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Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in the Southwest Region

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2023 Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in the Southwest Region

85 Schools Ranked
$21,034 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which program is right for you. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. Also there are many trade schools and bootcamps that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

The Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in the Southwest Region ranking is one of many tools that Grad Degree Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 85 schools in the Southwest Region to see which ones were the most popular graduate certificate programs for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

1,107 Total Awards

Our analysis found University of Phoenix - Arizona to be the most popular school for students who want to pursue a graduate certificate in the Southwest Region . UOPX - Arizona is located in Tempe, Arizona and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,107 graduate certificates to qualified students.

Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that UOPX - Arizona does offer online graduate classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 99% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on University of Phoenix - Arizona

#2

Lamar University

Beaumont, Texas
882 Total Awards
$8,411 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent graduate certificate programs at Lamar University helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in the Southwest Region . Located in Beaumont, Texas, the fairly large public school awarded 882 diplomas to qualifed graduate certificate students in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 80% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Lamar University does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. In fact, around 95% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Lamar University Report

#3

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, Texas
516 Total Awards
$9,518 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you attend Texas Tech University. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in the Southwest Region list. Texas Tech is a public institution located in Lubbock, Texas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 516 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Around 50% of those degree recipients were women.

Texas Tech does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2019-2020 about 49% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Texas Tech University Report

#4

Texas A&M University - College Station

College Station, Texas
492 Total Awards
$10,733 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Texas A&M University - College Station is a great place for students working on their graduate certificate. Texas A&M University - College Station is a large public school located in College Station, Texas that handed out 492 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

Texas A&M College Station does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 23% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Texas A&M University - College Station

#5

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, Arizona
426 Total Awards
$11,538 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Grand Canyon University is a great place for students working on their graduate certificate. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, the large private for-profit school awarded 426 diplomas to qualifed graduate certificate students in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 82% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at Grand Canyon University. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 96% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Grand Canyon University Report

324 Total Awards
$9,529 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #6, University of Houston - Downtown did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their graduate certificate. UH Downtown is located in Houston, Texas and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 324 graduate certificates to qualified students.

Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

One thing to take note of is that UH Downtown does offer online graduate classes in some areas. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 98% took at least some of their classes online.

Full University of Houston - Downtown Report

275 Total Awards

With a ranking of #7, The University of Texas at Dallas did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their graduate certificate. Located in Richardson, Texas, the large public school handed out 275 graduate certificate awards in 2020-2021.

Around 51% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UT Dallas does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 83% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on The University of Texas at Dallas

#8

Arizona State University - Skysong

Scottsdale, Arizona
263 Total Awards
$9,982 Average Tuition & Fees

Arizona State University - Skysong did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #8 on the list. Arizona State University - Skysong is a large public school located in Scottsdale, Arizona that handed out 263 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 78% were women.

ASU - Skysong is one of the schools on our list that is primarily online. Each graduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Full Arizona State University - Skysong Report

261 Total Awards
$10,853 Average Tuition & Fees

The University of Texas at Arlington did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #9 on the list. Located in Arlington, Texas, the large public school handed out 261 graduate certificate awards in 2020-2021.

Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at UT Arlington. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 65% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#10

University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona
242 Total Awards
$13,460 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Arizona landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular graduate certificate programs. This large public school is located in Tucson, Arizona, and it awarded 242 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online graduate classes at University of Arizona. In fact, around 37% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on University of Arizona

#11

University of North Texas

Denton, Texas
224 Total Awards
$8,256 Average Tuition & Fees

University of North Texas came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. UNT is a large public school situated in Denton, Texas. It awarded 224 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Around 81% of those degree recipients were women.

Online graduate courses are available at UNT, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 50% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on University of North Texas

207 Total Awards
$7,885 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. UT Southwestern is located in Dallas, Texas and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 207 graduate certificates to qualified students.

Of those students who received their degree, 38% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at UT Southwestern. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 49% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

192 Total Awards
$12,608 Average Tuition & Fees

Arizona State University - Tempe came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Tempe, Arizona is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out graduate certificates to 192 students in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at ASU - Tempe. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 42% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

174 Total Awards
$9,479 Average Tuition & Fees

The University of Texas at San Antonio landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular graduate certificate programs. Located in San Antonio, Texas, the large public school handed out 174 graduate certificate awards in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at UTSA. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 89% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full The University of Texas at San Antonio Report

171 Total Awards
$8,672 Average Tuition & Fees

Oklahoma State University - Main Campus landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular graduate certificate programs. Located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, the large public school handed out 171 graduate certificate awards in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since OSU does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 60% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#16

Texas Woman's University

Denton, Texas
157 Total Awards
$7,704 Average Tuition & Fees

Texas Woman’s University ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in the Southwest Region list. Located in Denton, Texas, the fairly large public school awarded 157 diplomas to qualifed graduate certificate students in 2020-2021.

Around 95% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at TWU. In 2019-2020 about 88% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Texas Woman’s University Report

#17

Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, Arizona
145 Total Awards
$11,555 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,445 Avg Student Debt

Northern Arizona University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #17 on the list. Located in Flagstaff, Arizona, the large public school awarded 145 diplomas to qualifed graduate certificate students in 2020-2021.

Graduate Certificate recipients from NAU accumulate an average of $23,445 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Online graduate courses are available at NAU, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 54% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Full Northern Arizona University Report

121 Total Awards
$8,814 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,469 Avg Student Debt

University of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular graduate certificate programs. Located in Norman, Oklahoma, the large public school handed out 121 graduate certificate awards in 2020-2021.

Graduate Certificate recipients from University of Oklahoma accumulate an average of $26,469 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at University of Oklahoma. During the 2019-2020 year, about 54% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#19

Western New Mexico University

Silver City, New Mexico
115 Total Awards
$5,163 Average Tuition & Fees

Western New Mexico University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #19 on the list. This small public school is located in Silver City, New Mexico, and it awarded 115 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 81% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at Western New Mexico University. In fact, around 95% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Western New Mexico University Report

#20

Texas State University

San Marcos, Texas
101 Total Awards
$9,060 Average Tuition & Fees

Texas State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #20 on the list. Texas State University is a large public school located in San Marcos, Texas that handed out 101 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Texas State does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. In fact, around 76% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Texas State University Report

78 Total Awards
$9,080 Average Tuition & Fees

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #21 on the list. Lubbock, Texas is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out graduate certificates to 78 students in 2020-2021.

Around 73% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that TTUHSC does offer online graduate classes in some areas. In fact, around 61% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

71 Total Awards
$35,802 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #22, Southern Methodist University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their graduate certificate. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Dallas, Texas, and it awarded 71 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Around 44% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that SMU does offer online graduate classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 40% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Southern Methodist University

#23

New Mexico State University - Main Campus

Las Cruces, New Mexico
69 Total Awards
$5,926 Average Tuition & Fees

New Mexico State University - Main Campus did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #23 on the list. Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, the fairly large public school awarded 69 diplomas to qualifed graduate certificate students in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

Online graduate courses are available at NMSU Main Campus, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 50% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

69 Total Awards
$4,464 Average Tuition & Fees

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #23 on the list. UT Health San Antonio is a public institution located in San Antonio, Texas. The school has a small population, and it awarded 69 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

UT Health San Antonio does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 1% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

#25

University of Dallas

Irving, Texas
66 Total Awards

University of Dallas came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. UD is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Irving, Texas. It awarded 66 graduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Around 33% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that UD does offer online graduate classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 42% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full University of Dallas Report

View Most Popular Graduate Certificate Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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