There are more than 80 four-year colleges and universities in the state of Texas. The second-largest U.S. state by both area and population, Texas offers students a wide choice in both public and private schools. If you’d like to attend college in The Lone Star State, here are the 50 safest colleges in Texas.
For the sake of this list, a “college” is considered any accredited public or private not-for-profit institution that offers four-year degree programs. Campus crime stats, graduation rates, and student retention rates were taken from U.S. Department of Education annual reports. Campus crime rates are based on the number of crimes per 1,000 residents.
Get the Badge!
Did Your School Make the List? Click here to get the badge and display it on your website!
#1 Dallas Baptist University, Dallas, TX
Dallas Baptist University (DBU) is a Christian liberal arts university that is located on a 292-acre campus 12 miles southwest of downtown Dallas. Founded in 1898, the school began offering four-year degrees in 1970 and has an enrollment of over 5,400 students. DBU is the safest school in Texas. The freshman retention rate here is 70%, the graduation rate is 55.2%, and the crime rate on campus is 0.
#2 McMurry University, Abilene, TX
Located in Abilene, McMurry University is a private liberal arts university that serves just over 1,000 students. The school is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, offers 45 areas of study, and has a 40-acre urban campus. Another safe choice, the freshman retention rate here is 59%, the graduation rate is 37.9%, and the campus crime rate is 0.
#3 Southwestern Adventist University, Keene, TX
A private Seventh-day Adventist-affiliated university, Southwestern Adventist University is located in the city of Keene. The school serves just 800 students on its 150-acre campus, has small class sizes, and offers an accredited nursing program. The freshman retention rate at this school is 72%, the rate of graduation is 38.2%, and the crime rate on campus is 0.
#4 University of Dallas, Irving, TX
Located in Irving, the University of Dallas is a private Catholic university that serves over 2,500 students. Founded in 1956, the school has small class sizes and reports that nearly 80% of its graduates participate in international programs. The freshman retention rate here is 77%, the graduation rate is 66%, and the on-campus crime rate is 0.
#5 Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX
A private university affiliated with the Church of Christ, Abilene Christian University serves over 4,400 students. The school was founded in 1906 and was named among the “Best in the West” universities by Princeton Review for 2016. The freshman retention rate here is 79%, the school’s graduation rate is 56.4%, and the crime rate on campus is 0.
#6 Southwestern Assemblies of God University, Waxahachie, TX
Located in Waxahachie in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) is a private Christian university that is affiliated with the Assemblies of God USA. The school serves over 2,000 students, offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and is known for its picturesque campus. SAGU retains freshman at a rate of 67%, has a graduation rate of 32.4%, and has an on-campus crime rate of 0.
#7 Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Texas A&M University in College Station is the flagship school of the Texas A&M system. This public research university is the fourth-largest university in the country, the largest university in Texas, and is designated as a space, land, and sea grant institution. There are over 64,300 students enrolled here, and the school’s endowment is over $4.6 billion. The freshman retention rate at TAMU is 91%, the graduation rate is 79.1%, and the rate of crime on campus is 0.
#8 University of Texas – Dallas, Richardson, TX
Another public research university, the University of Texas at Dallas serves over 24,500 students. The 445-acre campus is located in Richardson, 18 miles from downtown Dallas, and the school has more than 130 areas of study in its eight schools. The freshman retention rate at this university is 88%, the graduation rate is 62.9%, and the on-campus crime rate is 0.
#9 University of St. Thomas – Texas, Houston, TX
Located in Houston, the University of St. Thomas is a private Catholic university that serves over 3,700 students. The school was founded in 1947, has three schools, and offers several types of campus housing for students. The freshman retention rate here is 77%, the rate of graduation is 51%, and the on-campus crime rate 0.
#10 University of Houston – Downtown, Houston, TX
The University of Houston – Downtown (UHD) is one of the four schools in the University of Houston System. This public university that sits on a 20-acre urban campus in downtown Houston is the second-largest university in the Houston area and is among the top public universities in the region. UHD has over 14,200 enrolled students. The freshman retention rate here is 63%, the graduation rate is 14.1%, and the crime rate on UHD’s campus is 0.
#11 Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX
Despite its name, Texas Woman’s University (TWU) is a co-ed university that is located in the city of Denton. The school is one of the largest state-supported universities for women, and its doctoral nursing program is the largest in the country. The school has an enrollment of over 15,000 students. The freshman retention rate at TWU is 73%, the graduation rate here is 41.5%, and the rate of crime on campus is 0.
#12 Wayland Baptist University, Plainview, TX
Located in the city of Plainview, Wayland Baptist University is a private Baptist university with an enrollment of over 8,000 students. The school was founded in 1908, has eight distinct schools, and runs several external campuses as well as an extensive online degree program. The freshman retention rate here is 47%, the rate of graduation is 33.2%, and the on-campus crime rate is 0.
#13 University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, TX
A Christian university that is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) serves over 2,900 students. Located in the city of Belton, the school offers degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate level and has a 170-acre suburban campus. The freshman retention rate at UMHB is 66%, the graduation rate here is 47.2%, and the rate of crime on campus is 0.
#14 Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX
Located in the city of Georgetown, Southwestern University (SU) is a private liberal arts college that serves over 1,500 undergraduates. The school was founded in 1840, is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, and offers more than 40 different degree programs. The freshman retention rate at SU is 87%, the school’s graduation rate is 70.1%, and the on-campus crime rate is 0.
#15 Baylor University, Waco, TX
A private Baptist university, Baylor University is located in the city of Waco. Founded in 1845, the school is the oldest continuously operating university in the state, the largest Baptist university in the world, and has an enrollment of over 16,700 students. The freshman retention rate at Baylor is 88%, the graduation rate here is 74.7%, and the rate of crime on campus is 0.
#16 Lubbock Christian University, Lubbock, TX
A private Christian university, Lubbock Christian University is located in the city of Lubbock and serves over 1,900 enrolled students. The school was founded in 1954, is affiliated with the Churches of Christ, and offers both graduate and undergraduate degrees. The freshman retention rate at Lubbock Christian is 70%, the graduation rate here is 41.3%, and the on-campus crime rate is 0.
#17 Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX
Located in the city of Huntsville, Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is a public university that is a member of the Texas State University system. Founded in 1879, the school is the third-oldest college in the state, sits just one hour north of Houston, and serves over 20,100 enrolled students. SHSU retains freshmen at a rate of 78%, has a graduation rate of 50.6%, and has an on-campus crime rate of 0.
#18 Paul Quinn College, Dallas, TX
Paul Quinn College is a private historically black college that is located in Dallas, just south of downtown. The school has a 144-acre campus, is affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and serves over 500 enrolled students. The freshman retention rate here is 57%, the school’s graduation rate is 4.9%, and the rate of crime on campus is 0.
#19 Howard Payne University, Brownwood, TX
Located in the city of Brownwood, Howard Payne University is a private university that is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The school was founded in 1889, serves over 1,200 students, is known for its low student-teacher ratio as well as its Christian Studies program. The freshman retention rate at Howard Payne is 61%, the graduation rate here is 42%, and the on-campus crime rate is 0.
#20 Texas A&M International University, Laredo, TX
Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) is a public university that is located in Laredo. The school has a 300-acre campus, is the newest state university, and offers more than 70 degree programs at several levels. The freshman retention rate at TAMIU is 74%, the graduation rate is 43%, and the rate of crime on campus here is 0.
#21 University of Texas – El Paso, El Paso, TX
A public research university in El Paso, the University of Texas, El Paso (UTEP) serves over 23,000 students. Founded in 1914 as the State School of Mining and Metallurgy, the school now offers over 150 degrees through its seven colleges and its 366-acre campus sits on a hillside overlooking the Rio Grande. The freshman retention rate at UTEP is 70%, the graduation rate here is 39.5%, and the on-campus crime rate is 0.
#22 Rice University, Houston, TX
Located on a 295-acre campus in Houston, William Marsh Rice University, or just Rice, is a private research university that serves over 6,600 students. The school has a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, is known for its applied sciences programs, and has an endowment of over $5.5 billion. The freshman retention rate at Rice is 98%, the graduation rate here is 91.1%, and the rate of crime on campus is 0.
#23 West Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX
West Texas A&M University is a public research university that is located in the city of Canyon, just 13 miles south of Amarillo. The school was established in 1910, has an enrollment of over 9,400 students, and offers more than 95 degree programs through its five colleges. The freshman retention rate here is 66%, the graduation is 40.3%, and the crime rate on campus at this school is 0.
#24 Concordia University – Texas, Austin, TX
Located in the city of Austin, Concordia University is a private liberal arts university that serves over 2,500 students. The school was founded in 1926, is affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and offers over 30 areas of study. The freshman retention rate at Concordia is 48%, the graduation rate here is 34.4%, and the on-campus crime rate is 0.
#25 University of Texas – Austin, Austin, TX
The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is a public research university that is also the flagship school of the University of Texas system. The school was founded in 1881 and has an enrollment of over 51,300 students, making it one of the largest college campuses in the nation. UT Austin has also been labeled a “Public Ivy”. The freshman retention rate here is 94%, the graduation rate at this school is 79.4%, and the rate of crime on campus is 0.
#26 Houston Baptist University, Houston, TX
Located in Greater Sharpstown in Houston, Houston Baptist University (HBU) is a private university that is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The school was founded in 1960, has a 100-acre campus as well as three museums, and serves over 3,100 students. The freshman retention rate at HBU is 63%, the graduation rate here is 43.9%, and the rate of on-campus crime is 0.
#27 University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX
A private Catholic university, the University of the Incarnate Word is located on a 154-acre campus in San Antonio. Founded in 1881, the school is affiliated with the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, also operates an all-girls high school, and serves over 10,900 students. The freshman retention rate here is 69%, the school’s graduation rate is 40%, and the rate of crime on campus is 0.
#28 St. Edward’s University, Austin, TX
Located in the city of Austin, St. Edward’s University is a private liberal arts Roman Catholic university that serves approximately 5,000 students. The school was founded in 1877, has seven residence halls, and offers more than 60 degree programs. The freshman retention rate here is 83%, the graduation rate is 69.5%, and the crime rate on campus is 0.
#29 Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, TX
An independent Catholic university in San Antonio, Our Lady of the Lake University serves over 3,100 enrolled students. The school was founded in 1895, is affiliated with the Congregation of the Divine Providence, and offers several areas of graduate and undergraduate studies. The freshman retention rate at the school is 56%, the graduation rate here is 34.1%, and the rate of crime on campus is 0.
#30 University of North Texas, Denton, TX
Located in the city of Denton, the University of North Texas (UNT) is a public research university that serves more than 37,200 students. The school was established in 1890, has an 875-acre campus, and offers more than 200 degree programs through its thirteen schools. The freshman retention rate at UNT is 75%, the graduation rate here is 49.9%, and the on-campus crime rate is 0.
#31 University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX
A public state university, the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley is located on a 524-acre campus in the lower Rio Grande Valley in the city of Brownsville. The school was formed from a partnership between two other colleges but became a standalone university in 2011 and then renamed from UT Brownsville to the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley in 2015. The school current serves over 8,600 enrolled students. The freshman retention rate here is 46%, the graduation rate is 25.7%, and the rate of crime on campus is 0.
#32 Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth, TX
Located in the city of Fort Worth, Texas Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts college that is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1890, the school owns a 75-acre urban campus, serves over 3,300 students, and offers 27 areas of undergraduate study. The freshman retention rate at this school is 71%, the graduation rate here is 41.2%, and the on-campus crime rate is 0.
#33 Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Also referred to as Texas Tech, Texas Tech University is a public research university that is located on a 1,830-acre campus in Lubbock. The school serves over 35,800 students and is the only campus in the state to have an undergraduate university alongside a medical school and a law school. The freshman retention rate at Texas Tech is 82%, the graduation rate is 59%, and the rate of crime on campus here is 0.
#34 Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX
Located in Stephenville, Tarleton State University is a public university that is a part of the Texas A&M system. The school’s 1,973-acre campus is in a suburb of Dallas-Fort Worth, and it serves over 12,300 students through its more than 85 different degree programs. The freshman retention rate at Tarleton State is 68%, the graduation rate here is 43.4%, and the on-campus crime rate is 0.
#35 Stephen F Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX
Another public state university, Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) is located in the city of Nacogdoches and serves over 12,900 students. The school was founded in 1921, is one of just four independent state universities, and offers students more than 120 areas of study. The freshman retention rate at SFA is 67%, the graduation rate at this school is 43.2%, and the rate of crime on campus is 0.
#36 Austin College, Sherman, TX
A private liberal arts college in the city of Sherman, Austin College is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and has an enrollment of over 1,200 students. The school was established in 1849, has an average class size of 25, and requires that students live on campus for their first three years. The freshman retention rate at Austin College is 83%, the graduation rate here is 71.8%, and the rate of on-campus crime is 0.
#37 St. Mary’s University – Texas, San Antonio, TX
Located on a 135-acre campus northwest of downtown San Antonio, St. Mary’s University is a private Catholic liberal arts college. The school was founded in 1852 by the Society of Mary (Marianists), is the oldest Catholic university in the state, and serves over 3,800 students. The freshman retention rate here is 73%, the graduation rate at this school is 55%, and the rate of crime on campus is 0.
#38 University of Texas – Arlington, Arlington, TX
A public state university, the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is located in a suburb of Dallas-Fort Worth and is the second largest school in the UT system. UTA offers over 180 degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate level, and serves more than 37,000 enrolled students. The freshman retention rate at UTA is 71%, the graduation rate here is 40.4%, and the on-campus crime rate is 0.
#39 Texas A&M University – Commerce, Commerce, TX
Another public research university, Texas A&M University – Commerce is located in the city of Commerce and is a part of the Texas A&M system. Founded in 1889, the school is the fourth-oldest college in the state, has a 140-acre campus, and serves over 12,300 students. The freshman retention rate here is 67%, the graduation rate is 45.2%, and the rate of crime on campus is 0.
#40 University of Texas – San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Located on a 725-acre suburban campus in San Antonio, the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is a public state university and the largest campus in the University of Texas system. The school was founded in 1969, offers more than 200 degree programs, and serves 28,600 enrolled students. The freshman retention rate at UTSA is 64%, the graduation rate here is 30%, and the rate of on-campus crime is 0.
#41 Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
The largest school in the Texas State University system, Texas State University is a public university that is located in the city of San Marcos. The school was founded in 1899, has an enrollment of over 38,000 students, and offers nearly 200 areas of study through its ten colleges. The freshman retention rate at Texas State is 77%, the graduation rate here is 57.4%, and the rate of crime on campus is 0.
#42 Dallas Christian College, Dallas, TX
Located in the city of Farmers Branch, which is a Dallas suburb, Dallas Christian College is a private undergraduate college that is affiliated with the Christian Church. The school was founded in 1950 and has an active enrollment of just over 300 students. The freshman retention rate here is 58%, the graduation rate at this school is 30.2%, and the rate of on-campus crime here is 0.
#43 Texas A&M University – Galveston, Galveston, TX
Another branch of the Texas A&M system, Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG) is affiliated with the College Station campus and offers ocean-oriented degrees through several maritime-focused majors. The 135-acre campus is located on Pelican Island and serves over 2,300 enrolled students. The freshman retention rate at TAMUG is 45%, the graduation rate here is 29.9%, and the rate of crime on campus is 0.
#44 Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, TX
Located in Wichita Falls, Midwestern State University is a public liberal arts university that serves over 6,000 students. The school was established in 1922, is the state’s only public liberal arts school, and has seven colleges that offer more than 70 areas of study. The freshman retention rate here is 67%, the school’s graduation rate is 44.2%, and the rate of crime on campus is 0.
#45 Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX
A private research university in the Dallas suburb of Highland Park, Southern Methodist University (SMU) is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The school was founded in 1911, serves over 11,600 students, and has an endowment of over $1.5 billion. The freshman retention rate at SMU is 89%, the graduation rate here is 79%, and the on-campus crime rate is 0.
#46 Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX
Located on a 240-acre campus on Ward Island in Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi is a public state university that serves over 11,200 students. The school was founded in 1947 and offers more than 60 areas of study through its five colleges. The freshman retention rate here is 57%, the school’s graduation rate is 40.2%, and the rate of crime on campus is 0.
#47 University of Texas – Permian Basin, Odessa, TX
A state university in the city of Odessa, the University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB) serves over 6,000 enrolled students. The school was founded in 1973, has a low student-faculty ratio, and has experienced growth due to the area’s recent oil boom. The freshman retention rate at UTPB is 66%, the graduation rate here is 26.9%, and the on-campus crime rate is 0.
#48 Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, TX
Located in the city of Abilene, Hardin-Simmons University is a private Baptist university that is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The school was founded in 1891, serves over 2,400 students, and offers more than 70 different areas of study. The freshman retention rate here is 63%, the school’s graduation rate is 51.4%, and the rate of crime on campus is 1.
#49 Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
A private Christian University, Texas Christian University (TCU) is located in Fort Worth and is affiliated with the Disciples of Christ. The school was founded in 1873, has a 325-acre urban campus, and serves more than 10,300 students through its eight colleges. The freshman retention rate at TCU is 90%, the graduation rate here is 76%, and the on-campus crime rate is 1.
#50 Trinity University – Texas, San Antonio, TX
Located on a 117-acre urban campus in San Antonio, Trinity University is a private liberal arts college. The school was founded in 1869, is just three miles north of downtown and the popular Riverwalk area, and serves more than 2,400 students who have a choice of 47 majors. The freshman retention rate at Trinity University is 96%, the graduation rate here is 81.6%, and the rate of crime on campus is 1.
