15 Cheapest Universities in Texas for International Students

In Texas, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Texas, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 75 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Texas, make sure to read more!

How do I get admission to affordable universities in Texas?

Applying to cheap universities in Texas requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

What can I study at Best affordable universities in Texas?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Texas. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Texas is the Huston-Tillotson University, which offers Biology, Communication, and Chemistry to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the East Texas Baptist University offers Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Strategic Communication, and School Counseling.

Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Texas for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Texas ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Texas A and M University – San Antonio 4,624 USD 84%
Midland College 5,319 USD - 6,480 USD 81%
South Texas College 7,500 USD 74%
Huston-Tillotson University 12,600 USD 55%
Sul Ross State University 13,400 USD 53%
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center 13,800 USD - 18,700 USD 51%
Texas Southern University 13,800 USD 51%
University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston 15,700 USD 44%
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 16,800 USD 40%
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio 17,000 USD - 25,100 USD 40%
University of Houston–Victoria 18,700 USD 34%
Sam Houston State University 19,600 USD 30%
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston 19,900 USD - 39,600 USD 29%
Texas A&M University at Galveston 20,200 USD - 20,700 USD 28%
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi 20,400 USD 28%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 27,900 USD for universities in Texas.

1. Texas A and M University – San Antonio

Texas A and M University in San Antonio considers itself a contemporary institution that strives to provide equal and inclusive opportunities to all students, helping them become responsible and global citizens of tomorrow. It offers around 45 bachelor’s and master’s programs across its three schools. The university campus was built with historically-styled architecture combined with state-of-the-art facilities that meet the needs of today’s students.

2. Midland College

Midland College is devoted to acceptance and inclusion. It embraces the value of diversity, the dignity and means of all individuals, and the educational, professional, and individual development of students and workers. Since Midland College started offering its first classes in 1972, it has welcomed those from diverse cultures, religions, nationalities, and ideologies.

3. South Texas College

South Texas College is a public institution that was established to address the educational needs in the Southern area of Texas, where it has six campuses. It offers five bachelor’s degree programs, dozens of associate degree programs, and certificates. It works in partnership with other universities to give opportunities to those students who would like to get a bachelor’s degree after they finish their associate’s program or a master’s degree after obtaining their bachelor’s degree. The university is known for its Manufacturing Institute, dedicated to research and providing training to businesses and employees.

4. Huston-Tillotson University

Huston-Tillotson University (HTU) is a private historically black university in Austin, Texas. It was founded in 1875 as the Tillotson Collegiate and Normal Institute. The university has two schools that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees: the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Business and Technology. Business, Liberal Arts, and Psychology are among the most popular majors at HTU.

5. Sul Ross State University

Sul Ross State University boasts a mixture of small class sizes, an appreciation of fine arts and the sciences, and popular proficient programs in a relaxed, pleasant environment. Students at the university enjoy a gorgeous 93-acre main campus of exquisitely-detailed structures, a variety of equipment and training centers, and appreciate the most moderate state climate.

6. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is composed of six schools: Medicine, Nursing, Health Professions, Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences, and Population and Public Health, offered on its campuses around Texas: Abilene, Amarillo, Dallas, Lubbock, and Midland/Odessa. The center is an independent institution that belongs to a larger union, the Texas Tech University System. It provides not only student education but also patient care as well as engages in biomedical and clinical research.

7. Texas Southern University

Texas Southern University (TSU) was primarily established to educate Black Americans. Today, not only is it known for being one of the largest black universities but also for welcoming international students from across the globe, making it one of the most diverse communities in the state of Texas. TSU offers over 100 educational programs at all levels. Students have countless options as various fields of study are being offered.

8. University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston is the first public university in the United States to offer both medical education and medical services. The university currently has four campuses with hospitals and clinics that provide health care services and serve as training grounds for future medical professionals. The university is also known for its innovative medical research and for providing numerous job opportunities to over 46,000 Texans. 

9. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

With a heavy emphasis on concepts relating to cancer, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is the largest cancer center in the country. It serves not only as a degree-granting institution but also as a cancer treatment and research institute. Aspiring students who want to pursue this aspect of the medical field will indeed find the institution a perfect and productive training ground.

10. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Established to serve the residents of its surrounding region, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is a research institution that is situated in the southern parts of Texas. Also known as UT Health San Antonio, this university currently contains five academic colleges that involve medicine, nursing, dentistry, health professions, and biomedical sciences. Due to its comprehensive programs, many students have decided to study here at UT Health San Antonio.

11. University of Houston–Victoria

University of Houston–Victoria is a public institution that offers more than 70 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs across its four colleges. One of the objectives of this university is to offer accessible education to all students, which is why it has a wide variety of class modalities that include hybrid, online, off-campus, on-campus, and distance learning. It also focuses on providing interdisciplinary education and experiential learning. This is accomplished through multidisciplinary degree programs, internships, and laboratory research.

12. Sam Houston State University

Known as the SHSU, Sam Houston State University is a highly-accredited institution that is funded by the federal government. Named after the famous hero who fought for the independence of Texas, the SHSU was established in the late nineteenth century, which made this institution to be one of the oldest universities in the state. When it comes to academics, Sam Houston State University receives enrollment from all over the world to fill the empty spots of nearly 150 academic programs.

13. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is an academic institution that heavily focuses on degrees related to health, medicine, and more. It offers comprehensive training to aspiring students who want to pursue a career in the medical field. To intensify the students’ educational experience, the university has its own research centers and greatly coordinates with numerous public hospitals.

14. Texas A&M University at Galveston

Texas A&M University at Galveston mainly provides maritime-related degrees. It has outstanding facilities that will cater to the needs of the students and actively participates in international collaborations. The university also has relations with numerous corporations to offer more career opportunities for the students.

15. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Located at the heart of the Texas Gulf Coast, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi offers a genuine and welcoming learning environment for students worldwide. It provides educational training in numerous fields, such as arts and sciences. Because of its dedication, the school is among the top-ranked universities with high research activity.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Texas for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Texas ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
East Texas Baptist University 3,750 USD - 5,805 USD 79%
Texas A and M University – San Antonio 4,763 USD 73%
Texas Southern University 6,870 USD 60%
Trinity University 7,500 USD - 45,000 USD 57%
Texas Wesleyan University 9,180 USD - 14,000 USD 47%
Wayland Baptist University 9,264 USD 46%
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center 9,375 USD - 10,100 USD 46%
Houston Baptist University 9,450 USD - 17,100 USD 45%
Sul Ross State University 9,717 USD 44%
Lubbock Christian University 9,720 USD - 13,800 USD 44%
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston 9,840 USD - 17,900 USD 43%
University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston 10,400 USD - 13,700 USD 40%
Texas A&M International University 10,500 USD 39%
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi 10,700 USD 38%
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio 10,700 USD - 12,100 USD 38%

* Average Master’s International Tuition is 17,100 USD for universities in texas.

1. East Texas Baptist University

East Texas Baptist University offers 45 bachelor’s degree programs and a wide range of online and on-campus master’s degree programs. Since this is a Baptist institution, Christian principles are at the core of education. These values are part of all programs, and students participate in a wide variety of activities, such as group prayers, chapel service, worships, and missions. That’s why the university is determined to provide a comprehensive transformative educational experience through which students will grow not only professionally but also spiritually and emotionally.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, East Texas Baptist University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 3,750 USD to 5,805 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Texas A and M University – San Antonio

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Texas A and M University – San Antonio. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Texas A and M University – San Antonio is 4,763 USD.

Texas A and M University in San Antonio considers itself a contemporary institution that strives to provide equal and inclusive opportunities to all students, helping them become responsible and global citizens of tomorrow. It offers around 45 bachelor’s and master’s programs across its three schools. The university campus was built with historically-styled architecture combined with state-of-the-art facilities that meet the needs of today’s students.

3. Texas Southern University

Texas Southern University (TSU) was primarily established to educate Black Americans. Today, not only is it known for being one of the largest black universities but also for welcoming international students from across the globe, making it one of the most diverse communities in the state of Texas. TSU offers over 100 educational programs at all levels. Students have countless options as various fields of study are being offered.

The tuition fee at Texas Southern University for incoming international master’s students is 6,870 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Trinity University

Another affordable university to consider in Texas is Trinity University.

Trinity University is a liberal arts university in Texas. It is part of interschool organizations Annapolis Group and the Associated Colleges of the South, both dedicated to the liberal arts. Most of the programs offered are for undergraduates; master’s students choose from a limited number of courses.

The tuition fee in Trinity University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 7,500 USD.

5. Texas Wesleyan University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Texas Wesleyan University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 9,180 USD yearly.

Texas Wesleyan University was founded in 1890 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The school offers 36-degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, with 2,619 students studying them. The university currently has a strategic plan until 2025, which involves the core values of learning, community, and leadership. There are currently 16 athletic teams in the university that compete at an intercollegiate level and have currently won 24 championships in their existence as a school. Aside from athletics, recreational and quality of life services are also provided with engagement platforms, residence halls, on-campus dining areas, and a fitness center on their campus.

6. Wayland Baptist University

In the 1980s, Wayland transformed from college to the university level and began proposing graduate and lifelong learning agendas. Wayland Baptist University is committed to providing an innovative education proclaimed by a Christian worldview. Its devotion to a transformative background of faith and learning is affirmed in the university’s mission and core values. These declarations of purpose shape the growth of every Wayland student.

7. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is composed of six schools: Medicine, Nursing, Health Professions, Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences, and Population and Public Health, offered on its campuses around Texas: Abilene, Amarillo, Dallas, Lubbock, and Midland/Odessa. The center is an independent institution that belongs to a larger union, the Texas Tech University System. It provides not only student education but also patient care as well as engages in biomedical and clinical research.

8. Houston Baptist University

Houston Baptist University (HBU) is a Baptist private university located in Houston, Texas. It was established in 1960. Students at HBU are encouraged to participate in Christ-centered community and spiritual formation as part of the learning process. HBU’s mission is to provide a learning environment that inspires students to strive for academic, spiritual, and professional success.

9. Sul Ross State University

Sul Ross State University boasts a mixture of small class sizes, an appreciation of fine arts and the sciences, and popular proficient programs in a relaxed, pleasant environment. Students at the university enjoy a gorgeous 93-acre main campus of exquisitely-detailed structures, a variety of equipment and training centers, and appreciate the most moderate state climate.

10. Lubbock Christian University

Lubbock Christian University was established in 1957 by the Congregations of Christ fellows, who came together to designate a Christian university on the South Plains of Texas. The university was built to ready and equip students for the lives of Christian assistance. With over 65 undergraduate majors, LCU has been acknowledged by United States News & World Report as one of the leading comprehensive universities in the Western Region.

11. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is an academic institution that heavily focuses on degrees related to health, medicine, and more. It offers comprehensive training to aspiring students who want to pursue a career in the medical field. To intensify the students’ educational experience, the university has its own research centers and greatly coordinates with numerous public hospitals.

12. University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston is the first public university in the United States to offer both medical education and medical services. The university currently has four campuses with hospitals and clinics that provide health care services and serve as training grounds for future medical professionals. The university is also known for its innovative medical research and for providing numerous job opportunities to over 46,000 Texans. 

13. Texas A&M International University

With two schools and three colleges, Texas A&M International University offers around 70 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Since it’s located in Laredo, a city with one of the highest Hispanic populations in the US, the university offers some programs in Spanish and has an International Language Institute. It also has multiple dual degree options and 10 master’s degrees that are entirely taught online. The university has research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students across its 5 centers, like the Center for Earth and Environmental Studies and the Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory.

14. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Located at the heart of the Texas Gulf Coast, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi offers a genuine and welcoming learning environment for students worldwide. It provides educational training in numerous fields, such as arts and sciences. Because of its dedication, the school is among the top-ranked universities with high research activity.

15. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Established to serve the residents of its surrounding region, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is a research institution that is situated in the southern parts of Texas. Also known as UT Health San Antonio, this university currently contains five academic colleges that involve medicine, nursing, dentistry, health professions, and biomedical sciences. Due to its comprehensive programs, many students have decided to study here at UT Health San Antonio.


It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Texas, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Texas as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Texas for international students was helpful!