Texas Colleges and Universities

by Paul D. Rosevear

The large size of the state of Texas is somewhat indicative of the mentality of Texans -- independent-minded and full of pride in the place they call home. Not only has that led to a distinctive local culture, it has also served to make education at universities in Texas just as special.

Though the first thoughts that come to mind when you consider the Lone Star State are probably ranches, oil fields, and six-shooters, the fact is Texas is a leader in many flourishing career fields like aeronautics, business, health care, and technology.

Some of Texas' larger areas like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio -- the three most populous cities in the country -- are home to a wide variety of Texas colleges offering programs in business management, information technology, and computer science. In fact, Texas is home to both Dell and Compaq, two of the more prominent computer manufacturing companies. Of course, the sweeping landscape of the state offers endless rural terrain as well, if you'd like your educational backdrop to be a bit more tranquil. Agricultural programs abound, so there's no better place than Texas universities if you're interested in exploring the farming industry.

When you're not hitting the books, the state offers plenty of exciting activities to keep you occupied. The city of Austin is widely considered the live music capital of the world, and countless singers, bands, and performers bring their art and craft to the city's nightlife seven days a week. Also, Texans are notorious for their passion for sports, and football fans will never feel more at home than in the Lone Star State. Weekends spent watching the Dallas Cowboys, or any of the state's many teams, are a mainstay of life for students in Texas colleges.

Whatever your field of choice, universities in Texas offer a wide variety of social and academic opportunities to satisfy your every need.

Start exploring the Lone Star State today! Take a peek...

Number of Texas Colleges and Universities: 208

Cool Events Abound at Universities in Texas

Free and public concert choirs perform at Texas universities.

Texas colleges and universities

host and sponsor robot competitions.

Speakers are invited to attend universities in Texas to speak during National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week and other important dates.

Homecoming events bring back alums young and old to reminisce and support the athletes of Texas universities.

Students and communities come together at Texas universities to participate in the Race for the Cure Breast Cancer fundraiser.

Financial Aid for Students at Texas Colleges
State Aid Agency: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
College Prepaid/Savings Programs: Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan and Tomorrows College Investment Plan

Popular College Majors
Health and Allied Services, Business and Commerce, Engineering and Engineering Technologies, and Social Sciences and History.
Source: College Bound Seniors 2005, The College Board

Hello, My name is Brenda! I am a junior in high school and I would like to go to school to be a nurse! Help! Thank you for your time.
by Brenda Durbin submitted on May 31, 2007

Hi Brenda!

It's great that you have an idea of what you want to do already. Start researching schools this summer and get a jump on your applications so that when you get back to school in the Fall you'll be ahead of the game. As for nursing, take a look at some articles on our site that talk about what it's like to be a nurse and how some individuals have gotten to where they are today. You'll have options once you get to school, but you should think about them in advance. Do you want a two-year RN associate's degree or a bachelor's in nursing? There are pros and cons to each and it will depend on each individual person. Take a look at some of our articles below and good luck CollegeSurfing!

--Amanda Fornecker, Staff Writer, The CollegeBound Network

College Admissions

Nursing

by Amanda Fornecker submitted on Jun 22, 2007

I want to know why Prairie View A&M University located in Prairie View, Texas is not listed on the list of Texas Colleges and University.
by Charles Crockett submitted on Jan 10, 2008

How many public universities are in Texas? How many private universities are in Texas? What are the classes that everyone must take their first two years? [Please answer A.S.A.P!]
by Samantha Davis submitted on Apr 17, 2008

Hi Samantha,

Thanks for taking the time to comment! To answer your question, there are currently more than 500 public and private college campuses in Texas -- of which 200 are university campuses. Since universities are primarily dedicated to providing you with a well-rounded education, you'll find that the first two years of study will be spent completing a set of core courses in the liberal arts. These classes will cover such subjects as the sciences, mathematics, and English, which -- depending upon the major you choose to pursue -- may have to be completed before you can begin the introductory courses in your major.

For more info on what to expect visit our college academics category and fill out the pink form on the right side of the page to receive more info about schools.

-- Genevieve Blaber, Editorial Assistant, The CollegeBound Network
by Genevieve M. Blaber submitted on Apr 18, 2008

I live in California. There are three levels of university studies. Two are Public systems: California State Universities (e.g., CSU Los Angeles-San Diego State) & University of California (e.g., UCLA-UC Berkeley or called Cal for short). The third is Private Universities (e.g., USC-Stanford University. What system does Texas have AFTER the community college level?
by Karen Mirant submitted on May 20, 2008

Hi attyross -- Did you try the link to the University of Texas System - Office of Employee Services?
by Gina LaGuardia submitted on Jun 9, 2008

How come the human resource office of the University of Houston in Houston, Texas is not listed at all? In the phone book, the Univ. of Houston is listed with an e-mail of www.hous.edu but none shows up in the display screen/window. Is there a big mistake or oversight? From attyross@yahoo.com
by ross brillantes submitted on Jun 9, 2008

I want to know the procedure to be followed because a friend of mine in another country is wishing to study a 2-year school -- Houston Community College.
by mushefiu layeni submitted on Sep 24, 2008

Hey, I'm Tayla, and I'm a freshman in high school. I want to be a physical therapist, and I'd like to know what colleges in Texas I could go to to get that degree. Your help will be sincerely appreciated. Thank You, Tayla.
by Tayla Roland submitted on Oct 7, 2008

I am an educator who graduated from Prairie View A and M and also received my master's degree in Guidance and Counseling from Prairie View A & M and I am surprised that this University's name is not mentioned in this list! � Soheila Stewart
by Soheila Solimani submitted on Oct 8, 2008

Hello! I'm a student at Freedom High in New Mexico. I am a junior becoming a Senior in a few months I really want to play football for the Longhorns and become a pharmacist and do music. HELP me make my dreams come true! Thanks for your time :)
by Lane Veneno submitted on Oct 29, 2008

Hi Lane, Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. It's so great that you have such wonderful dreams about what you want your college experience to be like -- that's the first step in making them happen! What you have to do next is think about all of your skills and see which of your goals are reachable, and then go for them. For example, playing for the Longhorns football team is something that only really skilled athletes get to do. So if that's the case for you, you should speak with your coach and learn more about the process of recruiting, so you can assess your chances of making the team. But if that doesn't work out, there are plenty of other ways to get involved as a student athlete on campus, from less competitive teams to intramurals, so definitely check those out. As far as becoming a pharmacist , since most schools have long term professional degree programs, now is a good time to learn more about the profession and find out if it's something you're definitely committed to doing. Unlike other majors where you can decide after a couple of years of college, you'll need to get started on prerequisites for pharmacy coursework right away. It may even require a separate application process. So, learn about the requirements for entry into a pharmacy program, and make sure you meet those. Load up on science and math classes while you're still in high school to prepare yourself, and also show your choice colleges that you're serious about following this type of academic track. No matter which routes you choose, it's important to know that you're not alone. There are lots of people who know about your abilities and background who might be able to help answer your specific questions -- like your coach, guidance counselor, or even someone at your choice college. It's up to you to reach out and take the next steps for achieving your college dreams. Best of luck, Dawn Papandrea Managing Editor The CollegeBound Network
by Amanda Fornecker submitted on Nov 4, 2008

Hi, my name is Samantha and I can't find a college close to where I live. My mom and dad do not want me to go to a far-off college (they want me to be close), so I am having a hard time. I live in Golden Texas or Wood County. Please help...Thank you. Samantha
by Samantha Windle submitted on Dec 14, 2008

Hi, my name is Victoria and i am interested in Marine Bio., but i don't know of any schools that major in it were i live. I live in Houston, Texas and i would like some help finding the right college to go to for it. Please help me...Thanks,Victoria
by Victoria Bales submitted on Feb 6, 2009

Hi my name is Kim. I live in Chicago, IL, but am planning on moving to the surrounding Houston area! I'm looking to become a Veterinary Technician and am looking for a school close to Houston that offers that degree? Any advice?
by kimberly Deering submitted on Jun 13, 2009

Dear Charles, Ross, Soheila, and Samantha, Thanks for your interest in Texas colleges. A more all-inclusive list, which contains detailed college and university profiles, can be found on our College and University portal. Good luck in your quest for higher education! Best regards, Gina LaGuardia Editorial Director
by Gina LaGuardia submitted on Jun 15, 2009

Hi my name is Shakeisha Lee and i live in Dallas and I'm currently a jr. in high school. I plan on going to UT in Austin to major in biology to become an OB/GYN.
by Shakeisha Lee submitted on Sep 2, 2009

Hello my name is Marcela I'm a senior this year and i would like to go study at UTSA, but i really haven't found the career path that i would like to choose. I'm interested in translating for businesses internationally and in acounting, but i also love working with kids. Right now, I have been worrying my time is running out please help!
by marcela lara blanquet submitted on Sep 22, 2009

Him my name is Mary. I'm a freshman, but am really interested in looking for a college or university. I want to study law (woman rights). Do you have any advice?
by mary gonzalez submitted on Oct 8, 2009

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