2023 Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in Texas

Published: September 1, 2022

By: Colleges of Distinction Staff

Jump to: Abilene Christian University | LeTourneau University | Southern Methodist University | St. Mary’s University | Texas Christian University | The University of Texas at Arlington | The University of Texas at Dallas | The University of Texas at San Antonio | Frequently Asked Questions

Unsurprisingly, today’s labor trends suggest that there is strong and consistent growth across engineering professions, which are increasing their demand for talented, diverse, dedicated individuals. That’s why we at Colleges of Distinction are proud to announce our 2022-2023 selection of excellent schools for engineering majors in Texas!

These colleges and universities have demonstrated a commitment to the Four Distinctions, which ensure quality and student success throughout it programming. And, as Texas Engineering Colleges of Distinction, they enrich their engineering programs with a multidisciplinary, collaborative, and well-connected curriculum. Prospective students know that an education from a 2022-2023 Texas Engineering College of Distinction will prepare them for their futures as innovators.

What makes a 2022-2023 Texas Engineering College of Distinction?

Stability and quality of these programs are evidenced by their accreditation by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).

Practical experience is a given through internships, co-ops, and experiential learning, all of which help students apply their knowledge to the real world.

Multidisciplinary options are available to students, such as civil engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, computer engineering, biomedical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Collaborative work is encouraged in the classroom, so students learn to be effective team members and leaders.

Soft skills—such as communication, leadership, and teamwork—are emphasized to ensure that students are not just skilled engineers, but also resilient and capable professionals.

Facility investments keep schools’ technology up to date while supporting students along their academic journey.

Dedicated advising and counseling is available to be specifically geared toward engineering students.

High-impact practices, which are intrinsic to every College of Distinction, are fully embraced within the engineering curriculum that are important to all colleges of distinction are incorporated in the engineering curriculum.

Industry connections cultivate an environment for students to create a valuable professional network.

Abilene Christian University

Abilene, CA ‧ Christian ‧ 4-year

The ACU experience – whether on the Abilene campus, in Study Abroad programs, at education centers, or through an ACU virtual community – helps students develop intellect, grow closer to God, prepare for a meaningful career, and address global challenges with a Christian worldview.

Many backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities are represented at ACU, where students from every state and more 40 countries live and learn together. This global community creates an opportunity for students to expand their worldview and to understand the global nature of their lives as Christians and future leaders alike. Students are stretched intellectually and are highly involved in learning through undergraduate research, the Honors College, internships, and team projects.

Acceptance rate 63%      •     Net price $28,725      •      SAT Range 1010-1220      •     Students submitting SAT scores 50%
Total Undergrad Population 5,291      •      Setting City: Midsize      •     Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 66%           • Retention rate 76%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 13:1

Click here for available majors

Engineering Majors Offered

Engineering, General

LeTourneau University

Longview, TX ‧ Christian ‧ 4-year

LeTourneau University is a private, interdenominational Christian university that was founded in 1946. Named for its founder, R.G. LeTourneau, the university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. LeTourneau offers more than 140 graduate and undergraduate programs in aviation, engineering, education, business, psychology and counseling, arts and sciences, nursing, and theology and vocation. Students enjoy the opportunity to take classes in person, online, or in a dual credit format.

COLLABORATIVE LEARNING
Many courses include significant collaborative projects. Students participating in business courses may work to create full business plans, while engineering students participate on Senior design teams. As a part of those design teams, engineering students are given the opportunity to work with students from other engineering disciplines as well as students across campus to design and create inventions that can impact the world. LeTourneau’s theology students work together as a part of the “Loving Longview” class to engage with and make an impact in the Longview community. 

Acceptance rate 56%      •      Net price $25,661      •     SAT Range 1110-1330      •     Students submitting SAT scores 60%
Total Undergrad Population 3,122      •     Setting City: Small      •     Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 56%     •      Retention rate 81%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 15:1

Click here for available majors

Engineering Majors Offered

Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
Engineering Physics
Mechanical Engineering
Metallurgical Engineering
Mechatronics Robotics and Automation Engineering
Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX ‧ Private ‧ 4-year

SMU provides a great education for professionals interested in more than just their professions. It combines an expansive curriculum with core, general education requirements to ensure that students can immerse themselves in their particular interests while still benefiting from exposure to different academic disciplines. Over the last decade, SMU has reaped the benefits of explosive growth while maintaining its sense of community. SMU is large enough to offer almost unlimited opportunities and small enough for students to truly take advantage of them.

A CITY OF OPPORTUNITY
According to a survey by Inc. Magazine, Dallas is the hub of the country’s fastest-growing private companies. This gives SMU students tremendous opportunities for internships. For example, 80% of Lyle School of Engineering graduates complete an internship during their undergraduate careers. Students in Cox School of Business are offered internship opportunities both locally and nationally with top-ranking companies.

Acceptance rate 53%      •      Net price $41,444      •      SAT Range 1250-1450     •     Students submitting SAT scores 40%
Total Undergrad Population 12,373     •     Setting Suburb     •     Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 81%      •     Retention rate 90%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 11:1

Click here for available majors

Engineering Majors Offered

Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Operations Research
Engineering-Related Fields

St. Mary’s University

San Antonio, TX ‧ Catholic ‧ 4-year

St. Mary’s University, founded by Marianist brothers in 1852, is the first higher education institution established in San Antonio. It offers a strong educational experience – integrating liberal arts, professional preparation, and ethical commitment. St. Mary’s students receive the value of quality programs, holistic learning, and community support – helping graduates discover what they love to do and how to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways, giving them an edge for a successful future.

With a low student-to-faculty ratio, students receive focused attention, allowing them to flourish within the challenging academic programs offered. St. Mary’s has undergraduate studies in humanities, sciences, and business, with programs for graduate, doctoral, and law degrees. There are also pre-health professional programs in medicine, dentistry, nursing, physical therapy, and public health. Students can enhance their educational experience through undergraduate research, community service, internships, and study abroad.

Acceptance rate 85%      •      Net price $18,827      •      SAT Range 1020-1220      •     Students submitting SAT scores 82%
Total Undergrad Population 3,458     •     Setting City: Large     •     Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 59%     •      Retention rate 74%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 12:1

Click here for available majors

Engineering Majors Offered

Computer Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
Engineering Science
Industrial Engineering
Engineering-Related Fields

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX ‧ Private ‧ 4-year

Texas Christian University offers many benefits of large universities, including rigorous academic programs, over 100 undergraduate majors, excellent high-tech facilities, professors who are leaders in their fields, and Division I athletics. Grounded in the liberal arts, Texas Christian University (TCU) can help individuals realize their creative potential, assuring that graduates are well prepared for professional careers.

NEW FACILITIES
With a teacher-scholar model that results in close mentoring relationships, the university offers university-grade experiences while maintaining many of the advantages of smaller liberal arts colleges. In the last decade, TCU has invested over $500 million in top-of-the-line facilities and in upgrading residence halls, classrooms, and laboratories. Recent facilities include the Campus Commons, four new, state-of-the-art dormitories, and a new academic building that houses the Honors College. All these fantastic new facilities surround a green space amphitheater in which students can mix and mingle. High-tech classrooms and wireless networking throughout campus provide easy, secure access to information technology resources.

Acceptance rate 48%      •      Net price $40,220      •      SAT Range 1110-1320      •      Students submitting SAT scores 39%
Total Undergrad Population 11,379     •     Setting City: Large      •     Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 82%      •     Retention rate 92%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 13:1

Click here for available majors

Engineering Majors Offered

Engineering, General

The University of Texas at Arlington

Arlington, TX ‧ Public ‧ 4-year

The University of Texas at Arlington is a public institution in Arlington, Texas. Over 32,000 undergraduates, faculty, and staff volunteer nearly 700,000 hours of service each year. In the classroom undergrad students can choose from 65 majors. On campus there are nearly 300 student clubs and organizations to join.

Acceptance rate 88% • Net price $15,220     •      SAT Range 1050-1250      •      Students submitting SAT scores 78%
Total Undergrad Population 48,072     •     Setting City: Large      •     Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 52%      •     Retention rate 76%      •     Student-to-faculty ratio 24:1

Click here for available majors

Engineering Majors Offered

Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/Space Engineering
Architectural Engineering
Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Civil Engineering Computer Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Construction Engineering
Industrial Engineering

The University of Texas at Dallas

Richardson, TX ‧ Public ‧ 4-year

The University of Texas at Dallas is a collaborative institution with a strong emphasis on research. The University offers a wide range of programs, affording students several opportunities to find their niche. UT Dallas is quickly progressing and turning out students that are well equipped to succeed.

INTERNSHIPS
UT Dallas recognizes co-ops and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) as existing under the umbrella, “Internship.” In all cases, students apply what they have learned in the classroom to real world experience.

EXTERNSHIPS
Externships involve job shadowing. When students job shadow, they get a firsthand look at what a career has to offer, as well as the demands of the job. Externships allow participants to gain industry knowledge without a long term commitment. Some of the activities one might experience during an externship include: tours of the facilities, staff meetings, and observation of customer/client interactions.

Acceptance rate 79%      •     Net price $11,185      •      SAT Range 1220-1450      •     Students submitting SAT scores 84%
Total Undergrad Population 28,669     •     Setting City: Midsize      •      Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 69%      •      Retention rate 90%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 25:1

Click here for available majors

Engineering Majors Offered

Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

The University of Texas at San Antonio

San Antonio, TX ‧ Public ‧ 4-year

The University of Texas at San Antonio is a nationally recognized state research university in San Antonio, Texas, with four campus locations: Main Campus, Downtown Campus, Hemisfair Campus, and Park West Campus. Located in one of the most vibrant, fastest-growing cities in the country, UTSA actively embraces multicultural traditions while serving as a center for intellectual and creative resources.

With 60 undergraduate areas of study and over 360 student organizations, students can practice what they love to do both inside and outside of the classroom. The UTSA community is full of social interaction, cultural engagement, and service to the community, all of which shape roadrunners into well-rounded, active citizens of the community. UTSA’s top-tier education goes beyond the workplace—it sets students on the path toward becoming who they’re meant to be.

Acceptance rate 84%      •      Net price $10,934      •     SAT Range 1020-1210      •      Students submitting SAT scores 82%
Total Undergrad Population 34,742     •     Setting City: Large     •     Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 46%      •      Retention rate 78%      •      Student-to-faculty ratio 27:1

Click here for available majors

Engineering Majors Offered

Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

What it’s like to attend engineering school in Texas and other FAQ: