Colleges That Offer In State Tuition For Texas Residents
Last Updated on May 12, 2024 by Team College Learners
Attending college can be expensive, but many colleges offer in-state tuition to students who are from their state. By choosing a college that offers in-state tuition you might save some money on your degree. In this post we’ve compiled a list of the top ten colleges that offer in-state tuition for Texas residents. Whether you’re a current high school student, or a parent looking to invest in your child’s education here is where you should be sending your precious money instead of out-of-state tuitions.
Texas law authorizes persons classified as Texas residents to pay in-state tuition, a rate of tuition that is generally three times lower than for those classified as nonresidents. In order to be eligible for in-state tuition at a Texas institution of higher education, students must meet certain residency requirements. These requirements include graduating from a Texas high school or obtaining a GED, residing in Texas for 36 months prior to graduation or GED receipt, and living in Texas for 12 months before enrolling in a college or university. These criteria are put in place to ensure that students who benefit from in-state tuition rates have strong ties to the state of Texas.
For students who meet the residency requirements mentioned above, the basic admission requirements for Texas institutions of higher education may include submitting high school transcripts or GED scores, standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Each college or university may have specific admission requirements, so it is important for students to thoroughly research the requirements of the schools they are interested in applying to.
The admission process for Texas institutions of higher education typically involves submitting an online application, paying an application fee, and providing all necessary documentation (transcripts, test scores, etc.). Students may also be required to participate in an interview or submit additional materials depending on the specific program or major they are applying to. It is important for students to carefully follow the instructions provided by the university and to meet all deadlines in order to be considered for admission.
List of Texas colleges with in state tuition
So you want to go to an in-state college, and you live in Texas. Which colleges do you apply to and which don’t you? Well this guide is made to make things easier for you. We’ll be updating it every year to include new colleges and universities that meet the necessary requirements.
From colleges that offer instate tuition to out of state students & what states have tuition reciprocity with Texas, the article below brings you all the latest information you need to know on them.
| Institution | Tuition and Fees | Books and Supplies | Room and Board | Transportation | Other Costs | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelo State University | ||||||
| Resident | $9,584 | $1,200 | $12,140 | $2,040 | $1,946 | $26,910 |
| Nonresident | $21,884 | $1,200 | $12,140 | $2,040 | $1,946 | $39,210 |
| Lamar University | ||||||
| Midwestern State University | ||||||
| Resident | $10,546 | $600 | $11,125 | $1,800 | $2,236 | $26,307 |
| Nonresident | $12,496 | $600 | $11,125 | $1,800 | $2,236 | $28,257 |
| Prairie View A&M University | ||||||
| Resident | $11,299 | $1,618 | $9,136 | $1,903 | $3,131 | $27,087 |
| Nonresident | $26,874 | $1,618 | $9,136 | $1,903 | $3,131 | $42,662 |
| Sam Houston State University | ||||||
| Resident | $11,370 | $1,380 | $11,720 | $2,004 | $1,862 | $28,336 |
| Nonresident | $23,610 | $1,380 | $11,720 | $2,004 | $1,862 | $40,576 |
| Stephen F. Austin State University | ||||||
| Resident | $11,128 | $1,208 | $12,184 | $1,550 | $1,800 | $27,870 |
| Nonresident | $23,428 | $1,208 | $12,184 | $1,550 | $1,800 | $40,170 |
| Sul Ross State University | ||||||
| Resident | $9,280 | $2,167 | $10,422 | $4,188 | $1,740 | $27,797 |
| Nonresident | $21,880 | $2,167 | $10,422 | $4,188 | $1,740 | $40,397 |
| Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College | ||||||
| Resident | $6,166 | $2,167 | $11,790 | $5,232 | $1,740 | $27,095 |
| Nonresident | $18,103 | $2,167 | $11,790 | $5,232 | $1,740 | $39,032 |
| Tarleton State University | ||||||
| Resident | $10,181 | $1,560 | $13,292 | $1,465 | $2,371 | $28,869 |
| Nonresident | $22,481 | $1,560 | $13,292 | $1,465 | $2,371 | $41,169 |
| Texas A&M International University | ||||||
| Resident | $9,496 | $1,270 | $12,526 | $844 | $2,206 | $26,342 |
| Nonresident | $23,960 | $1,270 | $12,526 | $844 | $2,206 | $40,806 |
| Texas A&M University | ||||||
| Resident | $11,550 | $1,104 | $11,076 | $2,132 | $3,313 | $29,175 |
| Nonresident | $39,496 | $1,104 | $11,076 | $2,132 | $3,313 | $57,121 |
| Texas A&M University at Galveston | ||||||
| Resident | $11,520 | $1,186 | $14,852 | $1,955 | $3,283 | $32,796 |
| Nonresident | $39,466 | $1,186 | $14,852 | $1,955 | $3,283 | $60,742 |
| Texas A&M University-Central Texas | ||||||
| Resident | $6,809 | $1,950 | $11,394 | $1,664 | $2,115 | $23,932 |
| Nonresident | $16,419 | $1,950 | $11,394 | $1,664 | $2,115 | $33,542 |
| Texas A&M University-Commerce | ||||||
| Resident | $10,026 | $1,152 | $12,100 | $2,472 | $1,936 | $27,686 |
| Nonresident | $22,266 | $1,152 | $12,100 | $2,472 | $1,936 | $39,926 |
| Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi | ||||||
| Resident | $10,533 | $1,620 | $11,339 | $1,950 | $2,134 | $27,576 |
| Nonresident | $24,769 | $1,620 | $11,339 | $1,950 | $2,134 | $41,812 |
| Texas A&M University-Kingsville | ||||||
| Resident | $9,892 | $1,299 | $12,709 | $1,945 | $2,095 | $27,940 |
| Nonresident | $25,746 | $1,299 | $12,709 | $1,945 | $2,095 | $43,794 |
| Texas A&M University-San Antonio | ||||||
| Resident | $9,548 | $1,200 | $12,200 | $2,816 | $2,876 | $28,640 |
| Nonresident | $22,764 | $1,200 | $12,200 | $2,816 | $2,876 | $41,856 |
| Texas A&M University-Texarkana | ||||||
| Resident | $8,718 | $1,800 | $13,972 | $1,930 | $3,330 | $29,750 |
| Nonresident | $24,989 | $1,800 | $13,972 | $1,930 | $3,330 | $46,021 |
| Texas State University | ||||||
| Resident | $12,220 | $760 | $12,850 | $1,410 | $2,660 | $29,900 |
| Nonresident | $24,520 | $760 | $12,850 | $1,410 | $2,660 | $42,200 |
| Texas Tech University | ||||||
| Resident | $11,852 | $1,200 | $11,303 | $2,731 | $2,176 | $29,262 |
| Nonresident | $24,452 | $1,200 | $11,303 | $2,731 | $2,176 | $41,862 |
| Texas Woman’s University | ||||||
| Resident | $10,650 | $1,174 | $12,996 | $1,539 | $2,997 | $29,356 |
| Nonresident | $23,250 | $1,174 | $12,996 | $1,539 | $2,997 | $41,956 |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | ||||||
| Resident | $12,208 | $1,000 | $13,092 | $3,280 | $2,104 | $31,684 |
| Nonresident | $25,886 | $1,000 | $13,092 | $3,280 | $2,104 | $45,362 |
| The University of Texas at Austin | ||||||
| Resident | $10,858 | $724 | $14,964 | $1,740 | $3,466 | $31,752 |
| Nonresident | $40,582 | $724 | $14,964 | $1,740 | $3,466 | $61,476 |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | ||||||
| Resident | $14,722 | $1,200 | $14,324 | $2,800 | $2,250 | $35,296 |
| Nonresident | $40,222 | $1,200 | $14,324 | $2,800 | $2,250 | $60,796 |
| The University of Texas at El Paso | ||||||
| Resident | $8,947 | $1,899 | $12,452 | $2,534 | $1,986 | $27,818 |
| Nonresident | $24,715 | $1,899 | $12,452 | $2,534 | $1,986 | $43,586 |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio | ||||||
| Resident | $11,398 | $1,000 | $11,925 | $3,990 | $2,133 | $30,446 |
| Nonresident | $27,616 | $1,000 | $11,925 | $3,990 | $2,133 | $46,664 |
| The University of Texas at Tyler | ||||||
| Resident | $9,736 | $2,920 | $13,410 | $2,960 | $2,632 | $31,658 |
| Nonresident | $25,494 | $2,920 | $13,410 | $2,960 | $2,632 | $47,416 |
| The University of Texas Permian Basin | ||||||
| Resident | $9,302 | $1,684 | $16,098 | $2,332 | $2,188 | $31,604 |
| Nonresident | $21,572 | $1,684 | $16,098 | $2,332 | $2,188 | $43,874 |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | ||||||
| Resident | $9,859 | $1,250 | $10,262 | $2,903 | $2,628 | $26,902 |
| Nonresident | $22,159 | $1,250 | $10,262 | $2,903 | $2,628 | $39,202 |
| University of Houston | ||||||
| Resident | $11,882 | $0 | $11,234 | $2,633 | $3,889 | $29,638 |
| Nonresident | $27,182 | $0 | $11,234 | $2,633 | $3,889 | $44,938 |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake | ||||||
| Resident | $9,298 | $1,192 | $14,538 | $1,984 | $2,470 | $29,482 |
| Nonresident | $25,978 | $1,192 | $14,538 | $1,984 | $2,470 | $46,162 |
| University of Houston-Downtown | ||||||
| Resident | $8,828 | $1,300 | $10,176 | $3,392 | $4,548 | $28,244 |
| Nonresident | $21,128 | $1,300 | $10,176 | $3,392 | $4,548 | $40,544 |
| University of Houston-Victoria | ||||||
| Resident | $8,768 | $700 | $7,795 | $2,332 | $2,202 | $21,797 |
| Nonresident | $21,067 | $700 | $7,795 | $2,332 | $2,202 | $34,096 |
| University of North Texas | ||||||
| Resident | $11,727 | $1,120 | $11,164 | $2,920 | $2,870 | $29,801 |
| Nonresident | $24,027 | $1,120 | $11,164 | $2,920 | $2,870 | $42,101 |
| University of North Texas at Dallas | ||||||
| Resident | $10,360 | $1,500 | $8,139 | $2,647 | $2,315 | $24,961 |
| Nonresident | $10,360 | $1,500 | $8,139 | $2,647 | $2,315 | $24,961 |
| West Texas A&M University | ||||||
| Resident | $9,204 | $1,600 | $10,811 | $2,894 | $1,946 | $26,455 |
| Nonresident | $24,978 | $1,600 | $10,811 | $2,894 | $1,946 | $42,229 |
| Average Costs | ||||||
| Resident | $10,270 | $1,334 | $12,043 | $2,426 | $2,502 | $28,576 |
| Nonresident | $24,738 | $1,334 | $12,043 | $2,426 | $2,502 | $43,043 |
How Much Is In-State Tuition in Texas?
In Texas, in-state tuition and fees vary by institution. The chart below outlines the difference between public and private tuition and fees based on 2021 NCES data. The average in-state tuition for public four-year universities was about $8,000. Public two-year colleges charged a lower tuition of around $2,800. On the other hand, private four-year institutions in Texas cost much more, with average tuition and fees at approximately $36,000.
In Texas, the cost of in-state tuition and fees can vary significantly depending on the type of institution. Public four-year universities have an average in-state tuition of around $8,000, while public two-year colleges charge a lower tuition of approximately $2,800. Conversely, private four-year institutions in Texas have much higher tuition costs, averaging around $36,000. These differences in tuition rates can play a major role in determining where students choose to pursue their higher education.
When it comes to admission requirements for Texas public and private universities, there are several common criteria that applicants must meet. These typically include submitting high school transcripts, standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT), letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay, and possibly an interview. Some universities may also have specific GPA requirements or prerequisite courses that applicants must have completed.
The admission process for universities in Texas can vary depending on the institution, but generally follows a similar timeline and procedure. Prospective students must typically submit an online application by a specified deadline, along with all required documents and application fees. After applications are reviewed, some universities may require interviews or additional materials. Once a decision is made, students will receive notification of their acceptance status and can then begin the enrollment process. It is important for applicants to carefully read and follow all instructions provided by the university to ensure a smooth and successful application process.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|
| Public four-year | $8,016 |
| Public two-year | $2,828 |
| Private four-year | $36,014 |
Source: NCES
What States Have Tuition Reciprocity with Texas
If you’re looking for an affordable university and you are a resident of Texas these are the least expensive in state colleges to consider. Affordable doesn’t simply mean finding a school with a low published in state tuition. It’s important to research the typical financial aid package offered by a school, the average net price actually paid and most importantly the quality of education you receive for your tuition dollar.
Nonresident students living within 100 miles of the Texas border and attending certain Texas institutions can receive a waiver through the Bordering States program. Neighboring states include Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
Sometimes a school which appears cheap based on list price can be a poor relative value if it can’t award competitive financial aid or doesn’t offer a quality education. The list below is a ranking on published in state tuition with no consideration of actual average price paid or academic quality of the school.
Southern Region
- The Southern Regional Education Board Academic Common Market provides tuition discounts for more than 1900 academic programs in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
- The Regional Contract Program enables students to pursue a professional health degree at out-of-state institutions, but pay in-state tuition at public institutions or reduced tuition at private institutions.
Bordering States Waiver
Program Purpose
To provide a waiver of nonresident tuition for students from Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico or Oklahoma enrolled in certain public institutions in Texas.
Eligibility Requirements
Are students from neighboring states (Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas and New Mexico). Students may be from any part of the neighboring state; however, the institution must have an agreement with a similar institution in the student’s home state, to allow Texas residents attending the other state’s institution to pay a reduced tuition rate.
New Requirements Fall
Senate Bill 1210 (83rd Texas Legislature, Regular Session) adds a Grade Point Average requirement for persons to receive continuation awards through the program. This change goes into effect in fall, 2014. Contact your institution for more information.
Colleges that Offer Instate Tuition to Out of State Students
Eligible Institutions
Limited to two-year institutions in the Lamar University System or any public community or technical college located in a county immediately adjacent to the state in which the non-resident student resides. The relevant states and institutions are:
- Arkansas-Texarkana College
- Louisiana-TSTC-Marshall, Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College-Orange, Lamar State College-Port Arthur, and Panola College
- New Mexico-El Paso Community College and
- Oklahoma-Vernon Regional Junior College, Grayson County College, North Central Texas Community College District, and Paris Junior College.
Award Amount
The tuition rate charged students participating in this program is based on the rate similar institutions in the students’ home state charge Texas residents to attend.
To provide a waiver of nonresident tuition for students from Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico or Oklahoma enrolled in certain public institutions in Texas.
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in-state tuition texas Eligibility Requirements
Are students from neighboring states (Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas and New Mexico). Students may be from any part of the neighboring state; however, the institution must have an agreement with a similar institution in the student’s home state, to allow Texas residents attending the other state’s institution to pay a reduced tuition rate.
New Requirements Fall, 2014
Senate Bill 1210 (83rd Texas Legislature, Regular Session) adds a Grade Point Average requirement for persons to receive continuation awards through the program. This change goes into effect in fall, 2014. Contact your institution for more information.
Eligible Institutions
Limited to two-year institutions in the Lamar University System or any public community or technical college located in a county immediately adjacent to the state in which the non-resident student resides. The relevant states and institutions are:
- Arkansas-Texarkana College
- Louisiana-TSTC-Marshall, Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College-Orange, Lamar State College-Port Arthur, and Panola College
- New Mexico-El Paso Community College and
- Oklahoma-Vernon Regional Junior College, Grayson County College, North Central Texas Community College District, and Paris Junior College.
Award Amount
The tuition rate charged students participating in this program is based on the rate similar institutions in the students’ home state charge Texas residents to attend.
how to get in-state tuition in texas
Application Process
The process for applying for a tuition waiver varies from college to college. Normally, the office of the registrar processes tuition waivers. However, waivers may also be processed by the admissions office and/or financial aid.
Additional Information
- Generally, student eligibility for a waiver must be established prior to or at the time of enrollment. Contact your college for additional information.
- To read more about this program check out: Texas Education Code, 54.231(g) or Coordinating Board Rule, Chapter 21, Subchapter B, Section 29 (Pertaining to Exceptions).
A waiver allows for a portion of a student’s tuition not to be paid. The student is responsible for payment of the remaining tuition not covered by the waiver. Waivers are issued only for the period in which a student is currently enrolled; therefore, applications must be submitted no later than the date of commencement at the end of the spring semester or the official graduation date at the end of the summer session or fall semester. Satisfactory Academic Progress must be met in order to maintain eligibility for most waivers.
Competitive Scholarship Waiver
| Who is eligible | What is exempted | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
| A limited number of nonresident and international students who have received a competitive scholarship. The scholarship must be administered by a school-recognized scholarship committee | Nonresident portion of tuition. The student is responsible for payment of resident tuition. | Student’s department (undergraduate or graduate student service office). |
Economic Development and Diversification Waiver
| Who is eligible | What is exempted | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Nonresident and domiciled international students whose families transferred to Texas as part of the state’s Economic Development and Diversification Plan. | Nonresident portion of tuition. The student is responsible for payment of resident tuition. | The University of Texas at Austin, Office of Admissions/GIAC, PO Box 7608, Austin TX 78713-7608; http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/apps/financialaid/tofa2.cfm?ID=567 |
Waiver for Faculty Members, Teaching Assistants, and Research Assistants, and their Dependents
| Who is eligible | What is exempted | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Employee, or employee’s dependent. The employee must have a qualifying job title for at least 20 hours per week. The beginning employment date must be on or before the twelfth class day (fourth class day for a summer term), and the end date must be no earlier than the last class day; these dates are published in the academic calendar. If the dependent is the spouse of the employee, a marriage license must be on file with Special Billing, Student Accounts Receivable, MAI 4. | Nonresident portion of tuition. The student is responsible for payment of resident tuition. | Enrolled students apply directly to the hiring department. Graduate School applicants may indicate interest in a teaching or research assistantship when they apply for admission. https://utdirect.utexas.edu/acct/fb/waivers |
Good Neighbor Scholarship
| Who is eligible | What is exempted | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Native-born citizens and residents from nations of the Western Hemisphere other than the United States. Applicants must furnish certified evidence of native-born citizenship and scholastic qualifications. | Tuition. | The University of Texas at Austin, International Student and Scholar Services, PO Box A, Austin TX 78713-8901; https://global.utexas.edu/isss/advising-services/financial-aid |
Waiver for International Students Who Hold Visas Allowing for Domicile in the United States
| Who is eligible | What is exempted | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
| International students establishing domicile in Texas and meeting residency requirements. | Nonresident portion of tuition. The student is responsible for payment of resident tuition. | The University of Texas at Austin, Office of Admissions/GIAC, PO Box 7608, Austin TX 78713-7608; https://admissions.utexas.edu/residency |
Waiver for Mexican Citizens with Financial Need
| Who is eligible | What is exempted | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
| A limited number of students from Mexico who have financial need. | Nonresident portion of tuition. The student is responsible for payment of resident tuition. | The University of Texas at Austin, International Student and Scholar Services, PO Box A, Austin TX 78713-8901; https://global.utexas.edu/isss/advising-services/financial-aid |
Waiver for Military Personnel Stationed in Texas
| Who is eligible | What is exempted | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Certain active-duty military personnel and honorably discharged veterans of the US military stationed in Texas, and their spouses and children. Eligibility is determined by the Office of Admissions. | Nonresident portion of tuition. The student is responsible for payment of resident tuition. | The University of Texas at Austin, Office of Admissions/GIAC, PO Box 7608, Austin TX 78713-7608; https://admissions.utexas.edu/residency |
Nonresidents Enrolled in the Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan or Texas Tuition Promise Fund
| Who is eligible | What is exempted | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Nonresident students whose tuition is paid by the Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan or the Texas Tuition Promise Fund for the semester for which the waiver is issued. | Nonresident portion of tuition. | The University of Texas at Austin, Student Accounts Receivable, Special Billing, PO Box 7398, Austin TX 78713-7398 |
Waiver for Military Veterans, Spouses, and Children Moving to Texas
| Who is eligible | What is exempted | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran must be eligible for benefits under the federal Post 9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008 or another federal law authorizing educational benefits for veterans. Child must be twenty-five years of age or younger on the first day of the semester or summer term for which the benefit is used. Eligibility may be extended if child can provide proof of severe illness or debilitating condition that prevented prior enrollment. Applicant must provide a letter of intent to establish residence in Texas. | Nonresident portion of tuition. The student is responsible for payment of resident tuition. | The University of Texas at Austin, Office of Admissions/GIAC, PO Box 7608, Austin TX 78713-7608; https://admissions.utexas.edu/residency |