Best
Colleges in Austin in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Austin, TX offers access to a dynamic economy and learning options. Students typically take courses in accounting, finance, marketing, management, business law, economics, and entrepreneurship. Popular choices include The University of Texas at Austin, St. Edward's University, and Austin Community College. Graduates pursue roles as business analysts, marketing coordinators, operations managers, human resources specialists, sales representatives, or entrepreneurs. Internships with Austin's technology, healthcare, government, and other organizations help students build experience and networks.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Austin, TX offers opportunities at the University of Texas at Austin, St. Edward's University, and Concordia University Texas. Programs typically cover developmental, cognitive, social, abnormal, and clinical psychology, alongside research methods, statistics, and ethics. Graduates may pursue roles such as research assistant, behavioral technician, case manager, human resources specialist, or community support worker. Clinical psychologist and therapist positions generally require graduate education, supervised experience, and appropriate state licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Austin, Texas, offers access to technology communities and internships. Programs typically cover programming, data structures, algorithms, computer architecture, databases, operating systems, software engineering, and artificial intelligence. Graduates often pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, or IT consultants. Popular options include The University of Texas at Austin, Austin Community College, and St. Edward's University. Students can also benefit from Austin's startup scene, tech employers, and networking.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Austin, Texas, combines psychology, counseling theory, ethics, development, assessment, group counseling, and supervised practicum or internship experience. Students learn to support people facing mental health concerns, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Popular choices include The University of Texas at Austin and St. Edward's University. Graduates may pursue roles as licensed professional counselors, school counselors, mental-health counselors, or career counselors, working in schools, clinics, hospitals, community agencies, or private practices locally.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Austin, Texas, combines classroom learning with clinical practice in healthcare settings. Courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, adult health, pediatrics, mental health, and community nursing. Programs are available at the University of Texas at Austin and Austin Community College; Concordia University Texas offers nursing education in Austin. Graduates work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term-care facilities, or community health, with roles in care, education, and care coordination.

Best Colleges in Austin, TX Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $31,108.0, compared with $48,253.6 at schools in the top 10% - a difference of $17,145.6.
• Financial aid is received by an average of 99.2% of students across the schools, versus 59.5% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 59.5%. Schools receive an average of 21,076.5 applicants, compared with 52,768.5 applicants at top-10% schools.
• The median number of applicants is 1,834.5 for men and 2,672.5 for women.
• Average test scores are 1,097.67 on the SAT and 22.33 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 20,048.8; the average numbers of enrolled men and women are 1,063.5 and 1,463.5, respectively.
• The average graduation rate is 50.2%, compared with 78.6% at top-10% schools. Median graduation rates are 45.0% for men and 47.0% for women.
• Of the institutions represented, 2 offer associate's degrees, 5 offer bachelor's degrees, 7 offer master's degrees, and 3 offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 5 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total costs and financial aid alongside admissions selectivity, test scores, and degree offerings. Graduation rates can also help you assess student outcomes; the figures for top-10% schools are higher, while their costs and applicant numbers are also greater.

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

The average cost of getting a degree in Austin, TX, is estimated at about $32,112.60 overall, based on the supplied average total cost. For a student in Austin, that figure offers a useful starting point for comparing options such as The University of Texas at Austin, St. Edward's University, and Austin Community College. Actual expenses vary by school, degree, enrollment status, and whether you live on campus or commute.

Tuition and fees average $22,066.20, while room and board average $13,956.40. Books and supplies add an average of $861.75. These are separate category averages, so they may not add up to the reported total. For budgeting, check each college's cost estimate and financial aid information, then include transportation, personal expenses, and any program-specific fees. Austin's mix of universities and community college pathways gives you choices to match your goals and budget. Compare scholarships, grants, and transfer options early to make your degree more affordable.

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

In Austin, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study, while an associate degree at Austin Community College often takes about two. Some students need longer if they attend part time, change majors, or balance work and family; UT Austin's course sequence and major requirements can also shape the timeline. Graduation data offer a useful reality check: the average graduation rate is 50.2%, meaning roughly 50 out of 100 students in the measured group graduate. For the top 10% of schools, the average is 78.6%. The averages are 50.0% for men and 50.2% for women, showing similar completion rates in this data. Accelerate by taking summer courses, earning exam or dual-enrollment credit, and transferring coursework. Austin Community College students can map a transfer path to UT Austin with an adviser, reducing repeated classes. Check accelerated courses meet your major requirements, and celebrate each milestone as you move toward graduation.

Salary

After graduating from college in Austin, TX, alumni earn a median salary of about $51,805. For graduates of top 10% schools, the median is about $64,300, offering an encouraging benchmark as you plan your career.

Your actual earnings will depend on your field, experience, and employer. Whether you study at the University of Texas at Austin, Austin Community College, or St. Edward's University, Austin's range of educational options can help you work toward a degree and build a path into the local job market.

People also ask

How many colleges are in Austin?

There isn't one reliable count without defining "college" and "Austin." Some lists count each campus separately, while others count only distinct institutions or include career and technical schools across the metro area. Austin has multiple colleges and universities, including a community-college district with several campuses, so check whether a directory means the city itself or the wider region.

What is the main college in Austin?

The University of Texas at Austin is generally considered Austin's main university. Its central campus is a major part of the city, with a lively student community, extensive academic programs, and well-known Longhorn traditions. For a prospective student, it offers a classic large-campus experience while keeping downtown, music venues, and other city attractions close by.

Where do college students go in Austin?

Students often spend time around the University of Texas campus, especially West Campus and Guadalupe Street, nicknamed "The Drag," where cafés, restaurants, and shops make it easy to meet friends. Downtown and East Austin offer nightlife and live music, while Zilker Park and Barton Springs are popular for outdoor breaks. Preferences vary, so explore and find your own favorites.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Colleges Ranking in Austin, TX Ranking in 2026-2027

The University of Texas at Austin enrolls 55,000 students and reports an 89% graduation rate with a 27% acceptance rate. Studying here costs about $44,908 total, while median alumni salary is $53,267. As Austin's flagship public research university, it offers broad academic choices and a lively campus near the city center. For Austin-based students, local access can make campus life and internships especially convenient, though housing and other expenses deserve careful budgeting alongside the stated total cost of study here.

Huston-Tillotson University enrolls 1,043 students, has a 34% graduation rate, and has a 39% acceptance rate. Its listed total study cost is $24,013; median alumni salary is unavailable. As a small private historically Black university in Austin, it offers a close-knit setting and a distinctive liberal arts tradition. For students already living in Austin, staying local may simplify commuting and preserve community ties, while prospective students should compare program offerings and financial aid carefully before choosing this more intimate campus learning environment.

Saint Edward's University enrolls 3,077 students, with a 63% graduation rate and 81% acceptance rate. The total listed cost is $50,484, and median alumni salary is $44,584. This private Catholic university in Austin is known for its hilltop campus and liberal arts focus. Local students can enjoy an urban setting while studying in a residential university community. Compare tuition support, housing, and transportation costs, since the listed total may not capture every individual expense or budget need for each student.

Concordia University Texas has 1,397 enrolled students, a 45% graduation rate, and a 91% acceptance rate. Its total listed cost is $31,108, and its median alumni salary is $69,028. This private Lutheran university sits in northwest Austin and offers a smaller campus atmosphere. For Austin residents, it remains within the metro area, although commuting distance can vary by neighborhood. Consider the full costs, academic programs, and campus setting together; salary figures are outcomes, not guarantees for graduates in every field.

Austin Community College District enrolls 39,727 students and reports a 20% graduation rate; its acceptance rate is not available. The listed total cost is $10,050, and median alumni salary is $50,342. As a public community college district with campuses across the Austin area, it can provide accessible pathways to associate degrees, transfer study, and career training. Local students may appreciate flexible options and lower listed costs, but should confirm program availability and transfer requirements. Its scale supports many student goals.