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Suburban Colleges in Texas

23 schools in Texas. See our methodology.

Southern Methodist University commands the highest net price at $41,778 among Texas suburban colleges, yet delivers the strongest graduation rate at 83.3% and top earnings potential of $78,354. This stark contrast with community colleges like Brazosport College at just $3,022 reflects the broad spectrum of suburban education options across the Lone Star State. These 23 institutions serve students from Dallas tech corridors to Houston's medical district suburbs, where graduates enter Texas's second-largest healthcare workforce. The state's TEXAS Grant program helps bridge affordability gaps, particularly important given the $38,756 spread between the most and least expensive options. Community colleges dominate the market, with Collin County serving over 25,857 students while specialized programs like biomedical equipment technology in Schertz achieve 75.5% graduation rates. Many programs directly feed into major employers including HCA and Baylor Scott & White health systems. Acceptance rates range from Southern Methodist's selective 52.25% to open-access community colleges at 99.2%, creating pathways for varied academic backgrounds. The earnings range spans from $29,463 to $78,354, reflecting everything from associate degree programs to bachelor's degrees in high-demand fields. Texas suburban colleges balance accessibility with career preparation, positioning graduates for success in the state's expanding economy while maintaining connections to both urban job markets and suburban communities.
23
Schools
$18,273
Avg. Net Price
$45,382
Avg. Earnings
44.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Suburban Colleges in Texas

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Suburb-Large 7,106 $41,778 83.3%
2 Suburb-Small 2,827 $3,022 38.7%
3 Suburb-Large 3,451 $4,233 33.5%
4 Suburb-Large 65 $20,393 58.5%
5 Suburb-Large 2,397 $17,517 50.0%
6 Suburb-Large 26 $18,541 55.6%
7 Suburb-Large 25,857 $8,986 21.8%
8 Suburb-Large 1,330 $30,391 72.4%
9 Suburb-Large 5,985 $6,408 14.6%
10 Suburb-Large 296 75.5%
11 Suburb-Large 272 $22,456 23.9%
12 Suburb-Large 917 $26,825
13 Suburb-Midsize 2,959 $28,690 53.4%
14 Suburb-Large 272 $23,878 40.0%
15 Suburb-Large 1,366 $19,655 35.5%
16 Suburb-Large 164 $24,976 26.4%
17 Suburb-Large 200 $18,860 58.1%
18 Suburb-Large 5,689 $4,582 33.7%
19 Suburb-Large 573 $17,950 27.0%
20 Suburb-Large 918 $12,714
21 Suburb-Large 285 $24,729 49.4%
22 Suburb-Large 43 $7,157
23 Suburb-Large 110

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Southern Methodist University stand out among Texas suburban colleges?

SMU achieves an 83.3% graduation rate, the highest among these 23 institutions, while graduates earn a median of $78,354 annually. Despite its $41,778 net price and selective 52.25% acceptance rate, the university delivers strong returns on investment for its 7,106 students in the Dallas suburbs.

How affordable are Texas suburban community colleges compared to private institutions?

Community colleges offer remarkable value, with Brazosport College costing just $3,022 annually and Alvin Community College at $4,233. These prices contrast sharply with private options like SMU at $41,778, creating a $38,756 price gap while still providing pathways to solid careers earning $45,000-$48,000.

Does enrollment size affect graduation rates at Texas suburban colleges?

Large institutions show mixed results. Collin County Community College serves 25,857 students but achieves only a 21.8% graduation rate, while smaller specialized schools like College of Biomedical Equipment Technology with 296 students reach 75.5%. Mid-sized universities often find the sweet spot for student success.

Where do graduates from Texas suburban colleges typically find employment?

Many enter Texas's second-largest healthcare workforce, working for major employers like HCA and Baylor Scott & White health systems. The Houston Texas Medical Center and Dallas-area tech companies actively recruit from these programs, with graduates earning between $29,463 and $78,354 depending on their field.

What role does the TEXAS Grant program play for suburban college students?

The TEXAS Grant helps bridge the significant cost gaps between institutions, particularly important given the $38,756 difference between the most expensive private universities and community colleges. This state funding supports students across all 23 suburban institutions, making higher education more accessible regardless of family income.

How do acceptance rates vary among Texas suburban colleges?

Acceptance rates span from Southern Methodist University's selective 52.25% to community colleges offering nearly universal access at 99.2%. Private colleges like Messenger College maintain 50.0% acceptance rates, while public universities like University of Mary Hardin-Baylor accept 95.67% of applicants, ensuring varied educational pathways.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.