A Complete Guide to Colleges in Dallas

5 Popular Colleges in Dallas

We've compiled a list of all colleges in Dallas, Texas, both within city limits and the surrounding areas. We've also highlighted five popular Dallas colleges based on factors such as enrollment size, selectivity, and reputation.

All school data below comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Tuition and fees are from 2022-2023, while acceptance rates, enrollment statistics, net prices, and number of applicants are from 2021.

• 1. University of Texas at Dallas

  • Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $14,564 (in-state) | $39,776 (out-of-state)
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Total Student Enrollment: 29,696

  UT Dallas is the state's fastest-growing public research university. Based in the Dallas suburb of Richardson, UT Dallas is known for its STEM and liberal arts majors.

  The university was founded in 1961 by the makers of Texas Instruments, a tech company. Fittingly, UT Dallas has one of the largest computer science programs in the country. Students can access the nearby Richardson's Telecom Corridor, the nation's second-largest high-tech hub.

• 2. Southern Methodist University

  • Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $61,980
  • Acceptance Rate: 53%
  • Total Student Enrollment: 12,385

  SMU is a private research university in Highland Park. Though founded in 1911 by what is now the United Methodist Church, SMU uses nonsectarian teaching and admits students of all faiths.

  Humanities and sciences are the university's largest offerings, with over 90 undergraduate majors and minors and 30 graduate degrees. SMU's campus research facilities include one of the country's most powerful academic supercomputers.

• 3. University of North Texas at Dallas

  • Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $9,518 (in-state) | $21,758 (out-of-state)
  • Acceptance Rate: 90%
  • Total Student Enrollment: 4,120

  UNT Dallas is the only public university within city limits, perched on a hilltop southeast of downtown Dallas. The school was founded as a branch campus of the University of North Texas in 2000 and became a free-standing university in 2009.

  Of the 38 majors available at UNT Dallas, business, psychology, and interdisciplinary studies are the most popular. The university has the only public law school in Dallas, located in the former Dallas City Hall.

• 4. Dallas Baptist University

  • Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $35,310
  • Acceptance Rate: 94%
  • Total Student Enrollment: 4,340

  DBU is a private Christian university set atop scenic foothills in southwest Dallas. Founded in 1898, the university has a Christ-centered arts, sciences, and professional studies curriculum.

  DBU takes pride in its annual traditions, such as Student Welcome and Transition for first-year students and Spring Sing. The integration of faith and learning extends to campus life — the Baptist Student Ministry organizes events, chapel services, mission trips, and Bible studies.

• 5. University of Dallas

  • Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $48,000
  • Acceptance Rate: 58%
  • Total Student Enrollment: 2,538

  UD is a private Catholic university in Irving, a Dallas suburb. Located 10 miles from downtown, UD is known for being one of the top Catholic universities in the U.S.

  The university is among only 25 schools to receive an A grade from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni for its core curriculum. UD's "Core" covers a variety of courses on topics such as philosophy, history, and literature, and allows professors to assume common knowledge and speak across disciplines.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in Dallas

What is the No. 1 college in Dallas?

Southern Methodist University can make a case for being the top college in Dallas. A private research university, SMU often ranks among the top 100 schools nationwide, such as in Forbes' annual top colleges list.

The University of Texas at Dallas can also make a claim as the city's best college. UT Dallas is a top research university with an impressive R1 Carnegie classification. It also boasts notable research projects in fields such as space science, bioengineering, and cybersecurity.

How many four-year colleges are in Dallas?

Dallas is home to 13 four-year colleges within the city limits and 19 total within a 15-mile radius, including public, private, nonprofit, and for-profit institutions. In 2021, Dallas-area colleges collectively enrolled more than 131,000 students, according to NCES.

What is the biggest college in Dallas?

Dallas College enrolled a total of 69,171 students in fall 2021, making it the biggest college in Dallas, according to NCES data.

A public school primarily awarding associate degrees, Dallas College offers over 100 majors. It's also one of the largest community college systems in Texas.