Best Texas universities for undergrad?

As a Texas resident, I'm keen on staying in-state for college. What are the top Texas universities that offer a great undergrad experience? Any recommendations would be super helpful as I start narrowing down my options.

It's wonderful to near that you're starting the college selection process. Being resident of Texas gives you a variety of top universities that you can choose from. Here are some to consider:

1. The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin): As one of the most prestigious public institutions both in Texas and across the country, UT Austin is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, and computer science. The university also prides itself on its vibrant campus life, robust research opportunities and its location in Austin, a city well-known for its tech and music scenes.

2. Rice University: If you're looking for a smaller college experience, you might want to consider Rice. Located in Houston, Rice is a private university known for its focus on undergraduate education and strong programs in natural sciences, humanities, engineering, and music. The university boasts small class sizes and excellent undergraduate research opportunities.

3. Texas A&M University: Another large public institution, Texas A&M is renowned for its engineering, business, and agriculture programs. Student life here is marked by a long-standing commitment to traditions and deep-rooted school spirit. The university is situated in College Station, a classic college town environment.

4. Southern Methodist University (SMU): SMU is a private institution in Dallas known for its programs in business, fine arts, and engineering. With a smaller student body compared to larger public colleges, SMU provides its students opportunities for close-knit campus community involvement and class engagement.

5. Baylor University: Baylor is a private Christian university in Waco well-regarded for its pre-medical and music programs, among others. Baylor also keenly emphasizes service-learning, with many opportunities for students to give back to the community.

Remember to consider factors such as size, urban vs. rural setting, extracurricular opportunities, and potential majors when deciding which university will be the best fit for you. Before making a decision, try to visit these campuses if possible to get a firsthand feel of what it would be like to be a student there. You can also think about financial considerations and use each school's Net Price Calculator to get an estimate of how much attending could theoretically cost you.