The Most Expensive College in Texas

College costs in Texas can vary widely from one school to another. The most expensive college in Texas is Southern Methodist University (SMU), based on its published yearly cost of attendance. This amount shows the full cost for one academic year. It includes tuition, required fees, housing, meals, and basic living expenses. It does not reflect academic quality or student results. It only shows which school reports the highest total cost using the same pricing method, which differs from the institutions discussed in our overview of the most expensive colleges in the US.

Key Takeaways

• The most expensive college in Texas is defined by total yearly cost, not tuition alone, and includes housing, meals, and other required expenses.
• Private schools often rank high in cost rankings because they set their own tuition and cover more campus costs through student fees.
• Cost of attendance figures are estimates; actual student spending may vary based on housing, travel, and personal choices.
• A higher price does not show academic strength, selectivity, or outcomes, and should be reviewed separately from educational quality.

What Is the Most Expensive College in Texas?

According to published data, Southern Methodist University (SMU) reports the highest total cost of attendance, making it the most expensive institution in Texas. For the 2026–2027 academic year, the estimated yearly cost for a full-time undergraduate living on campus is about $96,388. This figure includes tuition, fees, housing, food, books, transportation, and personal expenses. This price reflects the full listed cost before financial aid, which may change depending on factors such as grants or the amount of scholarship coverage. It does not suggest that SMU offers better academics or admissions outcomes. It only shows that its published cost is the highest among Texas schools.

How College Costs Are Calculated in Texas

Colleges publish a Cost of Attendance (COA) to estimate what a student may spend in one year. This number helps families compare schools using the same standard. It is also used to determine financial aid eligibility.

Tuition and mandatory fees

Tuition pays for classes and academic programs. Mandatory fees support services such as libraries, laboratories, and student activities. Private colleges set their own tuition rates, whereas public schools often charge tuition based on residency status.

Housing and living costs

Housing and meal estimates show the expected cost of living on or near campus. Schools in large cities usually report higher living costs. These numbers may vary by where a student lives.

Other required expenses

COA also includes books, supplies, transportation, and personal costs. These are average estimates, not exact amounts. Actual expenses can be higher or lower depending on student choices.

Most Expensive Texas Colleges Ranked

Recent cost data show that private universities account for most of the state’s highest-cost schools. Common examples include:

• Southern Methodist University (SMU): $96,388 (total COA, undergraduate, on-campus, 2026–2027).
• Rice University: $91,562 (total COA, undergraduate, on-campus, 2025–2026).
• Texas Christian University (TCU): $85,410 (tuition + required fee + housing/food + estimated books, off-campus, 2026–2027).
• Southwestern University (Georgetown): $80,900 (total COA, full-time, 2025-2026).
• Baylor University: $80,258 (tuition + housing/food, undergraduate, 2025–2026).
• University of Dallas: $79,160 (total COA, undergraduate, on-campus, 2026–2027).
• Trinity University (San Antonio): $74,298 (total COA, undergraduate, on-campus, 2025–2026).
• St. Edward’s University (Austin): $67,282 (tuition flat rate + comprehensive fee + housing + meal plan, 2026–2027).
• Austin College (Sherman): $64,490 (tuition/fees + housing/food + mandatory fees + transport costs, 2025–2026).
• Abilene Christian University (ACU): $61,950 (tuition/activity fee + average housing/food + textbooks, 2026–2027).

These schools rank among the most expensive universities in Texas because they rely more on tuition to fund instruction, housing, and campus services. Rankings can change each year as prices are updated. A higher listed cost does not show academic strength or outcomes. It only reflects the estimated price for one year of attendance.

Common Misunderstandings

Some people believe that expensive colleges always lead to better results. Cost alone does not measure teaching quality, student support, or fit; therefore, factors such as academic guidance and access to college coaches may be important during planning. Price-based rankings should not replace deeper academic research. At CollegeCommit, we review college cost data to help families understand how pricing works and how admissions timelines, such as Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Decision, affect planning. We operate exclusively online and prioritize education over promotion.