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Small Colleges in Texas

50 schools in Texas. See our methodology.

Rice University stands as Texas's academic crown jewel among small colleges, combining a 95.70% graduation rate with highly selective 8.68% acceptance while maintaining net costs at $12,640. The state's 176 small colleges under 5,000 students reveal striking contrasts, from Houston International College's perfect 100% graduation rate with just 41 students to massive cost variations spanning $3,022 at Brazosport College to $42,938 at the highest end. Healthcare preparation dominates many programs, reflecting Texas's position as home to the second-largest healthcare workforce nationally and the world's largest medical center in Houston. Major employers like HCA and Baylor Scott & White create steady demand for nursing and medical technology graduates. Earnings potential varies dramatically, with West Coast University-Dallas graduates earning $102,672 annually compared to $29,648 at Southwest University at El Paso. The TEXAS Grant program helps make these intimate learning environments accessible, particularly at community colleges where net costs often fall below $5,000. Small colleges across Texas cities from Big Spring to Richardson offer specialized training that aligns with regional economic drivers, whether preparing deaf students for professional careers or training ultrasound technicians for Houston's medical district.
50
Schools
$14,483
Avg. Net Price
$44,304
Avg. Earnings
51.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in Texas

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 4,562 $12,640 95.7% 8.7%
2 47 $5,355 80.0%
3 3,206 $29,824 68.1%
4 2,518 $23,650 81.9% 30.5%
5 486 $4,094 58.5%
6 1,380 $8,373 60.6%
7 494 $25,491 71.8%
8 26 33.3% 0.0%
9 482 $16,267 60.0%
10 41 $19,158 100.0% 100.0%
11 1,014 $25,957
12 2,827 $3,022 38.7%
13 1,510 $25,314 61.1% 48.8%
14 1,817 $17,803 65.7%
15 3,451 $4,233 33.5%
16 102 $26,359 93.1% 77.1%
17 1,125 $23,451 69.5% 54.4%
18 382 $42,938 54.5%
19 65 $20,393 58.5%
20 2,397 $17,517 50.0%
21 1,378 $7,429 40.8%
22 1,454 $27,468 69.3% 44.8%
23 26 $18,541 55.6% 50.0%
24 197 $11,674 42.0%
25 1,588 $7,681 35.7%
26 4,997 $6,185 35.3%
27 2,265 $6,662 36.6%
28 334 $26,470 57.7%
29 3,133 $6,629 33.3%
30 128 $16,870 49.2%
31 1,609 $7,236 36.2%
32 1,964 $8,590 32.5%
33 4 0.0%
34 4,176 $9,296 27.9%
35 1,524 $8,127 32.4%
36 749 $10,803 33.5%
37 63 $17,372 88.1%
38 3,342 $1,975 28.3%
39 3,170 $7,634 33.3%
40 190 $16,179 60.0% 68.6%
41 1,455 $4,887 30.2%
42 3,453 $5,458 26.8%
43 124 $18,264 45.5%
44 2,913 $9,099 30.6%
45 935 $6,565 34.6%
46 1,426 $1,691 31.2%
47 574 $20,581 41.1% 53.6%
48 2,385 $4,550 24.8%
49 1,403 $25,470 68.0% 58.7%
50 1,661 $23,939 68.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Rice University different from other small Texas colleges?

Rice University achieves a 95.70% graduation rate while accepting only 8.68% of applicants, making it extremely selective. With 4,562 students and graduates earning $89,718 annually, Rice combines small college intimacy with research university outcomes. Net costs of $12,640 reflect substantial financial aid despite its academic standing.

How affordable are Texas small colleges compared to larger universities?

Net costs range from $3,022 at Brazosport College to $42,938 at the highest-priced institutions. Community colleges like Western Texas College charge $4,094 annually, while specialized schools like Galen College of Nursing cost $29,824. The TEXAS Grant program helps reduce costs for eligible students.

Is healthcare education a major focus at Texas small colleges?

Healthcare programs dominate many small Texas colleges, reflecting the state's second-largest healthcare workforce nationally. Galen College of Nursing graduates earn $61,480, while West Coast University-Dallas nursing graduates average $102,672. These programs serve major employers like HCA and Baylor Scott & White Health systems.

Does college size affect graduation rates in Texas?

Graduation rates at small Texas colleges span from 33.3% to 100%. Houston International College achieves perfect graduation with just 41 students, while larger institutions like Alvin Community College with 3,451 students maintain 33.5% rates. Smaller programs often provide more individualized attention affecting completion rates.

Where do graduates of Texas small colleges find employment?

Texas small college graduates work throughout the state's major industries, with healthcare dominating. The Houston Texas Medical Center employs many nursing and medical technology graduates, while earnings range from $29,648 to $102,672 depending on field and location. Regional employers actively recruit from nearby institutions.

What acceptance rates can students expect at Texas small colleges?

Acceptance rates vary from 0% at DeVry University-Texas (currently not accepting students) to 100% at open-admission institutions. Rice University accepts 8.68% of applicants, Trinity University accepts 30.51%, while LeTourneau University admits 48.83%. Many community colleges maintain open admission policies for local residents.

Related

Small Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Texas Cheapest Programs in Texas

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.