10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Brownsville, TX

Learn about the best colleges and universities in and around Brownsville, Texas. Get answers to common questions you may have about choosing a college and paying for school.

Do you live near Brownsville, Texas? If you're getting ready to start college, you may be wondering what schools are available in your area.

If so, this article's for you. Read on as we take a look at some of the top colleges and universities in Brownsville and some of the surrounding communities.

Featured Colleges in Brownsville, TX

The 10 schools below are located in Brownsville proper as well as surrounding areas such as Edinburgh, McAllen, and Harlingen.

1. Texas Southmost College

Texas Southmost College is a public community college located in Brownsville. It was established in 1926 and enrolls around 7,700 students.

This school provides a variety of two-year degrees and short-term certificate programs. It also offers college prep programs for high schoolers preparing to enter college.

Most students learn on-campus, though many individual courses are offered in a flexible online format.

2. University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley

The University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley is part of the University of Texas System. This large public school has several campuses, including one in Brownsville.

Students can pursue a wealth of graduate and undergraduate degree programs in disciplines such as business, technology, health and wellness, arts and sciences, and law.

Many degree programs are offered in a fully online or hybrid format for maximum convenience and flexibility. Other programs are only available on campus.

3. Our Lady of the Lake University - Rio Grande Valley

Our Lady of the Lake University is a private Catholic school with its main campus in San Antonio. However, it has an additional campus in La Feria, northwest of Brownsville and west of Harlingen.

Undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered in many fields and formats to meet the needs and academic interests of a wide range of students.

Choose traditional campus-based learning, flexible online programs, or a combination of course formats. Those studying on-campus can choose from day, evening, and weekend class schedules so they can learn in their own time.

4. Rio Grande Valley College

Rio Grande Valley College is a vocational school located in Pharr. It was established in 2008 and serves students pursuing a variety of healthcare professions.

Some of the training programs available include:

Students who need financial assistance can take advantage of the school's individualized financial aid packages to help them afford their schooling.

5. Texas State Technical College

Texas State Technical College is a large public technical school system headquartered in Waco. It has several campuses throughout the state, including one near Brownsville, in Harlingen.

This school offers associate degrees and certificate programs in an array of career-focused disciplines. Some of these include:

Students can complete many of these programs online. Campus-based programs are offered via both day and evening classes so you can choose your ideal course schedule.

6. The College of Healthcare Professions

The College of Healthcare Professions is a private school headquartered in Houston. It has several additional campuses throughout Texas; the closest one to Brownsville is in McAllen.

The school offers healthcare-related certificate programs, as well as associate degree completion programs in health and medical administrative services and diagnostic medical sonography.

Most programs are completed in person through day or evening classes; that said, some programs offer blended learning opportunities which include some online coursework.

7. Southern Careers Institute

Southern Careers Institute is a private vocational school with various locations throughout Texas. One of these No InterWiki reference defined in properties for Wiki called "career institutehttps"! locations is in Brownsville, with nearby locations in Harlingen and Pharr.

Several technical training programs are available at the Brownsville campus, including:

  • business accounting specialist
  • electrical technician
  • medical billing and coding specialist
  • cosmetology operator
  • nurse aide

Programs are primarily offered in person and provide intensive hands-on career training and preparation.

8. South Texas Vo-Tech

South Texas Vo-Tech is a vocational school with locations throughout the region, including one in McAllen.

Programs available at this school include:

This small school offers personalized and hands-on instruction as well as career guidance to help you choose the best path forward.

9. McAllen Careers Institute

McAllen Careers Institute is a highly specialized vocational school located in McAllen.

This school provides targeted training programs for students interested in becoming welders and pipefitters.

Various financial aid options are available for qualifying students looking to begin a career in welding or pipefitting.

10. Rio Grande Bible College

Rio Grande Bible College is a private school located in Edinburgh. It offers highly specialized training for students planning to become missionaries in Latin America.

The school provides intensive Spanish language and cultural education to help students succeed in their calling.

The school has been around since 1947 and has enrolled more than 6,000 students during its years of operation.

What Is the Biggest School Near Brownsville, TX?

The biggest school in or near Brownsville is the University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley. Across its several campuses, this school enrolls more than 32,400 students.

How to Choose the Right College Near Brownsville, TX

Are you wondering which school is best for you? The variety of options can feel overwhelming when you're trying to pick one that will suit your needs and interests.

The best way to decide is to clearly identify what's most important to you in a school: tuition and financial aid? Degree programs available? Academic excellence? Location? Type of school?

Once you know your priorities, you'll find that it's much easier to narrow down the list and choose the school that works best for you.

Paying for Your Degree Near Brownsville, TX

College is not cheap, but there are many ways to get financial aid that will help cut costs. Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and looking for scholarships for which you might qualify.

Have a military background? Or maybe you're serving in the military right now. You may be eligible for tuition discounts and waivers through your GI Bill benefits. Some schools offer additional military discounts.

Finally, find out if your school offers a work-study program so you can work off some of your costs. If you are already working, check with your employer to find out if the company offers tuition assistance.

Start Your Degree Near Brownsville, TX Today

If you're ready to start college, check out the Brownsville-area schools outlined above to find the best one for you.