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Rural Colleges in Texas

10 schools in Texas. See our methodology.

Clarendon College stands out among Texas rural institutions with a remarkable 60.6% graduation rate, nearly double the performance of most community colleges in small towns. This small Panhandle school serves 1,380 students at a net cost of $8,373, proving that geographic isolation doesn't limit academic outcomes. Rural Texas colleges span dramatically in cost from $1,113 at Texas A&M-Central Texas to $29,459 at specialized programs like The Recording Conservatory of Austin. These institutions serve critical workforce needs across the state's second-largest healthcare system, connecting students to opportunities at major employers like HCA and Baylor Scott & White. Prairie View A&M University brings four-year university resources to rural students with 8,527 enrolled and graduates earning $45,411 annually. Small enrollment numbers at schools like Redeemers University North America with just 6 students create intimate learning environments, while community colleges like Northeast Texas in Mount Pleasant balance accessibility with practical career preparation. The TEXAS Grant program helps bridge funding gaps for students choosing these more affordable pathways to higher education.
10
Schools
$10,293
Avg. Net Price
$38,641
Avg. Earnings
36.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Rural Colleges in Texas

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Rural-Remote 1,380 $8,373 60.6%
2 Rural-Distant 1,964 $8,590 32.5%
3 Rural-Remote 2,913 $9,099 30.6%
4 Rural-Remote 935 $6,565 34.6%
5 Rural-Distant 8,527 $14,041 43.2%
6 Rural-Fringe 2,890 $4,984 20.1%
7 Rural-Distant 730 $10,409 15.1%
8 Rural-Fringe 82 $29,459 54.4%
9 Rural-Fringe 1,698 $1,113
10 Rural-Distant 6

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Clarendon College achieve such high graduation rates?

Clarendon College graduates 60.6% of its students, far exceeding typical community college performance. With only 1,380 students, the school maintains close faculty relationships and personalized attention that helps students complete programs successfully.

How affordable are rural Texas colleges compared to urban options?

Net costs range from $1,113 at Texas A&M-Central Texas to $14,041 at Prairie View A&M University. Most community colleges like Grayson College cost under $5,000 annually, making higher education accessible to rural families.

Where do graduates from these rural colleges find employment?

Texas maintains the second-largest healthcare workforce nationally, with major employers like HCA and Baylor Scott & White actively recruiting graduates. Prairie View A&M graduates earn $45,411 annually, reflecting strong job market connections statewide.

Does small enrollment size limit academic opportunities?

Schools range from 6 students at Redeemers University to 8,527 at Prairie View A&M. Smaller institutions like Ranger College with 935 students often provide more individualized instruction and direct professor access.

What financial aid helps rural students attend college?

The TEXAS Grant program specifically supports state residents, while community colleges maintain acceptance rates above 95%. Schools like Texas A&M-Central Texas accept 95.7% of applicants, ensuring broad educational access.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.