2026 Best Value Graduate Degrees Schools in Texas
Looking for the best-value Graduate Degrees degree programs in Texas? We have ranked 403 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Grad Degree reviewed 50 schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Graduate Degrees Degree Schools in Texas
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
West Texas A And M University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in Texas. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,741. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full West Texas A And M University profile
A rank of #2 makes The University Of Texas At Austin one of the best values in Texas. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
A rank of #3 makes Texas A And M University College Station one of the best values in Texas. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
Out of the 50 schools in Texas in this year's value ranking, Midwestern State University landed the #4 spot. This public school is set in Wichita Falls, TX. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,747. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Midwestern State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas A And M University Kingsville earned it the #5 place in Texas. Based in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,450. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University Kingsville has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Kingsville
Angelo State University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Graduate Degrees ranking in Texas. This public school is set in San Angelo, TX. 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. Angelo State University alumni report median earnings of $50,116 a decade after entry. Set against $21,237 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. More on Angelo State University
Texas A And M International University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Laredo, TX. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,386 ten years after entry. Set against $15,095 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 44% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas A And M International University report
The University Of Texas Pan American ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Based in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,620. Set against $14,694 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas Pan American has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas Pan American
Texas A And M University Central Texas came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. 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. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas A And M University Central Texas profile
Texas Womans University placed #10 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Texas. Set in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,544. That is a strong return on a $24,211 median debt. Texas Womans University admits about 96% of applicants. See the full Texas Womans University profile
Texas Tech University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Stephen F Austin State University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Stephen F Austin State University is a public school based in Nacogdoches, TX. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,634. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. More on Stephen F Austin State University
Lamar University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Beaumont, TX, Lamar University is a public institution. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,652. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lamar University admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Lamar University
The University Of Texas At El Paso landed the #14 spot for value in Texas this year. The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public school based in El Paso, TX. 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. Median earnings reach $50,923 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Texas At El Paso profile
Texas A And M University Commerce placed #15 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Texas. Texas A And M University Commerce is a public school based in Commerce, TX. 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. Texas A And M University Commerce alumni report median earnings of $50,296 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,796 median debt. Texas A And M University Commerce has an acceptance rate of 92%. More on Texas A And M University Commerce
Tarleton State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Stephenville, TX. 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. Median earnings reach $53,040 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tarleton State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Tarleton State University
Texas A And M University Corpus Christi placed #16 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Texas. Located in Corpus Christi, TX, Texas A And M University Corpus Christi is a public institution. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,865. That is a strong return on a $25,508 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas A And M University Corpus Christi profile
Sam Houston State University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,211. That is a strong return on a $24,850 median debt. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Sam Houston State University profile
University Of Houston placed #19 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Texas. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. That is a strong return on a $21,255 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Houston report
University Of North Texas landed the #20 spot for value in Texas this year. This public school is set in Denton, TX. 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. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. Set against $21,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
The University Of Texas At Tyler offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Tyler, TX, The University Of Texas At Tyler is a public institution. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,053. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full The University Of Texas At Tyler profile
Lubbock Christian University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $28,540. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $28,337. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,787 ten years after entry. Set against $28,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lubbock Christian University has an acceptance rate of 73%. More on Lubbock Christian University
Texas A And M University San Antonio offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in San Antonio, TX, Texas A And M University San Antonio is a public institution. 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. Texas A And M University San Antonio alumni report median earnings of $54,338 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,771 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on Texas A And M University San Antonio
University Of Houston Clear Lake offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. 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. University Of Houston Clear Lake alumni report median earnings of $59,004 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Houston Clear Lake report
University Of Houston Downtown landed the #25 spot for value in Texas this year. University Of Houston Downtown is a public school based in Houston, TX. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,551. That is a strong return on a $23,925 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full University Of Houston Downtown profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Graduate Degrees Degree Schools in Texas
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Texas State University San Marcos ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This public school is set in San Marcos, TX. 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. Texas State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $56,906 a decade after entry. Set against $23,659 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas State University San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos
Prairie View A And M University placed #26 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Texas. Based in Prairie View, TX, Prairie View A And M University is a public institution. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,411 ten years after entry. Set against $29,824 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Prairie View A And M University admits about 79% of applicants. Read the full report on Prairie View A And M University
University Of Houston Victoria placed #28 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Texas. Based in Victoria, TX, University Of Houston Victoria is a public institution. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,467. That is a strong return on a $24,081 median debt. University Of Houston Victoria has an acceptance rate of 96%. Get the full University Of Houston Victoria report
The University Of Texas At San Antonio landed the #29 spot for value in Texas this year. Set in San Antonio, TX, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a public institution. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,131. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Texas At San Antonio profile
The University Of Texas At Arlington came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public school based in Arlington, TX. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,199. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. See the full The University Of Texas At Arlington profile
Southwestern Assemblies Of God University placed #31 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Texas. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University is a private not-for-profit school based in Waxahachie, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,064. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $28,248. Median earnings reach $46,238 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full Southwestern Assemblies Of God University profile
The University Of Texas At Dallas offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. The University Of Texas At Dallas is a public school based in Richardson, TX. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,227. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Texas At Dallas profile
Texas Southern University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Located in Houston, TX, Texas Southern University is a public institution. 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. Texas Southern University alumni report median earnings of $38,924 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Southern University has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read the full report on Texas Southern University
Texas Wesleyan University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fort Worth, TX. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,053 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas Wesleyan University
Houston Baptist University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Set in Houston, TX, Houston Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,430. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $25,601. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,933. That is a strong return on a $25,601 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Houston Baptist University
Hardin Simmons University placed #36 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Texas. Set in Abilene, TX, Hardin Simmons University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $32,960. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $26,674. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,771. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hardin Simmons University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Hardin Simmons University
Wayland Baptist University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Based in Plainview, TX, Wayland Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. Wayland Baptist University alumni report median earnings of $51,838 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,204 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Wayland Baptist University
University Of St Thomas Texas came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,634. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $23,628. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,224 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full University Of St Thomas Texas profile
Our Lady Of The Lake University San Antonio placed #39 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Texas. Based in San Antonio, TX, Our Lady Of The Lake University San Antonio is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $32,106. Students borrow a median of $26,759 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Median earnings reach $48,675 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,759 median debt. More on Our Lady Of The Lake University San Antonio
Texas Christian University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,740. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $22,960. Median earnings reach $68,424 ten years out. Set against $22,960 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Christian University admits about 44% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas Christian University
University Of The Incarnate Word offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in San Antonio, TX, University Of The Incarnate Word is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,090. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $28,028. University Of The Incarnate Word alumni report median earnings of $56,733 a decade after entry. Set against $28,028 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full University Of The Incarnate Word profile
Rice University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $61,247. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $11,904. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $89,718. That is a strong return on a $11,904 median debt. Rice University admits about 8% of applicants. See the full Rice University profile
St Marys University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Antonio, TX, St Marys University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,434. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $25,040. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,955 ten years after entry. Set against $25,040 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. St Marys University admits about 98% of applicants. Read the full report on St Marys University
Abilene Christian University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Based in Abilene, TX, Abilene Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,200. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $23,772. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,736 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,772 median debt. Abilene Christian University has an acceptance rate of 66%. Read the full report on Abilene Christian University
Letourneau University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Based in Longview, TX, Letourneau University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,160 in tuition and fees. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $32,086. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,103. Set against $32,086 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Letourneau University admits about 38% of applicants. Read the full report on Letourneau University
Southern Methodist University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Set in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,354. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Southern Methodist University profile
University Of Mary Hardin Baylor offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Belton, TX, University Of Mary Hardin Baylor is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,300. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $26,782. University Of Mary Hardin Baylor alumni report median earnings of $56,132 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,782 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on University Of Mary Hardin Baylor
Dallas Baptist University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dallas, TX. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,807. Set against $22,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Dallas Baptist University
University Of Dallas ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Set in Irving, TX, University Of Dallas is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,930. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $23,411. University Of Dallas alumni report median earnings of $58,285 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 53% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Dallas
Baylor University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Baylor University is a private not-for-profit school based in Waco, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,100. Students borrow a median of $23,928 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Baylor University alumni report median earnings of $65,793 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Baylor University admits about 51% of applicants. Read the full report on Baylor University
More Graduate Degrees Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 50 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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