2026 Best Value Value Schools in Texas

1

Rice University
Houston, TX

For return on investment in value, no school beat Rice University this year. Set in the city of Houston, Rice University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. Students borrow a median of $11,904 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Rice University generally make around $75,299. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 8%.

2

University Of North Texas
Denton, TX

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of North Texas earned it the #2 place for value. University Of North Texas is a very large public school located in the city of Denton. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $21,817 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of North Texas generally make around $49,157. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Houston Downtown
Houston, TX

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Houston Downtown earned it the #3 place for value. University Of Houston Downtown is a large public school located in the city of Houston. In-state tuition and fees average $7,582, while out-of-state students pay about $17,434. Value graduates carry a median of $23,925 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $46,298. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

4

The University Of Texas At Dallas
Richardson, TX

A rank of #4 makes The University Of Texas At Dallas one of the best values for value. Set in the city of Richardson, The University Of Texas At Dallas is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,644 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,144 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,531 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $58,507. That is a strong return on a $20,531 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%.

5

The University Of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX

Students looking for strong value in value will find it at The University Of Texas At Austin, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $21,275 in student loans. Value graduates of The University Of Texas At Austin earn a median of $57,819 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.

6

Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the city of Lubbock, Texas Tech University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $24,271. Early-career value graduates make about $50,332. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted.

7

Texas A And M University College Station
College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station earned the #7 position for value in value this year. Located in the city of College Station, Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Students borrow a median of $20,031 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $64,891. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%.

8

Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University placed #8 among the best values for value. Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Dallas. In-state tuition and fees average $67,040. Value graduates carry a median of $20,712 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Southern Methodist University generally make around $70,632. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Methodist University admits about 63% of applicants.

9

Baylor University
Waco, TX

Baylor University came in at #9 for value in value this year. Located in the city of Waco, Baylor University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $58,100 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for value graduates is $23,928. Value graduates of Baylor University earn a median of $49,888 early in their careers. Set against $23,928 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 51% of applicants are accepted.