Colleges in Austin, Texas: All 6 Schools

Austin isn’t just the capital of the Lone Star State — the city is a hub for innovation, culture, and education. Austin’s eclectic cultural scene, thriving tech industry, and lively atmosphere make it an appealing destination for students.

From the prestigious University of Texas at Austin to smaller liberal arts schools like Southwestern University, students have access to learning and social environments that mirror their individual needs.

With its blend of academic excellence and vibrant urban life, Austin stands out as a compelling choice for current and future students. We’ve broken down why Austin colleges should top your list.

Austin is home to some of the state’s most popular and prestigious colleges. We’ve spotlighted three of the most notable based on criteria like number of applicants and overall academic reputation.

The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and is updated for 2022.

Here is a complete list of all four-year nonprofit universities in Austin. Use the table below to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.

All data comes from NCES. We did not include schools that enroll fewer than 500 undergraduates.

Austin is home to a thriving job market, offering high-paying career opportunities in various growing fields.

The city’s top-paying jobs often exist in the technology, engineering, and business sectors. Specifically, Austin’s three highest-paying careers are chief executives, physical scientists, and financial managers.

Attending college in Austin offers graduates direct access to industry leaders, internships, and countless networking opportunities— fostering connections with tech giants and startups alike.

Like other popular growing cities, Austin’s cost of living is higher than the national average, with no signs of slowing down. As a result, students choosing colleges in Austin can adopt effective strategies to manage expenses.

Most students can save a significant amount on housing by having a roommate. Students also have access to widespread discounts for things like transportation, entertainment, and dining. By leveraging these student-centric benefits, Austin can become a more affordable city for studying and living.

There are six nonprofit four-year universities in Austin. Whether you’re looking for a large public institution or smaller liberal arts schools, Austin is home to a number of quality colleges and universities. Top schools include the University of Texas at Austin, Southwestern University, Texas State University, and St. Edward’s University.

Rice University is considered a Hidden Ivy and is often ranked higher than UT Austin.

Determining whether Rice University, a private, Houston-based college, is better than UT Austin depends entirely on your needs as a student. The two schools differ when it comes to tuition, size, academic reputation, campus culture, and location.

With over 52,000 students, The University of Texas at Austin is not only the biggest school in Austin but also one of the biggest schools in the state. UT Austin is not just big; it’s a prestigious research institution that plays a sizable role in Austin’s culture.

According to the NCES, Texas State University is the cheapest college in Austin, with an average annual net price of $14,120.

Many factors can influence how much college costs, but one of the most significant elements is a school’s status as a public or private institution. Students paying in-state tuition at a public school tend to spend far less than they would at a private college.