As we experience inflation in the cost of higher education on a daily basis, it becomes increasingly important for students to find an affordable graduate school.
Over the years, Texas has been known for offering diverse educational programs through several institutions that have stood out for their affordability.
Whether you’re pursuing a master’s degree or a doctorate (Ph.D.) programme, these graduate schools offer quality education without breaking the bank.
Before we discuss some of the cheapest graduate schools in Texas, it is important to understand the cost of graduate education briefly.
Understanding the Cost of Graduate Education
Yes, tuition is a significant factor, but do you know that it’s not the only expense to consider?
There are additional costs such as fees (for example, lab fees, professional membership fees, etc.), books, housing and utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses that can significantly impact the overall cost of attendance.
There will be a lot of relief if you’re privileged to obtain financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships, which can help alleviate some of the costs mentioned above.
To compile this list below, we considered the average cost of attendance for graduate students, including tuition, fees and other expenses. We also looked at the availability of financial aid and scholarships to determine the overall affordability of each institution.
Cheapest Graduate Schools In Texas
1. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University, located in College Station and known as one of the cheapest graduate schools in Texas, offers a range of affordable graduate programs.
For in-state residents, the estimated cost to attend Texas A&M is approximately $30,608, which covers tuition and fees, books, housing and food, transportation and miscellaneous expenses.
The projected expense for non-resident or international students is approximately $58,976. All tuition and fee amounts presented here are the most current figures accessible at the time of publication and are subject to change without prior notice.
Financial aid Packages such as need-based grants are offered by Texas A&M to help supplement education costs.
Aid can also be obtained in the form of a loan when one enrolls less than half-time or after graduating. Also, students facing unforeseen financial difficulties can access emergency aid.
We’ve seen the university’s commitment to affordability, which is evident in its competitive tuition rates and generous financial aid packages. With a variety of scholarships and assistantship opportunities available, students can pursue their academic goals without accruing significant debt.
2. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is a public research university located in the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas, with campuses in Brownsville and Edinburg.
UTRGV offers a wide range of graduate programs across various disciplines, including business, education, health sciences and liberal arts. It is among the cheapest graduate schools in Texas.
One of the key attractions of UTRGV for graduate students is its affordable tuition rates. The university strives to keep its tuition fees competitive, making advanced education more accessible to a broader range of students.
Furthermore, UTRGV provides numerous opportunities for financial aid, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. These financial aid options help students offset the cost of tuition and other educational expenses, making it easier for them to pursue advanced degrees.
UTRGV is also known for its diverse and supportive learning environment, with faculty and staff dedicated to helping students succeed academically and professionally.
The university’s location in the Rio Grande Valley offers unique cultural experiences and opportunities for research and community engagement, enhancing the overall graduate school experience.
3. University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington is another excellent choice for students seeking an affordable graduate education.
The university’s low tuition rates, coupled with its proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, make it an attractive option for many students.
Moreover, the university offers a range of financial aid options, including scholarships and grants, to help students offset the cost of attendance.
4. University of Houston
The University of Houston is known for its diverse academic offerings and commitment to affordability. This makes it an excellent choice for students seeking the cheapest graduate schools in Texas.
The university’s graduate programs are competitively priced, making them accessible to a wide range of students.
A good illustration is seen as the University of Houston Cougar Promise provides full coverage for tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students, including those from families with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $65,000 or less. Independent or dependent students with an AGI between $65,001 and $125,000 may qualify for tuition support ranging from $500 to $2,000.
The University of Houston was recently acknowledged as one of the “50 Most Affordable Colleges with the Best Return” by Affordable Schools, an online resource that evaluates higher education institutions nationwide.
Also, the university offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships and assistantships, to help students finance their education.
The majority of international students do not qualify for federal or state financial aid. However, in certain situations, non-citizens may be eligible for limited institutional financial aid. To be considered for this aid, students must complete the International Student Application.
5. Angelo State University
Angelo State University is located in the heart of San Angelo, Texas. According to the Colleges of Distinction print and online college guide in its inaugural list of “Affordable Colleges of Distinction for 2023”, Angelo State University has been named one of the nation’s “Best Affordable Colleges.”
Tyson Schritter, a chief operating officer at Colleges of Distinction, once said, “Our Affordable Colleges of Distinction are not just those with a low sticker price; they exemplify a solid return on a student’s investment. Angelo State University has shown that an engaging, real-world education doesn’t have to break the bank.”
This statement testifies to the fact that Angelo State University is known for being one of the cheapest graduate schools in Texas.
The “Affordable Colleges of Distinction” rankings collected data from the U.S. Department of Education and its College Scorecard tool. Criteria for the rankings included:
- Posted Price: the maximum price for a full-time student before scholarships, grants or financial aid are applied.
- Average Net Price: the average amount students pay after all types of financial aid are applied.
- Median Student Loan Debt: formulated for three different family income tiers.
- Return on Investment: earnings of students 10 years after college.
Angelo State University’s designation as an ‘Affordable College of Distinction’ not only enhances its reputation and national profile but also reassures prospective students about its commitment to addressing financial concerns and ensuring student success.
This recognition highlights the university’s dedication to affordability, making it an attractive option for students worried about college costs and debt.
6. Texas State University
Texas State University, located in San Marcos and one of the cheapest graduate schools in Texas, offers a range of affordable graduate programs.
The university’s commitment to affordability is evident in its low tuition rates and generous financial aid packages.
For Texas residents, the tuition rate for graduate courses with other expenses is approximately $26,200 per semester. The non-resident tuition rate plus other fees for graduate courses ranges from approximately $33,500, depending on the number of credit hours per semester.
Texas State University also participates in various federal and state financial aid programs to support students in financial need. These include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, TEACH Grant, Iraq-Afghanistan Service Grant, TEXAS Grant, Texas State Tuition Grant, and Texas Public Educational Grant.
Students can receive aid in the form of grants, work-study opportunities, student loans, and scholarships. With a variety of scholarships and assistantship opportunities available, students can pursue their academic goals without accruing significant debt.
7. University of North Texas
The University of North Texas is another excellent choice for students seeking the cheapest graduate schools in Texas.
For Texas residents residing on campus and taking 15 hours per semester, the average annual cost of attendance is $27,937. Out-of-state students, on the other hand, face an average annual cost of attendance of $40,537.
The university’s low tuition rates, coupled with its proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, make it an attractive option for many students.
Additionally, the university offers a range of financial aid options, including scholarships and grants, to help students offset the cost of attendance.
8. Texas Southern University
Texas Southern University is a public university located in the heart of America’s fourth-largest city, Houston. Their tuition is relatively affordable. In-state tuition for the 2022–2023 academic year is $7,500 per year, as seen on the Yocket website.
It is one of the cheapest graduate schools in Texas and offers competitive tuition rates and a variety of scholarships and grants for graduate students, making it an affordable option for advanced study.
Take note that the availability of scholarship offers is not guaranteed and is contingent upon the availability of funds at the time of the offer.
9. Midwestern State University
Midwestern State University (MSU Texas) is a public liberal arts university, founded in 1922, located in Wichita Falls.
This graduate school is known to provide a special tuition rate for out-of-state students but for its in-state students tuition fees, it’s not the cheapest within Texas.
Its out-of-state tuition fees are among the top ten cheapest, making it a highly appealing choice for students from outside of Texas.
Conclusion
Going through the world of graduate education can be daunting, especially when it comes to affordability.
However, with careful research and planning, graduate students can find quality education at an affordable price. The above list includes some of the cheapest graduate schools in Texas, which offer a range of programs and financial aid options to help students achieve their academic goals while keeping costs reasonable.
