The Best Colleges for Veterans in Texas: 2026 Rankings

Key Takeaways

• The best colleges for veterans in Texas combine strong GI Bill participation, low net costs, high graduation rates, and dedicated veteran support centers.
• Top 2026 picks include Texas A&M University, University of Texas at Austin, University of North Texas, Texas Tech University, and University of Houston.
• Yellow Ribbon funding, credit for military training, and career placement services are critical ranking factors.
• Veterans should evaluate total net price after benefits, transfer credit policies, and job placement outcomes, not just brand reputation.
• Texas offers robust state-level veteran education benefits through the Hazlewood Act, which can dramatically reduce tuition costs.

How We Ranked the Best Texas Colleges for Veterans in 2026

Our 2026 rankings prioritize what actually matters to military-connected students. Rather than relying solely on general academic prestige, we evaluate institutions using veteran-specific criteria with clear weighting:

• 30% Veteran Support Services: Dedicated veterans centers, certifying officials, mental health counseling, peer groups.
• 20% Affordability: Participation in GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon, net price after aid, Hazlewood Act eligibility.
• 15% Graduation and Retention Rates for Veterans: Student outcomes and completion data.
• 15% Career Outcomes: Job placement rates, career services tailored to veterans, employer partnerships.
• 10% Military-Friendly Recognition: Designations from Military Friendly Schools and other recognized evaluators.
• 10% Flexibility: Online, hybrid, and evening options for working veterans.

Data sources include institutional reporting, federal education databases, Military Friendly designations, and publicly available outcomes data for 2025 to 2026.

2026 Rankings: Top Colleges for Veterans in Texas

RankCollegeYellow RibbonGrad RateNotable Veteran ResourcesEst. In-State Tuition1Texas A&M UniversityYes83%Veterans Resource & Support Center, Aggie Veteran Network~$13,0002University of Texas at AustinYes88%Veteran & Military Affiliated Services, strong career placement~$11,7003Texas Tech UniversityYes69%Military & Veterans Programs, extensive online degrees~$12,0004University of HoustonYes64%Center for Student Veterans, urban employer pipeline~$11,8005University of North TexasYes63%SALUTE Honor Society chapter, strong support advising~$12,500

Tuition estimates reflect 2025 to 2026 in-state rates before benefits. Most veterans pay significantly less after applying federal and state programs.

Spotlight: What Makes Each School Stand Out

1. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M consistently ranks among the nation’s most military-connected campuses. With thousands of veteran and military-affiliated students, it offers built-in community support. The Veterans Resource & Support Center provides academic advising, benefits certification, and transition assistance. A&M also maintains strong engineering, business, and agriculture programs, fields aligned with high-demand career paths.

2. University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin combines elite academics with robust military support. Veterans & Military Affiliated Services assists with benefit certification and hosts networking events with major Texas employers. The university’s high graduation rate and strong salary outcomes make it ideal for veterans transitioning into leadership roles.

3. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech excels in flexibility. Its broad online degree offerings make it attractive for working veterans or those balancing family responsibilities. Military & Veterans Programs staff help translate military training into academic credit whenever possible.

4. University of Houston

Located in one of the nation’s largest job markets, UH connects veterans with energy, healthcare, logistics, and tech employers. The Center for Student Veterans emphasizes career readiness and community building.

5. University of North Texas

UNT offers strong academic advising tailored for veterans. Its participation in veteran honor societies and its supportive campus culture contribute to high satisfaction among military-connected students.

Understanding Texas Veteran Education Benefits

The GI Bill

Most top-ranked schools in Texas accept Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. This typically covers full in-state tuition at public universities, provides a housing allowance, and includes a stipend for books.

Yellow Ribbon Program

Private institutions and out-of-state programs may exceed GI Bill caps. Yellow Ribbon partnerships help close that gap, often eliminating remaining tuition costs for eligible veterans.

The Hazlewood Act

Texas offers one of the most valuable state benefits through the Hazlewood Act, which provides up to 150 credit hours of tuition exemption at public Texas institutions for eligible veterans. This benefit can also transfer to dependents in certain cases.

Best Online Colleges in Texas for Veterans

For veterans balancing work and family commitments, online flexibility is essential. Texas Tech University, University of North Texas, and Texas A&M offer expansive online bachelor's and master's programs. When evaluating online programs, confirm:

• Dedicated online veteran advising
• GI Bill certification experience
• Strong virtual career services
• Transfer credit acceptance for JST transcripts

Best Degrees for Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Careers

Choosing the right major significantly impacts post-service earnings. Based on veteran employment trends in Texas, high-ROI fields include:

• Engineering: Mechanical, civil, petroleum
• Business and Supply Chain Management
• Computer Science and Cybersecurity
• Healthcare Administration and Nursing
• Criminal Justice and Public Administration

Many Texas institutions offer prior learning assessments to convert military leadership and technical training into academic credit, reducing time to graduation.

How Veterans Should Evaluate the Right Fit

Rankings are helpful, but the best college depends on personal circumstances. Veterans should consider:

• Total net cost after GI Bill and Hazlewood
• Average time to degree for transfer students
• On-campus veteran community size
• Access to mental health and disability services
• Career placement within six months of graduation

Connect directly with each university’s School Certifying Official and request a benefits breakdown. Ask how many veterans are currently enrolled and what percentage complete their programs.

Applying as a Veteran in Texas

1. Apply for GI Bill benefits through the VA website.
2. Request your Certificate of Eligibility.
3. Submit your Joint Services Transcript.
4. Confirm Hazlewood Act eligibility if applicable.
5. Meet with a campus veterans advisor before enrolling.

Starting these steps early can prevent payment delays and ensure smooth enrollment.

Texas remains one of the most veteran-friendly states for higher education in 2026. With powerful state benefits, strong public universities, and a thriving job market, veterans have access to institutions that understand their experience and actively invest in their success.

Frequently Asked Questions about Texas Colleges for Veterans

What should you look for in a veteran-friendly college in Texas?

You should look for strong GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon use, low net cost after benefits, a dedicated veterans center, mental health and disability support, good graduation rates, and clear career placement support for veterans.

Which Texas colleges rank highest for veterans in 2026?

Top 2026 picks in this guide are Texas A&M University, University of Texas at Austin, Texas Tech University, University of Houston, and University of North Texas, based on veteran services, cost, outcomes, and flexibility.

How does the Hazlewood Act help you pay for college in Texas?

The Hazlewood Act can give you up to 150 credit hours of tuition exemption at public Texas colleges if you meet state and service rules. In some cases, you can transfer this benefit to eligible dependents, which can greatly lower family tuition costs.

Can you use the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon at Texas public universities?

Yes. Most public universities in Texas accept the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which usually covers full in-state tuition. Many also join the Yellow Ribbon Program for costs above the GI Bill cap, especially for certain out-of-state or specialized programs.

How can your military training count for college credit in Texas?

You can send your Joint Services Transcript to the college and ask about prior learning assessments. Schools like Texas Tech, Texas A&M, and UNT often review your military coursework and experience for possible transfer credit, which can shorten your time to a degree.

What are good degree options for veterans in Texas?

Strong options include engineering, business and supply chain, computer science and cybersecurity, healthcare fields like nursing and administration, and criminal justice or public administration, since these align well with Texas job demand and many military skill sets.