Choosing a college in Texas doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. While many colleges in Texas are known for their high tuition costs, there are also plenty of affordable options available. This guide highlights the most budget-friendly colleges in Texas , focusing on tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year, so you can plan for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year with confidence.
In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 36 four-year Texas Public 4-Years Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $22,986, reflecting a 2.06% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 36 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 15 colleges, while tuition decreased at 17 colleges.
College of the Mainland ranks as the least expensive public Texas colleges. With tuition and fees at just $4,140, College of the Mainland offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are Alvin Community College at$4,402 and Tyler Junior College at$4,536 both consistently recognized among the Texas Public 4-Years Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - | College of the Mainland Texas City, TXPublic, 4-year | $4,140 ($3,450) $267 | - | 5,127 | - | 31.00% | 18 to 1 |
| 2 - | Alvin Community College Alvin, TXPublic, 4-year | $4,402 ($3,130) $72 | - | 5,872 | - | 24.00% | 19 to 1 |
| 3 - | Tyler Junior College Tyler, TXPublic, 4-year | $4,536 ($3,936) $120 | - | 11,885 | - | 27.00% | 18 to 1 |
| 4 - | Brazosport College Lake Jackson, TXPublic, 4-year | $4,711 ($3,286) - | - | 3,812 | - | 56.00% | 20 to 1 |
| 5 - | Odessa College Odessa, TXPublic, 4-year | $4,926 ($4,032) $120 | - | 9,981 | - | 37.00% | 24 to 1 |
| 6 1 | Houston City College Houston, TXPublic, 4-year | $5,460 ($4,344) - | - | 53,253 | - | 17.00% | 23 to 1 |
| 7 3 | Laredo College Laredo, TXPublic, 4-year | $5,748 ($4,500) - | - | 11,029 | - | 30.00% | 39 to 1 |
| 8 4 | Trinity Valley Community College Athens, TXPublic, 4-year | $5,970 ($4,920) - | - | 5,961 | - | 27.00% | 21 to 1 |
| 9 6 | Del Mar College Corpus Christi, TXPublic, 4-year | $6,050 ($5,000) - | - | 10,256 | - | 11.00% | 12 to 1 |
| 10 2 | Collin County Community College District McKinney, TXPublic, 4-year | $6,064 ($3,814) $450 | - | 39,548 | - | 20.00% | 21 to 1 |
| Average | $5,201 ($4,041) | - | 15,672 | - | 28.00% | 22 to 1 |