Cheapest Ecology Colleges in Texas

Rice University stands out dramatically among Texas ecology programs, offering a net price of just $12,640 despite its private status and 95.7% graduation rate. This reflects the strong financial aid available at top-tier institutions for biology students. The state's 12 programs range from $6,500 at UT Rio Grande Valley to $23,650 at Trinity University. Texas offers unique opportunities for ecology students through its varied ecosystems and major research institutions. The Texas Medical Center in Houston provides extensive research opportunities in population biology and evolutionary studies, while state employers like MD Anderson Cancer Center actively recruit graduates for biomedical research positions.

Programs

$6,500 – $23,650

Net Price Range

$27,181

Avg. Program Earnings

61.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

12 Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology 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	The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, Texas	$10,726	$9,744	45.9%	99.9%
3	Sul Ross State University Alpine, Texas	$10,991	$7,592	27.4%	97.1%
4	Rice University Houston, Texas	$12,640	$58,128	95.7%	8.7%
5	Angelo State University San Angelo, Texas	$12,915	$8,319	40.7%	79.1%
6	University of North Texas Denton, Texas	$14,352	$11,164	59.6%	79.1%
7	Texas State University San Marcos, Texas	$16,438	$11,450	56.2%	87.7%
8	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas	$19,678	$11,678	87.6%	31.4%
9	Southwestern Adventist University Keene, Texas	$20,581	$24,588	41.1%	53.6%
10	Texas A & M University-College Station College Station, Texas	$20,924	$13,099	83.8%	62.7%
11	Saint Edward's University Austin, Texas	$23,636	$51,384	64.2%	85.1%
12	Trinity University San Antonio, Texas	$23,650	$51,352	81.9%	30.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Rice University so affordable compared to other private schools?

Rice's $12,640 net price puts it below many public universities despite listing at $58,128 sticker price. The university's substantial endowment funds generous need-based aid packages. This makes Rice more affordable than Texas State University at $16,438 for many qualified students.

How do graduation rates vary across these programs?

Graduation rates span from 27.4% at Sul Ross State to 95.7% at Rice University. UT Austin maintains an 87.6% rate while charging $19,678 net price. The data shows that higher-cost programs generally achieve better completion rates, though Sul Ross offers the lowest in-state tuition at $7,592.

Is financial aid available beyond these net prices?

Texas residents benefit from the TEXAS Grant and Texas Tomorrow Fund programs. These state initiatives can reduce costs further at public institutions. University of North Texas graduates average $17,677 in debt, while Texas A&M graduates earn $27,181 starting salary with $21,624 average debt.

Where do ecology graduates typically find employment in Texas?

The Texas Medical Center employs ecology graduates in population health research and environmental health studies. Major healthcare systems like Baylor Scott & White and HCA Healthcare hire for epidemiology positions. Research institutions including MD Anderson recruit for cancer biology and population studies roles.

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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.