2026 Best Graduate Degrees Schools in Texas
Looking for the best Graduate Degrees degree programs in Texas? We have ranked 403 schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To help you make your decision, Grad Degree reviewed 309 schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Graduate Degrees Degree Schools in Texas
Here are the top-ranked schools:
Leading the list is Rice University, our #1 Graduate Degrees school in Texas. This private not-for-profit school is set in Houston, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. In-state tuition and fees average $61,247. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $11,904. See the full Rice University profile
The strong Graduate Degrees programs at The University Of Texas At Austin earned it the #2 place in Texas. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. About 89% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $21,275 in student loans. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
A rank of #3 makes Texas Christian University one of the top choices in Texas. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,740. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $22,960. Read the full report on Texas Christian University
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #4 on this year's Graduate Degrees ranking in Texas. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
A rank of #5 makes Southern Methodist University one of the top choices in Texas. Set in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $67,040 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $20,712 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. See the full Southern Methodist University profile
Texas Wesleyan University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best Graduate Degrees schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fort Worth, TX. Roughly 32% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,582. Texas Wesleyan University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,461 in debt. More on Texas Wesleyan University
Baylor University did well this year, earning the #7 position. Baylor University is a private not-for-profit school based in Waco, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,100. Students borrow a median of $23,928 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Read the full report on Baylor University
Texas Tech University came in at #8 in this year's ranking. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $24,271. Get the full Texas Tech University report
The University Of Texas At Dallas placed #9 among Graduate Degrees schools in Texas. The University Of Texas At Dallas is a public school based in Richardson, TX. The University Of Texas At Dallas posts a six-year graduation rate of 76%. Students from in state pay about $14,644 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,144. Graduates carry a median of $20,531 in student loans. See the full The University Of Texas At Dallas profile
University Of Dallas placed #10 among Graduate Degrees schools in Texas. Set in Irving, TX, University Of Dallas is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 73%. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,930. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $23,411. Read the full report on University Of Dallas
University Of Houston ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Graduate Degrees schools. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. University Of Houston posts a six-year graduation rate of 65%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $21,255. Get the full University Of Houston report
University Of St Thomas Texas placed #12 among Graduate Degrees schools in Texas. This private not-for-profit school is set in Houston, TX. About 69% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,634. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $23,628. See the full University Of St Thomas Texas profile
Abilene Christian University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Graduate Degrees schools. Based in Abilene, TX, Abilene Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 59% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,200. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $23,772. Read the full report on Abilene Christian University
The University Of Texas Pan American came in at #14 in this year's ranking. Based in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 51%. Students from in state pay about $9,799 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Students borrow a median of $14,694 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Read the full report on The University Of Texas Pan American
Lubbock Christian University landed the #15 spot in Texas this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lubbock, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 51%. In-state tuition and fees average $28,540. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $28,337. More on Lubbock Christian University
University Of Houston Clear Lake ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best Graduate Degrees schools. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. University Of Houston Clear Lake graduates 52% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $8,346, compared with $22,290 for out-of-state students. University Of Houston Clear Lake Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $21,100 in debt. Get the full University Of Houston Clear Lake report
The University Of Texas At Arlington placed #17 among Graduate Degrees schools in Texas. The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public school based in Arlington, TX. The University Of Texas At Arlington graduates 54% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,950, while out-of-state students pay about $29,582. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $21,632. See the full The University Of Texas At Arlington profile
Sam Houston State University came in at #18 in this year's ranking. Set in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 55%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Sam Houston State University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $24,850 in debt. See the full Sam Houston State University profile
University Of Houston Downtown did well this year, earning the #19 position. University Of Houston Downtown is a public school based in Houston, TX. University Of Houston Downtown posts a six-year graduation rate of 33%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,582, while out-of-state students pay about $17,434. Graduates carry a median of $23,925 in student loans. See the full University Of Houston Downtown profile
Lamar University did well this year, earning the #20 position. Set in Beaumont, TX, Lamar University is a public institution. Roughly 37% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,905, while out-of-state students pay about $18,745. Lamar University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,988 in debt. Read more about Lamar University
West Texas A And M University placed #21 among Graduate Degrees schools in Texas. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. West Texas A And M University graduates 48% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. West Texas A And M University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $22,333 in debt. See the full West Texas A And M University profile
Texas Womans University came in at #22 in this year's ranking. Set in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 49%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,640, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. Students borrow a median of $24,211 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. See the full Texas Womans University profile
University Of The Incarnate Word did well this year, earning the #23 position. Based in San Antonio, TX, University Of The Incarnate Word is a private not-for-profit institution. About 50% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $37,090. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $28,028. See the full University Of The Incarnate Word profile
Angelo State University placed #24 among Graduate Degrees schools in Texas. This public school is set in San Angelo, TX. Angelo State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 44%. In-state tuition and fees average $8,460, with out-of-state students paying around $18,300. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $21,237. More on Angelo State University
St Marys University came in at #25 in this year's ranking. Based in San Antonio, TX, St Marys University is a private not-for-profit institution. St Marys University graduates 59% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $37,434. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $25,040. Read the full report on St Marys University
Rest of the Top 50 Best Graduate Degrees Degree Schools in Texas
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
University Of North Texas came in at #26 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Denton, TX. University Of North Texas posts a six-year graduation rate of 61%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $21,817. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
Stephen F Austin State University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best Graduate Degrees schools. Stephen F Austin State University is a public school based in Nacogdoches, TX. About 53% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $20,968. Students borrow a median of $24,759 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. More on Stephen F Austin State University
The University Of Texas At Tyler placed #28 among Graduate Degrees schools in Texas. Based in Tyler, TX, The University Of Texas At Tyler is a public institution. The University Of Texas At Tyler graduates 54% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,512, while out-of-state students pay about $24,512. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $20,959. See the full The University Of Texas At Tyler profile
Midwestern State University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best Graduate Degrees schools. This public school is set in Wichita Falls, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 43%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,950, while out-of-state students pay about $11,770. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $26,415. Read more about Midwestern State University
Texas State University San Marcos did well this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in San Marcos, TX. Texas State University San Marcos graduates 55% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Texas State University San Marcos Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $23,659 in debt. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos
Tarleton State University placed #31 among Graduate Degrees schools in Texas. This public school is set in Stephenville, TX. Tarleton State University graduates 48% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,302, while out-of-state students pay about $18,142. Tarleton State University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $23,222 in debt. Read more about Tarleton State University
The University Of Texas At San Antonio ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best Graduate Degrees schools. Set in San Antonio, TX, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a public institution. The University Of Texas At San Antonio graduates 53% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $9,326 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,249. The University Of Texas At San Antonio Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $23,312 in debt. See the full The University Of Texas At San Antonio profile
Our Lady Of The Lake University San Antonio landed the #33 spot in Texas this year. Based in San Antonio, TX, Our Lady Of The Lake University San Antonio is a private not-for-profit institution. About 46% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $32,106. Students borrow a median of $26,759 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. More on Our Lady Of The Lake University San Antonio
Texas A And M University Commerce landed the #34 spot in Texas this year. Texas A And M University Commerce is a public school based in Commerce, TX. Roughly 43% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,026, compared with $22,326 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University Commerce Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $23,796 in debt. More on Texas A And M University Commerce
University Of Houston Victoria did well this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Victoria, TX, University Of Houston Victoria is a public institution. Roughly 26% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,149, while out-of-state students pay about $16,941. Graduates carry a median of $24,081 in student loans. Get the full University Of Houston Victoria report
Texas A And M International University placed #36 among Graduate Degrees schools in Texas. This public school is set in Laredo, TX. Texas A And M International University posts a six-year graduation rate of 46%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,894, compared with $19,454 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M International University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $15,095 in debt. Get the full Texas A And M International University report
Texas A And M University Corpus Christi did well this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Corpus Christi, TX, Texas A And M University Corpus Christi is a public institution. Texas A And M University Corpus Christi posts a six-year graduation rate of 40%. Students from in state pay about $9,748 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,794 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University Corpus Christi Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $25,508 in debt. See the full Texas A And M University Corpus Christi profile
The University Of Texas At El Paso landed the #38 spot in Texas this year. The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public school based in El Paso, TX. Roughly 50% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,544, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. The University Of Texas At El Paso Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $19,819 in debt. See the full The University Of Texas At El Paso profile
Hardin Simmons University placed #39 among Graduate Degrees schools in Texas. Set in Abilene, TX, Hardin Simmons University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 46%. In-state tuition and fees run about $32,960. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $26,674. Read the full report on Hardin Simmons University
Houston Baptist University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best Graduate Degrees schools. Set in Houston, TX, Houston Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Houston Baptist University posts a six-year graduation rate of 49%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,430. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $25,601. Read the full report on Houston Baptist University
Wayland Baptist University landed the #41 spot in Texas this year. Based in Plainview, TX, Wayland Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Wayland Baptist University posts a six-year graduation rate of 19%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,782. Wayland Baptist University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $30,204 in debt. Read more about Wayland Baptist University
Prairie View A And M University landed the #42 spot in Texas this year. Based in Prairie View, TX, Prairie View A And M University is a public institution. Prairie View A And M University posts a six-year graduation rate of 43%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,299, while out-of-state students pay about $26,874. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $29,824. Read the full report on Prairie View A And M University
Texas A And M University Kingsville landed the #43 spot in Texas this year. Based in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 42%. Students from in state pay about $9,892 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $25,531. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Kingsville
Dallas Baptist University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best Graduate Degrees schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dallas, TX. Dallas Baptist University posts a six-year graduation rate of 58%. Students from in state pay about $40,190 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,819 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Read more about Dallas Baptist University
Texas A And M University Central Texas did well this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Killeen, TX, Texas A And M University Central Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,363, compared with $17,155 for out-of-state students. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $23,160. See the full Texas A And M University Central Texas profile
University Of Mary Hardin Baylor ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best Graduate Degrees schools. Based in Belton, TX, University Of Mary Hardin Baylor is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 49%. In-state tuition and fees average $34,300. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $26,782. More on University Of Mary Hardin Baylor
Letourneau University placed #47 among Graduate Degrees schools in Texas. Based in Longview, TX, Letourneau University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 59%. Students from in state pay about $37,160 in tuition and fees. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $32,086. Read the full report on Letourneau University
Southwestern Assemblies Of God University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best Graduate Degrees schools. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University is a private not-for-profit school based in Waxahachie, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 36%. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,064. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $28,248. See the full Southwestern Assemblies Of God University profile
Texas A And M University San Antonio ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Graduate Degrees schools. Set in San Antonio, TX, Texas A And M University San Antonio is a public institution. Texas A And M University San Antonio posts a six-year graduation rate of 40%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,654, with out-of-state students paying around $23,255. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $22,771. Read the full report on Texas A And M University San Antonio
Texas Southern University landed the #50 spot in Texas this year. Located in Houston, TX, Texas Southern University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 22%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,637, while out-of-state students pay about $21,473. Students borrow a median of $35,330 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Read the full report on Texas Southern University
More Graduate Degrees Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: State · 309 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 403 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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