Best
Colleges in San Antonio in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in San Antonio, TX, offers preparation for careers across industries. Students typically take courses in accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, business law, operations, and organizational behavior, applying concepts through projects or internships. Popular options include the University of Texas at San Antonio, St. Mary's University, the University of the Incarnate Word, and Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Graduates pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, or operations manager.

Psychology

Studying psychology in San Antonio, TX offers pathways exploring behavior, cognition, development, and mental health. Typical courses include research methods, statistics, abnormal psychology, social psychology, neuroscience, and counseling foundations. Popular local options include UTSA, Trinity University, St. Mary's University, University of the Incarnate Word, and Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Graduates may pursue entry-level positions in case management, human resources, behavioral support, or related research; clinical licensure generally requires further graduate study and additional supervised experience.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in San Antonio, TX, offers training in programming, algorithms, data structures, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Students build problem-solving skills through projects while learning programming languages. Popular local options include The University of Texas at San Antonio, St. Mary's University, and Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Graduates commonly pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, database administrators, or web developers. Career opportunities span technology, healthcare, government, and financial services.

Counseling

Studying counseling in San Antonio, Texas, typically combines coursework in counseling theories, human development, ethics, assessment, multicultural practice, and supervised experience. Depending on the degree and specialization, graduates may pursue work as school counselors, substance-use counselors, mental health counselors, career counselors, or community-service professionals; independent practice generally requires supervised hours and state licensure. Local options include Our Lady of the Lake University and the University of Texas at San Antonio, both offering counseling-related graduate study.

Nursing

Studying nursing in San Antonio, Texas, offers pathways from associate degrees to bachelor's and advanced practice. Typical courses include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and clinical nursing. Graduates may work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, or community health. Local options include UT Health San Antonio, the University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio College, St. Philip's College, and Galen College of Nursing. Programs combine classroom learning with supervised, hands-on clinical experience.

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%, a higher median cost among those top-ranked schools.
• Financial aid is received by an average of 100.0% of students overall, compared with 81.62% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 81.62%. Schools receive an average of 7,960.75 applicants, while those in the top 10% average 16,380.8 applicants.
• The median number of applicants is 2,757.0 men and 4,346.0 women.
• 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. Average enrollment is 542.25 men and 660.12 women.
• The average graduation rate is 52.07%, compared with 80.7% at schools in the top 10%. The median graduation rate is 44.0% for men and 53.0% for women.
• Among the institutions, 10 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, compare total costs and financial aid to understand likely affordability, and consider how acceptance rates and applicant numbers relate to your admissions plans. Also weigh test scores, enrollment, degree offerings, and graduation rates; the overall and top-10% graduation figures differ considerably, so look at outcomes alongside cost and program fit.

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. For a local student, this is a useful benchmark when comparing degree options at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), St. Mary's University, the University of the Incarnate Word, or San Antonio College. The figures supplied also report average tuition and fees of $17,707.88, room and board of $12,254.15, and books and supplies of $783.33. Because these amounts do not add up to the stated total, treat them as separate averages rather than a combined bill; your actual annual expense will depend on school, housing, financial aid, and enrollment.

• Compare aid packages at UTSA and nearby schools; scholarships can make a degree feel more achievable.
• Living with family in San Antonio may lower housing costs, though commuting and materials still need budgeting.
• Ask colleges how estimates apply to your program and expected time to graduate.

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

In San Antonio, TX, a bachelor's degree typically takes about four years of full-time study, while an associate degree usually takes two. At institutions such as the University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, and San Antonio College, your timeline depends on major requirements, course availability, transfer credits, and whether you study full- or part-time. Working locally or balancing family responsibilities may make a flexible schedule especially valuable.

Graduation figures offer a useful reality check: the average rate is 52.07%, compared with 80.7% among the top 10% of schools. The averages are 45.21% for men and 55.93% for women. These figures describe completion, not a guaranteed personal outcome; advising, consistent enrollment, and academic support can help you stay on track and feel confident.

With careful planning, you may finish sooner by:

• Using AP, dual-enrollment credits
• Taking summer courses and heavier loads
• Transferring credits into accelerated programs

Salary

After graduating from college in San Antonio, TX, you can expect a median alumni salary of about $46,489. Graduates of schools in the top 10% earn a median of about $72,693, offering an encouraging picture of the potential return on your education.

Your actual pay will depend on your degree, career field, experience, and the employer you choose. San Antonio students can explore programs at institutions such as the University of Texas at San Antonio, Trinity University, the University of the Incarnate Word, and Texas A&M University-San Antonio, then compare how each school's programs align with their career goals.

• Median alumni salary: about $46,489
• Median alumni salary at top 10% schools: about $72,693

People also ask

How many colleges are in San Antonio?

There isn't one official count, because totals change depending on whether you include universities, career schools, and separate campuses. The Alamo Colleges District alone has five colleges, and San Antonio also has several universities and private colleges. If you're exploring options, you'll find a broad mix of two-year, four-year, and career-focused programs.

What is the main college in San Antonio?

UT San Antonio (UTSA) is often considered the city's leading public university, with a large student community and campuses in the Northwest Side and downtown. "Main" can mean different things, though: San Antonio College is another prominent institution, especially for community-college programs and transfer pathways. Your best fit depends on your goals and preferred campus experience.

Where do college students go in San Antonio?

Students spend time around their campuses and across the city. Popular options for food, study breaks, and meeting friends include the Pearl, downtown, the River Walk, and Hemisfair. UTSA students may also explore the Northwest Side near the Main Campus, while downtown students have city attractions and cafés close by. San Antonio offers plenty of ways to unwind between classes.

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

Trinity University is a private liberal arts university in San Antonio's Monte Vista neighborhood, offering a close-to-city campus and a small student community. It enrolls 2,588 students, with an 84% graduation rate and 26% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $53,352, while median alumni salary is $47,147. For a San Antonio, TX student, Trinity combines local access with an academically focused setting; its high completion rate stands out, though its reported cost is the highest among these five schools.

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is a large public research university serving the city. Its 35,770 enrolled students make it the largest option here, with a 53% graduation rate and 87% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $19,189, and median alumni salary is $43,958. For students living in San Antonio, TX, UTSA offers the scale and range of an urban university, plus a lower cost than Trinity and local private institutions across a wide range of fields.

St. Mary's University is a private Catholic university with a longstanding Marianist identity, located in San Antonio. It enrolls 3,758 students, reports a 59% graduation rate and has a 98% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $36,198, and median alumni salary is $42,897. For a prospective student in San Antonio, TX, the campus offers a local private-college option with a faith-centered tradition. Its acceptance rate is high, while its graduation rate and alumni salary fall between those at peer institutions.

University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is a private Catholic university in San Antonio, known for its broad academic offerings and distinctive campus setting. It has 7,011 enrolled students, a 51% graduation rate and a 98% acceptance rate. The total study cost is $35,050, and median alumni salary is $49,186 - the highest of the five listed. For San Antonio, TX residents, UIW provides a local private-university experience, with reported alumni earnings worth weighing against its cost and completion rate overall.

Texas A&M University-San Antonio is a public university on the city's South Side, offering students a local option within the Texas A&M system. Enrollment is 7,659, graduation rate is 40%, and acceptance rate is 93%. Its total study cost of $18,764 is the lowest in this group; median alumni salary is $46,159. For San Antonio, TX students, the combination of a local public campus and comparatively low listed cost may appeal, while the graduation figure merits careful consideration before enrolling.