These figures include tuition, required fees, housing, meals, books, and estimated personal expenses for one academic year. They represent the full published cost before financial aid, not necessarily what students pay after scholarships and grants.
Both universities illustrate why college is so expensive, particularly at private institutions. For a broader comparison, explore our guide to the most expensive colleges in the US.
Key Takeaways
- Rice (97,309)andSMU(96,388) leads the state for 2026–27, separated by $921.
- Rankings differ because some sites count tuition alone while others count the full cost of attendance.
- Private universities fill the top 10, and UT Austin is the priciest public option for out-of-state students.
- Few families pay the sticker price; net costs after grants often run at half the listed amount.
What Is the Most Expensive College in Texas?
Rice University reports the highest yearly cost in the state for 2026–27. For students who entered in 2024 or later, Rice lists $71,140 in tuition, $984 in mandatory fees, $20,530 for on-campus housing and food, $1,540 for books, and $3,115 for personal expenses. The combined total is $97,309.
That figure also makes Rice the most expensive in Texas this year. Students who entered before 2024 pay a lower rate, which brings their total to $91,449.
This price reflects the full listed cost before financial aid, which may change depending on grants, scholarship coverage, or a family’s ability to negotiate college tuition directly with the school. Rice competes with Ivy League schools on both price and financial aid, and at Rice, aid changes the math more than at most schools. Qualifying families earning under $140,000 pay no tuition, following a model similar to Ivy League tuition support programs, and that threshold rises to $200,000 starting in fall 2027.
Source: Rice University Financial Aid, 2026–27 Cost of Attendance
SMU Cost: Tuition, Fees, and Net Price
How much does SMU cost per year? SMU’s 2026–27 cost of attendance is $96,388 for undergraduates living on campus, $86,774 for those living off campus, and $79,660 for students living with parents.
| Expense | On Campus | Off Campus | With Parents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 63,736 | 63,736 | 63,736 |
| Fees | 8,080 | 8,080 | 8,080 |
| Housing & Food | 18,066 | 8,452 | 1,438 |
| Books&Supplies | 800 | 800 | 800 |
| Transportation | 1,406 | 1,406 | 1,406 |
| PersonalExpenses | 4,300 | 4,300 | 4,200 |
| Total COA | 96,388 | 86,774 | $79,660 |
Source: SMU Office of Financial Aid, 2026–27 Cost of Attendance. Tuition rate applies to students enrolled 12–18 credit hours per term.
SMU Tuition vs. Total Cost
SMU tuition is $63,736 for full-time students taking 12 to 18 credit hours per term. Every full-time student also pays an $8,080 general student fee, which brings tuition and fees to $71,816.
That fee stands out. Rice charges $984 in mandatory fees, and TCU charges $90. Housing, food, books, and personal costs make up the remaining $24,572 of SMU’s on-campus total.
How Much SMU Costs Over Four Years
The four-year cost of Southern Methodist University comes to about $385,500 at 2026–27 prices. Prices typically rise each year, so the real total is usually higher.
Most families pay less. Knowing how to get financial aid for college can significantly change that number. Federal College Scorecard data puts SMU’s average net price, meaning cost after grants and scholarships, in the mid-$40,000s per year. That works out to roughly $180,000 over four years. Understanding how much FAFSA can cover is the first step toward closing that gap.
Why Is SMU So Expensive?
A few factors explain why SMU is so expensive:
- Private funding model: SMU doesn’t receive the state operating funds that public universities rely on, so tuition covers more of the budget.
- A large mandatory fee: The $8,080 general student fee is far higher than what most peers on this list charge.
- Location: The campus sits in University Park, a high-cost enclave inside Dallas, which raises housing and living estimates.
- One rate for everyone: Private universities don’t offer in-state discounts, so every student starts from the same sticker price.
How Cost of Attendance Is Calculated
Schools publish a Cost of Attendance (COA) to estimate what a student may spend in one year. This number helps families compare schools consistently, and financial aid offices use it to determine aid eligibility.
Tuition and Mandatory Fees
Tuition pays for classes and academic programs. Mandatory fees support services such as libraries, labs, and student activities. Private schools set their own rates, while public universities charge based on residency status, a pattern consistent with average college tuition trends nationwide.
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, and these numbers vary by where a student chooses to live.
Other Required Expenses
COA also includes books, supplies, transportation, and personal costs. These are average estimates, not exact amounts. Actual spending can be higher or lower depending on student choices.
Why the Same School Shows Different Prices
You may see SMU listed at about $67,000, $74,000, or $96,000, depending on the source. The gap depends on what’s counted and which year the data covers.
Sites built on federal data usually show only tuition and fees, and that data lags by a year or two. This page uses each school’s 2026–27 figures, including housing, food, books, and personal costs.
Top 10 Most Expensive Colleges in Texas (2026–27)
The top 10 most expensive colleges in Texas are all private universities. The table ranks each school by total on-campus cost and compares tuition and required fees.
| # | School | City | Tuition & Fees | Total COA (On-Campus) | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rice University | Houston | 72,124 | 97,309 | 2026–27 |
| 2 | Southern Methodist University (SMU) | Dallas | 71,816 | 96,388 | 2026–27 |
| 3 | Baylor University | Waco | 67,756 | ~85,000 | 2026–27 |
| 4 | Texas Christian University (TCU) | Fort Worth | 64,960 | 83,296 | 2026–27 |
| 5 | University of Dallas | Irving | 58,900 | 79,160 | 2026–27 |
| 6 | Trinity University | San Antonio | 55,494 | 72,792 | 2026–27 |
| 7 | St. Edward's University | Austin | ~52,400 | ~71,000 | 2026–27 |
| 8 | Southwestern University | Georgetown | 52,200 | ~68,000 | 2026–27 |
| 9 | Texas Lutheran University | Seguin | 40,220 | ~56,000 | 2026–27 |
| 10 | Schreiner University | Kerrville | 37,490 | ~53,000 | 2026–27 |
Tuition & fees sourced from each school's financial aid or tuition page. Total COA adds on-campus housing, food, books, transportation, and personal costs. Figures marked ~ are estimates from the most recent available data. Sources: Rice Financial Aid, SMU Financial Aid, individual school websites.
These high-priced private schools rely more on tuition to fund instruction, housing, and campus services.
Baylor’s tuition is $ 64,960, but TCU’s full cost is higher once you factor in housing, travel, and personal expenses. A higher listed cost doesn’t indicate academic strength or outcomes; it only reflects the estimated price for one year.
Most Expensive Public University in Texas
The most expensive public university in Texas for out-of-state students is UT Austin, with a cost of attendance ranging from $64,204 to $72,916 for the 2026–27 year, depending on the program.
Residents pay far less, about $32,508 to $35,386 a year. At the top of its range, a non-resident at UT Austin can spend more than students at several of the private schools listed above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SMU the Most Expensive School in Texas?
Not for 2026–27. Rice’s published cost is $921 higher than SMU’s. SMU still tops many rankings that rely on older federal data, which is why both names come up often.
Does SMU Charge More for Out-of-State Students?
No. SMU charges the same tuition for out-of-state students as for residents because private universities charge one rate regardless of where a student lives. Residents with financial need may qualify for the state’s Tuition Equalization Grant, which can reduce their cost at private schools.
Do Most Families Pay the Full Sticker Price?
No. Most students at these schools receive grants or scholarships. For families navigating divorce, it’s also worth knowing whether Texas child support continues through college. At Baylor, more than 90% of undergraduates receive financial aid, and SMU’s average net price runs at roughly half its sticker price.
What Are the Most Expensive Universities in Texas Overall?
Rice and SMU rank first and second for 2026–27. Among public options, UT Austin has the highest out-of-state cost. The top 10 most expensive universities in Texas by total cost are listed in the table above.
Common Misunderstandings
Some people assume a higher price means a better outcome, a question worth asking even about Ivy League schools, though many affordable Texas colleges produce comparable results at lower cost. Price doesn’t measure teaching quality, student support, or fit. Before committing to a high-cost school, weigh your degree’s return on investment alongside factors like academic guidance and access to college coaches during planning.
At CollegeCommit, we review cost data to help families understand how pricing works, including practical steps like asking a college for more money when an aid offer falls short. CollegeCommit also covers planning timelines (Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Decision) as part of its broader educational consulting support.
