Best
Value Colleges in San Antonio in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in San Antonio combines foundational knowledge with practical skills for managing organizations. Typical courses include accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, business law, and operations. Students develop leadership, communication, and analytical abilities. Graduates may pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, sales representative, or operations manager. San Antonio options include the University of Texas at San Antonio, St. Mary's University, and the University of the Incarnate Word.

Psychology

San Antonio psychology programs cover behavior, mental processes, and research. Courses often include developmental, social, cognitive, and abnormal psychology, statistics, neuroscience, and counseling. Learning involves labs, internships, or community service. Popular colleges offering psychology include the University of Texas at San Antonio, the University of the Incarnate Word, St. Mary's University, and Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Graduates pursue human resources, case management, research assistance, or behavioral health support; clinical practice generally requires graduate education and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in San Antonio, Texas, combines programming foundations with problem-solving. Typical coursework includes algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students build projects and develop skills in coding, teamwork, and analysis. Popular options include the University of Texas at San Antonio, Trinity University, St. Mary's University, and Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Graduates commonly pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts, or IT support professionals.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in San Antonio, TX, can prepare you to support individuals, families, and communities through mental health challenges. Typical coursework includes counseling theories, ethics, multicultural counseling, assessment, group therapy, and practicum or internship experience. Graduates may work as licensed professional counselors, school counselors, substance use counselors, or behavioral health case managers, depending on degree and licensure. San Antonio options include Our Lady of the Lake University and UTSA, with graduate counseling programs.

Nursing

Studying nursing in San Antonio, Texas, offers associate- and bachelor's-degree pathways, with clinical placements in hospitals and community settings. Typical courses include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical care, pediatrics, mental health, and public health. Graduates may become registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, schools, or long-term-care facilities, or pursue care coordination. Colleges offering nursing programs include UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio College, the University of the Incarnate Word, and Galen College of Nursing.

Best Colleges in San Antonio, TX Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 16,848.0, compared with 35,738.8 at schools in the top 10%, making the top-group median 18,890.8 higher.
• Average financial-aid coverage is 100.0% overall, compared with 81.62% among top-10% schools, a difference of 18.38 percentage points.
• The average acceptance rate is 81.62%. Schools receive an average of 7,960.75 applicants, while schools in the top 10% average 16,380.8 applicants.
• The median number of applicants is 2,757.0 men and 4,346.0 women, so the median for women is 1,589 higher.
• Average test scores are 1,109.0 on the SAT and 22.4 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 8,570.44; averages for enrolled men and women are 542.25 and 660.12, respectively.
• The average graduation rate is 52.07%, compared with 80.7% for top-10% schools, a difference of 28.63 percentage points. Median graduation rates are 44.0% for men and 53.0% for women, a 9-point difference.
• Ten institutions offer associate's degrees, 16 offer bachelor's degrees, 10 offer master's degrees, and 6 offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 16 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, prospective students should weigh the total cost against financial-aid availability, and compare acceptance rates and applicant numbers with their own priorities. They should also consider graduation outcomes, including the higher average rate at top-10% schools, and check which degree levels are offered. The overall figures and top-10% comparisons can help frame these trade-offs, but students should consider which factors matter most to them.

How much does studying at a college in San Antonio, TX cost?

The average reported total cost of studying in San Antonio, TX, is $20,006.67. Average tuition and fees are $17,707.88, while books and supplies average $783.33. Room and board are listed at $12,254.15. These figures are averages, so they may reflect different cost groupings and should not be added together as one student bill. Your actual price will depend on the college, degree, enrollment status, and whether you live on campus or commute.

Compare current cost-of-attendance estimates at UTSA, St. Mary's University, and San Antonio College before choosing. For a local student, commuting from home can lower costs; if you live near campus, budget for housing and meals. Ask about financial aid, scholarships, payment plans, and transfer credits to make your education more manageable. A clear budget and guidance from college advisers can help you plan confidently and feel excited about earning a degree for yourself right here in San Antonio.

How long does it take to finish college in San Antonio, TX?

In San Antonio, plan on about four years for a full-time bachelor's degree and about two years for an associate degree, though major requirements, course availability, work, and family responsibilities can extend the timeline. At UTSA, Trinity University, or St. Mary's University, your pace depends on completing required credits each term; Alamo Colleges offers local associate-degree pathways and transfer options toward a bachelor's.

Graduation figures offer a useful reality check: the average graduation rate is 52.07%, meaning completion is not automatic, while schools in the top 10% average 80.7%. Reported averages are 45.21% for men and 55.93% for women. Rates vary by institution and cohort, so compare each school's outcomes and ask how it defines graduation before enrolling.

To finish sooner, consider summer classes, heavier course loads, AP or dual-enrollment credit, and transferring credits from an Alamo Colleges campus. Meet an adviser to map prerequisites and avoid delays.

Salary

Graduates in San Antonio, TX can use about $46,489 as a median alumni salary benchmark, while alumni of top-performing schools reach a median of about $72,693. These figures offer a helpful starting point, not a guaranteed salary; your major, experience, and career field can make a big difference.

• Students at San Antonio institutions such as UTSA, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, Trinity University, St. Mary's University, and the University of the Incarnate Word can compare programs and career services as they plan for work after graduation.
• Fields, internships, and local job opportunities all affect earning potential, so exploring career outcomes for your chosen program can help you set realistic goals.

People also ask

How many universities are there in San Antonio?

Counting universities based in San Antonio - not every college, branch campus, or nearby institution - the city has about seven: UTSA, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, the University of the Incarnate Word, St. Mary's University, Trinity University, Our Lady of the Lake University, and Baptist University of the Americas. The total can vary depending on how "university" and "San Antonio" are defined.

What is the largest university in San Antonio?

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is generally the largest by student enrollment. It offers a broad range of programs and has multiple campuses, giving local students plenty of opportunities to find an academic and campus community that suits them. Enrollment figures change over time, so comparisons may differ slightly by year.

How many universities are there in San Antonio?

For a practical college search, the answer is roughly seven universities headquartered in the city. If you include colleges, specialized schools, and campuses of institutions based elsewhere, the number of higher-education options is considerably larger. That variety can make it easier to compare programs, campus settings, and routes to a degree close to home.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Value Colleges Ranking in San Antonio, TX Ranking in 2026-2027

Trinity University offers a small-campus option in San Antonio, Texas, with 2,588 enrolled students. Its 84% graduation rate is highest among these five schools, while its 26% acceptance rate makes admission the most selective. Total study cost is $53,352, the highest listed; median alumni salary is $47,147. For a San Antonio student seeking a close-knit university experience, Trinity's scale may appeal, though compare aid and net price before deciding. Its urban location keeps local culture and city amenities nearby.

The University of Texas at San Antonio is a large public university with 35,770 enrolled students. Its 87% acceptance rate is the highest in this group, and its 53% graduation rate offers useful context when comparing outcomes. Total study cost is $19,189, the second-lowest listed, and median alumni salary is $43,958. For San Antonio residents, attending a major local campus can mean staying close to home while exploring many academic and student-life options. Review program offerings and commuting plans carefully.

St. Mary's University is a private Catholic university in San Antonio, enrolling 3,758 students. Its 59% graduation rate falls between the rates at Trinity and the two largest public options, while 98% acceptance indicates broad access. Total study cost is $36,198, and median alumni salary is $42,897. For a student based in San Antonio, its smaller enrollment may offer a more personal campus setting without leaving the city. Compare available majors, financial aid, and campus resources to assess fit closely.

Texas A&M University-San Antonio is a public university serving 7,659 enrolled students in the San Antonio area. Its 40% graduation rate is the lowest among these five, while its 93% acceptance rate suggests admissions are comparatively accessible. Total study cost is $18,764, lowest listed, and median alumni salary is $46,159. For local students, the university offers a nearby public-campus choice; examine degree availability, support services, and completion pathways before enrolling. Its cost may help budget-conscious students compare local alternatives carefully.

University of the Incarnate Word is a private Catholic university in San Antonio with 7,011 enrolled students. The 51% graduation rate and 98% acceptance rate provide useful measures when weighing student support and admission access. Total study cost is $35,050, and median alumni salary is $49,186, highest among these five schools. For someone studying in San Antonio, UIW combines a local campus with a faith-informed identity; compare its programs and net cost with nearby options before you make your choice.