Best STEM Colleges in Texas
Many colleges and universities offer STEM degrees in Texas. Some of the best include the University of Texas, Rice University, and Texas Tech University.
If you're hoping to earn a STEM degree, you may want to learn about the best STEM colleges. In particular, you'd like to find a school in your home state of Texas. Which Texas universities offer the greatest number of high-value STEM degree programs?
The majority of Texas schools offer bachelor's degrees in STEM fields; some also offer graduate programs like master's degrees and doctoral degrees. Some schools you may want to consider include Texas Tech University, Lamar University, and the University of Houston.
Read on to see this list of schools and discover more information about STEM colleges with financial aid.
Top STEM Colleges in Texas
College students at the following schools have a wide array of STEM degrees they can choose from, including both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Let's look at some of the best universities for STEM fields in Texas.
1. University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)
The University of Texas at Austin is the flagship campus of the University of Texas System. This large public university offers various engineering programs and other STEM degrees.
Some of the many programs you can choose from include:
- biomedical engineering
- geophysics
- astronomy
- mathematics
- computational engineering
2. Rice University
Rice University is a private university located in Houston. The school is often ranked as one of the top universities in Texas by sources such as U.S. News and World Report.
Rice's top engineering school offers an array of engineering degrees. Many STEM degrees are available, such as:
- biosciences
- earth, environmental, and planetary sciences
- kinesiology
- neuroscience
- chemical physics
3. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University is a large public school with an enrollment of nearly 73,000 students. Located in College Station, this school offers dozens of STEM majors in many disciplines and specializations.
A few of the majors you can choose from include:
- nuclear engineering
- computer science
- technology management
- meteorology
- statistics
4. University of Houston
The University of Houston is a public university offering an array of online and campus-based degree programs. Many of these programs lead to career opportunities in STEM fields.
Some top STEM degrees to consider include:
- accounting
- computer engineering
- petroleum engineering
- mechanical engineering technology
- computer information systems
5. Southern Methodist University (SMU)
Southern Methodist University is a private school in Dallas with an enrollment of more than 12,000 students. It offers various degree and certificate programs in different fields.
Various STEM degrees are available, including:
- engineering
- physics
- data science
- biophysical sciences
- civil engineering
6. University of Texas at Dallas (UTD)
The University of Texas at Dallas is a member of the University of Texas System. Located in Richardson, it enrolls more than 30,000 students.
Students can choose from many different STEM degrees, such as:
- actuarial science
- audiology
- business analytics and artificial intelligence
- geosciences
- molecular biology
7. University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
The University of Texas at Arlington is another member of the University of Texas System. It enrolls nearly 41,000 students in hundreds of academic programs.
Consider pursuing a STEM major such as the following options:
- aerospace engineering
- environmental and earth science
- medication technology
- resource and energy engineering
- software engineering
8. Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University is located in Lubbock. This large public university offers an array of degree programs online and in person for both undergraduate and graduate students.
STEM majors include:
- animal science
- architecture
- chemical engineering
- industrial engineering
- natural resources management
9. Baylor University
Baylor University is a private school located in Waco. It offers many different degree programs at various program levels and enrolls around 20,000 students.
Some of the STEM degrees you can pursue include:
- aviation science
- archaeology
- cybersecurity
- psychology
- forensic science
10. Texas State University
Texas State University is a large public school with nearly 39,000 students. It is located in San Marcos and has a secondary campus in Round Rock.
The school offers many degree programs, including STEM degrees like the following:
- applied mathematics
- chemistry
- construction science and management
- economics
- healthcare administration
11. University of North Texas (UNT)
The University of North Texas is headquartered in Denton in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It enrolls nearly 47,000 students.
Some of the STEM degrees available at this school include:
- astrophysics
- biochemistry
- computer science
- data science
- ecology for environmental science
12. Stephen F. Austin State University
Stephen F. Austin State University is a public school located in Nacogdoches. It is one of the newest members of the University of Texas System.
STEM students can pursue various degrees, including:
- business technology applications
- computer information systems
- digital media
- engineering physics
- information technology
13. Midwestern State University
Midwestern State University is a public school located in Wichita Falls. Though it is considered a liberal arts school, students can pursue a variety of STEM degree programs.
Some of the STEM options include:
- computer science
- economics
- industrial technology
- radiologic technology
- mathematics
14. Lamar University
Lamar University is a public school in Beaumont enrolling around 17,000 students. It offers both online and in-person degrees in a diverse range of fields, including STEM fields.
Consider the following STEM degree programs:
- accounting
- biology
- computer game development
- management information systems
- exercise physiology
15. The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, or UTHealth, is a public healthcare training facility. The school enrolls around 5,200 students.
The school offers primarily advanced medical and healthcare degrees, but some graduate-level STEM programs are also available. These include:
- biomedical sciences
- medical physics
- clinical research
- health informatics
- nursing
FAQs About STEM Colleges in Texas
If you still have questions about pursuing higher education in a STEM field, keep reading. Below, we'll answer some commonly asked questions you may be wondering about.
What College Has the Best Science Program in Texas?
No one school is considered the best in Texas for science majors. However, many of the schools outlined in this article have obtained high rankings for overall academic quality. Some of these schools include Rice University, Southern Methodist University, and Texas A&M University.
Which Texas School Has the Best STEM Programs?
Texas A&M University is a nationally ranked school for STEM degrees, potentially making it the best STEM school in the state. The school has dozens of STEM degrees to choose from and is known for its high academic standards.
Are There Specific Financial Aid Programs for Texas STEM Students?
Various scholarship programs are available to students hoping to pursue STEM degrees in Texas. Individual schools may offer these programs. For example, the University of Houston offers a STEM scholarship program for those demonstrating academic merit and financial need.
Scholarships may also be available through state or national organizations. Options include the Women in STEM Award, available through the British American Foundation of Texas, and the Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship, available to students throughout the U.S.