Texas is home to several nationally and globally ranked universities, making it an excellent destination for indian and international students. According to U.S. News 2025 state rankings, Rice University is one of the top universities in Texas, followed by the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University. Other standouts include Baylor, SMU, and Trinity University. UT Dallas also ranks highly for business (#18 nationally). These universities offer excellent programs in engineering, business, health sciences, and liberal arts, all within an affordable environment with strong scholarship support and vibrant student communities.
Why Study in Texas?
Texas is a top US study destination due to its high-ranking universities, diverse study options, lower living costs, and strong career networks.
According to U.S. News 2025 rankings, Rice leads the state, while UT Austin and Texas A&M also rank among the best nationally- confirming Texas’s position as a leading education hub. With strong support for international students, practical course offerings, and internship opportunities in major cities, Texas offers both quality and value.
- Top in-state rankings: Rice (#1), UT Austin (#2), Texas A&M (#3), Baylor (#4), SMU (#5), Trinity (#6 among liberal arts)
- Top National Rankings: UT Austin ranks #30 among all U.S. universities and #7 among public universities; Rice ranks #18; Texas A&M ranks #51 in chemical engineering
- Cost & ROI: Texas cities offer lower costs than coastal metros, with strong university reputations and job placement records
- Industry Access: Internship and research pathways in tech (Austin/Dallas), energy (College Station/Houston), and healthcare (Houston)
Top Universities in Texas for 2025
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the most popular and globally ranked universities in Texas, with QS rankings, city info, and standout programs:
| University | City | TX Rank | U.S. Rank | Top Fields |
| Rice University | Houston | 1 | #18 (National Univ.) | STEM, Business, Research |
| University of Texas at Austin | Austin | 2 | #30 (National Univ.) | Engineering, Business, Research |
| Texas A&M University | College Station | 3 | #51 (Chemical Engg ranking) | Engineering, Agriculture, Research |
| Baylor University | Waco | 4 | #91 (National Univ.) | Health, Psychology, Law |
| Southern Methodist Univ (SMU) | Dallas | 5 | — | Law, Business, Social Sciences |
| Trinity University | San Antonio | 6 (Liberal Arts) | #40 (Liberal Arts college) | Arts, Business, Innovation |
| University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson | — | #18 (Business School) | STEM, Analytics, Business |
1. Rice University
Rice is ranked #1 in Texas and #18 among national universities, celebrated for its small class sizes, strong research culture, and STEM excellence.
Rice’s excellence includes bioengineering, physics, and business programs. It consistently ranks high for value and teaching quality and offers generous scholarships.
- State Rank: #1 (TX)
- National Rank: #18 (U.S. Univ.)
- Known for: STEM excellence, small class sizes, strong scholarships
2. University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)
UT Austin is #2 in Texas and #30 among U.S. universities, recognized for its public flagship status and top engineering and business programs.
A leading institution especially for engineering via Cockrell and business via McCombs, UT Austin ranks #7 among public universities.
- State Rank: #2
- National Rank: #30, Public Rank: #7
- Known for: Cockrell School of Engineering, McCombs School of Business, strong research funding
3. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M is #3 in Texas, with a #51 ranking in national chemical engineering; known for large-scale public research and hands-on learning.
It emphasizes petroleum engineering, agriculture, and veterinary programs and benefits from extensive research funding and alumni influence.
- State Rank: #3
- National Specialty: #51 (Chemical Engineering)
- Known for: R1 research, agri‑veterinary programs, extensive alumni network
4. Baylor University
Baylor is #4 in Texas and ranked #91 nationally, distinguished for health sciences, psychology, and teaching excellence.
A Christian-affiliated university recognized for its undergraduate teaching quality and innovation.
- State Rank: #4
- National Rank: #91
- Known for: Health programs, strong faculty support, Baptist affiliation
5. Southern Methodist University (SMU)
SMU is #5 in Texas, known for its strong offerings in law, business, and economics with close industry links in Dallas.
A private institution focused on student outcomes through internships and small class sizes.
- State Rank: #5
- Known for: Law, Economics, Political Science, internships in Dallas
6. Trinity University
Trinity is #6 in Texas and ranks #40 nationally among liberal arts colleges; praised for its small classes and liberal-arts education.
The university fosters small cohort learning with strong student-to-faculty interaction and excellent graduate outcomes.
- State Rank: #6
- National Liberal Arts Rank: #40
- Known for: Arts, business innovation, small class sizes
7. University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas)
UT Dallas has top business programs, ranking #18 nationally, and offers strong STEM education in a growing tech hub.
UT Dallas is especially noted for business analytics, data science, and computer science, with strong career placement.
- Known for: STEM, Business Analytics, strong job placement
- Business: #18 nationally
Conclusion
Integrating U.S. News rankings confirms Texas’s status as an education powerhouse. With Rice (#18), UT Austin (#30), and Texas A&M (#51 in chemical engineering), the state offers world-class choices. Baylor, SMU, Trinity, and UT Dallas add strong educational variety- all within affordable, supportive environments ideal for international students.
Considering studying in Texas? Reach out to Stubard today for personalized consultations, scholarship planning, and complete application support. Let us guide you to your perfect university fit!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the number one university in Texas according to U.S. News?
Rice University ranks as the top university in Texas in 2025, according to U.S. News, holding the #1 state rank and #18 nationally.
2. Is the University of Texas at Austin a good university?
Yes, UT Austin is one of the best public universities in the U.S., ranked #2 in Texas and #30 nationally in the 2025 U.S. News rankings.
3. Which Texas university has the best engineering programs?
UT Austin and Texas A&M are top choices. UT Austin’s Cockrell School is nationally ranked, while Texas A&M ranks #51 in chemical engineering.
4. What is the best private university in Texas?
Rice University is the best private university in Texas. It is known for its academic rigor, low student-to-faculty ratio, and high national ranking (#18).
5. Is Texas A&M University good for international students?
Yes, Texas A&M offers strong research programs, large campus support services, and a diverse student population, making it ideal for international students.
6. Which Texas university is best for business studies?
The University of Texas at Dallas ranks #18 in the U.S. for its business school, making it a strong pick for business and analytics programs.
7. Are Texas universities affordable for Indian students?
Many public universities in Texas, like Texas A&M and UT Dallas, offer lower tuition rates compared to coastal states and also provide scholarships.
8. What is the ranking of Baylor University?
Baylor ranks #4 in Texas and #91 among national universities in the U.S. News 2025 rankings, with strengths in health sciences and psychology.
9. Which university in Texas offers the best student life?
UT Austin is known for its vibrant student life, with 1,300+ student organizations, music festivals, and cultural events in the heart of Austin city.
10. What is the best liberal arts college in Texas?
Trinity University ranks #40 nationally among liberal arts colleges and holds the #6 spot in Texas, known for its personalized learning and academic excellence.