Cheapest Computer Science Colleges in Texas

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley delivers Computer Science education for just $6,500 in net costs, making it the most affordable option among Texas programs. This price point contrasts sharply with private alternatives that can reach $20,244 annually, creating a $13,744 gap between the cheapest and most expensive options. Texas offers particular advantages for Computer Science graduates, with Houston's Texas Medical Center serving as the world's largest medical complex and creating substantial demand for healthcare technology professionals. Earnings potential varies significantly across programs, from $42,682 at UTRGV to $72,274 at Texas State University. The state's major healthcare employers including HCA Healthcare, Baylor Scott & White, and MD Anderson provide career pathways that blend technology with medical applications. Public institutions dominate the affordable end of the spectrum, with 87% acceptance rates common at budget-friendly options like Texas A&M Kingsville and Texas State. Students can access additional support through the Texas Tomorrow Fund and TEXAS Grant programs designed specifically for in-state residents pursuing higher education.

Programs

$6,500 – $41,942

Net Price Range

$64,839

Avg. Program Earnings

52.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

31 Computer Science Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg, Texas	$6,500	$9,859	49.3%	87.7%
2	Texas A & M University-Kingsville Kingsville, Texas	$10,204	$9,892	45.6%	96.6%
3	Texas College Tyler, Texas	$10,650	$10,008	10.7%
4	University of Houston-Clear Lake Houston, Texas	$11,056	$7,746	50.9%	69.4%
5	Texas A&M University-San Antonio San Antonio, Texas	$13,220	$9,548	29.4%	96.1%
6	The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, Texas	$15,235	$11,728	56.5%	80.8%
7	Texas State University San Marcos, Texas	$16,438	$11,450	56.2%	87.7%
8	North American University Stafford, Texas	$17,950	$12,836	27.0%
9	University of St Thomas Houston, Texas	$18,762	$33,660	68.6%	96.7%
10	Texas Wesleyan University Fort Worth, Texas	$19,398	$37,934	32.4%	60.9%
11	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas	$19,678	$11,678	87.6%	31.4%
12	Houston Christian University Houston, Texas	$19,710	$38,100	49.8%	84.5%
13	Huston-Tillotson University Austin, Texas	$19,847	$14,703	36.1%	51.9%
14	Paul Quinn College Dallas, Texas	$20,244	$13,498	38.1%	57.3%
15	Tarleton State University Stephenville, Texas	$20,261	$7,878	51.2%	87.1%
16	Wayland Baptist University Plainview, Texas	$20,540	$23,186	19.2%	69.7%
17	Southwestern Adventist University Keene, Texas	$20,581	$24,588	41.1%	53.6%
18	West Texas A & M University Canyon, Texas	$20,841	$9,101	47.3%	91.6%
19	Texas A & M University-College Station College Station, Texas	$20,924	$13,099	83.8%	62.7%
20	St. Mary's University San Antonio, Texas	$21,352	$36,242	58.8%	86.2%
21	Concordia University Texas Austin, Texas	$22,240	$36,690	40.5%	85.7%
22	Texas Lutheran University Seguin, Texas	$22,587	$34,920	55.2%	91.8%
23	Austin College Sherman, Texas	$23,451	$46,500	69.5%	54.4%
24	Saint Edward's University Austin, Texas	$23,636	$51,384	64.2%	85.1%
25	LeTourneau University Longview, Texas	$25,314	$35,500	61.1%	48.8%
26	University of Dallas Irving, Texas	$25,470	$50,880	68.0%	58.7%
27	Abilene Christian University Abilene, Texas	$27,401	$42,380	60.2%	65.8%
28	University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Belton, Texas	$28,690	$33,150	53.4%	95.7%
29	Dallas Baptist University Dallas, Texas	$30,092	$38,140	60.4%	91.4%
30	Southern Methodist University Dallas, Texas	$41,778	$64,460	83.3%	52.3%
31	Baylor University Waco, Texas	$41,942	$54,844	80.2%	45.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UTRGV's Computer Science program so affordable at $6,500?

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley achieves this low net cost through substantial state funding and need-based aid for qualifying students. The program maintains an 87.7% acceptance rate while producing graduates who earn $42,682 annually. Despite the low cost, the university serves over 29,000 students and offers modern computer labs and research opportunities.

How do earnings compare between the cheapest and mid-priced programs?

UTRGV graduates earn $42,682 annually while Texas State graduates earn $72,274, creating a $29,592 difference in starting salaries. The University of Texas at Arlington, with a net cost of $15,235, produces graduates earning $69,897 annually. This suggests that slightly higher program costs can translate to significantly better earning potential in the Texas job market.

Is the graduation rate gap between cheap and expensive programs significant?

Texas College shows a 10.7% graduation rate at $10,650 net cost, while UT Austin achieves 87.6% at $19,678. However, several affordable public options maintain respectable rates, with Texas State at 56.2% and UT Arlington at 56.5%. The pattern suggests that public universities generally offer better value than private institutions at similar price points.

Does Texas offer state-specific financial aid for Computer Science students?

Texas provides the TEXAS Grant program and Texas Tomorrow Fund to help in-state students afford college education. These programs work alongside federal aid to reduce net costs at public institutions. The state's investment in higher education helps explain why public universities like UTRGV and Texas A&M Kingsville can offer such competitive pricing for Computer Science degrees.

Where do Texas Computer Science graduates find the best job opportunities?

Houston's Texas Medical Center creates unique opportunities for graduates to work in healthcare technology, while major employers like HCA Healthcare and MD Anderson hire programmers and systems analysts. The state's position as having the second-largest healthcare workforce means Computer Science graduates can specialize in medical informatics and health technology. Austin's tech scene and Dallas-Fort Worth's corporate presence provide additional career paths beyond healthcare.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.