationally ranked institution for affordability, HSU is committed to removing financial barriers for students. With over fifty academic programs, more than thirty clubs and organizations, eighteen varsity sports, and over twenty intramural and club sports, Hardin-Simmons University has a place for everyone to be a Cowboy.

Located near the heart of Texas and only two to three hours from major metroplexes, students in the city of Abilene can go from city amenities to country life with lakes and a state park within minutes.

HSU’s programs match industry jobs and prepare students with internships and employee partnerships to help them land top jobs after graduation. HSU combines faith and a challenging academic environment with hands-on experiential learning using real-world applications. Recently added programs include mechanical engineering, digital media, and nursing. In addition, HSU officially launched the new College of Arts and Media in Fall 2024.

HOUSTON CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Huskies • ADDRESS 7502 Fondren Rd., Houston, TX 77074

WEBSITE HC.edu • PHONE 281-649-3211 • X @HouChristianU • TIKTOK @HouChristianU

FACEBOOK HoustonChristianUniversity • INSTAGRAM @HCUofficial

HPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Morris Family Center for Law & Liberty, with its main building modeled after Independence Hall in Philadelphia, promotes U.S. history and founding principles.

Construction of the Smith Engineering, Science, and Nursing building to provide state-of-the-art technology to equip students pursuing STEM and nursing degrees. (Opening Fall 2025 semester.)

HCU offers the only ABETaccredited Cyber Engineering degree program in Texas.

HCU offers ABET-accredited Electrical Engineering and Computer Science degree programs.

HCU offers automatic scholarships to fill gaps in tuition for qualifying students pursuing select STEM degrees through the Grace Hopper Scholarship.

Linda Dunham School of Nursing graduates achieved a 97.9 percent exam pass rate on the NCLEX-RN initial licensure exam, exceeding the average for Texas nursing programs (91.15 percent) and national average (88.56 percent) pass rates in 2023.

HCU Honors College is recognized as a “Hidden Gem” by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni.

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ouston Christian University (HCU), formerly Houston Baptist University, has equipped students to lead, collaborate, and embody a deep sense of spiritual purpose for more than sixty years.

HCU’s mission encourages students’ passion for academic, spiritual, and professional excellence as a result of the central confession, “Jesus Christ is Lord.” Students are empowered to make the most of their God-given talents and to gain career skills from dedicated faculty.

Houston Christian University offers more than 75 majors, forty graduate degrees, including four doctoral degrees, and seventeen NCAA Division I sports programs in the Southland Conference. A culture of excellence prepares students to think critically and act biblically beyond the classroom as they impact the world, becoming the next generation of educated disciples and pillars in their communities.

Learners benefit from smallgroup instruction, Christian discipleship, and mentorship. Opportunities for research begin at the undergraduate level, as do internships and job opportunities that enable students to build connections. Students move toward fulfilling their callings in the Honors College, College of Science and Engineering, Linda Dunham School of Nursing, Archie W. Dunham College of Business, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, College of Arts and Humanities, School of Christian Thought, and School of Fine Arts.

HCU is in the Sharpstown area, minutes from Houston’s downtown district.

HOWARD PAYNE UNIVERSITY HUSTON-TILLOTSON UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Yellow Jackets • ADDRESS 1000 Fisk St. , Brownwood, TX 76801

WEBSITE HPUTX.edu • PHONE 325-649-8020 or 800-880-4478

FACEBOOK HPUTX • INSTAGRAM @HPUTX • X @HPUTX

APOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Howard Payne University was founded in the heart of Texas in 1889.

HPU’s Guy D. Newman Honors Academy is a distinctive, multidisciplinary honors program designed for academically gifted students who aspire to effective Christian leadership in a variety of career fields, preparing them for lives of service and citizenship.

Select HPU undergraduate and graduate coursework is available electronically and at extended learning centers in El Paso and New Braunfels.

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Christian liberal arts institution, Howard Payne University (HPU) prides itself on fostering a close community where personal connection is valued. The faculty and staff truly invest in students’ success through teaching, learning, and service.

At HPU, students choose from more than one hundred majors, minors, and pre-professional programs offered in six schools—business, Christian studies, education and fine arts, humanities, nursing, and science and mathematics. The Guy D. Newman Honors Academy challenges students with a multidisciplinary curriculum and exciting travel opportunities.

Howard Payne University was one of the first Baptist universities in Texas to offer undergraduate degrees and a master’s degree in youth ministry. HPU now offers four master’s programs: business administration, sport and wellness leadership, theology and ministry, and youth and family ministry.

HPU student-athletes compete in six men’s and six women’s sports through the American Southwest Conference. Co-curricular organizations include Model UN, moot court, and speech and debate, while more than 25 student organizations offer extracurricular options.

TEAM NAME HT Rams • ADDRESS 900 Chicon St., Austin, TX 78702

WEBSITE HTU.edu • PHONE 512-505-3000 • FACEBOOK HustonTillotson University INSTAGRAM @HustonTillotsonUniversity • X @HustonTillotson

HPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Huston-Tillotson University was listed as the number one “Private Historically Black University” in Texas by HBCU-Colleges.com.

Huston-Tillotson University was recognized at the eighty-fifth annual Conference & Design Expo with the prestigious 2024 Architectural Landmark Award from the Texas Society of Architects.

Boldly B.L.U.E. (Birthing, Learning, Understanding, Empowering) is a collaborative initiative presented by HustonTillotson University and Blue Shield Blue Cross of Texas to increase the number of culturally aligned doulas, midwives, and certified lactation consultants in Central Texas while building a maternal health research network that leverages the insights of connected and empowered birth workers and their clients to derive best practices and policy insights.

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uston-Tillotson University (HT) is a faith-based, Historically Black College and University (HBCU) nestled in the vibrant heart of downtown Austin, Texas. The institution provides a robust liberal arts and STEM education through market-driven certifications, associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees, as well as centers of excellence. HT remains committed to its legacy of educating a mosaic community of learners while cultivating innovative leaders dedicated to academic excellence and service.

Our international students represent more than eighteen countries, from Nepal to Nigeria. The W.E.B. DuBois Honors Program provides students with a challenging curriculum above and beyond HT’s nineteen areas of study. Huston-Tillotson University’s African American Male Teacher Initiative, funded by Apple Inc., provides one year of scholarship support to high-achieving first-year students who intend to pursue a career in education.

The Major League Baseball great Jackie Robinson coached the men’s basketball team before he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers and later served as a trustee of the college. Today, HustonTillotson athletic teams compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics as part of the Red River Athletic Conference.

AXE ’EM!

As our school song proudly declares, you’ve got a future waiting to be carved out at Stephen F. Austin State University. Need proof? Just ask our students and alumni. They’ll tell you, “I visited campus, and it just felt right.” It was that feeling upon arriving here — of belonging — that has sealed the deal for so many.

When you visit SFA, you’ll see how Lumberjacks stick together, helping each other succeed in college and beyond. We’ve got a good feeling about you — and we think you’ll feel the same about us. See you soon!

•#1 regional public university in Texas per U.S. New and World Report

•250+ students clubs and organizations

•68 acres of recreational trails sfasu.edu/home

JARVIS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY LAMAR UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Bulldogs • ADDRESS Private Road 7631, Hwy. 80 E., Hawkins, TX 75765

WEBSITE Jarvis.edu • PHONE 903-730-4890 • FACEBOOK JarvisChristianUniveristy

INSTAGRAM @jarvis_christian_college

APOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Jarvis biology majors work on cancer research via a $2.25 million grant from the National Science Foundation.

JCU is a 2024 Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader.

Jarvis Christian University is the only HBCU with a women’s wrestling program. Seven wrestlers were Scholar All-Americans last year, while two Jarvis female wrestlers ranked nationally.

The Jarvis choir, directed by Donald Aaron III, performs at schools and churches throughout East Texas.

The Jarvis Bulldog Band performs a wide genre of music under the direction of Michael Ray Bradley, Jr., a former drum major at Grambling State University.

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t Jarvis Christian University (JCU), our rich history, commitment to excellence, and dedication to student success converge to create a transformative educational experience for students in all phases of life.

Our mission is to prepare a diverse population of lifelong learners intellectually, socially, spiritually, and personally by providing interactive services and using varied modalities of instructional delivery. JCU continues to invest in innovative programs, stateof-the-art facilities, and opportunities that prepare our graduates to excel in an ever-changing world.

Jarvis Christian University offers bachelor’s degree programs in biology, business, chemistry, criminal justice, cybersecurity, education, electronic sports, English, history, interdisciplinary studies, kinesiology, mass communications, mathematics, nursing, religion, and social work.

Jarvis offers graduate programs in business and criminal justice. Courses are offered in person, online, and hybrid.

JCU Bulldog student-athletes compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Red River Athletic Conference in men’s baseball, women’s softball, and women’s volleyball, as well as men’s and women’s teams in basketball, cross country, soccer, track and field, and wrestling.

Affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), JCU was founded in 1912 as a historically Black institution that embraces culturally diverse students from all over the United States and nearly fifty foreign countries.

TEAM NAME Cardinals • ADDRESS 4400 Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy., Beaumont, TX 77710

WEBSITE Lamar.edu • PHONE 409-880-8888 • FACEBOOK LamarUniversity

INSTAGRAM @LamarUniversity • X @LamarUniversity • LINKEDIN Lamar University

NPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Lamar University has become a powerhouse in collegiate sports, having won the 2024 Southland Conference Commissioner’s Cup. This prestigious award highlights the university’s outstanding performance across all men’s and women’s sports, reflecting a deep commitment to athletic excellence and student-athlete success.

Lamar University’s Texas Academy program offers a unique opportunity for academically accomplished high school students to earn college credits while completing high school. In addition to academics, innovative research, and service leadership, students in the program also participate in intramural sports, clubs, student activities, and events.

Lamar University is deeply connected to the local community, with initiatives like the Center for Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship (CICE) driving the region’s economic development and industry growth.

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estled in the heart of Beaumont, Lamar University is a beacon of opportunity and innovation in Southeast Texas. As a member of the Texas State University System, Lamar has long been recognized for its strong commitment to academic excellence and producing leaders for the region.

Lamar University has a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students, creating a campus culture committed to student engagement and success and advancing relevant research that energizes economic development locally, nationally, and worldwide.

Lamar University’s approach is versatile and firmly grounded in the humanities and sciences, but it continues to emphasize practical applications. This provides a sharp advantage to graduates as they develop skills for lifelong learning and prepare for their careers.

The university offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across its five colleges: engineering, business, education and human development, fine arts and communication, and arts and sciences.

LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME YellowJackets • ADDRESS 2100 S. Mobberly Ave., Longview, TX 75602

WEBSITE LETU.edu • PHONE 903-233-3000 or 800-759-8811 • FACEBOOK MyLETU X @LeTourneauUniv • INSTAGRAM @LeTourneauUniversity

LPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

In U.S. News & World Report, LETU ranks among “Regional Universities-West,” “Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs,” “Best Colleges for Veterans,” and “Best Value Schools.”

LETU lands first at ValueColleges.com and second at TexasOnlineColleges.com among “Best Online Colleges in Texas.”

PayScale ranks LETU eighth in “Best Value Colleges in Texas.” LETU is recognized as a 2023–2024 College of Distinction.

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eTourneau University (LETU) is the Christian polytechnic university where educators encourage students from all over the globe to nurture Christian virtue, develop competency, experience, and ingenuity in professional fields, serve the local and global community, and engage with big questions related to faith, science, and technology found throughout modern society. LETU graduates are professionals of ingenuity and Christ-like character who see their life’s work as a holy calling with eternal impact.

The LETU community is committed to providing transformational educational opportunities, industry-ready preparation, technology-centric experiences, and Christ-centered character formation. Personal growth is fostered through meaningful student and faculty engagement, small class sizes, and intentional spiritual development. LETU offers more than 140 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a wide range of disciplines and delivery models. Its residential campus is in the Piney Woods of Longview.

LeTourneau University online degree programs include aviation management, business, clinical mental health counseling, criminal justice, computer information systems, cybersecurity, education, healthcare administration, psychology, and theology. Its comprehensive collegiate aviation program, the only of its kind in Texas, includes a degree program in unmanned aircraft systems.

LETU is homeschool- and dual-credit friendly and is the only faith-based university in the U.S. founded by an inventor/businessman, industrialist R.G. LeTourneau. The university vision statement vocalizes the mission of founder R.G. LeTourneau: to educate Christian men and women in their selected field to go into the workplace and use their gifts and skills to glorify God.

TEAM NAME Chaparrals • ADDRESS 5601 19th St., Lubbock, TX 79407

WEBSITE LCU.edu • PHONE 806-720-7151

FACEBOOK LCUedu • INSTAGRAM @LCUedu • X @LCUedu

LPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Lubbock Christian University students are accepted to veterinarian, medical, dental, and law schools at rates far above national averages, and its graduates in the fields of education and accounting are sought after by school districts and firms across the state.

Each spring, LCU hosts the Scholars Colloquium, an interdisciplinary forum organized as an academic conference with breakout presentations to promote and highlight original scholarship.

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ubbock Christian University (LCU) promises to walk with our students every step of the way on their journey to discovering their purpose, fostering their faith, and achieving their academic goals.

LCU prepares its students for success through a transformative educational experience where wisdom is pursued, vocation is discerned, and service is fostered. Small classes allow LCU to offer a wide range of enriching and personal experiences, such as undergraduate research projects alongside professor mentors. The Mabee Honors College offers small seminars, research assistantships, cultural enrichment opportunities, an immersive study-abroad program, and internship opportunities in Washington, D.C. While LCU offers more than ninety undergraduate and eighteen graduate and doctoral programs, it’s more than simply a place to earn a degree. Students participate in a variety of organizations and social clubs that provide fellowship and a heightened sense of community, as well as musical ensembles, theatrical productions, and intramural sports.

Lubbock Christian University’s athletic teams are members of Division II of the NCAA, and all programs compete annually at the national level. Women’s basketball won the 2016, 2019, and 2021 national championships and is the only NCAA team ever to complete two perfect seasons.

LCU’s esports team competes in the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) and Riot Scholastic Association of America (RSAA), even clinching the 2024 NACE national championship in Super Smash Bros.

MCMURRY UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME War Hawks • ADDRESS 1400 Sayles Blvd., Abilene, TX 79605 • WEBSITE mcm.edu PHONE 325-793-3800 • FACEBOOK McMurryUniversity • INSTAGRAM @McmurryUniversity THREADS @McMurryUniversity • X @MCMuniv • LINKEDIN McMurry-University

MIDWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY

POINTS OF DISTINCTION

McMurry University is recognized by Colleges of Distinction among Christian and Texas universities for its business, education, and nursing programs.

Excelencia in Education identified McMurry’s STEM Student Success Center as a “Program to Watch” in August 2024 and selected McMurry as one of eight institutions nationally to participate in Modeling Intentionally SERVING Hispanic-Serving Institutions, a pilot project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).

The Society of Physics Students has ranked the McMurry Chapter of Physics Students as outstanding for three consecutive years.

In 2024, track and field captured the ASC championships for its sixth win of the last eight ASC championships, and women’s cross country won the 2023 ASC championship, their third title.

McMurry University has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for 29 consecutive years.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

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McMurry University is a welcoming and supportive higher-education institution that values academic excellence, celebrates diversity, and creates an inclusive environment where students, faculty, and staff from different backgrounds thrive.

As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, McMurry supports student success through a range of initiatives, including TRIO Student Support Services, Title V grants, the STEM Student Success Center, and the War Hawk Success Center, providing all students with access to success coaches, peer mentors, tutoring, study groups, and enriching workshops.

McMurry offers seventy majors spanning the arts, business, education, sciences, sports industry, and pre-professional fields such as art, therapy, medicine, dentistry, engineering, law, pharmacy, and physical therapy.

Athletic programs comprise 22 intercollegiate sports in the NCAA Division III. More than thirty clubs and organizations provide avenues for students to forge meaningful bonds within the campus community.

Founded in 1923 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church, McMurry welcomes over 1,200 students annually to its 52-acre campus. Students are encouraged to explore new ways of thinking and to chart their paths to leadership, service, and professional success.

POINTS OF DISTINCTION

As a First-Generation Forward Institution, MSU Texas offers several programs that assist students who are among the first in their families to attain a degree.

MSU Texas was named “Most Beautiful College Campus in Texas” by the photography and destination website TheTravel.com.

The AACSB accredited Dillard College of Business Administration, placing it in the top 5 percent of business colleges worldwide.

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Apublic university, Midwestern State University (MSU Texas), has long been recognized for its strong arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences programs, as well as its accredited professional programs in education, social work, nursing, radiologic science, respiratory care, and business. With more than 75 degree programs, students will find a path especially for their needs. Adding a signature program such as study abroad, undergraduate research, or the honors program will enhance opportunities to prepare students for career or advanced studies.

Electrical engineering is the newest addition to degree offerings. The program complements the university’s successful mechanical engineering program and responds to critical workforce demands in the North Texas region. In addition, the renovation and expansion of Bolin Science Hall is underway to enhance teaching and learning experiences for STEM courses and disciplines.

At MSU Texas, students will find a campus small enough to make meaningful relationships yet large enough for the full collegiate experience. With more than one hundred student organizations and thirteen NCAA DII athletic teams, there are multiple opportunities to connect, meet new friends, and experience opportunities.

Known as a best-value institution, degrees from MSU Texas consistently place high on “most affordable” lists by college ranking sites. Students enjoy the benefits of a private institution with the affordability of a public university. MSU Texas is among the top six public universities in Texas and is recognized for salary earnings compared to tuition costs. That means a degree from MSU Texas is an excellent investment that will pay dividends throughout a student’s lifetime.

TEAM NAME Mustangs

By the Numbers

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IN-STATE TUITION AND FEES (PER SEMESTER HOUR, UNLESS NOTED) OUT-OF-STATE TUITION AND FEES (PER SEMESTER HOUR, UNLESS NOTED)

AND BOARD

UNIVERSITYOF HOUSTON–VICTORIA UNIVERSITYOF MARY HARDIN–BAYLOR

UNIVERSITYOF NORTH TEXAS UNIVERSITYOF NORTH TEXASAT DALLAS UNIVERSITYOF ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITYOF TEXASAT ARLINGTON UNIVERSITYOF TEXASAT AUSTIN UNIVERSITYOF TEXASAT DALLAS UNIVERSITYOF TEXASATEL PASO UNIVERSITYOF TEXASOFTHE PERMIAN BASIN UNIVERSITYOF TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY UNIVERSITYOF TEXASAT SAN ANTONIO UNIVERSITYOF TEXASAT TYLER UNIVERSITYOF THE INCARNATE WORD WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY WILEY COLLEGE

*INCLUDES FEES *TUITION BASEDON12-TO 18-HOUR SEMESTER *TUITION BASEDON 12-HOUR SEMESTER

*TUITION BASEDON 12-HOUR SEMESTER

*FEESNOT INCLUDED

*TUITION BASEDON 15-HOUR SEMESTER

MEDIAN SAT/ACT *TUITION BASEDON 12-HOUR SEMESTER

IN-STATE TUITION (PER SEMESTER HOUR, UNLESS NOTED) YEARLY ROOM AND BOARD

ASIAN AMERICAN % OF FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS NUMBER OF FULL-TIME FACULTY GREEK SYSTEM?

% OF STUDENTS WHO GRADUATE IN FOUR YEARS % OF FRESHMEN WHO RETURN

NELSON UNIVERSITY OUR LADY OF THE LAKE UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Lions • ADDRESS 1200 Sycamore St., Waxahachie, TX 75165

WEBSITE Nelson.edu • PHONE 972-937-7248

nelsonuedu • X @nelsonuedu

POINTS OF DISTINCTION

T he CSWE-accredited social work department has had a 100 percent job acquisition rate since 2021. The education department boasts a 100 percent statecertification passing rate. For every Bible and Church Ministries graduate, an average of four job offers are typically waiting for them at graduation.

Ninety-nine percent of new students received financial aid last year.

A “great sense of connection and community” is reported by 92 percent of Nelson students in internal surveys. These surveys also reveal that 94 percent of graduating seniors enthusiastically recommend Nelson University to prospective students, a testament to their transformative experience.

1,478

At Nelson University (formerly Southwestern Assemblies of God University), our faith doesn’t stop at the chapel door. We carry it with us wherever we go. Because God’s love is greater than a chapel, a classroom, or a university can hold.

Nelson University is greater than a campus, a set of degree programs, or even a collection of students, staff, and professors. It’s a channel of Christ’s love showing up in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex and across the world.

Nelson University offers more than seventy undergrad and graduate degrees, helping students discover and develop their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered learning community. Small class sizes allow for hands-on training and individual attention to train individuals for leadership in ministry, business, education, and service

There are many opportunities to get involved with over twenty organizations and seven intramural sports. For athletes, Nelson fields fifteen men’s and women’s teams.

Study abroad and mission trips occur throughout the year.

TEAM NAME Saints • ADDRESS 411 S.W. 24th St., San Antonio, TX 78207

POINTS OF DISTINCTION

O LLU offers the most affordable tuition of any private Catholic university in Texas.

There are more than seventy undergraduate majors and minors, including business, pre-med, arts and sciences, psychology, communications sciences and disorders, cybersecurity, criminal justice, kinesiology, social work, education, and environmental science and sustainability.

According to U.S. News & World Report , OLLU attracts the largest percentage of Hispanic undergraduates of any private, nonprofit university in the nation.

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Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) provides an education that gives students the tools to reach new heights. Ranked nationally for the upward mobility of its graduates by U.S. News & World Report, OLLU launches students to be leaders in their communities and career fields. With a strong social justice foundation, the overall experience is designed to propel OLLU Saints to positions of power and influence to make the world a better place.

Students get the most out of their investment by doubling or tripling the value of their degree at OLLU. The university has made it easy to complete two majors, or a major and two minors, in just four years. This gives graduates the benefit of at least three career tracks—one in each major and a third from the combined major.

Our Lady of the Lake University offers small classes, individualized learning opportunities, and a supportive community. The main residential campus in San Antonio includes French-inspired buildings overlooking peaceful Lake Elmendorf, where students enjoy kayaking or walking the lake trail. Additional campus locations in Houston and the Rio Grande Valley serve adult students.

Eighteen athletic teams compete in men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, tennis, track and field, and soccer; women’s softball and volleyball; men’s baseball; and coed cheer, dance, and drumline. The Saints softball team captured the NAIA National Championship title this year.

PARKER UNIVERSITY PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY

ADDRESS 2540 Walnut Hill Ln., Dallas, TX 75229 • WEBSITE parker.edu PHONE 214-902-2429 • FACEBOOK ParkerUniversity • INSTAGRAM @ParkerUniversity X @ParkerUniv • SNAPCHAT @parkeruniv • YOUTUBE ParkerUniversity TEAM NAME Panthers • ADDRESS 700 University Dr., Prairie View, TX 77446

PPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Parker University was recently awarded for its use of educational technology, its reputation as a great college to work for, and its recognition of educational service.

Parker University offers more than twenty student organizations, intramural sports, and federal work-study and internship programs to provide students with opportunities to connect with the community.

Parker University is recognized by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, the Veterans Administration, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

State-of-the-art indoor/outdoor gym and workout facilities support sports-related degrees and student wellness.

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arker University, a health sciences university, is home to one of the world’s largest CCE-accredited chiropractic programs. Founded in 1982 by Dr. James Parker, Parker University has more than two thousand students and a variety of academic programs offering doctorate, master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees both in-person and online. The university also offers certificate programs in massage therapy, Spanish-language massage therapy, and computed tomography (CT imaging).

Parker University degree programs are as follows: associate degrees in diagnostic sonography, diagnostic cardiovascular sonography, radiologic technology, and health sciences; bachelor’s degrees in anatomy, health information management, integrative health, nutrition science, sport psychology, and strength and human performance; master’s degrees in business administration (MBA), clinical neuroscience, clinical research, functional nutrition, interprofessional spine management, pediatric musculoskeletal health and performance, public health (MPH), and strength and human performance; Doctor of Chiropractic (DC); specialized electrocardiograph technician training.

The university employs technologically advanced learning resources, including Toltech’s VH Dissector tables and high-resolution immersive VR headsets, to enhance the traditional gross anatomy lab and offer an unrivaled educational classroom experience.

Parker University offers robust student services for both in-person and online students, including 24-hour tutoring, career and mental health counseling, and ongoing student assistance.

POINTS OF DISTINCTION

Prairie View A&M University has nineteen research centers and institutes equipped with world-class labs, including the Agro-Innovation & Technology Center, the Intensive Care Unit Simulation Learning Lab, and the Robotics Lab.

UniversityHQ.org ranks PVAMU as the “Best HBCU in Texas” and eighth in the country.

BestColleges.com ranks PVAMU as the best “HBCU for Engineering.”

PVAMU ranked eighth for “HBCU Nursing Programs” by Nurse.org.

Our student-athletes compete in NCAA Division I.

PVAMU Athletics holds five Southwestern Athletic Conference championships in golf, men’s basketball, bowling, and track and field.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

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Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), founded in 1876, is the second oldest public institution of higher education in Texas and the nation’s third-largest Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

Prairie View A&M University has been officially designated an All-Steinway School. It is the 185th institution to become an All-Steinway School and the fourth HBCU to receive the designation.

Located in Prairie View on a 1,400-acre campus, PVAMU is within a few hours’ drive of Houston, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio, some of the nation’s largest and most exciting cities.

As a member of the Texas A&M University System, PVAMU is dedicated to fulfilling its land-grant mission of achieving excellence in teaching, research, and service. Designated as an “institution of the first class” in the Texas Constitution, enrollment exceeds nine thousand students and over 80,000 graduates. PVAMU offers academic programs through its eleven colleges and schools, with more than seventy degree programs leading to bachelor’s and doctoral-level degrees in arts, business, engineering, nursing, and criminal and juvenile justice.

Prairie View A&M University is again named a Fulbright Historically Black College and University Institutional Leader for 2024.

PVAMU has had two Fulbright scholars, receiving its first during the 2023–2024 cycle.

PVAMU has attained the prestigious R2 Carnegie Classification (Doctoral University; High Research Activity). The honor represents excellence in teaching, research, and innovation in institutions of higher education nationwide.

RICE UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Owls • ADDRESS 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005

WEBSITE Rice.edu • PHONE 713-348-7423 • INSTAGRAM @RiceUniversity

LINKEDIN Rice University • FACEBOOK RiceUniversity • X @RiceUniversity

SPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Thanks to the generous Rice Investment financial aid program introduced in 2019, students needing assistance receive free tuition, as well as aid for room and board.

Rice students live in selfgoverning residential colleges, providing them with a unifying identity and opportunities for student leadership.

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ince its founding over a hundred years ago, Rice University has become one of the nation’s elite private institutions, consistently ranked among the top twenty American universities. Rice offers a rigorous academic experience with opportunities every day to work directly alongside some of the country’s top scholars. Its undergraduate schools and graduate programs are recognized as among the best in their disciplines.

Ranked at the highest level of research universities by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, Rice produces many millions of dollars in funded research projects across all disciplines each year. Rice’s five interdisciplinary research institutes—three newly founded in 2023—continuously break new ground in medical humanities, sustainability, applied physics and nanotechnology, advanced materials, and artificial intelligence and computing.

Rice also offers a richly multicultural and global experience. The threehundred-acre campus sits near the center of Houston, the nation’s No. 1 most diverse city. The university hosts students from more than 110 countries and now boasts the Rice Global Paris Center, located in the heart of Paris, France. Rice frequently collaborates with the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world, located across the street, and Houston’s renowned Museum District, less than a mile away.

In addition to its outstanding academics, Rice moved up to the American Athletic Conference in 2023 and recently invested nearly $54 million in facility upgrades and new construction for its beloved sports teams.

This is Rice: a community of curious thinkers, passionate dreamers, and energetic doers who are committed to changing the world, whatever it takes.

SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Bearkats • ADDRESS 1905 University Ave., Huntsville, TX 77340

WEBSITE SHSU.edu • PHONE 866-BEARKAT

FACEBOOK SamHoustonState • X @SamHoustonState

NPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

SHSU is federally designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

SHSU is designated a Doctoral University–High Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

SHSU is classified as “Community Engaged” by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

17,790

amed for Texas’s greatest hero, Sam Houston State University (SHSU) honors its historical roots through academic excellence. For more than 140 years, SHSU has prepared students for meaningful lives of achievement. Its motto, “The measure of a Life is its service,” resonates among its more than 21,000 students and well beyond its Huntsville roots.

With SHSU’s array of recognized academic programs, student support services, volunteer opportunities, and more, Bearkats are not only wellprepared to think and respond to the workforce needs of a rapidly changing world, but they also stand ready to serve their community.

U.S. News & World Report ranks SHSU as one of the best in Texas among “Top Performers on Social Mobility.” From medical and doctoral degrees to undergraduate to graduate programs—including the nation’s first doctorate in forensic science— SHSU provides an exceptional college experience for every student.

Since 2021, Bearkat Athletics has competed in seventeen NCAA Division I sports in the Western Athletic Conference, and in 2023, they joined Conference USA.

SCHREINER UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Mountaineers • ADDRESS 2100 Memorial Blvd., Kerrville, TX 78028

WEBSITE Schreiner.edu • PHONE 800-343-4919 • FACEBOOK SchreinerUniversity X @SchreinerU • INSTAGRAM @SchreinerUniversity • SNAPCHAT @SchreinerU

FPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Inclusive tuition at Schreiner includes textbooks, parking, laundry, access to the fitness center, an on-campus medical clinic, counseling services, Wi-Fi, technology support, the writing center, supplemental instruction, career planning, internship placement, athletic events, performing arts, and cultural events.

A 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention and support.

Holistic Admissions: SAT or ACT test results are not required for admission. Students are evaluated individually, focusing on their grit, resilience, and leadership during high school.

Schreiner is ranked second among the “Top Nursing Programs in Texas” by Nurse. org, recognized as a “Top College for Social Mobility” by U.S. News & World Report, and noted by Niche.com for having the best dorms in Texas.

UNDERGRADUATE

1,047

ounded in 1923, Schreiner University is an independent, coeducational institution with a rich history steeped in Texas heritage and tradition. Located in the scenic Hill Country, Schreiner is just an hour from San Antonio and ninety minutes from Austin, offering a serene environment for focused learning and personal growth.

At Schreiner, students enter with hope and leave with achievement. Rooted in its historical ties to the church, Schreiner fosters a supportive and inclusive community. The university awards bachelor’s degrees in more than forty programs of study, including advanced degrees such as a Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, and principal certification. Schreiner also nurtures diverse living and learning communities centered around leadership, honors, global studies, performing arts, Christian fellowship, communication design, and career-focused goals.

With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, our largest classroom accommodates 45 seats. Schreiner ensures that most classes have fewer than 25 students, fostering a personalized learning environment. The university’s highly qualified faculty is deeply committed to student success and actively involved in campus life. Notably, tuition is locked in and will not increase if students graduate within four years, reflecting Schreiner’s dedication to affordability and financial stability.

Schreiner’s campus life is vibrant and diverse, with more than thirty student organizations, including Greek Life. Athletes comprise approximately one-third of undergraduates, participating in NCAA Division III varsity programs such as shooting sports, cheerleading, wrestling, esports, band, choir, riflery, and equestrian sports. Football begins in the fall of 2026. The ministry program further enriches campus life by supporting a variety of faith-based student groups.

SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Mustangs • ADDRESS 6425 Boaz Ln., Dallas, TX 75205 WEBSITE SMU.edu • PHONE 214-768-2000 • FACEBOOK SMUDallas • INSTAGRAM @SMUDallas X @SMU • LINKEDIN Southern Methodist University

TPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

The major expansion of the Cox School of Business has increased the school’s footprint by 30 percent, creating a cohesive space that supports collaboration for students and faculty across the campus and with the Dallas business community.

The new Frances Anne Moody Hall, home of the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies and the Office of Research and Innovation, supports SMU’s commitment to graduate education and research excellence.

The George W. Bush Presidential Center provides students access to fellowships, lectures, and global experts.

Meadows Museum houses one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Spanish art outside Spain.

SMU competes in seventeen Division I sports in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

7,285

he optimistic outlook of Dallas is at the heart of Southern Methodist University (SMU). For over a century, SMU’s enterprising spirit has helped shape Dallas into a global gateway for people of all backgrounds. This comprehensive research university and an energetic city create an opportunity powerhouse where 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students forge success in a rigorous academic environment.

SMU prepares Mustangs for a rapidly changing world and jobs that don’t yet exist. A flexible common curriculum is built on a solid liberal arts foundation that allows students to pursue single or multiple majors and experience different cultures. Undergraduates participate in research as early as their first term. Faculty mentors prepare students to succeed through research, civic engagement, creative works, and internships. SMU graduates greet the workforce with multiple competencies and global savvy.

SMU’s data-driven ecosystem with a community focus leverages strengths and investments in evolving technologies and fields—from artificial intelligence and machine learning to computational genomics and metaverse immersive technologies—for transformative societal impact.

The Gerald J. Ford Hall for Research and Innovation, an interdisciplinary research hub, equips faculty, students, and industry partners to collaborate, solve complex problems, and power new enterprises.

The O’Donnell Data Science and Research Computing Institute provides students across all disciplines access to computer simulation, data analysis, and artificial intelligence through SMU’s supercomputing ecosystem.

ABOUT US

The Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston is a thriving resource for public affairs education, research and civic engagement.

Real-world Impact

The next generation of leaders at the Hobby School is prepared to face unique challenges in various sectors through interdisciplinary coursework, training in ethics and leadership and experiential learning opportunities.

Innovative Research

Research at the Hobby School incorporates objective and rigorous methodologies to focus on the issues important to the Houston region, Texas and the nation.

Community Connections

Students from diverse academic disciplines can integrate classroom learning with real-world application through internships in Houston, Austin and Washington, D.C. Alumni join a comprehensive network of practitioners eager to positively shape communities.

SOUTHWESTERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Knights • ADDRESS 100 W. Hillcrest, Keene, TX 76059

WEBSITE SWAU.edu • PHONE 800-433-2240 • FACEBOOK SouthwesternAU X @SouthwesternAU • YOUTUBE SouthwesternAU

IPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 “Regional Colleges–West” list ranked SWAU fifteenth overall and ninth for social mobility. Niche.com ranks SWAU as one of Texas’s safest colleges.

The nationally recognized Dinosaur Science Museum and Research Center houses one of the largest collections of dinosaur fossils in the U.S., with more than 40,000 bones. SWAU faculty and students lead an annual dinosaur research program at a Wyoming dig site.

SWAU has small class sizes with a student-faculty ratio of 12:1.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

759

nspired by the Spirit of Texas, Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) took an act of faith by opening its doors more than 130 years ago. Since then, it has boldly integrated that faith into every aspect of learning and campus life.

The Christian worldview at SWAU frames the students’ academic experience without closing it in. Students are introduced to broader perspectives and ideas and challenged to explore how faith influences living out Christ’s love in a complex world.

SWAU is committed to providing students with an exceptional education emphasizing academic excellence. Dedicated faculty members are experts in their fields and passionate about teaching and mentoring. The curriculum gives students a strong foundation in their field of study while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Small class sizes, state-ofthe-art facilities, and hands-on learning opportunities offer students unparalleled educational experience.

The vibrant campus community provides endless opportunities to make new friends, explore new interests, and create lasting memories. SWAU hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, comedy nights, and festivals, all designed to provide fun and engaging social experiences.

SOUTHWESTERN CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

TEAM NAME Rams • ADDRESS 200 Bowser St., Terrell, TX 75160

WEBSITE SWCC.edu • PHONE 972-524-3341

FACEBOOK SouthwesternChristianCollegeTerrell • X @swccadmissions

SPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Ministerial and choral students lead the daily chapel service at SWCC.

SWCC encourages active a cappella chorus and ensemble groups.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

560

outhwestern Christian College (SWCC) is an accredited Historically Black College and University (HBCU) that today is home to a diverse student body, including African American, Hispanic, and international students. Dedicated to academic and spiritual development, SWCC embraces students upon arrival to campus and takes care to get to know them personally.

SWCC’s founders were motivated to prepare students for effective Christian living. The two-year liberal arts college offers associate degrees in biblical studies, history, humanities, English, music, and other subjects. SWCC also offers bachelor’s degrees in biblical and religious studies. A state-ofthe-art recording studio has launched alums into successful music careers. Some on-campus housing is available. Despite its small size, SWCC offers honor societies, clubs, and organizations such as Phi Theta Kappa. The men’s and women’s basketball teams compete in Region V of the National Junior College Athletic Association.

Southwestern Christian College is located in Terrell, a former railroad depot town that once linked East Texas to California. The Round House, an octagonal residence built in the 1800s by Terrell’s founder and situated on campus, is a state and national historic landmark. Students benefit from SWCC’s proximity to three of the best fishing lakes in the state, and the campus is only twenty miles from Dallas’s museums, restaurants, and nightlife.

SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Pirates • ADDRESS 1001 E. University Ave., Georgetown, TX 78626

WEBSITE Southwestern.edu • PHONE 800-252-3166 • X + INSTAGRAM + TIKTOK @SouthwesternU

FACEBOOK + YOUTUBE SouthwesternUniversity

FPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Southwestern University is ranked as a “Top Liberal Arts College in Texas” by U.S. News & World Report

The Princeton Review ranks Southwestern first in Texas for “Best Private Schools for Making an Impact” and ranks the university’s career services first in Texas and fifth in the U.S.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

1,440

ounded in 1840 as Texas’s first institution of higher education, Southwestern University offers a welcoming environment that broadens perspectives and opens doors to new opportunities. The top-ranked liberal arts curriculum empowers students to connect diverse fields of knowledge, innovate solutions, and make a meaningful impact. Students engage in dynamic discussions, real-world experiences, and activities that sharpen creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills.

Southwestern is redefining the liberal arts for the twenty-first century, setting a new standard in higher education. The curriculum fosters connections across sciences, humanities, and arts. Students design art using mathematical principles, explore medical history, and engineer data-driven displays, developing marketable skills and a foundation for lifelong learning.

Beyond the classroom, students teach in Argentina, study politics in Estonia, and intern at London recording studios, Saturday Night Live, and the Texas House of Representatives. They’ve gained national recognition for improving voter participation and engineered high-powered rockets. These experiences hone students’ abilities to think creatively and solve real-world problems.

Located in Georgetown—the fastest-growing city in the U.S.—Southwestern combines an idyllic college town with proximity to Austin’s vibrant metro. Georgetown’s charm and outdoor activities complement Austin’s booming tech and creative industries, offering unparalleled access to internships, research, and job opportunities.

Southwestern is also transforming the liberal arts experience with a visionary 560-acre district that includes housing, restaurants, retail, offices, a music venue, and a seventy-acre Eco Gateway. This transformative project positions us as a leader in higher education.

ST. EDWARD’S UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Hilltoppers • ADDRESS 3001 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704

WEBSITE StEdwards.edu • PHONE 512-448-8400 • INSTAGRAM + X + TIKTOK @StEdwardsU

FACEBOOK + LINKEDIN + YOUTUBE StEdwardsU

SPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

U.S. News & World Report ranks St. Edward’s sixth among the “Regional Universities–West,” where it has been among the top 25 schools on the list for more than twenty consecutive years, and fourth in “Best Colleges for Veterans” in the West.

The Bill Munday School of Business’s AACSB-accredited online graduate programs ranked twelfth nationally and first in Texas for student engagement in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024–2025 rankings.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

2,497

t. Edward’s University creates dynamic experiences for all students through exceptional leadership and mentorship, enriching experiential learning opportunities, and personalized guidance during their academic journey on the hilltop.

Nestled on a lively 160-acre campus overlooking downtown Austin, students at St. Edward’s immerse themselves in a world of diversity and a sense of belonging through a variety of student organizations, campus traditions, and the freedom to shape their own identity and path.

As a Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution, St. Edward’s continues to receive recognition for delivering outstanding academic outcomes for its students. Recently, the university was honored with the national Seal of Excelencia for its academic success, retention, and graduation rates for Latino students. St. Edward’s is the only Catholic university, the first private university in Texas, and the second private university in the U.S. to earn this distinguished certification.

St. Edward’s recently celebrated the launch of its Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. It has secured approval from the Texas Board of Nursing to start its traditional Bachelor of Nursing and Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing programs in fall 2024. In addition to creating these first-ever programs, the university has adapted its new Computer Science curriculum to address the rising demands of the tech industry.

At St. Edward’s University, the knowledge gained through its more than fifty undergraduate programs, seven master’s degree programs, and doctorate programs—in addition to the invaluable experiences garnered through internships, volunteerism, research, and study abroad opportunities— provides students with the education and skills needed to create positive change in an ever-evolving world.

ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Rattlers • ADDRESS One Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio, TX 78228

WEBSITE StMaryTX.edu • PHONE 800-367-7868

FACEBOOK StMarysU • X @StMarysU • INSTAGRAM @stmarysu

St. Mary’s University, located in the energetic city of San Antonio, is a private liberal arts school founded in 1852. The oldest Catholic university in Texas, St. Mary’s, is dedicated to a tradition of academic excellence.

POINTS OF DISTINCTION

St. Mary’s is a nationally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution.

U.S. News & World Report ranked St. Mary’s second for best value in its “2024 Regional Universities–West.”

St. Mary’s is on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll and is a recipient of the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification for commitment to service.

Rattler Athletics is home to an esports program, the first varsity program of its kind in San Antonio, and a varsity STUNT team competing on technical and athletic components of cheer.

On-campus learning labs include a trading room where AACSB-accredited Greehey School of Business students manage a multi-million-dollar investment portfolio.

Teaching and learning flourish at St. Mary’s through small classes, close student-faculty relationships, and an engaged community. The university offers a variety of challenging academic programs for undergraduate studies in humanities, sciences, and business, as well as graduate, doctoral, and law degrees. Popular majors include business, criminal justice, exercise and sports science, and biology. Pre-professional programs include medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, and public health.

On-campus learning labs include a Drone Lab where students in a variety of majors incorporate unmanned aerial vehicles into learning. In addition, the Blank Sheppard Innovation Center supports research, innovation, and instruction in the School of Science, Engineering, and Technology. Open in October 2024, it also houses the new St. Mary’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, which launched in fall 2024.

St. Mary’s delivers an array of learning and social opportunities through undergraduate research, internships, and community engagement. Students turn knowledge into passions, become outstanding, ethical professionals, and view their careers as vocational journeys.

STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Lumberjacks • ADDRESS 1936 North St., Nacogdoches, TX 75962

WEBSITE SFASU.edu • PHONE 936-468-2504 • FACEBOOK SFASU

INSTAGRAM @SFASU • X @SFASU

APOINTS OF DISTINCTION

U.S. News and World Report ranks SFA among the “Top 20 Best Public Universities in the West.”

Aviation students are the first in the nation to fly Tecnam P-Mentor planes.

The USASBE has named SFA’s entrepreneurship program as one of the top three emerging programs of its kind in the nation.

Based on institution size, SFA has the highest pass rate among first-time nursing program test takers for NCLEX-RN.

The largest number of students in SFA’s recent history studied abroad in the summer of 2024.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

9,048

t Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA), the newest member of the University of Texas System, students explore the world and uncover their worth—while calling one of the most beautiful campuses in the state their home.

Begun a century ago in Texas’s oldest town of Nacogdoches, SFA has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges: business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics.

SFA offers more than eighty bachelor’s and forty master’s degrees and added its fourth doctoral degree in 2023. Ensuring academic offerings evolve with industry expectations, several new programs were created in the last five years, including mechanical and electrical engineering degrees and a new music industry program.

Involvement is a key component of a fantastic college experience. Between SFA’s more than two hundred student organizations and eighteen NCAA Division 1 athletic teams, everyone finds their place in the pines.

To continue modernizing, a new 20,000-square-foot dining hall scheduled for completion in late spring 2025 will add outdoor seating and flexible spaces for such events as culinary expos and instruction. A sprawling green space will eventually abut the dining hall. Following an $80 million pledge from the UT System, a new facility slated for completion in 2027 will house forestry and agriculture programs.

SUL ROSS STATE UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Lobos • ADDRESS 400 N. Harrison St., Alpine, TX 79832

WEBSITE SulRoss.edu • PHONE 432-837-8011 • FACEBOOK SulRossState X @Sul_Ross • INSTAGRAM @SulRossState • THREADS @SulRossState

Adventure and affordability define Sul Ross State University (SRSU) as one of the few comprehensive fouryear institutions between El Paso and San Antonio.

TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Texans • ADDRESS 1333 W. Washington, Stephenville, TX 76401

WEBSITE Tarleton.edu • PHONE 254-968-9000 • FACEBOOK TarletonState INSTAGRAM @TarletonState • X @TarletonState • YOUTUBE TarletonState

Tarleton State University provides an innovative and transformative educational experience, offering more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degrees.

POINTS OF DISTINCTION

Sul Ross State is the birthplace of intercollegiate rodeo.

SRSU has a 15:1 studentfaculty ratio.

Sul Ross State is seeking final approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to offer its first-ever doctoral degree in Education Leadership beginning in 2025. A doctoral degree in Natural Sciences is also expected in the next couple of years.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

1,550

Located in the scenic mountains of West Texas and home to a famous desk perched on a windswept hill overlooking the city of Alpine, Sul Ross State features modern facilities and a setting conducive to outdoor learning. Through experiential learning components in the curriculum and the McNair Scholars Program for undergraduate research, students can access hands-on learning that transcends the classroom and field.

From teaching, coaching, and law enforcement to science, ranch management, and fine arts, SRSU offers more than sixty undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

In addition to the original campus in Alpine, Sul Ross State also has campuses in Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde. These locations provide upper-level and graduate educational opportunities to traditional and non-traditional students in Texas’s Winter Garden area with degrees in applied science, business administration, education, nursing, and more.

More than 25 graduate programs are offered online. Master’s degrees in education include programs leading to principal and superintendent certification, bilingual teaching, and counseling. SRSU’s online MBA accommodates working adults ready to expand their leadership and administrative skills in competitive business environments.

With twelve NCAA-sanctioned sports, an intercollegiate rodeo, and a host of intramural athletics, clubs, and art, theater, and music organizations, students enjoy numerous extracurricular opportunities.

POINTS OF DISTINCTION

Tarleton State aims to become the premier comprehensive public university in the nation with a solid grounding in student success, teaching, and research.

Money magazine named Tarleton State one of the “Best Colleges in America” for 2024 based on quality of education, affordability, and student outcomes.

New undergraduate degree programs in zoo animal care and management, social work, neuroscience, communications studies, and leadership and strategic studies have recently been added. Additionally, master’s degree programs in marketing and construction science and management were introduced this year.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

15,176

Tarleton State was founded as John Tarleton College in 1899 and has been a member of The Texas A&M System since 1917. Now, 125 years later, the institution has evolved into a thriving four-year, NCAA Division I university. The main campus in Stephenville complements additional sites in Fort Worth, Waco, and Bryan. Nearly sixty degree options are available online.

Tarleton State is among only 133 U.S. colleges recognized as Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The university also debuted a Research and Economic Development Building in 2024, which will benefit sponsored research and regional partnerships. Membership in the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities underscores Tarleton’s place among the top schools in North America.

An emphasis on market-responsive academic options and continued expansion of the Fort Worth campus position Tarleton State as a frontrunner for anyone seeking a university degree.

TEXAS A&M INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Dustdevils • ADDRESS 5201 University Blvd., Laredo, TX 78041

WEBSITE TAMIU.edu • PHONE 956-326-2001 • FACEBOOK TXAMIU INSTAGRAM @TXAMIU • X @TXAMIU • YOUTUBE TXAMIU

TPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Aggressive financial aid, honors, internships, leadership programs, and scholarships are available.

Students can take part in study abroad programs on virtually every continent.

TAMIU offers pre-med, dental, and law programs and doctoral degrees in criminal justice and international business administration. It also offers Bachelor of Science programs in public health, petroleum engineering, and computer engineering.

A $71.2 million expansion, including the Health Sciences Education and Research Center and Western Hemispheric Trade Center, is underway.

TAMIU has eleven sports teams playing in the Lone Star Conference of NCAA Division II. The campus features an art walk, planetarium, recreational sports center, and abundant public green spaces.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

7,238

exas A&M International University (TAMIU), a member of the Texas A&M University System, is a four-year, comprehensive, stateassisted institution that is home to more than 8,800 students from Laredo and around the world. Its threehundred-acre campus in north Laredo is the higher education center of a vibrant, multilingual, and multicultural community.

A military-friendly campus, TAMIU provides excellent, low-cost onsite and online programs in the arts and sciences, business, nursing, and education. Offering more than one hundred degree programs, TAMIU is focused on delivering undergraduate and graduate options for global study and leadership training across all disciplines. TAMIU is committed to offering a higher education that is accessible, affordable, and exceptional.

DegreeChoices.com ranks TAMIU second among the “Best Colleges in Texas.” According to UniversityHQ. com, TAMIU is also ranked third among “Texas Online Colleges and Universities.” Niche.com ranks TAMIU fourth for “Best Value in Texas,” and Washington Monthly magazine’s 2024 College Guide ranks TAMIU fifth for “Best Bang for the Buck” among southern colleges and universities.

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Aggies • OFFICIAL MASCOT Reveille

ADDRESS 401 Joe Routt Blvd., College Station, TX 77843 • WEBSITE TAMU.edu PHONE 979-845-3211 • FACEBOOK TAMU • INSTAGRAM @TAMU • X @TAMU

Texas A&M University (TAMU) is the oldest and largest public university in Texas, and it ranks as a top destination for students, faculty, and staff from around the globe.

POINTS OF DISTINCTION

Texas A&M students take great pride in being part of Aggieland, and the campus is often dubbed one of the nation’s friendliest.

Kyle Field, Texas A&M’s football stadium, has a capacity of 102,733 and is the fourthlargest college football stadium in the nation and the largest in the SEC. The stadium also hosts iconic traditions like Midnight Yell and, more recently, concerts. Country music legend George Strait’s June 2024 concert at Kyle Field broke the world record for the largest concert attendance in history.

Texas A&M houses many precious historical collections and artifacts. Cushing Memorial Library & Archives has a rare, first-edition map of Texas, created in 1830 by the “Father of Texas” Stephen F. Austin himself. The archives also house a world-renowned science fiction and fantasy collection, including the personal archives of George R. R. Martin, author of Game of Thrones.

The university is also home to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library Center.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

60,710

Located in College Station—or “Aggieland,” as the students lovingly dubbed it—Texas A&M is in the heart of the Houston-Dallas-Austin triangle and is consistently ranked as one of the best college towns in the United States.

Texas A&M is a Tier 1 research institution, ranking 23rd in the National Science Foundation’s most recent Higher Education Research and Development Survey based on annual expenditures of more than $1.153 billion in fiscal year 2022. In 2023, The Wall Street Journal named Texas A&M the best university in the state and the sixth-best public university in the nation.

Texas A&M offers countless leadership opportunities for students in addition to academic excellence. While on campus, students can get involved with any of more than 1,300 student organizations.

Students also explore the world through global work and volunteer opportunities, as well as one of the largest university study abroad programs in the nation. Aggies take these lessons in leadership into the world, and it shows. Texas A&M is one of the leading institutions in the number of alum CEOs in the Fortune 500.

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY–CENTRAL TEXAS TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY–COMMERCE

TEAM NAME Warriors • ADDRESS 1001 Leadership Place, Killeen, TX 76549

WEBSITE TAMUCT.edu • PHONE 254-519-5400

FACEBOOK TAMUCT • X @TAMUCT

TPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Undergraduate admissions make transferring simple: thirty hours of college credit courses with a 2.0 GPA. Graduate degree admissions application processes that welcome your academic potential and recognize your professional goals.

More than 60 percent of fulltime undergraduate students receive gift or grant aid.

College for All Texans continues to identify A&M¬–Central Texas as among the most affordable universities in the state. A tuition guarantee locks in tuition and fees, while a tuition cap allows taking twelve to 21 credits without paying additional tuition charges, per specific rules.

The student-faculty ratio at A&M–Central Texas is 15:1.

Robust student activities and support services include recreational sports, student government, a writing center, servicelearning opportunities, civic engagement, and career and professional development

UNDERGRADUATE

exas A&M University–Central Texas (TAMUCT) makes transferring into an undergraduate degree program uncomplicated, convenient, and affordable—on purpose. A&M–Central Texas is designed for people who have earned some college credits and want a university to help them turn those courses into an undergraduate degree.

For those ready to pursue a graduate degree, A&M–Central Texas offers a variety of majors in arts and sciences, business administration, education, and human development. Undergraduate students choose from thirty bachelor’s degrees, seventeen of which are offered completely online, and graduate students choose from nineteen graduate degrees, nine of which are offered completely online.

EdSmart.org recently ranked A&M–Central Texas as “The #1 Least Expensive University in the U.S.”

That status is important for potential students concerned with the high cost of pursuing a degree and the potential for debt. But at A&M–Central Texas, students find an affordable degree, a high-quality education, topnotch professors, a learning experience worthy of our name, and strong connections to the Texas A&M University System as the eleventh regional university in that system.

All our undergraduate students have earned some college or university credit—some have been in the military, begun with a community college, or recently graduated from one. We make sure that those college credits transfer into our undergraduate programs so that they can achieve graduation as affordably and as efficiently as possible.

TEAM NAME Lions • ADDRESS 2200 Campbell St., Commerce, Texas 75428

WEBSITE TAMUC.edu • FACEBOOK TAMUC X @TAMUC • INSTAGRAM @TAMUC • YOUTUBE LionsMedia

TPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Adobe Creative Campus designation enables students to acquire strong digital communication skills.

Over $12 million in scholarships was awarded to A&M–Commerce students in 2023–2024. TAMUC was ranked in the top sixty nationwide by U.S. News & World Report for helping students improve their socioeconomic status.

Texas A&M–Commerce welcomes students from 41 states and 59 countries to its campus.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

10,966

exas A&M University–Commerce (TAMUC) is committed to transforming lives through quality education. Located sixty miles northeast of Dallas, the university offers more than 143 academic degree programs taught by world-class professors who are passionate about teaching and research. With an enrollment of 11,500 and a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, A&M–Commerce offers a personalized educational experience.

The third-largest school in The Texas A&M University System, A&M–Commerce was Texas’s fastest-growing public university in the fall of 2023. The university provides several learning sites across Dallas–Fort Worth and partners with global industries to provide students with exciting internship and career opportunities.

The main campus is expanding with innovative new facilities, like the Center for Gamebird Research and the Agricultural Multipurpose Education & Training Center, both set to open by the spring of 2026. Other campus features include an advanced simulation hospital where future healthcare professionals practice life-saving skills in a realistic medical setting and an expansive 1,300-acre research farm where students experiment with sustainable growing methods.

Founded in 1889 as a teachers’ college, A&M–Commerce is a top producer of Texas educators. The university also excels in competency-based education, offering flexible online degree programs ideal for working adults.

Students enjoy a vibrant campus life with a thriving Greek community, 115+ student organizations, over 2,300 on-campus residents, and a powerhouse athletic program with fourteen NCAA Division I teams.

is BOLD at UTSA! Your Future

Becoming one global powerhouse university*

•More Programs

•More Career Pathways

•More Opportunities for Students

Join the journey and create your bold future!

*Pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY–CORPUS CHRISTI TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY AT GALVESTON

TEAM NAME Islanders • ADDRESS 6300 Ocean Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78412

WEBSITE TAMUCC.edu • PHONE 361-825-5700 • FACEBOOK IslandUniversity INSTAGRAM @Island_University • X @IslandCampus

DPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

TAMU–CC was named the No. 1 “College by the Sea” by BestCollegeReviews.org.

TAMU–CC was one of 133 institutions listed by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education as an R2–High Research Activity campus.

TAMU–CC is a Yellow Ribbon Program school that is earned in support of veterans.

In recognition of its support of transfer students, TAMU–CC has earned its fourth consecutive spot on the Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll. UNDERGRADUATE

8,458

iscover A&M University–Corpus Christi (TAMU–CC), the only university in the nation located on its own island, at the heart of the Texas Gulf Coast. With palm tree-lined pathways, nearby natural wetlands, and pristine beach and bay views, TAMU–CC is a destination like no other.

Beyond its natural beauty, the “Island University” is known for its top-quality academic programs. Undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students choose from more than 85 degree programs, including marine biology, engineering, nursing, education, graphic design, kinesiology, marketing, and theater. TAMU–CC also has a robust offering of fully online programs.

At the Island University, tomorrow’s artists, teachers, scientists, athletes, engineers, and entrepreneurs make their Islander Impact through research, innovation, leadership, community service, and civic engagement. More than forty centers and labs offer myriad opportunities for individualized and immersive learning experiences. Islander Impact resonates globally through the work of several institutes of excellence, including the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, the Autonomy Research Institute, and the Conrad Blucher Institute for Surveying and Science.

As a Hispanic-Serving and Minority-Serving Institution, the Island University provides a supportive environment for students from 49 states and 56 countries. Students choose from over 150 organizations and clubs spanning academics, recreation, philanthropy, and volunteerism.

TAMU–CC is the only university offering an island campus on the Gulf, outstanding academics, nationally recognized faculty, a vibrant student life, Division I athletics, and more than $140 million in scholarships and financial aid each year.

TEAM NAME Aggies • ADDRESS 200 Seawolf Parkway, Galveston, TX 77554 • WEBSITE TAMUG.edu

PHONE 409-740-4400 • FACEBOOK AggiesByTheSea • INSTAGRAM + X @AggiesByTheSea YOUTUBE TAMUGalveston • LINKEDIN School/Texas-A&M-University-at-Galveston

APOINTS OF DISTINCTION

The Galveston campus is Texas A&M University’s dedicated marine and maritime campus.

Texas A&M at Galveston is home to three specialized institutions: the Texas A&M College of Marine Sciences and Maritime Studies, the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, and Texas A&M’s College of Engineering Galveston-based programs.

The Texas A&M Maritime Academy is one of six state maritime academies in the U.S. and the only one located in the Gulf Coast region.

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t Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG), the marine and maritime branch campus of Texas A&M in College Station, academic programs take students above, below, and on the waves with the nation’s most comprehensive ocean-oriented degrees in marine engineering and technology, maritime business and administration, blue humanities, maritime transportation, and marine sciences.

The island campus is ideally located, surrounded by the environments and industries it serves. The urban coastal setting offers access to natural ecosystems alongside one of the largest international hubs of the maritime industry. With internationally renowned faculty and programs tailored to those with a passion for the coast and sea, students will have an ocean of possibilities at their doorstep.

In the fall of 2024, Texas A&M launched the College of Marine Sciences and Maritime Studies on the Galveston campus. This new college will lead in innovation, education, and discovery for the “blue economy,” the sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources for economic growth.

The Galveston campus is also home to the Texas A&M Maritime Academy. Students in designated programs can earn a U.S. Coast Guard license with their degree, allowing them to become officers on ocean-going and inland waterway vessels. During the summer, these students spend a semester at sea aboard the academy’s training ship, gaining hands-on experience.

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY–KINGSVILLE

TEAM NAME Javelinas • ADDRESS 700 University Blvd., Kingsville, TX 78363

WEBSITE TAMUK.edu • PHONE 361-593-2315

FACEBOOK Javelinas • INSTAGRAM @JavelinaNation • YOUTUBE JavelinaNation

TPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Texas A&M University–Kingsville offers the world’s only master’s degree in ranch management through the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management.

The Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute advances research on the region’s wildcats, deer, vegetation, and more.

For over 75 years, the Citrus Center has supported the state’s citrus industry through groundbreaking research and education initiatives.

The National Natural Toxins Research Center is the only federally funded viper research center in the U.S. and one of the leading research centers worldwide for discovering toxins for use in biomedical research.

5,386

he first institution of higher learning in South Texas, Texas A&M University–Kingsville (TAMUK), will celebrate its centennial in 2025, marking a century of transforming lives, advancing innovation, and propelling the region forward.

The university offers a variety of academic programs taught by renowned faculty that prepare students to impact the world around them. Degrees include nationally recognized undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, animal and wildlife sciences, kinesiology, social work, music, veterinary technology, and business.

A Carnegie Classified Doctoral University with High Research Activity, TAMUK provides students at all levels opportunities to conduct research, working alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields.

Committed to affordability, TAMUK has provided educational access and opportunity through programs like the Javelina Promise tuition program, which pledges to cover tuition and fees for up to four years, an estimated value of $40,000, for qualifying first-year and transfer students.

Small class sizes and a network of support prepare students for success beyond the classroom. According to Payscale’s College Salary Report for 2023, the salary earning potential for TAMUK graduates ranks the highest of all public university graduates in South Texas. The rankings place Texas A&M University–Kingsville as the fifth public university and twelfth overall among public and private institutions in the state in terms of salary potential.

With a commitment to student success, TAMUK is the first four-year university in the country to embrace the Institute for Evidence-Based Change Caring Campus movement, which aims to foster student engagement and enhance retention and completion.

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY–SAN ANTONIO

TEAM NAME Jaguars • ADDRESS One University Way, San Antonio, TX 78224 • WEBSITE TAMUSA.edu and BecomeAJaguar.com • PHONE 210-784-JAGS • LINKEDIN School/Texas-A&M-San-Antonio

FACEBOOK TAMUSanAntonio • X + INSTAGRAM @TAMUSanAntonio

TPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

A&M–San Antonio’s intercollegiate athletics program includes softball, soccer, golf, esports, and the inaugural season of basketball.

Texas A&M–San Antonio received a $3 million “Caminos Hacia el Éxito” DOE grant to address economic challenges and improve student access to technology.

A&M–San Antonio is a military-embracing institution. In 2020, Military Times ranked the University No. 35 in the nation for “Best for Vets: Colleges.”

More than one hundred student clubs and organizations and over 1,400 on-campus events are offered each year.

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exas A&M University–San Antonio, established as a standalone university in 2009, is a comprehensive four-year public university that reflects the culturally diverse, heritagerich community it serves.

Situated on nearly seven hundred acres in south San Antonio, A&M–San Antonio offers 39 undergraduate and 23 graduate degrees. It is home to the Henry G. Cisneros Institute for Emerging Leaders, the Cyber Engineering Technology/ Cyber Security Research Center, and the Mays Center for Experiential Learning and Community Engagement.

A&M–San Antonio holds the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation and is one of only thirty higher education institutions in the U.S. to have received the Seal of Excelencia certification from Excelencia in Education for its support of Latino student success.

Texas A&M–San Antonio earned its accreditation for its College of Business by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International.

A&M–San Antonio already offers one of the lowest tuition rates among four-year San Antonio universities. The inaugural Jaguar Promise program will award eligible first-year and transfer students free tuition, fees, and books.

New expansion includes Estrella Hall, the university’s second residence hall, which can accommodate about 350 students. There’s also a new Student Recreation Center, which boasts an expansive gym and competition basketball court. The university is also scheduled to open a new academic building, the Public Health and Education Building, in the spring of 2025.

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY–TEXARKANA TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Eagles • ADDRESS 7101 University Ave., Texarkana, TX 75503

WEBSITE TAMUT.edu • PHONE 903-223-3000 • FACEBOOK TAMUT INSTAGRAM @TAMUTexarkana • X @TAMUTexarkana

APOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Already among the most affordable four-year institutions in the state, Texas A&M–Texarkana offers an unrivaled scholarship package for first-time college students, transfer students, international students, and graduate students. We are committed to providing a world-class education without our students accumulating a mountain of debt.

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member of the renowned Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M University–Texarkana (TAMUT) offers an exceptional education at an affordable price. Whether in face-toface classes, online, or in a flex/hybrid program, students receive personal instruction and interaction from worldclass instructors who educate the leaders of tomorrow with a high-quality educational experience in disciplines that are in high demand. Our graduates are, on day one, ready to excel in careers in their chosen fields.

Campus life features the traditional Bringle Lake Village residence hall with a variety of room configurations, study areas, a full kitchen, a swimming pool, and a sand volleyball court. There is also our innovative new housing community, Eagle Landing, a modular, container-home-based community set in a wooded area on campus that’s close enough to enjoy all campus amenities with quick access to all buildings but set apart from the hustle and bustle of the traditional residence hall. The Patterson Student Center features a café/ coffee shop, fitness center, gymnasium, and game room, and students enjoy a vibrant campus experience through clubs, organizations, Greek life, and numerous events and outings sponsored by The Office of Student Life.

TAMUT fields teams in men’s and women’s soccer, tennis, cross country, and basketball, as well as baseball, softball, women’s volleyball and beach volleyball, competitive cheer, dance, and coed esports. The Eagles compete as a member of the NAIA’s Red River Athletic Conference.

TEAM NAME Horned Frogs • ADDRESS 2800 S. University Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76109 • WEBSITE TCU.edu PHONE 817-257-7490 • EMAIL frogmail@tcu.edu • X @TCU • FACEBOOK TCU-TexasChristianUniversity THREADS + INSTAGRAM + TIKTOK @texaschristianuniversity

TPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

The Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine redefines medical education with a first-of-its-kind curriculum focusing on communication, compassion, and empathy.

In 2024, The Princeton Review ranked TCU as first for “Happiest Students,” fourth for “Best-Run Colleges,” seventh for “Quality of Life,” and ninth for “Best Residence Halls.”

Texas Christian University is home to the world-class Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU, named for the award-winning pianist and international icon.

TCU is among just 10 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter.

In 2023, the TCU Horned Frogs became the first Texas team to make it to the College Football Playoff National Championship.

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exas Christian University (TCU) is all about experience and opportunity. With more than 117 undergraduate, 62 master’s level, and 37 doctoral areas of study, students develop critical thinking skills and graduate primed for the professional world.

Founded in 1873, TCU shapes leaders who take action and make an impact in business, healthcare, education, and more.

Student support comes in many forms at TCU. The university’s teacher-scholar model prioritizes mentorship. Professors know students’ names, as 98 percent of faculty teach undergraduates. Eighty percent of students receive financial aid. Additionally, students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities for academics, research, and recreation.

Horned Frogs learn, live, and play on a walkable 302-acre campus located less than five miles from downtown Fort Worth, the twelfth largest city in the U.S. and one of the country’s fastest-growing job markets. Dallas–Fort Worth is an economic hub, providing prime access to internships and career opportunities, as well as world-class museums, restaurants, and entertainment.

When not in class or studying, students revel in the energy of Big 12 NCAA athletics and connect with peers through more than four hundred student organizations. All without leaving one of America’s most beautiful college campuses.

“Through challenging coursework, hands-on projects, and interactions with professors and peers, I’ve developed critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities and a strong work ethic that will serve me well in any circumstance.”

The University of Texas at Tyler makes it easy to discover your future with more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degree programs leading to in-demand careers in a variety of fields. Plus, small class sizes, affordable tuition and cutting-edge research opportunities combine to create an educational experience unlike any other.

Elizabeth Nixon CLASS OF 2025 Nursing

TEXAS COLLEGE

TEAM NAME Steers • ADDRESS 2404 North Grand Ave., Tyler, TX 75702 • WEBSITE TexasCollege.edu

PHONE 903-593-8311 or 800-306-6299 • YOUTUBE TexasCollegeTV • FACEBOOK TexasCollegeSteers

INSTAGRAM @TexasCollegeNews • X @TCSteers • LINKEDIN Texas College

Texas College is a creative, culturally diverse, inclusive academic environment that empowers graduates to engage in lifelong learning, leadership, and service.

POINTS OF DISTINCTION

Extracurricular offerings include more than 25 student organizations, ten NAIA Division I intercollegiate athletics for men and women, and competitive esports.

The renovation of the historic landmark D. R. Glass Library now provides online and virtual access for persons with broadband and technology access. The college also has library consortia relationships with public and private libraries throughout Texas for students’ use.

The City of Tyler has established the college’s location into the Texas College District.

Texas College offers an educational preparation program accredited by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The program provides eight certification areas of study.

Texas College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Science degrees.

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Founded in 1894 by the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church, now the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Texas College prepares students with competencies in critical and creative thinking related to the knowledge, skills, and abilities as defined in areas of study.

Texas College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC). Additionally, the college provides an environment that inspires intellectual, spiritual, ethical, moral, and social development, incorporating the core values of academic excellence, integrity, perseverance, social responsibility, tolerance, and community service.

As a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Texas College has provided accessible, quality education to all for more than 130 years. The College offers 22 programs of study in the liberal arts, sciences, and educational preparation areas that will allow students to receive the associate of arts degree and/or the baccalaureate degree. Texas College is a residentialbased campus that is also accommodating for commuting students. Further, the college has traditional faceto-face classes, select online courses, and a distance education program in business education.

TEXAS LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Bulldogs • ADDRESS 1000 W. Court St., Seguin, TX 78155

WEBSITE TLU.edu • PHONE 830-372-8000 • FACEBOOK TXLutheran

INSTAGRAM @TXLutheran • X @TXLutheran • YOUTUBE TXLutheran

TPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

TLU prides itself on developing the whole student in a diverse and inclusive community.

In its “Regional Colleges–West” category, U.S. News & World Report ranked TLU third in “Best Value,” eighth in “Best Colleges for Veterans,” and eleventh overall for 2024.

TLU received a $2.89 Million Title V grant in 2023 to establish the BUENOS Center for Excellence.

A National Science Foundation grant of $1.3 million continues to support STEM student success.

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exas Lutheran University (TLU) in Seguin, Texas, is consistently ranked as one of the region’s top colleges by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review. Founded in 1891, TLU has long been dedicated to excellence in education, small class sizes with individualized attention, and opportunities for cross-disciplinary coursework and instruction.

An officially designated HispanicServing Institution, TLU offers more than thirty majors, 38 minors, twelve preprofessional health programs, and eight graduate programs. Ninety-five percent of TLU students receive scholarships and grants, underlining the university’s commitment to making a private education attainable at an affordable price.

More than a third of TLU students participate in nineteen varsity sports. Since 2000, TLU has produced the most Academic All-Americans of any Texas university in NCAA Division III. In the fall of 2024, ground will be broken for the new, state-of-the-art Verne Lundquist Student Athletic Center, named for the legendary sportscaster and TLU alum.

Texas Lutheran University students are known for balancing their studies with a variety of campus activities, clubs, and organizations. The university offers robust music, theater, and visual arts programs and seventy student organizations ranging from Greek life to student government to intramural sports. TLU is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and music majors and non-majors alike have the opportunity to participate in band, choir, and orchestra and study with world-class guest artists. TLU’s innovative Dramatic Media program combines theater, film, and multi-media technology, producing at least four full-length productions every year.

Special emphasis is placed on community engagement and learning through service, with students participating in annual service days and abundant volunteer opportunities.

The park-like TLU campus encompasses 184 tree-covered acres in the heart of Seguin, which is located between San Antonio and Austin.

TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Tigers • ADDRESS 3100 Cleburne, Houston, TX 77004

WEBSITE TSU.edu • PHONE 713-313-7011 • FACEBOOK TexasSouthernUniversity

INSTAGRAM @TexasSouthern • X @TexasSouthern • TIKTOK @TexasSouthern

NPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Texas Southern University is the only HBCU with an on-campus flight simulator to train career-ready pilots and the only public four-year institution in Texas that offers degrees in Aviation Science Management with a Professional Pilot Concentration. It is also the only aviation program in Texas and the second at an HBCU to achieve the coveted AABI professional accreditation.

TSU has the only maritime transportation degree program in the Houston area and the first at a Historically Black College and University.

Founded in 1949 by legendary debate coach emeritus, the late Thomas F. Freeman, Ph.D., Texas Southern University’s worldrenowned TSU Debate Team has won an abundance of national and international contests.

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estled on a beautiful 150-acre campus close to the heart of downtown Houston in the city’s historic Third Ward, Texas Southern University (TSU) is one of the nation’s largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

As a comprehensive, special-purpose, urban-programming research institution, TSU provides academic and research programs that address critical urban issues and prepare students to become a force for positive change in a global society. It is one of only eleven HBCUs nationwide to achieve the prestigious R2–High Research Activity designation by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

TSU offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate programs and concentrations. Its innovative teaching and learning are responsive to opportunities for public service via degree programs, including aviation science management, business, communication, law, pharmacy, health administration and health information management, transportation studies, maritime transportation, emergency management, urban planning and environmental policy, and engineering.

DiverseEducation.com ranks TSU second in Texas for bachelor’s degrees awarded to African Americans and in the top one hundred in the nation for master’s degrees awarded to African Americans.

TEXAS

STATE UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Bobcats • ADDRESS 601 University Dr., San Marcos, TX 78666

WEBSITE TXST.edu • PHONE 512-245-2111

FACEBOOK TXStateU • INSTAGRAM @TXST • X @TXST

TPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Exceptional career development, with two-thirds of seniors completing or planning to do an internship, field experience, student teaching, or clinical placement.

Texas State is a national research university with specialties in water resource management and conservation, forensic anthropology, education, and health professions.

The student body mirrors the population demographics across Texas, with more than three hundred active student organizations and strong support networks.

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exas State University strives to ensure that students can create the future they want every day, whether they dream of inventing revolutionary technology, breaking out as industry-moving entrepreneurs, or capturing the world’s imagination with art.

Texas State’s welcoming community of nearly 39,000 undergraduate and graduate students reflects the variety and diversity of the human experience. It’s a top destination for transfer students that is also dedicated to supporting first-generation college students.

Texas State provides every student with support to realize their dreams. Beyond academic advisors and mentoring on the path to graduation, students enjoy a broad range of career resources to support their professional growth as they study and after graduation.

Most Texas State students graduate with resume-quality experience in their fields. Career development professionals serve both current students and alums in professional development and growth.

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Red Raiders • ADDRESS 2500 Broadway St., Lubbock, TX 79409 • WEBSITE TTU.edu

PHONE 806-742-2011 • FACEBOOK TexasTechUniversity • INSTAGRAM @TexasTech

LINKEDIN texas-tech-university • X @TexasTech • YOUTUBE texastech

TPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Since 2016, Texas Tech has invested over $900 million in campus improvements. New facilities include a cuttingedge Sports Performance Center, an innovative Academic Sciences Building, and a dedicated Honors Hall for students in the prestigious Honors College.

The Raider Success Hub revolutionizes student support at Texas Tech. This comprehensive resource center guides students from their first year through graduation, offering timely assistance and removing barriers to academic and personal success. Raider Success Hub ensures a seamless, enriching educational journey by connecting students with academic support staff when they need it most.

Texas Tech graduates are in high demand nationwide. A survey of corporate recruiters ranked Texas Tech ninth overall and first in Texas, highlighting the exceptional career readiness of its alums.

exas Tech University blends century-old tradition with cuttingedge innovation. This leading research institution boasts global academic recognition while maintaining its distinctive West Texas character, where integrity, authenticity, and grit are as valued as academic excellence.

Nestled in Lubbock (pop. 263,930), students enjoy a close-knit community with metropolitan perks. The university offers over 150 undergraduate, one hundred graduate, and fifty doctoral programs, including a law school and Texas’s first new veterinary school in over one hundred years.

Texas Tech consistently breaks records in research and enrollment, supported by its diverse, esteemed faculty excelling in teaching, research, and service.

The university attracts a diverse student body, with over 75 percent of its 40,000+ students coming from beyond a three-hundred-mile radius. The number of first-generation students has doubled in the past decade, reflecting Texas Tech’s commitment to accessibility.

Financial support is robust, with 76 percent of students receiving aid. The university provides $220 million annually in scholarships and grants. In 2024, Texas Tech introduced an innovative $10K Degree Completion Program, enabling students with eighty or more credit hours to finish their degree for as little as $10,000.

TEXAS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Rams • ADDRESS 1201 Wesleyan, Fort Worth, TX 76105 WEBSITE TXWES.edu • PHONE 817-531-4444 • FACEBOOK TexasWesleyan INSTAGRAM @TexasWesleyan • TIKTOK @txwes_official • YOUTUBE TexasWesleyan

TPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Most full-time undergraduate students receive scholarships and/or grants.

The average class size is sixteen.

The campus is a sevenminute drive from downtown Fort Worth.

Texas Wesleyan University is designated as a HispanicServing Institution (HSU).

Niche.com ranks Texas Wesleyan as one of the “Most Diverse Colleges in America” and one of the “Best Colleges for Student Athletes in America.”

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

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exas Wesleyan University, known as the “Smaller. Smarter.” university in Fort Worth, offers a distinctive blend of tradition and innovation. Founded in 1890, this historic institution strongly emphasizes personalized attention and fostering a close-knit community that empowers students to reach their full potential.

Texas Wesleyan is committed to preparing students for success in an everevolving world. The university offers a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs, including business, healthcare, sciences, and the liberal arts. Through rigorous coursework, hands-on experiences, and dedicated faculty mentorship, students at Texas Wesleyan develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication abilities essential for leadership.

Athletics is a strong part of the university, with 21 varsity sports consistently showing strength and improvement in recent years. Teams like women’s basketball, women’s wrestling, and table tennis have experienced exceptional success, capturing championships and breaking school records. The school also recently introduced women’s beach volleyball.

Campus life is vibrant and engaging, offering a wide range of opportunities for students to explore their interests and build lasting connections. From unique interests like content creation, esports, and scuba diving to leadership programs and academic clubs, there is something for everyone.

Texas Wesleyan University boasts a distinguished alum network that includes notable figures who have made significant contributions to their fields. From renowned athletes like Tris Speaker, a baseball Hall of Famer, to influential leaders like Congressman Marc Veasey and Congresswoman Kay Granger, Texas Wesleyan graduates exemplify the university’s commitment to excellence.

TEXAS TALK

Current and former students attending Texas colleges and universities share their tips and suggestions for how to live your best life in college.

MONSERRAT LOPEZ

University of St. Thomas

Q: WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE TO OTHERS WHO MIGHT BE THE FIRST IN THEIR FAMILY TO ATTEND COLLEGE?

A. As an older sister who was the first in my family to attend college, setting that example was incredibly important to me. My best advice as a first-generation student is to keep your family involved by sharing your experiences, which can help them support you better. Celebrate every milestone along the way, no matter how small, and remember to balance your academic life with self-care and staying connected to your roots.

Q. WHAT WERE YOUR FAVORITE CLASSES AND WHY?

A. Besides a few of the accounting courses I took, a unique class I loved would be philosophy. Not a lot of schools offer philosophy courses as a core class, so I thought it was unique that UST does. The philosophy courses encouraged me to expand my perspective about human experience and ethical values. I found that the philosophy courses helped me to have a well-reasoned aspect in life that is valuable.

Q. WHAT WAS YOUR MAJOR, AND HOW DID YOU DETERMINE THAT IS WHAT YOU WANTED TO FOCUS ON?

A. I graduated with my BBA/MBA in accounting. When I was picking my major, I knew I wanted to go into business because of the great networking opportunities it offers. As I looked into my interests more, I realized I enjoyed doing math and dealing with numbers. I found that accounting was a great fit for me, since it involves problem solving and critical thinking. Every business needs an accountant, so I found that this industry offers many job opportunities.

Q. WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR CLASSES?

A. Staying organized is definitely something that goes a long way to avoid stress. Every year, during the first week of school, I took advantage of syllabus week to keep track of important dates, deadlines, and assignments using a planner or digital calendar. This way, I had no excuse for forgetting to get things done. Another important tip is to stay healthy! I made sure to eat well and exercise, which helped me stay focused in school and improved my overall wellbeing.

I enjoy how family-oriented MSU Texas is. I like the smaller campus and how easy it is to communicate with the professors.

- Exziyah Greenlee

TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY TRINITY UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Pioneers • ADDRESS 304 Administration Dr., Denton, TX 76204

WEBSITE TWU.edu • PHONE 940-898-3188 • FACEBOOK TexasWomansUniversity

INSTAGRAM @TXWomans • X @TXWomans

TPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked Texas Woman’s among the nation’s best for “Social Mobility and Ethnic Diversity.”

Students gain leadership skills and experience through Texas Woman’s Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership, which prepares women to take on successful roles in business and public service.

Named a Military-Friendly School for the twelfth consecutive year and recognized as a gold-level school.

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he nation’s largest woman-focused university, Texas Woman’s University, is committed to helping students build a better future through a quality education that includes leadership development, experiential learning, service, and health and wellbeing.

A wide array of degree programs covers the sciences, business, nursing, health sciences, visual and performing arts, liberal arts, and education.

Texas Woman’s offers small classes for women and men at low cost. These classes provide personal attention to help students thrive in the classroom and succeed in the workplace.

The university encourages its students to participate in faculty-led research as well as internships and partnerships with institutions and organizations such as NASA, the National Institutes of Health, Southwest Airlines, Frito-Lay, and the Veterans Affairs Hospital.

The university’s main campus is just north of Dallas and Fort Worth in Denton, which is consistently named among the best college towns in the nation. The university’s health sciences institutes are in Dallas’s Southwestern Medical District and Houston’s Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest.

The Denton campus features a state-of-the-art science research center and a recently renovated student union. In 2023, Texas Woman’s broke ground on a $107 million health sciences building, expanding health-related programming, increasing community health services, and focusing on rural health outreach.

In 2024, the university enrolled its first cohort in a new aviation program that seeks to increase the number of women commercial pilots.

TEAM NAME Tigers • ADDRESS One Trinity Place, San Antonio, TX 78212 • WEBSITE Trinity.edu

PHONE 210-999-7011 • FACEBOOK TrinityUniversity • INSTAGRAM @TrinityU X @Trinity_U • LINKEDIN School/Trinity-University

TPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Niche.com ranked Trinity as one of the “Top 100 Colleges in the Nation” and the “Best Small Colleges in Texas.”

U.S. News & World Report ranked Trinity in the top third of “Best Liberal Arts Colleges” nationwide.

Of Trinity’s Class of 2023, 98 percent are employed or accepted to graduate school upon graduation.

Sixty percent of Trinity students graduate with no debt.

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rinity University, located just minutes from downtown San Antonio, thrives as a key contributor to the city’s dynamic and diverse urban community. As one of the nation’s top private liberal arts and sciences universities, Trinity is uniquely positioned as one of three national liberal arts colleges in Texas and one of only a dozen in the Southwest.

At Trinity University, the student experience is central to its mission. Home to more than 2,500 students, Trinity fosters a close-knit community where personalized attention and a supportive environment help each student thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Trinity provides resources commonly found at much larger institutions, including scholarships, undergraduate research, internships, study abroad opportunities, and state-ofthe-art facilities and equipment. With big-school resources in a small-school environment, Trinity offers connections and innovations typically found at the graduate level.

Trinity’s vibrant campus life includes a wide range of extracurricular activities. More than 80 percent of its students participate in internships or undergraduate research, and more than fifty teams of student entrepreneurs have launched start-ups from campus. Student-athletes compete on eighteen varsity sports teams, fostering teamwork and school spirit.

Trinity offers more than one hundred majors and minors, with advising programs in Pre-Law and Health Professions (including Pre-Medical). Students can also personalize their education through interdisciplinary second majors, combining academic interests and passions into unique double majors such as social entrepreneurship, music business, and more.

UNIVERSITY OF DALLAS UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

TEAM NAME Crusaders • ADDRESS 1845 E. Northgate Dr., Irving, TX 75062

WEBSITE UDallas.edu • PHONE 972-721-5266 • FACEBOOK University of Dallas • X @UofDallas

INSTAGRAM @UniversityofDallas • YOUTUBE universityofdallas

TPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

For the Class of 2023, 99 percent of graduates were employed or enrolled in a graduate program within six months of graduation.

Hundreds of UDallas alums have followed a calling to ministry, including twelve bishops, six deacons, and 106 members of religious orders serving God today.

The University of Dallas has received the highest possible grade on the ranking calculated by the “What Will They Learn?” project. This project tracks whether students take composition, literature, foreign languages, government or history, economics, mathematics, and science classes. UDallas is one of seven colleges and universities in the country that require all their students to study these subjects rigorously to receive a full liberal arts education.

The University of Dallas is the only Catholic university and the only member of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities to receive ACTA’s A+ ranking.

UNDERGRADUATE

1,444

he University of Dallas (UDallas) is the premier Catholic liberal arts university in Texas and the nation. Known for its nationally recognized Core Curriculum, immersive study abroad program in Rome, firm faith, and tight-knit student body, UDallas welcomes students of all faiths into a close community of thinkers seeking a life well-lived.

Every undergraduate student at the University of Dallas receives a true liberal arts education in the Core Curriculum, a program of interdisciplinary coursework anchored in the great works of Western civilization. Thanks to this formative curriculum, UDallas students graduate ready to succeed in any profession, including 85 percent of pre-med graduates and 90 percent of pre-law graduates who are accepted to a professional school after they’ve completed their courses.

With a sister campus in Italy, undergraduates enjoy the Rome Program. Students lodge at UDallas’s Rome campus for a semester and travel around the Mediterranean region with their professors, learning in the cradle of Western civilization. The program ends with an independent ten-day travel break.

The University of Dallas also offers graduate and professional art, ministry, business, education, and the humanities programs. UDallas is home to one of the nation’s few Catholic Master of Fine Arts programs, the state’s first AACSB-accredited Doctor of Business Administration program, and the only Ph.D. program that requires interdisciplinary coursework in the different branches of the humanities.

TEAM NAME Cougars • ADDRESS 4302 University Dr., Houston, TX 77204

WEBSITE UH.edu • PHONE 713-743-2255

FACEBOOK UniversityofHouston • INSTAGRAM @UniversityofHouston • X @UHouston

FPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

The Princeton Review ranks UH’s undergraduate entrepreneurship program first in the nation.

U.S. News & World Report ranks UH thirty-first in the nation in social mobility.

UH is home to the 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning Distinguished Professor in Hispanic Studies, Cristina Rivera Garza.

With close to 8,400 beds on campus, UH has Texas’s secondlargest residence hall capacity. New or completely upgraded football, basketball, and baseball facilities.

The multimillion-dollar, stateof-the-art Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine Building and John M. O’Quinn Law Building opened in 2022.

U.S. News & World Report ranks seventeen graduate programs in the top fifty.

Ranked among The Princeton Review’s “50 Colleges That Create Futures” and “Top 50 Best Value Colleges.”

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

39,257

ounded in 1927, the University of Houston (UH) is one of the state’s largest public research universities. Its classes are in Houston, and significant instructional sites are in Katy and Sugar Land.

The university is a Carnegie-designated Tier 1 public research institution and home to a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, a recognition of excellence in undergraduate education. UH is also a top-producing Fulbright institution, with 46 Fulbright scholars in the last five years.

UH has distinguished itself as a leader in energy, healthcare, entrepreneurship, innovation, and the arts, and it leverages its home city for its vast offerings of experiential learning. The Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, established in 2020, focuses on closing Texas’s gap in primary care physicians in underserved communities. UH offers the nation’s first doctorate in Spanish-language creative writing and the first graduate subsea engineering program.

The university addresses society’s challenges through 38 research centers and institutes, conducting research in areas such as energy, advanced materials and manufacturing, superconductivity, laser mapping, psychology, and health equity.

UH campus life includes more than five hundred student organizations. Recognized as both a Hispanic-serving and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islanderserving institution, it is ranked among the most diverse universities in the U.S., with students from nearly 140 countries.

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON–CLEAR LAKE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON–DOWNTOWN

TEAM NAME Hawks • ADDRESS 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX 77058

WEBSITE UHCL.edu • PHONE 281-283-2500 • FACEBOOK UHClearLakeHawks

INSTAGRAM @UHClearLake • X @UHClearLake

BPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

UHCL’s centers of excellence provide focused educational opportunities to the community and include the Health and Human Performance Institute, Cyber Security Institute, Center for Robotics Software, Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Environmental Institute of Houston, the Intensive Outpatient Behavior Disorders Clinic, and the Center for Executive Education.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

9,056

uilt near and for NASA Johnson Space Center, the University of Houston–Clear Lake (UHCL) is a growing four-year institution, now in its fiftieth year. In addition to engineers, scientists, and astronauts, its 80,000 alums include CEOs, civic leaders, humanitarians, educators, environmentalists, artists, and authors.

UH–Clear Lake includes four colleges: business, education, human sciences and humanities, and science and engineering. The university offers three doctoral programs and more than ninety bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. These include a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, a Master of Healthcare Administration, a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, and both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in biological sciences.

The UHCL campus includes Hunter Hall, the university residence hall, which complements privately operated, on-campus apartments. Two of UHCL’s newest facilities are the STEM and Classroom Building and the Recreation and Wellness Center. The new Health Sciences and Classroom Building at UHCL at Pearland allows for the extension of nursing programs, including the RN-to-BSN.

In January 2024, a new facility opened for the College of Business’s Healthcare Administration (HADM) program after a multi-phase renovation process that began in the spring of 2023. The facility is housed on the fourteenth floor of a Texas Children’s Hospital-owned building at the Texas Medical Center and offers five UHCL degree programs.

At the Clear Lake campus, students explore a diverse cultural scene and varied social opportunities through more than one hundred campus organizations, including honor societies, leadership groups, and social clubs. Nearby parks and waterways offer hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and other outdoor recreation.

TEAM NAME Gators • ADDRESS One Main St., Houston, TX 77002

WEBSITE UHD.edu • PHONE 713-221-8522 • FACEBOOK UHDowntown

INSTAGRAM @UHDofficial • X @UHDowntown • LINKEDIN University of Houston-Downtown

TPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

U.S. News & World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s best online bachelor’s programs for applied administration, best online master’s programs in criminal justice, and top performers in social mobility. UHD offers industryaligned degrees in artificial intelligence, medical humanities, strategic communication, data science, health and behavioral sciences, nursing, social work, geosciences, biotechnology, chemistry, mathematics, criminal justice, and fine arts.

UHD is federally designated as a Minority- and HispanicServing Institution and a Military-Friendly School.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

12,880

he University of Houston–Downtown (UHD) serves the educational needs of the nation’s fourthlargest city as Houston’s second-largest public four-year university. UHD provides its students with a wealth of real-world opportunities, while its nationally ranked programs offer an affordable, quality education that leads to solid careers for its graduates.

UHD offers bachelor’s degrees in 45 areas of study and twelve master’s degrees in four academic colleges. Classes are offered on the main UHD campus at One Main Street, as well as at three satellite locations and online. Nineteen of UHD’s programs are fully online. Collaborative learning is enhanced by a 20:1 student-faculty ratio and undergraduate research opportunities with award-winning faculty.

Community engagement programs link academics with opportunities to serve in Houston and around the globe. Campus resources include club sports teams, a public art collection, more than seventy student organizations, and Greek and honor societies.

With one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas, UHD is affordable and accessible. According to the Houston Chronicle, UHD grads have the lowest debt in the Lone Star State. UHD boasts more than 67,000 alums, excelling in fields ranging from business to science, technology, criminal justice, and the humanities.

TEXAS TALK

Current and former students attending Texas colleges and universities share their tips and suggestions for how to live your best life in college.

Texas A&M University–Kingsville

Q. WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE TO OTHERS WHO MIGHT BE THE FIRST IN THEIR FAMILY TO ATTEND COLLEGE?

A. The best piece of advice I can provide to other students is, if you work hard for what you want in life and have faith, everything will work out the way you want it to be. At times, college can be stressful—but it’s completely worth it in the end.

Q. WHAT ENDED UP BEING THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF FRESHMAN YEAR AND WHY?

A. The most challenging part of transitioning from high school to being a freshman in college was knowing how to prioritize my time properly, since I had an excessive amount of freedom. With the transition, my grades started to suffer, and I knew that was not the outcome I wanted. I quickly remembered my purpose for going to college: I wanted to be successful so I can make my family proud.

Q. WHAT WAS YOUR MAJOR, AND HOW DID YOU DETERMINE THAT IS WHAT YOU WANTED TO FOCUS ON?

A. My major was mechanical engineering, with a minor in mathematics. I decided my major during my freshman year of high school by attending a summer engineering camp focused on encouraging women to get into the STEM fields. I’ve always enjoyed putting different parts together, and math was my strongest subject.

Q. WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR CLASSES?

A. My personal tip for getting the most out of classes is studying right after class and going over notes at the end of the week. This tip really helped me understand material that may not be seen again until a major test.

Q. IF YOU HAD TO DO COLLEGE ALL OVER AGAIN, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD APPROACH DIFFERENTLY?

A. If I could do college all over again, I would seek every engineering opportunity. I would go to every engineer job fair to get my name out there or explore any internship that can be added to my resume.

In 2025, Texas A&MKingsville will celebrate 100 years of education, discovery, and service in South Texas.
Over the last century, we have awarded tens of thousands of degrees, preparing generations of graduates to build their own legacies of success and prosperity.
VERONICA RAMOS

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON–VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR

TEAM NAME Jaguars • MASCOT Jax the Jaguar • ADDRESS 3007 N. Ben Wilson St., Victoria, TX 77901 WEBSITE UHV.edu • PHONE 361-570-4848 • X @UHVictoria FACEBOOK UniversityofHoustonVictoria • INSTAGRAM @universityofhoustonvictoria

TPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Degree programs are offered in Victoria, Katy (transfer and graduate programs only), and online.

The University of Houston–Victoria is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

The UHV Bachelor of Science in Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The UHV College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs accredits UHV’s graduate degrees in school counseling and clinical mental health counseling. The university’s Specialist in School Psychology program is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists.

UNDERGRADUATE

2,707

he University of Houston–Victoria (UHV) has offered quality higher education at a great value since 1973. UHV students choose from more than fifty academic programs with a wide range of concentrations in faceto-face and online classes in the colleges of business, education and health professions, liberal arts and social sciences, and natural and applied science.

UHV’s main campus in Victoria is two hours from Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Corpus Christi. Tuition rates are among the lowest in Texas, and students benefit from customized financial aid.

In 2021, UHV opened a new science, technology, engineering, and mathematics building and UHV Northwest, an off-campus center to house athletics, the kinesiology program, classrooms, and regional business initiatives. Additionally, the university recently began the construction of a health and wellness center that is scheduled to open in 2025.

Students at the University of Houston–Victoria can choose from many popular majors, including digital gaming, criminal justice, accounting, management, kinesiology, nursing, and teaching.

Athletic programs compete in the Red River Athletic Conference, Association of Independent Institutions, and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.

TEAM NAME Crusaders/The Cru • MASCOT Crunk the Crusader • ADDRESS 900 College St., Belton, TX 76513 • WEBSITE UMHB.edu • PHONE 254-295-8642 • FACEBOOK University of Mary HardinBaylor • INSTAGRAM @UMHB • X @UMHB • YOUTUBE University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

TPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor has a 17:1 student-faculty ratio.

More than 95 percent of UMHB students receive some form of financial aid.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor has a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

2,810

he University of Mary HardinBaylor (UMHB) prepares students for lives of leadership, service, and faith-informed discernment in a global society. Academic excellence, personal attention, broad-based scholarship, and a Baptist vision for education have distinguished this Christcentered learning community for more than 179 years.

A welcoming, student-centered approach with a high standard of excellence continuously defines the core UMHB experience. Propelled by an unapologetically Christian commitment, the university is dedicated to helping students deepen their faith and integrate Christian perspectives into every dimension of life.

The University of Mary HardinBaylor offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 65 undergraduate majors, ten master’s degree programs, and two doctoral degrees. The university recently expanded its online offerings by launching several new programs that significantly broaden access to an UMHB education, regardless of location.

The Marek-Smith Center for Teacher Preparation, a groundbreaking 12,808-square-foot training facility to prepare general and special education majors for various academic environments, is officially open and will lead the way for special education training through innovative spaces that incorporate immersive, multisensory, and interactive equipment.

Construction continues on the university’s Jane and Mac Hickerson Crusader Golf Club for the UMHB men’s and women’s golf teams. The practice facility, which features four par four holes, five par three holes, and additional short-game practice areas, is now open. The clubhouse should be complete by the summer of 2025.

The university competes in sixteen sports in the American Southwest Conference of NCAA Division III. Since beginning intercollegiate athletics in 1979, the Cru has won over 65 conference championships.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS

TEAM NAME Mean Green • ADDRESS 1155 Union Circle, #311277, Denton, TX 76203-5017 WEBSITE UNT.edu • PHONE 940-565-2681 FACEBOOK NorthTexas • X @UNTSocial • INSTAGRAM @UNT

The University of North Texas (UNT) is a caring and creative community where students from all walks of life pursue their passions and tap into their imaginations to transform the world around them.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS AT DALLAS

TEAM NAME Trailblazers • ADDRESS 7300 University Hills Blvd., Dallas, TX 75241 • WEBSITE UNTDallas.edu • PHONE 972-780-3600 • EMAIL StudentSolutions@untdallas.edu • X + INSTAGRAM @UNTDallas • FACEBOOK +YOUTUBE UNTDallas • LINKEDIN university-of-north-texas-at-dallas

TPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Most degree options in the North Texas region, with 114 bachelor’s, 97 master’s, and 39 doctoral degrees.

Some 106 academic programs appear on the Top 100 lists from a variety of ranking entities, including U.S. News & World Report

More than $450 million in financial aid and scholarships are awarded annually.

The University of North Texas is a founding member of the Alliance for Hispanic-Serving Research Universities and a member of Presidents for Latino Student Success.

Denton is often recognized as one of the nation’s best college towns.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

34,275

For more than 130 years, UNT has served as a guiding star committed to ensuring students are supported with resources and opportunities to graduate career-ready so they can become the leaders of tomorrow. The University of North Texas makes student passions its purpose through 250 innovative degree programs spanning business, the arts, science, engineering, and more. Many degrees are offered at the flagship campus in Denton, at the UNT at Frisco branch campus, and globally online.

As a Carnegie-ranked Tier 1 research university, the University of North Texas invests in interdisciplinary research, leading to out-of-thebox collaborations and big breakthroughs. From additive manufacturing technology to artificial intelligence to integrated and intelligent mobility systems, UNT is a catalyst for creativity, fueling progress, innovation, and entrepreneurship for the North Texas region and beyond.

The University of North Texas boasts a wealth of intellectual and cultural diversity, with more than 476,000 alums worldwide, 2,100 outstanding faculty—including distinguished scholars, researchers, and artists widely known as experts in their fields—and nearly 47,000 students from 137 countries. The third-largest and fastest-growing university in Texas, UNT is designated a Minority- and Hispanic-Serving institution dedicated to inclusion and reflecting the population of Texas.

POINTS OF DISTINCTION

Money magazine ranked UNT Dallas first in North Texas in its 2023 “Best Colleges in America” report, citing the university’s diversity, value, and student outcomes. The student body is more than 80 percent Black and Hispanic.

U.S. News & World Report ranks UNT Dallas twentysecond overall among public universities and thirtieth for social mobility in its “Regional Universities–West” category.

UNT Dallas ranked the highest out of eleven North Texas colleges/universities on Washington Monthly’s list of “Best Bang for the Buck” colleges in the South region.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

2,948

he University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) is the only public, four-year university in Dallas. The university is committed to academic excellence, innovative experiential learning, and creating pathways to socioeconomic mobility for students.

A $100 million state-of-the-art STEM building is under construction to expand programs in healthcarespecific areas, including nursing. It is scheduled to open Spring 2026.

UNT Dallas offers the most affordable tuition plans in the Dallas region.

The university is part of the new Dallas Transfer Collaborative with Dallas College, providing easier and faster ways to move from community college into four-year degree programs.

Dedicated faculty members combine scholarship and real-world professional experience in business, education, child development and family studies, hospitality management, communication and digital media, criminal justice, biology, and more.

Valuable partnerships with nonprofit organizations, school districts, community colleges, and local businesses provide internship options and opportunities for post-graduate placement into the workforce. A new collaboration with Dallas ISD, the Teacher Residency Program, puts education students into elementary school classrooms for hands-on experience and a track to permanent teaching positions upon graduation.

The Trailblazer Elite program offers first-generation college students resources, support, and leadership opportunities. The Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership program provides students with paid summer internships at top Dallas area companies and organizations.

UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS

TEAM NAME Celts • ADDRESS 3800 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX 77006

WEBSITE STTHOM.edu • PHONE 713-525-3500 • FACEBOOK STTHOM

INSTAGRAM @StThomasHouston • X @StThomasHouston

IPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, UST offers personalized attention, fostering close mentorships between professors and students.

The university’s prime location in Houston provides valuable city connections, enhancing students’ experiences and opportunities.

The “Greater Things 2030” Strategic Vision sets a roadmap for UST’s future, aiming to establish it as a top Catholic university, enhance its global presence, and achieve financial sustainability. This vision underscores UST’s commitment to excellence, ethical focus, and community support, making it an attractive choice for students pursuing academic and personal growth.

The Princeton Review includes UST in its “2024 Best Colleges Region by Region.”

3,395

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON

TEAM NAME Mavericks • ADDRESS 701 S. Nedderman Dr., Arlington, TX 76019

WEBSITE UTA.edu • PHONE 817-272-2011

FACEBOOK UTArlington • X @UTArlington

n the heart of Houston, Texas, the University of St. Thomas (UST) offers a unique, innovative educational experience where students thrive both personally and professionally. With a twohundred-year legacy from its founders, the Basilian Fathers, UST combines rich heritage with breakthrough learning, enabling students to achieve remarkable success. The campus, nestled between Houston’s museum district and innovation corridor, provides a cosmopolitan and nurturing environment.

As Houston’s Catholic university, UST serves a diverse community with a growing global footprint. Students appreciate the university’s blend of educational excellence and faith-driven values, leading to record applications and enrollment. About 80 percent of students receive generous scholarships, making worldclass education accessible.

Learning at the University of St. Thomas extends beyond the classroom through internships, clinical rotations, and student research. The diverse student body, representing around forty countries, enhances the global competence gained on campus.

The University of St. Thomas offers more than forty undergraduate majors, 35 graduate degree programs, eight online associate degrees, and pre-professional programs, including health and law. The most popular undergraduate majors are nursing, psychology, business, finance, biology, and accounting.

Graduates from UST have a track record of finding meaningful work in a variety of settings.

POINTS OF DISTINCTION

Dedicated to providing a career-ready workforce, UTA awards more than 13,000 degrees annually.

UTA has more than 270,000 alums, including leaders at many of the 21 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas.

The Wall Street Journal named UTA the best public university in DFW in 2024. The College of Nursing and Health Innovation has one of the nation’s largest nursing programs.

UTA has one of the largest and most sophisticated planetariums in the state of Texas.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

32,980

As one of the largest and most diverse universities in Texas, The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is committed to student access and success and a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization of discoveries by a community of scholars.

UTA’s 41,000-plus students come from across the U.S. and more than one hundred countries. The university is ranked fifth nationally for its ethnically diverse undergraduate population by U.S. News & World Report. It is both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. In 2023, Military Times named UTA the best public university in the country for veterans and military members.

UT Arlington offers more than 180 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, as well as minors in subjects like commercial filmmaking and American Sign Language/Deaf Studies, and certifications in everything from teaching to commercial drone operating.

A Carnegie R1–Very High Research Activity university, UTA focuses on making an impact through innovative research in areas such as sustainable infrastructure, healthy aging, highenergy physics, cardiovascular disease, machine-learning systems, and more.

TEXAS TALK

Current and former students attending Texas colleges and universities share their tips and suggestions for how to live your best life in college.

Q. HOW DID YOU SELECT THE COLLEGE YOU ATTENDED?

A. I have lived in Texas my whole life, so I felt comfortable choosing somewhere near to my hometown. I knew I wanted to be in a big city, but I also wanted to stay in the South. SMU was a perfect fit.

Q. WHAT ENDED UP BEING THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF FRESHMAN YEAR?

A. It was difficult to make friends at first. I barely knew anyone, and I was in a new city much larger than where I grew up. Getting into the swing of things took a few months.

Q. WHAT WERE YOUR FAVORITE CLASSES AND WHY?

A. My intro to accounting courses. They helped me decide what I wanted to study. I had some great teachers at the beginning of my time at SMU, and they also inspired me to pursue accounting as my major.

Q. ANY TIPS FOR BALANCING ACADEMIC AND EXTRACURRICULARS?

A. Join all the extracurriculars you can. I made all my best friends through clubs and organizations. The earlier you join in your college career, the lighter your workload will be. That way, by the time you’re extremely busy you are already an established member of the organization or club.

Q. WHAT IS THE SINGLE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

A. Enjoy it! If I could relive the last four years, I would.

Q. IF YOU HAD TO DO COLLEGE ALL OVER AGAIN, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD APPROACH DIFFERENTLY?

A. I don’t really have any regrets. It was an amazing experience.

Located in southern Dallas, the University of North Texas at Dallas is the only four-year public university in the city. UNT Dallas offers career-ready bachelor’s and master’s degree programs from the Schools of Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Behavioral Health and Human Services, and Business. Our students benefit from small class sizes, rigorous academics, experiential learning, internship opportunities, and programs dedicated to the success of firstgeneration students.

In 2026, UNT Dallas will open its new, high-tech STEM Building with multiple teaching and research labs, a stateof-the-art instrumentation room, and a student STEM Center, all working together to help prepare the next generation of STEM professionals.

QUINN McCLANAHAN Southern Methodist University

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS

TEAM NAME Longhorns • ADDRESS One University Station, Austin, TX 78712 • WEBSITE utexas.edu

PHONE 512-471-3434 • FACEBOOK UTAustinTX • INSTAGRAM @UTAustinTX • X @UTAustin

LINKEDIN School/The-University-of-Texas-at-Austin/ • YOUTUBE UTAustin

APOINTS OF DISTINCTION

According to U.S. News & World Report , UT ranked ninth among all U.S. public universities and was named a “New Ivy” by Forbes.

UT covers the full cost of tuition and fees for families with adjusted gross earnings of up to $65,000 and offers need-based aid for families with adjusted gross earnings of up to $125,000.

According to U.S. News & World Report , UT ranks in the top twenty for “Best Value,” “Internships,” Making an Impact,” “Innovation,” and “Study Abroad Opportunities.”

Well-known alumni include Matthew McConaughey, Kevin Durant, Owen Wilson, and Neil deGrasse Tyson.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

43,165

The University of Texas at Austin (UT) is the flagship university of The University of Texas System and the No. 1 public university in the state. Founded in 1883, it offers top national programs across nineteen colleges and schools and boasts the largest undergraduate research program in the country.

The UT community embraces our tagline, “What starts here changes the world.” We do this by contributing to the development of vaccines against COVID-19, building the world’s fastest supercomputers, founding companies like Dell Computers and American Airlines, and taking the world stage in entertainment and athletics.

Beyond academics, students experience a vibrant campus life with over 1,200 student organizations, robust student support programs, and unmatched school spirit while living in the heart of the ninth “Best City in the Nation,” according to U.S. News & World Report

UT was named the best athletics program in the country in 2024 and recently joined the Southeastern Conference. Student-athletes have won more than sixty national championships and over 170 Olympic medals.

The renowned Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs and the newly founded School of Civic Leadership now offer undergraduate programs starting in fall 2025.

TEAM NAME Comets • ADDRESS 800 W. Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75081

WEBSITE UTDallas.edu • PHONE 972-883-2270 • FACEBOOK UTDallas

INSTAGRAM @UT_Dallas • YOUTUBE UTDallasComets

TPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

UTD is ranked third among all Texas public universities by U.S. News & World Report

All 21 Fortune 500 businesses located in Dallas–Fort Worth employ UTD alums.

About eight thousand UTD students live on or immediately adjacent to campus.

Nearly seven thousand international students from almost one hundred countries call UTD home.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

21,404

he University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) is booming in size and impact. As one of the top research universities in Texas, UTD offers highly ranked business, engineering, and science programs while also providing a breadth of highly distinctive educational paths across seven schools.

A diverse student body of about 30,000 benefits from academic rigor and social opportunities on a residential campus known for striking architecture and access to the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. The university benefits from the support of the UT System and aligns with other institutions, corporations, and nonprofits to offer students an array of learning, service, and internship opportunities.

Undergraduates work with distinguished researchers, and many academic areas provide fast-track options that allow students to earn advanced degrees by taking graduate-level courses while earning a bachelor’s degree. High-performing students apply to one of several programs within the Wildenthal Honors College dedicated to promoting excellence in undergraduate education. In the past decade, UTD has invested more than $1 billion in improvements, with more than 400,000 square feet of dedicated student space under construction. In 2024, the O’Donnell Athenaeum heralded a new era of the arts on campus, including a second location for the Crow Museum of Asian Art, a performance hall, and a planned museum for traditional arts of the Americas.

In fall 2025, UTD Comets will compete in NCAA Division II across fifteen men’s and women’s sports in the Lone Star Conference.

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS PERMIAN BASIN

TEAM NAME Miners • ADDRESS 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX 79968

WEBSITE UTEP.edu • PHONE 915-747-5000

FACEBOOK UTEP-The University of Texas at El Paso • X @UTEP • INSTAGRAM @UTEP_miners

TPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Twenty UTEP faculty members are included in the latest Stanford-Elsevier ranking of the world’s most cited researchers and those who are among the top 2 percent within their specialty areas.

UTEP is ranked in the top 5 percent of institutions nationally for research and fourth in Texas for federal research expenditures at public universities.

As of 2024, UTEP’s nursing licensing exam pass rate is 94.6 percent, above the national average of 88.6 percent.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

21,118

he University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is America’s leading Hispanic-serving university, with a student body that’s more than 84 percent Hispanic. UTEP’s 25,000 students choose from 170 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.

More than 75 percent of undergraduates receive financial aid each year, and in many cases, UTEP covers the full cost of tuition.

Research opportunities abound for both undergraduate and graduate students in fields ranging from additive manufacturing and aerospace to cancer treatment, water desalination, and Hispanic health disparities. A new 98,000-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace Center, opening in 2025, will support a new bachelor’s degree in aerospace and aeronautical engineering.

In addition to research, the university provides students with opportunities for development beyond the classroom, including unique, binational community engagement in both the U.S. and Mexico, study abroad, on-campus employment, and leadership development. These experiences increase confidence and equip students with a competitive edge when they graduate and enter the workforce.

With more than two hundred student organizations, Division I athletics, and thousands of student activities each year, UTEP’s iconic campus offers the full college experience. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Franklin Mountains in the Chihuahuan Desert, UTEP is located at the heart of the U.S.-Mexico border. UTEP’s buildings are designed in a Bhutanese architectural style, and UTEP has a unique, longstanding relationship with the Kingdom of Bhutan.

With more than three hundred days of sunshine, friendly people, delicious cuisine, and stunning outdoor experiences, there’s always something to do in the Sun City.

TEAM NAME Falcons • ADDRESS 4901 E. University Blvd., Odessa, TX 79762

WEBSITE UTPB.edu • PHONE 432-552-2020 • FACEBOOK UTPermianBasin • X @UTPB INSTAGRAM @UTPB • LINKEDIN School/University-of-Texas-of-the-Permian-Basin

TPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

The new Falcon Free tuition assistance program allows students from households earning an annual income of $100,000 or less to earn their degrees without the burden of loans.

UTPB proudly holds the designations of a HispanicServing Institution and a Minority-Serving Institution.

A remarkable 74 percent of UTPB students receive financial aid.

UTPB is ranked as the second “Most Affordable College” in Texas by AffordableSchools.net.

The Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center is recognized as one of the top performing arts venues worldwide.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

4,654

he Permian Basin is one of the country’s fastest-growing, culturally vibrant, and economically invigorated regions. At the academic heart of this revitalized area sits the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB), which delivers leaders every year into the Basin and across the United States.

With nearly 7,500 students, UTPB is more than just a four-year university—it’s a launchpad for careers. Through robust internship programs and strong industry partnerships, the University ensures its graduates are well-prepared after graduation. UTPB’s commitment to innovation is evident as the campus is currently undergoing a $100 million transformation, enhancing the ways students, faculty, staff, and the wider community engage with the university.

In the past four years, the University of Texas Permian Basin has made significant strides in its facilities, including opening a state-of-the-art engineering building and the D. Kirk Edwards Family Human Performance Center. This 63,000-squarefoot facility is home to the exercise science department and athletic training program and includes toptier classrooms, labs, and locker rooms for the football and women’s soccer teams.

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY

TEAM NAME Vaqueros • ADDRESSES One West University Blvd., Brownsville, TX 78520; 1201 West University Dr., Edinburg, TX 78539-2999; 2102 Treasure Hills Blvd., Harlingen, TX 78550 • WEBSITE UTRGV.edu • PHONE 888-882-4026 • FACEBOOK UTRGV X+INSTAGRAM @UTRGV • YOUTUBE UTRGVedu • LINKEDIN School/The-University-of-Texas-Rio-Grande-Valley

POINTS OF DISTINCTION

The UTRGV Luminary Scholarship program offers some of the brightest incoming first-year college students a transformative opportunity. Students receive up to four years of full tuition and two years of room and board. Scholars continuing their education at UTRGV can benefit from a graduate or professional degree, including the UTRGV School of Medicine and School of Podiatric Medicine, which are tuition-free.

Washington Monthly’s 2024 recognition of UTRGV includes first-place rankings for “Lowest Net Price of Attendance Among Texas Universities,” “Top Social Mobility for Students Among Texas Universities,” and “Top Performance of Pell Grant Students Among Texas Universities.”

F or the second consecutive year, Washington Monthly has ranked the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) as the top university in Texas. Many factors contribute to this prestigious recognition, including UTRGV’s ability to offer students an affordable, highquality education.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a dynamic learning environment featuring over 125 undergraduate and graduate degrees spanning the arts and sciences. High-ranking programs include engineering, health professions, marine biology, and international business. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, UTRGV is home to internationally recognized folkloric arts programs and extensive Latino and Hispanic studies.

UTRGV’s School of Medicine trains future leaders in medical education, research, and patient care, with over four hundred students in nineteen hospital-based programs throughout the region. Since 2022, the School of Podiatric Medicine—the first and only in Texas—has been preparing podiatric medicine students to deliver compassionate foot care. Together, they make the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley a leader in medical training across Texas and beyond.

Admitted undergraduate students from households earning an annual income of $125,000 or less may qualify to receive the UTRGV Tuition Advantage grant, a program fully covering tuition and mandatory fees. This grant is partially why Vaqueros graduate with little to no student debt.

It’s an exciting time to be part of UTRGV and join the future of Texas!

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER

TEAM NAME Roadrunners • ADDRESS One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249

WEBSITE UTSA.edu • PHONE 210-458-4011• FACEBOOK UTSA X @UTSA • INSTAGRAM @UTSA

TPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

UTSA is home to five campuses: Main, Downtown, Hemisfair, Park West, and Southwest.

San Antonio is the nation’s seventh-largest city and the second-largest city in Texas.

U.S. News and World Report placed UTSA Online in the top quarter of all online bachelor’s degree programs. It jumped from No. 246 in 2021 to No. 85 in 2023 for an overall 65 percent increase in rank in two years.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

30,890

he University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is a Tier 1 research university and a HispanicServing Institution that is fueling workforce and economic development across Texas. With nearly 36,000 students, it is the largest university in the San Antonio metropolitan region.

The university offers 187 degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels in business, education and human development, engineering and integrated design, liberal and fine arts, sciences, and health, community, and policy. Students are taught by nationally recognized faculty members. Ninety-nine percent of UTSA’s full-time tenured and tenuretrack faculty members hold doctorates or equivalent terminal degrees.

UTSA is reshaping the academic landscape with a new college dedicated to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computing, data science, and related disciplines. Nearly six thousand students are enrolled in these degree programs at the university.

The University of Texas at San Antonio is nationally recognized for its ability to advance the social mobility of its graduates. It is a major supplier of talent for the city’s workforce. The university aims for 75 percent of its undergraduates to participate in experiential learning before graduation. These valuable experiences prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and insight to navigate the workplace and build successful careers.

In 2025, UTSA is slated to merge with UT Health San Antonio under the UTSA name. The merged institution will bring UTSA and UT Health San Antonio’s academic, research, and clinical strengths together to build a unified and profoundly impactful urban-serving university of the future. The merged institution is expected to be the third-largest public research university in Texas, with 40,000 students, 15,900 employees, and $467 million in annual research spending.

TEAM NAME Patriots • ADDRESS 3900 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75799

WEBSITE UTTyler.edu • PHONE 800-UT-TYLER

FACEBOOK UTTyler • INSTAGRAM @UTTyler • X @UTTyler

LPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

The UT Tyler Patriots Softball team won the 2024 NCAA Division II National Championship with a perfect 10-0 National Tournament record.

UT Tyler enrolled its second class of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) students in July 2024. Due to generous gifts, the first two med school classes receive four-year scholarships to cover full tuition.

In 2024, UT Tyler’s School of Nursing added 47,000 square feet of state-of-the-art simulation and skills lab spaces to prepare students to thrive in rewarding nursing careers.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

7,684

ocated on over three hundred acres, The University of Texas at Tyler (UT Tyler) features a parklike setting with Harvey Lake at its center. A comprehensive public institution with a supportive campus community, UT Tyler makes it easy for students to discover their future and elevate their education through life-changing academics, top-tier research, and advanced healthcare delivery.

The university offers more than ninety undergraduate and graduate programs, including new marketing insights and finance degrees, to more than 10,000 students. Handson learning and real-world problemsolving are hallmarks of a UT Tyler education.

UT Tyler offers bachelor’s degree programs in nursing, management and marketing, and engineering. It also provides doctoral programs in medicine, clinical psychology, nursing, nursing practice, pharmacy, education, and human resource development.

More than two thousand students live on campus in eight residential facilities. The University Center offers multiple dining options, including Chick-fil-A and Subway, as well as a campus bookstore. The Muntz Library features a brand-new, full-service Starbucks.

Students take full advantage of the beauty and vibrancy of East Texas, enjoying outdoor recreational adventures, arts, entertainment, shopping, and dining. More than one hundred student organizations on campus, including an active Greek community, build life-long connections. Student-athletes compete on seventeen men’s and women’s teams in NCAA Division II.

UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Cardinals • ADDRESS 4301 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209

WEBSITE UIW.edu • PHONE 800-749-WORD • INSTAGRAM @UIWCardinals

FACEBOOK UIWCardinals • X @UIWCardinals

FPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

According to 2021 IPEDS Completions Survey Data, UIW is first in the nation among Catholic universities graduating Hispanic students with bachelor’s degrees.

UIW is a proud HispanicServing Institution. More than 50 percent of the student body has Hispanic or Latino heritage.

UIW is a member of the Yellow Ribbon Program and has been named among the leading institutions for veterans and the military by Military Times

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

4,545

or more than 140 years, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) has paved the way for students to reach their academic dreams. It consistently ranks among the top schools for veterans and is first in the nation among faith-based universities granting bachelor’s degrees to Hispanic students.

UIW was founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. The largest Catholic university in Texas, UIW’s eleven schools, colleges, and health professions offer more than ninety undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations, and over twenty graduate and doctoral programs.

UIW’s mission is to educate men and women to become concerned and enlightened global citizens. Students study abroad through more than 140 sister schools around the world, including two campuses in Mexico, one in UIW–Strasbourg in France, and many faculty-led programs.

UIW’s five health professions schools attract talented, diverse faculty and students in pharmacy, nursing, optometry, osteopathic medicine, and physical therapy.

UIW’s 23 athletic teams play across fourteen different sports in NCAA Division I’s Southland Conference. More than ninety student organizations make for an active campus life built on a foundation of faith and service. UIW is proud to be a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.

TEAM NAME Pioneers and the Flying Queens • ADDRESS 1900 W. 7th St., Plainview, TX 79072

WEBSITE WBU.edu • FACEBOOK Wayland Baptist University X @WaylandBaptist • INSTAGRAM @waylandbaptistuniversity

EPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

Wayland has eight academic schools and a new state-ofthe-art Mabee Laboratory Science building, part of the renamed Kenneth L. Mattox School of Mathematics and Sciences.

Alum Tamyra Mensah-Stock is a 2020 Olympic gold medalist in Women’s Wrestling.

Wayland is an All-Steinway School and an innovator in piano education.

Wayland offers a scholarship program for law enforcement personnel.

Wayland is a Military Friendly School and Military Spouse Friendly School.

Wayland is recognized by U.S. News & World Report for racial diversity.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

2,090

stablished in 1908, Wayland Baptist University extends beyond its eighty-acre residential campus in Plainview, Texas, with non-traditional campuses in San Antonio, the Rio Grande Valley, Lubbock, Amarillo, Wichita Falls, and other locations nationwide.

Wayland’s 11:1 student-faculty ratio fosters academic success, providing hands-on education through close interaction with professors. Recognized as a leader in undergraduate research, WBU offers unique opportunities in math and sciences, humanities, leadership, business, and other fields.

Wayland offers 104 undergraduate majors, 57 master’s programs, doctoral programs in strategic leadership and management, thirteen graduate-level certificate programs, and two doctoral certificates. The Mieth School of Nursing is a growing part of the San Antonio campus, and there is a dual degree program in mathematics and engineering. Wayland graduates succeed. All but 13 percent are employed or enrolled in graduate school one year after graduation.

With nineteen intercollegiate athletics programs, Wayland champions succeed on the court and in the classroom. The Flying Queens basketball program holds the record for the most consecutive wins by a women’s or men’s basketball team. The program is enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, along with legendary coach Harley Redin. Recent additions to Wayland’s athletic programs include softball and beach volleyball.

Wayland is where meaningful relationships are built around collaboration, common academic and social interests, and opportunities to excel.

WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY WILEY UNIVERSITY

TEAM NAME Buffaloes (Buffs and Lady Buffs) • ADDRESS 2403 Russell Long Blvd., Canyon, TX 79016 • WEBSITE WTAMU.edu, GoBuffsGo.com and BuffAlum.com

PHONE 806-651-2000 • FACEBOOK WTAMU • INSTAGRAM @WTAMU • X @WTAMU

West Texas A&M University (WT) is a regional research university that redefines excellence by transmitting insights and ideas from the Texas Panhandle to rural communities across the nation and the world.

TEAM NAME Wildcats • ADDRESS 711 Wiley Ave., Marshall, TX 75670

WEBSITE WileyC.edu • PHONE 903-927-3300 • FACEBOOK Wiley University INSTAGRAM @Wileycollege1873 • TIKTOK @wileyuniversity1873

WPOINTS OF DISTINCTION

WT has six colleges and a graduate school, offering 59 undergraduate degree programs and more than forty graduate degrees, including two doctoral degrees.

WT is home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state.

WT offers hundreds of student organizations for personal enrichment, numerous personalized services to enhance academic success, and fourteen men’s and women’s athletic programs, many of which are nationally competitive.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

6,930

Research at WT focuses on areas as diverse as rural education, environmental issues in Palo Duro Canyon, feed yard performance, and Copper Clean to protect surfaces from viruses and bacteria. .

As a Hispanic-Serving Institution since 2016 and one of 53 U.S. institutions recognized for advancing firstgeneration students, WT offers many reasons to apply, enroll, attend, experience, and graduate.

WT was named the safest campus in Texas in 2020 and one of the “Top Ten Safest Campuses in the U.S.” by YourLocalSecurity.com. WT is committed to remaining affordable and accessible through the Buff Promise and more than $32 million in scholarships and grants. WT employees and their eligible immediate family members receive 50 percent off tuition and mandatory fees, among the most generous benefits any state college or university in Texas offers. WT was designated as a best-value university in the U.S., earning thirty awards for individual programs, and was awarded nine best program rankings from U.S. News & World Report WT has also been nationally recognized by Money and Fortune magazines.

POINTS OF DISTINCTION

An open-admissions university, Wiley offers financial aid to about 96 percent of students.

The university’s popular business degree has an entrepreneurial focus.

Wiley is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), competing in the HBCU Athletic Conference and the Continental Athletic Conference. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, and track and field. Women’s sports include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track and field, and volleyball.

Wiley has a weekly chapel and Sunday vespers services.

UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT

1,172

iley University, formerly known as Wiley College, is a premier liberal arts institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church dedicated to fostering social good and leadership. The university continues to build on its legacy of strength and excellence as one of the first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) west of the Mississippi.

Founded by the Freedman’s Aid Society in 1873 to train teachers for careers in African American elementary and secondary schools, Wiley today offers fifteen degree programs from four schools: business, social science, education, and science. Wiley encourages students to connect what they learn in the classroom with service to the world beyond, creating a path of excellence marked by honor and recognition.

Students of all races and many nationalities find Wiley and its intimate Marshall campus a welcoming place. The amenities of Dallas and Shreveport are close by, while the campus provides for intellectual growth away from the distractions of big city life.

Wiley offers three fully online degree programs. Its Student Success Center positively impacts the achievement and persistence of new, transfer, returning, and adult students through tailored advising and coaching. Through the university’s partnership with the UNCF Career Pathways Initiative and the Strada Education Network, students earn certifications and receive hands-on and guided career planning to help them stay on track and persist in earning their college degree.

Thanks to the success of the movie The Great Debaters in 2007, the historic Wiley debate program was reestablished and has twice won the Overall Sweepstakes Championship at the prestigious Pi Kappa Delta National Comprehensive Tournament.

The List Goes On

NAVARRO COLLEGE

ADDRESS 3200 W. 7th Ave., Corsicana, TX 75110 • WEBSITE NavarroCollege.edu

PHONE 1-800-NAVARRO • FACEBOOK Navarro College • X @NavarroCollege

INSTAGRAM @NavarroCollege • LINKEDIN Navarro College

You come to Navarro College wanting more. More than learning a skill. More than earning a degree or certificate. You come dreaming of a better life.

TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE

ADDRESS 3801 Campus Drive, Waco, TX 76705 • WEBSITE TSTC.edu

PHONE 254-799-3611 • FACEBOOK TSTCproud • X @TSTCproud

INSTAGRAM @tstcedu • LINKEDIN Texas-State-Technical-College

APOINTS OF DISTINCTION

100+ associate degree programs, 20+ fully online degree programs, and four bachelor’s degree programs.

Four convenient locations in Ellis, Navarro, Freestone, Limestone, and Leon counties.

We take that charge very seriously. To help you get there, we start by reaching you where you are—physically, educationally, financially.

Four campuses and many online options, along with day and evening classes, make Navarro College adaptable to just about any lifestyle.

Meeting you where you are also means keeping within your budget. With tuition less than half of our university counterparts’ and millions of dollars in aid and scholarships available, Navarro College should prove well within your financial reach.

Your specific path through Navarro College depends on your interests. Our advisors and online tools can help you navigate our 100-plus degrees and certificate programs, turning your passions into something tangible, something extraordinary: a fulfilling and rewarding career.

We have as many dreams here as we do students, and they come in every variety: high school grads, veterans, single moms, factory workers, jocks, artists, geeks, book worms, and retirees from every race, ethnicity, and age. Together, we create a supportive learning environment and a sense of belonging for those who want to build a better future while staying close to home and for others on their way from here to everywhere.

POINTS OF DISTINCTION

Returned-value funding formula.

Money-back guarantee on selected programs.

High placement rates.

t Texas State Technical College (TSTC), we’re not just training students; we’re shaping the future of Texas’s workforce. Our mission is clear: to place more Texans in great-paying jobs.

Why TSTC? Innovative Funding Model: We’re committed to your success. Our unique, outcomes-based funding model means we only get paid when you get hired.

Money-back Guarantee: We’re so confident in our programs that we offer a Money-Back Guarantee on select high-demand fields. If you don’t land a job in your field within six months of graduation and you meet the requirements, we’ll refund your tuition.

Real-world Training: Our faculty brings real-world experience to the classroom, and our state-of-the-art facilities provide hands-on training with industry-standard equipment.

Strong Industry Partnerships: We work closely with industry leaders to ensure our programs align with current and future workforce needs.

We have eleven campus locations across Texas: Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood, East Williamson County, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, New Braunfels, North Texas, Sweetwater, and Waco, plus online options.

TSTC offers a wide range of programs in high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing, energy, healthcare, IT, and transportation.

Join the thousands of TSTC graduates who have found fulfilling careers. Your future starts here. Visit TSTC.edu today to learn more and start your journey.

TEXAS TALK

Current and former students attending Texas colleges and universities share their tips and suggestions for how to live your best life in college.

Q. WHEN YOU WERE CONSIDERING COLLEGE, WHAT WAS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU?

A. Opportunities for interdisciplinary studies, the ability to change majors easily, and the opportunity to create your own projects, and learn by doing. I did not want to make a decision when I was 17 that I wouldn’t have a chance to change.

Q. WHAT ENDED UP BEING THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF FRESHMAN YEAR AND WHY?

A. Getting used to managing my schedule since there is a lot more freedom than in high school.

Q. WHAT WERE YOUR FAVORITE CLASSES AND WHY?

A. The final courses I took in my major—they are the culmination of everything I’d done until that point, and my classmates and I were completely engaged.

Q. WHAT WAS YOUR MAJOR?

A. When I arrived at Rice, I wanted to work in policy. I began as a bioengineering student in order to build my background knowledge, but ultimately switched to history because it allowed me to develop research skills and take advantage of resources across the university more easily.

Q. ANY TIPS FOR BALANCING ACADEMICS AND EXTRACURRICULARS?

A. The purpose of both academics and extracurriculars is to develop the skills that will be useful to you after college. It is important not to treat one of them less importantly just because no one is assigning you a grade on it.

Q. HOW WAS GETTING TO KNOW YOUR PROFESSORS OR INSTRUCTORS BENEFICIAL?

A. No one knows the resources available to students better than the professors.

ADRIAN ALMY Rice University

YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED!

YOU’VE APPLIED TO COLLEGE and are awaiting those first responses. What if you don’t get in? What if you do ? Chances are you will be accepted to more than one institute of higher learning. No doubt, you’ll have to make some difficult decisions as you kick off your academic career at a Texas university or college. Taking your time to carefully consider your options will go a long way toward helping you make the right choice for you. Consider these steps for what to do next.

2

CONSIDER THE COSTS

Attending college is more than just tuition costs: there are housing and dining fees, transportation costs, books and student fees—it all adds up. Make a spreadsheet to track each of your top choice schools’ costs and features. With your family, have an open discussion about your financial situation and who will pay for what. Review scholarship and aid offers, including grants and loans. Don’t hesitate to contact the colleges to ask questions if you are unsure what all of the actual costs will be. Always read the fine print on any loan offers before accepting them.

1

WEIGH YOUR OPTIONS

Applied to more than one college? Wait for all of your acceptance letters to arrive before you make a decision. Carefully review each acceptance package and note important response deadlines. Check your online portals every few days and make sure to check emails if you are anxious about a particular college’s offer. Note that most colleges have a May 1st deadline for you to accept or turn down their offer, but not all.

3

VISIT THE SCHOOLS

If you have not already had the opportunity to take a campus tour of the schools you are most interested in, now is the time. You are looking to discover the culture of the school and to experience the atmosphere for yourself. (Check with the admissions department to see if tours are also available online.) If you cannot travel to the school, pour over the university’s website and review course offerings, degrees, and campus life details.

University of Houston
Stephen F. Austin State University
Texas Woman’s University

TEXAS TALK

Current and former students attending Texas colleges and universities share their tips and suggestions for how to live your best life in college.

Q. WHEN YOU WERE CONSIDERING COLLEGE, WHAT WAS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU?

A. While applying to college I was unsure of what I wanted to pursue. I thought I might go down the track of engineering or architecture, but I knew I wouldn’t be sure until I started taking classes. Because of this, it was important to me to go to a college that gave me the freedom to try out different things before committing to my major, so I ended up applying mostly to liberal arts colleges, and ultimately decided on Trinity University. At Trinity, I had the flexibility to try out classes in several different fields before declaring my major at the end of my sophomore year.

Q. ANY TIPS FOR BALANCING ACADEMIC AND EXTRACURRICULARS?

A. I personally believe that the key to staying mentally healthy in college is to participate in extracurriculars that bring you joy. It’s important not to overfill your plate—you know what’s best for you and overwhelming yourself with extracurriculars may take the joy out of them. However, participating in club sports and music ensembles forced me to take a break from my academics and spend time doing what I love, and the friends and memories I made through those activities will last me a lifetime. Just know that taking breaks to do the things that bring you joy will never be a waste of time.

Q. WHAT IS YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH INCOMING FRESHMAN?

A. Get involved! Joining my school’s chamber choir, vocal studio, opera workshop, and club soccer team not only provided me with breaks from academic stress, but also gave me wonderful travel experiences, some of my best friends, and many of my favorite memories from college. Colleges have so many opportunities and experiences available through different departments and student organizations, so definitely take part in those while you’re there!

OLIVIA BOWNESS Trinity University

4

GO WITH YOUR GUT

After talking to family, friends, former students, your high school guidance counselor, key teachers, and anyone else whose opinion matters to you, you’ll have to pick one school to say “yes” to. Gather all of the feedback, including your own, and choose the school that makes the best sense for you—only you truly know where you want to spend your college years. After making your choice, find all of the necessary acceptance paperwork and fill it out completely. You’ve just secured your spot as an incoming freshman!

6

FOCUS ON HIGH SCHOOL

You’ve secured your spot in the freshman class at your chosen university. Time to party, right? Well, not quite. Don’t neglect to finish high school! Many colleges will ask to see your final transcript, so be sure to keep the momentum going through graduation. A bad grade or poor attendance could affect your status with your chosen university. Stay involved in extracurriculars and keep up your grades until that rewarding moment when you finally walk the stage and secure that high school diploma.

Don’t rush into any decisions and contact your schools if you have questions or need more time to make your final choice. Many people say that they ended up where they felt they should be. Take heart that your choice will be the right one to help you realize your dreams.

5 CONTACT

REJECTED SCHOOLS

Don’t forget to also contact all of the colleges you will not be attending. Most colleges include a rejection form in their packets for prospective students, which you can mail back to them if you decide not to attend that school. It is common courtesy as well as expected that you will let them know you are passing on their offer; this way they can send out acceptance letters to other students who may be on a waiting list.

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Concordia University Texas
Dallas Baptist University

Benjamin K., Bachelor’s in Business Management

START YOUR JOURNEY TO A LIFE OF PURPOSE

at St. Mary’s University

Renowned for academic excellence and committed faculty, St. Mary’s University equips graduates to excel professionally and live purposefully. This holistic approach, combined with a welcoming stance toward diverse beliefs, makes St. Mary’s a compelling choice for those seeking a transformative education and impactful careers.

“St. Mary’s is an excellent place to do research on yourself. You have the opportunity to sit down and really digest who you are and what your potential is in different fields. It’s all about attaching knowledge to your own sense of duty.”

www.stmarytx.edu

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