collageFor non-natives of Texas, Dallas may seem like a confusing area because it is often associated with its neighbor Fort Worth. That is because most outsiders don’t fully understand the scale of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex that includes many surrounding cities and suburbs.
The sheer size of this area places it as the fourth largest metroplex in the country and the largest in Texas! Because of its size, Dallas goes big when it comes to business, faith, and culture. Not only is the area home to 22 Fortune 500 companies, it also has one of the largest concentrations of megachurches in Texas. A visit to the inner city of Dallas or Fort Worth will unveil a wide range of cultural sights that include the African American Museum, the Dallas Zoo, the Fort Worth Stockyards, and Six Flags.
Get more information regarding Best Colleges In Dallas, best colleges in dallas fort worth area, best colleges in dallas area, best colleges in dallas for psychology, best community colleges in dallas, best community colleges in dallas texas & best nursing colleges in dallas texas
Best Universities In Dallas
University of Texas at Dallas
Located in one of Dallas’ northern suburbs, UT-D is considered one of the most affordable universities in the State of Texas.
The university doesn’t let its R-1 status or long history of excellence in STEM get in the way of trying to provide accessible and affordable education to students from all backgrounds.
UT-D was founded on the need to train more people in research and technology, and the more than 50 centers and institutes that make up its different departments now show how this commitment has been carried into the 21st century.
Students will be able to study with professors like Dr. Kenneth K. O, whose team of researchers have discovered revolutionary imaging technology that can help with seeing in blinding conditions like smoke and fog.
Beyond academics, UT-D is also known for being the home of chess champions. Students in the UT-D Dallas Chess Team have won awards both nationally and internationally and regularly participate in the Pan American Intercollegiate Championship and the National Collegiate Chess League. The school even has students who have been featured in the American Chess Magazine.
Whether researching or playing chess, UT-D lives up to the University of Texas school system prestige.
University of North Texas
Rated “Best in the West” by The Princeton Review, UNT has a reputation for being top rated and for leading the way in firsts.
UNT is uniquely home to the first jazz studies program, the first undergraduate program in behavior analysis, and the first aviation logistics program at a university in Texas.
UNT’s reputation and proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth area allow it to connect with one of the largest hubs of Fortune 500 companies.
In addition, students have access to over 500 different companies for internships and have gone on to secure jobs in top-ranked industries like tech.
Of the many different companies’ UNT has in its book of contacts, football fans will be thrilled to know the Dallas Cowboys franchise is on the list!
UNT’s calls itself “The Mean Green” nation, and this is more than just a reference to their Division I sports teams.
UNT is known for its research and participation in fighting for a healthier earth and offers 118 sustainability themed courses.
Students who are interested in sustainability and environmental science will have the chance to work in at least four different research institutions, including UNT’s National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center.
UNT believes in producing students who are the best even beyond the west.
Southern Methodist University
Though the university is affiliated with the Methodist church, and its Perkins School of Theology is recognized as a training center by the Methodist Church, the university is open to people from all backgrounds and faiths.
Community and inclusion are a big deal at SMU, and students are supported in both word and deed.
Students need to look no further than the university’s LGBT programs to see the university’s commitment to a welcoming and diverse student body.
For students who are looking to find a way to combine their spiritual life with their academic, SMU invites students to be part of The Center for Faith and Learning.
Through the center, students can be part of programs like Faith & Learning Scholars that offer a chance for students to attend small groups, volunteer, and practice a personal faith.
SMU offers a rich intersectional community that is committed to its founding Methodist principles of Wholeness, Purpose, Integrity, Growth, Discipline, Faithfulness, Trust, Joy, and Love/Acceptance. Students who are interested in learning more should visit the SMU admissions page.
Texas Christian University
TCU has the unique distinction of being one of the earliest colleges to allow women to attend college with the men.
This forward thinking since its founding can still be seen in many of the goals it is striving for and the programs it has implemented.
One of the two universities in Texas to join in interrogating their past relationship to slavery and racism, TCU is part of the Universities Studying Slavery Consortium.
The Consortium is part of an effort to find ways to describe the history of slavery in the United States ethically. TCU has joined the Consortium to forward its goal to become a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable university.
TCU’s commitment to researching the past reflects their active commitment to conducting ethical and productive research to the greater Texan, American, and Global community.
This can be seen in professors like Danica Knight, whose Trust-Based Relational Intervention has helped children and teens who are incarcerated.
Professors and students at TCU use research to reduce injustices and inequitable conditions that they see in the larger community.
Though Christian in name, the university extends a welcome to students from all faiths and backgrounds. This is evident in the university’s thriving LGBTQ+ community as well as the campus Hillel and Muslim Student Association.
Texas Woman’s University
The largest institution in the nation dedicated to educating women, Texas Woman’s University prides itself on providing a quality education for hard-working women – and men. Unlike other women’s colleges that only accept women, TWU has opened its doors to men since 1972, and of the current student body, 11% are male.
One of TWU’s priorities is the powerful impact of women and the challenges they face with accessibility and resources. This can be seen first and foremost in the university’s ranking as one of the top schools in the nation for students with children. But this is only the beginning of TWU’s efforts at accessibility.
TWU’s Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership has provided women entrepreneurs well over $1 million in grants, training, and advisors in the areas of business, politics, and education.
As a result of this program and other similar efforts, TWU has contributed at least $1.48 billion to the Texas economy.
In addition to financial support, students have access to faculty who are highly involved in their areas of expertise.
In the College of Arts and Sciences, students will find professors like Catalina Pislariu whose studies into soil bacteria secured her a $330,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. While over in the Nutrition and Food Sciences, students can work closely with Xiaofen Du whose work in sugar consumption garnered her a $64,000 grant.
TWU is committed to contributing real-world solutions to real-world problems for all people regardless of gender, and they do it through the lens of empowering those that have been traditionally disempowered.
University of Texas at Arlington
When it comes to inclusivity, UT Arlington casts a wide net. UTA is a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPSI), and a number one ranked institution for veterans, all highly coveted designations in higher education.
UTA extends this inclusivity to sports as well with its Movin’ Mavs Adaptive Sports Programs.
Students with disabilities can join the women’s or men’s wheelchair basketball team and compete in the National Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball Tournament against the best teams in the nation.
Success in and out of the classroom is essential to UTA. Students from all backgrounds can gain help from UTA’s intensive student success programs through the UTA Division of Student Services.
Support through the program includes tutoring, peer support, residential learning communities, and advising.
Finally, UTA knows that cost can be a significant barrier to pursuing higher education.
As a result, the university implements several resources to help students afford their education. The university implements a guaranteed tuition plan, which ensures tuition rates remain the same when a student enters until they graduate from UTA.
In addition, the university has many scholarship and grant options that students can both apply for and be considered automatically for upon admission.
UTA opens the door to students instead of making them jump unnecessary hurdles to get a higher education.
Dallas Baptist University
Dallas Baptist University combines strong Christian faith with a rigorous academic curriculum to offer students a Christ-centered education.
Though the university offers many general degree plans, the curriculum at DBU reflects the university’s commitment to a Christian education.
DBU believes instructors should be Christian leaders who are experts in their fields. That is why they hire professors like Cicely Jefferson in the Business and Public Law Department, who combines her extensive legal experience with a faith-based passion for nurturing her students into ethical businessmen and women.
The university offers many different ways for students to put their faith in action, including regular global studies and mission trips. Students can go on trips close to home or international places like Spain and Rome. These trips offer students a chance to enrichen their Christian faith as well as their academic understanding.
Christian faith is important to DBU in all areas of student life, including their Division II sports teams and Division I baseball team.
The university is a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) and has won NCCAA Championships in men and women’s golf, women’s soccer, and men and women’s cross country.
Located right between the Dallas-Fort-Worth divide, DBU is positioned in one of the most thriving and faith-based cities in the state of Texas.
Best Colleges And Universities In Texas
Texas is home to many colleges and universities located in several big cities including Houston, Dallas, and the state capital – Austin. In a recent study of the best colleges and universities in the U.S., two North Texas institutions made the top 10.
A college degree can help secure employment, keeping you ahead of the competition in this growing economy and the quality of the school anyone chooses can certainly have an impact on a student’s performance.
However, attending higher education requires more than just the grades to get in. You’ll also need the financial resources to attend.
A recent report shows that on average, tuition and room and board at a four-year college cost around $23,000 – $52,000 per year. That information was taken into account, along with other measures, when gathering the data that determined the best colleges and universities.
What are the top colleges and universities in Texas?
- Rice University
- University of Texas at Austin
- Trinity University
- Texas A&M University
- University of Dallas
- SMU
- Southwestern University
- Austin College
- LeTourneau University
- University of Houston
How were these Texas schools chosen?
To determine the top-performing schools at the lowest possible costs to undergraduates, WalletHub compared more than 900 higher-education institutions across 30 key measures.
These findings were based on unbiased data set, grouped into seven categories, such as Student Selectivity, Cost & Financing and Career Outcomes. The metrics range from student-faculty ratio to graduation rate to post-attendance median salary.
What are the top ten colleges in the country?
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Yale University
- California Institute of Technology
- Princeton University
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- Rice University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Duke University
Did your Alma Mater make the list? Are you planning on attending one of these colleges/universities or interested in sending your young student to one?
According to the report, the Best Colleges ranking also analyzes post-attendance metrics — the student-loan default rate and the share of former students outearning high school graduates, for instance — to show the value of the education students can expect to receive beyond their undergraduate studies
Best Public Colleges in Dallas
Colleges in Dallas offer robust academic programs in a city that features multiple recreational and cultural opportunities. Schools often partner with companies to provide unique learning opportunities in various fields. This helps schools retain top talent, with 72% of college graduates remaining in the region to work.
Dallas and its neighboring cities — including Fort Worth and Arlington — make up the Dallas-Forth Worth metroplex. The 2020 Census found more than 7.6 million people live in this 11-county region, making it the fourth-largest metro area in the nation. This region and Dallas offer more than 70 accredited higher education institutions with opportunities to study in Texas.
Educational Opportunities
Several major universities call Dallas home, including Texas A&M University, Southern Methodist University, and the University of North Texas. Students can pursue associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and graduate degrees at these institutions. Professional training programs include professional degrees in law, medicine, and pharmacy.
Colleges in Dallas have achieved numerous honors and recognitions. The metro area boasts more Carnegie R-1 research universities than any other Texas region. The University of Texas at Dallas is third in the nation for computer science degrees awarded.
Economy
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Dallas and the surrounding metro area reported a 3.6% unemployment rate in December 2021, with a 5.2% increase in employment over the past 12 months. The city’s diverse economy features top employers like telecommunications company AT&T, manufacturing giant Texas Instruments, and financial company Bank of America.
More than 20 Fortune 500 and 45 Fortune 1000 companies chose Dallas for their headquarters. These businesses include energy companies drawn in by the state’s raw materials and oil and gas industry, financial companies on the cutting-edge of technology, and construction companies serving the growing population.
Cost of Living
Dallas boasts a lower cost of living than many other major metropolitan areas in the U.S.. The Cost of Living Index places Dallas at 103.5 overall, slightly higher than the U.S. average, which is 100. In comparison, New York falls at 255 on the Cost of Living Index, and San Diego has a number of 147.2.
Dallas residents pay slightly more for housing and energy than the average U.S. resident, but they can find savings in transportation and food costs. The city reports housing costs far below the average found in other major cities. For example, someone moving from Boston to Dallas would find housing costs about 54% lower in their new city.
Cultural and Community Offerings
Students enjoy numerous entertainment and recreational opportunities. Sports fans can cheer for their favorite college team or root for professional teams in football, baseball, basketball, hockey, and soccer. The park system offers 62 miles of trails and more than 1,000 sports complexes. Students can find seven state parks within a short drive from the city center.
The AT&T Performing Arts Center hosts concerts, outdoor art installations, and festivals during the year. Museums across the city feature artworks in various mediums and styles, including the Dallas Museum of Art.
Climate
Dallas averages 234 sunny days each year — far above the U.S. average of 205 days. Those sunny days often bring with them warm summer temperatures or mild winter weather for this subtropical climate. Summer daytime temperatures often exceed 100 degrees.
The warm season extends about 249 days, from mid-March to late November. Annual rainfall ranges from 20 to 50 inches a year, with few periods of extreme cold and rare snowfalls. The area can experience severe weather such as windstorms or thunderstorms that can cause damage.
#1 Best Colleges in Dallas
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad | $1,790
Graduate | $1,870
TCU enrolls more than 11,000 students and offers more than 200 graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs. Students can learn on campus or enroll in a distance program through TCU’s Koehler Center for Instruction, Innovation, and Engagement.
TCU emphasizes internship placements and job preparation through its Center for Career and Professional Development. Online learners enjoy access to tech support and qualify for the same financial aid as on-campus students.
Undergraduate applicants must submit official transcripts, essays, and counselor and teacher recommendations. Students may opt to submit SAT or ACT scores. TCU accepts early action, early decision, and regular decision applications for the fall or spring semester.
Average Tuition
In-state
$49,160
Out-of-state
$49,160
ROI Score
LOW
Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
47%
Students Enrolled
11,024
#2 Best Colleges in Dallas
Southern Methodist University
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad | $2,067
Graduate | $725-$2,522
SMU enrolls more than 12,000 students from around the world. Students can choose from nearly 200 undergraduate majors and minors in subjects like business, engineering, and the arts. SMU also offers master’s degrees, certificates, and short courses online.
SMU boasts an 11-to-1 student-teacher ratio, which is below the national average. Students enjoy comprehensive support tools through the Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center, including academic advising, career development, and internship placement services.
Undergraduate applicants must submit official high school transcripts and meet minimum English, math, science, and foreign language requirements. Essays are also required. SMU adopted a temporary test-optional policy for ACT and SAT scores for students applying through spring 2023.
Average Tuition
In-state
$50,200
Out-of-state
$50,200
ROI Score
MEDIUM
Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
47%
Students Enrolled
11,824
#3 Best Colleges in Dallas
University of Dallas
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad | $1,444
Graduate | $435-$1,625
All UD programs follow the Catholic tradition and include a signature core curriculum rooted in the liberal arts. Students can choose from nearly 30 majors involving the liberal arts or business. UD also offers an MBA and master’s in cybersecurity 100% online.
Students enjoy comprehensive library access and disability support services. Additionally, UD offers support through its business resource center and the Office of Personal Career Development.
Learners must submit an application and an essay through the Common App. They also need to submit counselor and teacher recommendations, official high school transcripts, and SAT or ACT reports.
Average Tuition
In-state
$39,680
Out-of-state
$39,680
ROI Score
LOW
Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
45%
Students Enrolled
2,481
#4 Best Colleges in Dallas
The University of Texas at Dallas
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $535
Undergrad, out of state | $1,376
Graduate, in state | $888
Graduate, out of state | $1,675
UT Dallas enrolls nearly 30,000 students and boasts a network of more than 132,000 alums. Students can choose from more than 140 graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs across eight academic schools.
UT Dallas also offers online programs through the Jindal School of Management and a variety of distance courses through its eCampus. Online learners enjoy support resources including tutoring, tech support, cloud storage, and library services.
Applicants should report their high school rank and GPA and submit transcripts, a resume, and SAT and/or ACT scores with their undergraduate application. An admissions essay and letters of recommendation are optional. Aspiring first-year students who graduated in the top 10% of their high school class are automatically admitted.
Average Tuition
In-state
$13,442
Out-of-state
$38,168
ROI Score
HIGH
Retention Rate
89%
Admission Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
29,543
#5 Best Colleges in Dallas
University of North Texas Health Science Center
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Graduate, in state | $102-$362
Graduate, out of state | $504-$770
UNT Health Science Center offers several health-related degrees for graduate students. Programs explore topics like healthcare practice and research and public health administration. UNT Health Science Center encompasses five schools focused on osteopathic medicine, biomedical sciences, public health, pharmacy, and health professions.
Enrollees enjoy various student services, including mentoring and tutoring opportunities, career readiness, and disability accommodations.
Learners can apply online for admission. Though individual admission requirements vary, all programs require students to submit official transcripts. Some pathways include prerequisite courses, a certain number of transferable credits, and/or a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Average Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
ROI Score (Estimated)
HIGH
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,237
Browse programs
I want my Select a degree Associate’sBachelor’sMaster’sDoctorateNon-Degree CoursesCertificate / DiplomaGraduate CertificatesBootcamps Focusing on Select a subject Explore Opportunities
#6 Best Colleges in Dallas
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- 4 years
- Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Graduate, in state | $323-$420
Graduate, out of state | $738-$842
UT Southwestern awards medical degrees and post-baccalaureate certificates in healthcare and biomedical sciences. The university enrolls nearly 3,700 students in Dallas and through locations across Texas. The programs emphasize research skills, advanced patient care, and clinical expertise.
UT Southwestern also offers comprehensive interprofessional and continuing education options. Student support includes access to library services, academic tutoring, and intensive preparation for the Step 1 United States Medical Licensing Examination.
While admission requirements vary by program, master’s tracks generally require at least a bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants must also submit letters of recommendation. Additional requirements may include prerequisite coursework, licensure, and/or GRE test scores.
Average Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
ROI Score (Estimated)
HIGH
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,299
#7 Best Colleges in Dallas
University of North Texas at Dallas
- 4 years
- Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $261
Undergrad, out of state | $311
Graduate, in state | $669
Graduate, out of state | $719
UNT Dallas offers dozens of bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business, education, law, liberal arts and sciences, and behavioral health and human services. Students can also pursue programs leading to professional licensure in the state of Texas.
The university is Dallas’ only public, accredited, four-year institution. Students can access comprehensive student support like counseling and wellness services, career preparation, and a veterans success center.
Applicants who graduated in the top 30% of their high school class receive automatic admission to UNT Dallas. Students with a GPA of at least 3.0 need not submit SAT or ACT scores.
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,539
Out-of-state
$17,499
ROI Score
HIGH
Retention Rate
70%
Admission Rate
47%
Students Enrolled
4,209
#8 Best Colleges in Dallas
Brite Divinity School
- 4 years
- Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Graduate | $985-$1,000
Brite Divinity School offers master’s and doctoral degrees in theology, ministry, and biblical interpretation. Students can also pursue a collaborative master of social work or MBA. Brite Divinity School awards certificates in various specializations, including theological studies.
Brite Divinity School is affiliated with Texas Christian University and the United Methodist Church. The school participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement to offer virtual workshops and online courses.
Applicants must arrange for official college transcripts to be sent to the admissions office at Brite Divinity School. Additionally, each program includes individual requirements for character references. Students applying to a master’s program must schedule an admissions interview after submitting their application and transcripts.
Average Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
ROI Score (Estimated)
MEDIUM
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
167
#9 Best Colleges in Dallas
Parker University
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad | $660
Graduate | $740
Parker emphasizes career-centered business and healthcare programs. Students can choose from dozens of graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs in fields like healthcare management technology, health sciences, and chiropractic. Programs are available on campus or online.
Learners can attend chiropractic seminars and join the Parker Success Academy, which offers networking and business development opportunities. Parker also maintains professional relationships with 35 private-practice partners, and students can fulfill clinical practicum requirements through veterans hospitals across Texas.
Though requirements vary, most undergraduate applicants must be at least 18 years of age and submit a high school or GED diploma and academic transcripts. Some programs require additional prerequisites or a minimum number of completed college credits.
Average Tuition
In-state
$25,128
Out-of-state
$25,128
ROI Score
MEDIUM
Retention Rate
79%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,536
#10 Best Colleges in Dallas
Amberton University
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad | $285
Graduate | $285
Amberton enrolls nearly 1,800 students and offers more than 30 graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs — all guided by Christian principles. Learners can choose to study online or on campus in Garland or Frisco, Texas.
Amberton offers comprehensive student support through resources like research tutorials, library access, and technical support services. The university also offers advising for students and veterans, new-student orientation, and career placement assistance.
Amberton does not charge an application fee or require an entrance exam to qualify for admission.
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,950
Out-of-state
$7,950
ROI Score
MEDIUM
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,074
collage