college tours texas

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Campus Tours

When you get here, you'll feel it. It's more than the breathtaking beauty of our campus. It's the energy of our people and the excitement they generate. Our student and staff tour guides will show you the heart of our San Marcos or Round Rock campus. They'll share their experiences as Bobcats and provide insights into what makes Texas State special.

What to Expect

When visiting our campus, it pays to plan ahead. Our Plan Your Visit page includes driving directions, parking information, area attractions, and ways to make the most of your trip.

• Plan Your Visit

Tour Registration and Times - San Marcos Campus

Tour group sizes are limited, so advance sign-up is recommended. If space is unavailable on guided tours for the date you want to visit, walk-in sign-up is permitted for self-guided tours.

Spring Tour Schedule (through May 10):

• Mondays–Fridays at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
• No tours April 22.

Summer Tour Schedule (May 13 – August 9):

• Mondays at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m.
• Tuesdays-Thursdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Fridays at at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m.
• No tours May 27-31, June 19, and July 4.

Summer Tour Schedule (August 12 – August 23):

• Mondays-Fridays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• No tours August 19.

If you're wanting to bring 10 or more people, please visit our Large Group Tour page.

Sign up for an on-campus tour or explore additional tour options below.

Tour Registration and Times - Round Rock Campus

Tour group sizes are limited, so advance sign-up is recommended. If space is unavailable for guided tours on the date you want to visit, walk-in sign-up may be permitted on a space-available basis.

Tour Schedule (Spring 2024):

• Fridays at 10 a.m. 

If you're wanting to bring 10 or more people, please contact the Alumni and Future Student Welcome Center .

Online Virtual Tour Option

• Virtual Visit

Self-Guided Tour Options

• Request Maps

Tips for a Great Visit

• We recommend that all prospective students sign up individually.
• Explore campus before you arrive using our fully interactive online  campus map .
• Visit campus while classes are in session to get a true feel for what the Texas State experience is like.
• Residence Hall tours are included in San Marcos Campus tours only.
• Your visit will include a walking tour of campus, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
• Not able to attend?  You may  cancel or reschedule your visit online .

Large a Group Tour

Texas State's Alumni and Future Student Welcome Center welcomes many groups to our San Marcos campus every year. We provide information and tours to various large or sponsored groups interested in visiting campus.

Group visits are held weekdays each semester. To provide you with the best possible service, sign up for a tour for your group at least two weeks in advance. Our Large Group Coordinator will contact you to confirm your visit.

We are only able to accommodate up to 50 students and we require one chaperone for every 10 students attending.

• Book Group Tours

Additional Information

Verification notes for school.

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions and the Welcome Center will provide verification forms or sign school notes only for those students who take an official on-campus tour or who meet with an admissions counselor. If you forgot to get a school note when you visited, request one below.

Verification Note Request

Accommodations

If you require accommodations due to an injury or disability in order to participate in your scheduled campus tour, no problem! We've got you covered — please contact the Welcome Center  by calling 512.245.8871 or emailing the Welcome Center at least 1 full week prior  to your tour.

Mobility Accommodations

The Texas State campuses are wheelchair and scooter accessible, and we will be glad to provide assistance to anyone who needs help finding their way around via accessible routes. Unfortunately, there is no place on our campuses to rent or secure a wheelchair or scooter.

Interpreting Services

If someone in your party is in need of an interpreter, please contact Interpreter Services at 512.245.8374.

Texas State and the surrounding community are constantly growing and improving. This often means that there will be construction on and around the campus. We ask you to be patient and allow yourself extra time to arrive. Use our  interactive map  to see what areas of campus are under construction.

• Welcome Center

Texas College Tour

Campus Visit Experts ’ Texas college tour offers students an opportunity to visit many of the best schools in the state of Texas. Families around the world will send their high school students to Dallas to explore some of the top colleges and universities in, not only the state but in the nation. The college tour begins as students arrive in Dallas to get acquainted with other participants during a social activity and a college preparation workshop. Over the following 5 days, students will visit nine extraordinary college campuses. This tour will provide students with a first-hand experience of college life on each of these campuses.

• Visit Southern Methodist University
• Travel to Austin, TX
• Attend College Admissions & Preparation Workshop
• Arrive hotel
• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit University of Texas
• Travel to San Marcos, TX
• Visit Texas State University
• Travel to San Antonio, TX
• Free Time on the RiverWalk
• Visit Trinity University
• Visit The Alamo
• Travel to Houston, TX
• Visit TopGolf
• Visit University of Houston
• Visit Rice University
• Travel to Huntsville, TX
• Visit Sam Houston State University
• Travel to College Station, TX
• Visit Texas A&M University
• Return to Dallas, TX

Request More Info

Your Experience Includes

Airfare & Transportation

Regional-Style Meals

Entrance to Activities

Full-Time Tour Director

Expert Local Guides

Guided Sightseeing

Continuous Support

Worldwide Presence

P.O. Box 423, Allen, TX 75013

1-866-423-8687

[email protected]

A fun & informative first look at

7 College Campuses in 1 Easy Registration!

Enthusiastic Chaperones

Chaperones for THE TEXAS COLLEGE TOUR are sourced from our pool of  exceptional teachers, coaches, nurses and administrators. Then, select parent chaperones willing to submit to a background check round out our group.

We surpass the 10:1 university requirement

for student-to-chaperone ratios, which means added security for your student.

CAMPUS VISITS

Many of our campus tours take place during the academic day in order to give students a realistic view of college life & culture of each unique campus.  

Campus visits often include benefits such as  Q&A sessions with a current student,  dining in the on-campus cafeteria, or  even joining the student body in cheering on the home team!  

We are parent-owned & operated, so we understand the expense and logistical challenges of starting the college search. We can help take the financial burden and initial scheduling hassles off your plate to free up time with your family.   It's our goal for your child to come home excited about their college search & eager to

 share it with you!  

The Texas College Tour

A FUN & EFFECTIVE WAY FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS TO EXPLORE THEIR COLLEGE OPTIONS This tour is jam-packed!  We visit 7-8 campuses in 4 day t We take official campus tours, talk to current students, and partake in campus activities such as on-campus dining, athletic complex tours, student union offerings, & even sporting events

Upcoming Tour

Spring 2023 tour: feb 24-26 - 3 day/5 campus visits.

FEBRUARY 24-26, 2023   $599  

OPEN FOR REGISTRATION UNTIL JAN 31!

• Open to all high-schoolers

CAMPUS LIST

Texas A&M University

Southwestern University

Texas State University *

Trinity University 

University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)

PRICE INCLUDES:

* 5 College Campus Tours & Chaperones

Tours are conducted by campus staff and students.  Chaperones are sourced from our pool of excellent teachers, coaches, administrators and parents willing to submit to a background check.  We exceed all university requirements of a 10:1 chaperone to student ratio.  

* Deluxe Charter Travel 

* All Meals & Snacks (at least one meal on campus)

* Entertainment includes:

Attending a Texas A&M  baseball game and fun at EITHER Six Flags Fiesta Texas OR a (heated) resort waterpark-TBD. 

* Overnight Accommodations

Standard pricing  included overnight accommodations in quads at a Fairfield Inn/Courtyard or equivalent.  **There is a 2-to-a-room upgrade option for a fee.  You may request roommates, so invite your friends!   

$200 deposit locks in your rate. Payment plans available. Refunds available, less deposit, up to 30 days prior to departure. Tour is fully transferable (subject to availability) thereafter.

Tour departs at 8am Fri. Feb. 24 from the Sugar Land, TX Area, returning 8pm Sun. Feb. 26.  If we end up with  a group of students from another part of the Houston area, we will consider a second drop off location upon the return. 

Oftentimes, high schools will honor unto 2 excused absences for college visits. Check with your counselor TODAY for the rules & procedures. 

*******************************************************

On the fence?   Peruse our website for more information and photos of past tours below. Feel free to email  [email protected]  with any questions as well.  

Payment plan available: $200 deposit plus 3 payments of $133.00, paid weekly.

   Reserve now!

NOVEMBER Tour-- CLOSED

  november 18-21 2022  $800*                closed. .

University of North Texas

Baylor University

Texas Christian University

Dallas Baptist University

Southern Methodist University

Final Stop TBD by vote at registration by October 31.  (vote for our final stop at registration -U of H or Tarelton State University  (in the Texas A&M system).

Tour includes:

* All meals & snacks (at least one meal on campus)

* Campus Tours & Chaperones

* Entertainment such as: 

Glo bowling,  fun at Six Flags OR a resort waterpark , a visit with Texas A&M's beloved mascot, Miss Reveille, & more.

* Overnight accommodations

Standard pricing  included overnight accommodations in quads.  There is a 2-to-a-room upgrade option for a fee.  You may request roommates, so invite your friends!  

* $800 rate may rise to account for higher travel costs. 

Event Details

Scholarships

THE TEXAS COLLEGE TOUR offers scholarship seats aboard every tour. Nominate a special high school student otherwise financially unable to attend. NOMINATION DETAILS: There's at least one scholarship seat aboard every tour for a special student recommended by a teacher, counselor or staff member at their school. This process remains totally confidential in order to protect the student and family. In order to nominate a student, send a 2-paragraph letter of recommendation to [email protected] Add 'SCHOLARSHIP' in the subject line. Please include the following in the heading of your letter: Student name, Current grade level, Parent or guardian name & email, desired tour date. Nominations are due 30 days prior to departure. Recipients will be informed no later than 3 weeks prior to departure. If selected, we will send an email directly to the parent or guardian awarding a fully-paid tour for their student. We will do our best to accommodate a tour date that works best for the applicant.

FRIENDS & SPONSORS

Megan Dorsey – College Prep Results

THANK YOU TO OUR SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS:

Rudy's Bar-B-Que & Country Store Richmond, TX

The Callaway House College Station, TX

Aggieland Outfitters

Mod Pizza Georgetown, TX

TO  SPONSOR A SCHOLARSHIP :

To sponsor a student, please email [email protected] with subject line  "sponsors" 

Questions? Bookings?

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Please Text, we will Call you back

713.256.2653

Or Email ANYTIME

[email protected]

Photo Gallery

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Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at  if you cannot find an answer to your question.

The Texas College Tour offers high-schoolers a baby step toward managing their own education.   This is an overview of  7-8 Texas colleges, giving students a chance to experience public verses private universities, as well as what education looks like on campuses of various sizes and cultures.   Our aim is for your student to come home excited about the possibilities and ready to share it all with you!  The big decisions and family days now mostly happen after acceptances are offered, so rest assured, you will definitely be a part of the process.   With that said, there is a chaperone interest option in the registration page.  Let us know if you are interested in helping in that capacity. 

These days, the college process is very different!  Students are now encouraged to develop a list of 8-16 colleges to target by their junior year.  Some of the larger universities we all know and love are only accepting 100 entering freshman into their chosen major of study.  Yep- just 100!  And, with the rising number of college applicants since 2020, our students must identify a broader list of target schools.  With more college -bound students, availability for campus tours is sometimes slim.   That's where The Texas College Tour comes in.  Let us handle the logistics.  We are ready to help your student get a feel for their Texas college options firsthand. 

On average, 1/3 of our students do not know anyone before they arrive at our kickoff breakfast the day of departure.   We have had more than 10 high schools represented on a tour before, which means they are all meeting new friends!  We offer social activities starting the first day to encourage fun & conversation.  We highly recommend joining us at our kickoff breakfast the morning of departure to meet the chaperones & other students so everyone feels welcome & comfortable!  

Copyright © 2023 The Texas College Tour - All Rights Reserved.

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COLLEGES OF TEXAS TOURS

Texas colleges and universities are some of the most popular tours. Our college tour encompasses tours of Texas College , University of Texas , University of Houston, University of Dallas , Rice , Texas Southern and other universities.  Read more about customized Texas colleges and university tour .

The following is a sample schedule for a Texas colleges and university tour .

9AM     DEPART TO TEXAS COLLEGE

10AM  TEXAS COLLEGE CAMPUS TOUR

12PM  LUNCH ON CAMPUS U. OF DALLAS

2PM     U. OF DALLAS CAMPUS TOUR

4PM     DEPART TO AUSTIN

7PM     DINNER TBA

8PM     CHECK IN HOTEL

8AM     BREAKFAST AT HOTEL

10AM  U. OF TEXAS CAMPUS TOUR

12PM   LUNCH ON UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS CAMPUS

2PM     ST. EDWARDS CAMPUS TOUR

4PM    DEPART TO HOUSTON, TX

6PM     DINNER TBA

8PM     CHECK IN HOTEL

7AM     WAKE/8AM BREAKFAST

9AM     TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY CAMPUS TOUR

11AM  LUNCH ON U. OF HOUSTON’S CAMPUS

1PM     UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON CAMPUS TOUR

3PM     GALLERIA MALL

8PM     BACK TO HOTEL

8AM     BREAKFAST

10AM  RICE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS TOUR

12PM  LUNCH ON RICE’S CAMPUS

2PM     HOUSTON BAPTIST CAMPUS TOUR

4PM     DEPART TO DALLAS

7PM     DINNER (FAST FOOD)

9PM     BACK IN DALLAS

Contact us here with any college tour questions

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Campus walking tours.

If you are visiting April 29-May 6 we invite you to participate in an on campus freshman prospective information session. Our session will provide you with information about the admissions process, our academic programs, and more! Visit our  Prospective Freshman Information Session page for more information. ** P lease note this option does not include a guided campus tour.** 

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Discover who we are at Texas A&M University and learn what it means to be an Aggie.

We strive to carry out our university’s mission and live by six core values.

We’ve compiled important facts and statistics about Texas A&M.

Our president and governing bodies guide our university.

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We’ve gathered a list of common questions about Texas A&M.

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Learn how to become the newest, loudest and proudest member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggies.

Learn how to apply as a first-time college student.

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Learn how to apply to our graduate and professional schools.

Learn how to apply if you are not a U.S. citizen.

We provided resources to help you understand Texas A&M’s costs and tuition.

Texas A&M offers a variety of financial aid, such as scholarships and grants.

• Applicant Information Portal
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Pursue your education as part of the Aggie Family. We have options for all interests, life phases and learning styles.

Texas A&M is home to 16 colleges and schools.

Our students have a vast selection of study areas to choose from.

We offer programs that enable students to learn around the world.

Texas A&M extends beyond College Station to locations across the globe.

We offer resources to ensure students’ academic success.

• Academic Calendar
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Make a difference at one of the nation’s leading research institutions.

Our research is making an impact around the globe.

Students have opportunities to be a part of life-changing research.

Our colleges and schools continuously work on field-specific research.

Researchers at Texas A&M collaborate to maximize their work’s impact.

Our equipment, labs and facilities enable groundbreaking research.

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Discover what it’s like to live and learn in Aggieland. Our tight-knit community is rooted in tradition and service.

We have various options for parking and getting around campus.

Whether you plan to live on or off campus, we have resources for you.

Students have plenty of options for dining locations, menus and meal plans.

There is a lot to do and see in Bryan-College Station.

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Texas A&M is rich in tradition that celebrates the Aggie Family, past and present.

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Texas A&M University is the home of the 12th Man.

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Texas A&M University is home of the 12th Man.

The College Tour Video Series

Texas A&M University was featured on the award-winning TV series, The College Tour, which shares the story of universities across the country. Learn from real students about their real experiences at Texas A&M through this series of 19 videos. Topics range from exploring student opportunities to deep-dives into the traditions that make Texas A&M one of a kind.

Texas A&M: Traditions and Core Values

Senior mechanical engineering major Parker Wagner talks about why traditions and core values matter so much at Texas A&M, and how they make the university so special.

Texas A&M: Traditions and Core Values | The College Tour

Residence Life at Texas A&M

Freshman engineering major Kaiya Burden talks about residence life at Texas A&M, where over 11,000 students live on campus and are able to take advantage of the university's many amenities.

Residence Life at Texas A&M | The College Tour

An Aggie's First Tradition at Texas A&M

Sophomore forensic and investigative sciences major Zoe Leung talks about the orientation experience at Texas A&M and why she decided to give back.

An Aggie's First Tradition at Texas A&M | The College Tour

Education Abroad with Texas A&M

Senior global arts, planning, design and construction major Kaitlyn Harris talks about the study abroad experience at Texas A&M, which has over 400 programs in more than 110 countries for students to earn university credits.

Education Abroad with Texas A&M | The College Tour

Tools for Success at Texas A&M

Senior mechanical engineering major Javier Lopez, a first-generation student originally from Mexico, talks about how Texas A&M's tools and resources allowed him to have academic and personal success at the university.

Tools for Success at Texas A&M | The College Tour

Campus Spaces and Places at Texas A&M

Sophomore biomedical engineering major Sima Dib talks about some of the best spots in Aggieland, the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, and other notable places on Texas A&M's massive 5,200-acre campus.

Campus Spaces and Places at Texas A&M | The College Tour

Undergraduate Research at Texas A&M

Senior industrial and systems engineering major Harrison Wissel-Littmann  talks about undergraduate research opportunities at Texas A&M, which boasts Tier 1 research status, with state-of-the-art resources and world-renowned faculty.

Undergraduate Research at Texas A&M | The College Tour

Texas A&M: The Bryan-College Station Community

Senior sports management major Lauren Gudalis  talks about Texas A&M's welcoming community of Bryan and College Station, Texas.

Texas A&M: The Bryan-College Station Community | The College Tour

Texas A&M: Academic Support Services

Senior biomedical sciences major London Marchman talks about Texas A&M's extensive academic support services, which she relied upon heavily in her freshman year.

Texas A&M: Academic Support Services | The College Tour

Texas A&M: Giving Back

Junior business and finance double major Isaiah Thomas  talks about how joining some of Texas A&M's over 1,100 on-campus student clubs and organizations enriched his university experience and motivated him to give back.

Texas A&M: Giving Back | The College Tour

Texas A&M: Entrepreneurship Meets Engineering

Senior industrial distribution (which is where entrepreneurship meets engineering) major Reham Selim talks about how Texas A&M organizations and different student services equip students like her to explore passions outside of their degree plans.

Texas A&M: Entrepreneurship Meets Engineering | The College Tour

Texas A&M: The Spirit of the 12th Man

Senior business honors and finance major Kenner Taylor, a member of Texas A&M's tennis team, talks about the student-athlete experience and traditions inside Aggie Athletics, specifically the long-standing tradition of the 12th Man.

Texas A&M: The Spirit of the 12th Man | The College Tour

Texas A&M: The Routh First-Generation Center

Junior biomedical sciences major Lindsay Dominguez, a first-generation student, talks about how Texas A&M tries to ease the transition to college with its extensive support services for every student, including the university's central resource hub, the Routh First-Generation Center.

Texas A&M: The Routh First Generation Center | The College Tour

Texas A&M: The Aggie Ring

Senior business honors major Jacob Mathiasmeier talks about the symbolism and importance of Texas A&M's Aggie Ring, a tradition that underpins the university's over 500,000-strong Aggie Network of alumni, who share and promote Aggie values.

Texas A&M: The Aggie Ring | The College Tour

Texas A&M: Keepers of the Spirit

Senior business honors major Grayson Winchester, who's also a senior in Texas A&M's oldest student organization on campus, the Corps of Cadets, talks about how this group continues to uphold the university's core values to the present day.

Texas A&M: Keepers of the Spirit | The College Tour

Texas A&M: School Spirit and Supporting a Cause

Senior management major Kim Nguyen, a leader in the Maroon Out organization and tradition, talks about Texas A&M's outsized school spirit and how the university's fans take their loyalty to the next level.

Texas A&M: School Spirit and Supporting a Cause | The College Tour

Texas A&M: Faculty Support

Graduate student Devante Love, in Texas A&M's Department of Performance Studies, talks about his access to top-tier university resources and receiving outstanding faculty support to conduct important research in his field.

Texas A&M: Faculty Support | The College Tour

Texas A&M: The Power of the Aggie Network

Junior allied health major Sarisha Mendoza  talks about the power of the Aggie Network, Texas A&M's incredible alumni organization, with over 520,000 members that students can lean on as they transition from their studies into their careers.

Texas A&M: The Power of the Aggie Network | The College Tour

Texas A&M: Student Leadership Opportunities

Junior industrial and systems engineering major Chandlier Richmond talks about how her participation in student organizations helps her find academic success in classes and connects her with leadership opportunities, both on campus and after graduation. 

Texas A&M: Student Leadership Opportunities | The College Tour

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If you're interested in becoming an Aggie, we want to hear from you and help you explore your interests. Sign up to receive admissions details, important announcements and special event invitations, and to learn more about life as an Aggie.

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Explore the UTD campus – from a virtual tour to our interactive campus map.

The University of Texas at Dallas has experienced around transformation in ours 50-plus years — from open prairie to a campus with modern buildings, green spaces, and numerous housing and dining choices. Come see why UT Dallas is the choice for more than 28,000 Comets strong.

UTD Tour Options

Guided campus tour.

In-person and virtual campus tours will be offered at the Visitor Center for undergraduate prospective students. Guests will experience a guided campus tour showcasing different aspects of campus and student life.  Spaces are limited, and guests must preregister.  Prospective graduate students should contact their department directly to arrange a visit.

INTERACTIVE CAMPUS MAP

Our campus map offers a 3D view of the campus and a wayfinder option to give directions to various locations. The map provides real-time updates on shutdowns and rerouted traffic patterns due to construction projects.

VIRTUAL TOUR

Explore UT Dallas at your own pace, whenever and wherever is comfortable for you. Use the audio guide or accompanying text to provide additional insight for tour stops, access more photos and 360-degree images, and watch accompanying videos to learn about what it’s like to be a Comet.

800 W. Campbell Road Richardson, Texas 75080-3021

972-883-2111

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We’ve Done More Tours Than the Rolling Stones.

We can introduce you to our beautiful campus in a number of ways, but the best (and most popular) is to take a tour in person. Bring a guest or two and some comfy shoes.

Visit In Person

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Plan Your Visit

“ I loved the community when I visited and it felt like home and I just knew when I was touring that this is the place for me. ”

TCU on the Road

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• September 2022

Texas Region

Colleges touring.

University of Texas Texas Christian University Baylor University University of Houston Rice University Prairie View A&M University Texas Southern University Texas A&M University Stephen F. Austin State University Sam Houston State University

• Departure Dallas, TX
• Departure Time 5:00 am
• Return Time 9:00 pm
• Included Roundtrip motorcoach transportation Hotel rooms (Double students rooms) Travel Insurance **Optional** National, Historic, and Cultural Awareness visit Museum, Touring and Sightseeing Campus Activates (football games, step shows, talks)**Optional** Campus Tour: Admission and Financial Aid Review; Walking tour of campus; Question/Answer Period Campus Life: Environment, Education, Experience College Campus Tour Supplies: Electronic Student Workbooks, Lesson Plan, Student Lanyards, Bags, and Tee- Shirts Nightly Security Breakfast and Lunch
• Not Included Dinner Airfare Pre and Post Tour Arrangements

Contact Info

404-755-3535 (office) 404-755-3570 (office 2) 404-393-9381 (fax) [email protected] PO Box 11355 Atlanta, GA 30310

Monday to Friday. 9:00 am to 5:30 pm

• Request an appointment

Undergraduate Admissions

Visit Texas Tech

It All Starts Here

Texas Tech is located in Lubbock, Texas, a rapidly growing city with a population of nearly 300,000 people. It boasts all the conveniences of a major city with the friendliness of a small town.

Daily Tours

Schedule Your Visit

Group Tours

Groups of 15+

Attend Events

Created For You

Virtual Events

Attend from Anywhere

Additional Opportunities

Great Outdoors

• Near Lake Alan Henry
• Convenient to Palo Duro Canyon, 2nd largest in the nation
• Accessible to Big Bend National Park
• A short road trip from the Rocky Mountains

Modern Metro

• Connect to anywhere with the Preston Smith International Airport
• Centrally located in the Ports to Plains major highway corridor
• Readily available public transportation
• Extensive bike path network near the university

Arts and Entertainment

• Downtown Cultural District showcasing food, arts and community events
• Home to First Friday Art Trail
• Hundreds of annual sporting events
• Countless concerts and live music events
• A multitude of venues hosting recreation, movies and theatre

Shopping and Dining

• Home to many local favorites and national chains
• Numerous boutiques and major name brand stores
• Millions of square feet of shopping located at the South Plains Mall, West End, and Canyon West shopping centers
• Ever-changing list of shopping and dining venues

Parking On Campus

Entry Stations found throughout campus are staffed with friendly attendants that will help guide you to visitor parking. Parking booths are open Mon – Fri from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm and closed on weekends.

For weekend visits to campus, please follow all posted parking signage. Please be aware that specially-marked spaces, including handicap spaces, are enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you have any questions or need to request ADA accommodations, please contact the Visitors Center at 806.742.1299 or [email protected] .

Preston Smith INTL. Airport

Hotel Accommodations

Lubbock Transportation

Getting To Campus

The Visitors Center is located in West Hall off the main entrance to campus at Broadway and University Avenues. West Hall is the second building on the right.

2520 Broadway Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79409

(806) 742-1299

It All Starts Here!

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Each episode of the award-winning TV series, The College Tour , shares the story of a single college or university through the authentic lens of its current students. Learn from real students about their real experiences on campus, as we offer viewers an insider’s perspective on college life and college culture. This TV series is a comprehensive guide to aid your college research, helping you answer the ultimate question: ‘Which college is best for me?’ Take the ultimate campus tour now by watching episodes of this informative TV series.

Our ‘Tour Now’ section takes the stress out of the college search. In one location, students can explore all 2,500 four-year colleges and universities and 900 community colleges throughout America. Easy-to-use, this platform allows you to filter choices by state, college type, and size, narrowing down the search based on your preferences.

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11 Best Colleges in Texas – 2024

May 13, 2024

Texas is the second most populated state in the country and that is reflected not only by the plethora of college options within its borders but also by the immense size of those institutions. In fact, UT Austin and Texas A&M are among the 10 largest schools in the country. The University of Houston cracks the top 20 of this same list. Residents of the Lone Star State are served quite well by the public university system but private options like Rice, Trinity, and SMU are also extremely desirable to high-achieving teens from around the world. The following list of the 11 best colleges in Texas is meant to give you a sense of the array of wonderful higher education options in the state. The data in each profile card is intended to give a better sense of the academic offerings and outcomes at each institution.

Methodology 

Click here to read our methodology for the Best Colleges in Texas. As you’ll see, some schools with spectacular (and deserved) reputations simply do not happen to fare well on metrics such as student-to-faculty ratio or spending per student. We understand that a list based solely on prestige/general reputation would look different than what you will find below.

Best Colleges in Texas

Here’s a quick preview of the first 10 Texas-based institutions that made our list. Detailed profiles and stats can be found when you scroll below.

1) Rice University

2) The University of Texas at Austin

3) Texas A & M University-College Station

4) Trinity University

5) Southern Methodist University

6) Southwestern University

7) Texas Christian University

8) Baylor University

9) The University of Texas at Dallas

10) Texas Tech University

All of the schools profiled below have a history of sending graduates to the most desirable employers and graduate schools in the country. College Transitions will provide you with—when available—each school’s:

• Cost of Attendance
• Acceptance Rate
• Median  SAT
• Median  ACT
• Retention Rate
• Graduation Rate

We will also include a longer write-up of each college’s:

• Academic Highlights – Includes facts like student-to-faculty ratio, average class size, number of majors offered, and most popular majors.
• Professional Outcomes – Includes info on the rate of positive outcomes, companies employing alumni, and graduate school acceptances.

Rice University

• Houston, TX

Academic Highlights : Rice offers more than 50 majors across six broad disciplines: engineering, architecture, music, social science, humanities, and natural science. Programs in biology, biochemistry, cognitive science, and music are incredibly strong, while the School of Architecture and the George R. Brown School of Engineering are among the highest-ranking schools in their disciplines. One-third of computer science majors are female, almost twice the national average. Class sizes are ideally small with 66% containing fewer than 20 students and a median class size of only fourteen.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 88% of Rice grads have found careers or a graduate school home. Companies that employ many recent grads include Deloitte, Capital One, JP Morgan Chase, Google, and Microsoft. Over one hundred alumni are also current employees of companies such as Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Amazon, Accenture, and Meta. Across all majors, the average starting salary is $73k. One-third of graduates move directly into graduate or professional school, with Harvard, Yale, Stanford, MIT, Columbia, and Berkeley being the most popular destinations.

• Enrollment: 4,494 (undergraduate); 4,178 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $78,278
• Median SAT: 1530
• Median SAT: 35
• Acceptance Rate: 9%
• Retention Rate: 94%
• Graduation Rate: 98%

The University of Texas at Austin

Academic Highlights: UT Austin offers over 150 majors, including those at the Cockrell School of Engineering, one of the most heralded undergraduate engineering schools around, and The McCombs School of Business, which dominates in the specialty areas of accounting and marketing. The computer science department is also top-ranked. In terms of degrees conferred, engineering is tied with biology (12%) followed by communication (11%), business (11%), and the social sciences (8%). The elite Plan II Honors Program is one of the best in the country.

Professional Outcomes: Within the College of Liberal Arts, six months after graduating, 68% of Longhorns are employed and 24% have entered graduate school. The for-profit sector attracts 65% of those employed while 19% enter public sector employment and 16% pursue jobs at a nonprofit. Major corporations that employ more than 500 UT Austin grads include Google, Meta, Oracle, Microsoft, IBM, and Apple. Engineering majors took home a median income of $79k and business majors took home $70k.

• Enrollment: 41,309 (undergraduate); 11,075 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $30,752-$34,174 (in-state); $61,180-$69,310 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1430
• Median ACT: 32
• Acceptance Rate: 31%
• Retention Rate: 95%
• Graduation Rate: 88%

Texas A&M University — College Station

• College Station, TX

Academic Highlights: With nineteen schools and colleges and 130+ undergraduate degree programs, Texas A&M is a massive operation. As the name implies, there is a heavy emphasis on agriculture, engineering, and business, which all place well in national rankings and garner deep respect from major corporations and graduate/professional schools. Class sizes trend large, but 24% of courses enroll fewer than 20 students and personal connections with professors are entirely possible, particularly through the research-oriented LAUNCH program.

Professional Outcomes: On graduation day, 54% of students had already received at least one job offer and 22% were heading to graduate/professional school. Many Aggies go on to work at major oil, tech, and consulting firms; more than 500 are employed at each of ExxonMobil, Halliburton, Chevron, EY, Amazon, Microsoft, Intel, Accenture, and PWC. Starting salaries were strong—on average, College of Engineering grads made $80k and College of Agriculture & Life Sciences grads netted $54k. A&M is also the eighth-largest producer of law students in the entire country.

• Enrollment: 57,512 (undergraduate); 16,502 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $31,058 (in-state); $59,336 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1270
• Median ACT: 28
• Acceptance Rate: 63%
• Graduation Rate: 84%

Trinity University

• San Antonio, TX

Academic Highlights: Trinity offers 57 majors and a demanding, carefully crafted liberal arts core curriculum. 68% of courses enroll fewer than 20 students, and 80% of students engage in some type of hands-on learning, whether through research or an internship. The well-regarded School of Business is most popular as finance, accounting, and business administration degrees account for 27% of the total degrees conferred. The social sciences (16%), biology (12%), foreign language (6%), and communication (5%) also have strong representation.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after receiving their diplomas, 98% of 2022 Trinity grads were either employed full-time or matriculated into graduate school; only 2% were still seeking employment. The companies employing the largest number of alumni include USAA (a San Antonio-based financial firm), PwC, EY, Deloitte, Dell, Accenture, Morgan Stanley, and Amazon. Recent bachelor’s degree earners have been accepted into graduate school at an overall rate of 75%.

• Enrollment: 2,531 (undergraduate); 163 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $68,224
• Median SAT: 1370
• Median ACT: 31
• Acceptance Rate: 28%
• Retention Rate: 92%
• Graduation Rate: 82%

Southern Methodist University

Academic Highlights: In total, SMU offers 100+ majors and 85 minors. Thanks in part to an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, 56% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students. This career-minded student body gravitates toward pre-professional degrees, particularly in business (27%) and engineering (6%). SMU’s Cox School of Business is top-ranked and has especially strong ties to Wall Street. Programs in engineering, sports management, and the performing arts are also very well-regarded.

Professional Highlights: On graduation day, over 66% of recent grads already had their first jobs or graduate school destinations in hand. Six months later, that figure was in the mid-90s. Major corporations employing the greatest number of Mustangs are Lockheed Martin, AT&T, EY, IBM, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, Deloitte, American Airlines, Accenture, Oracle, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs. In 2022, the average starting salary was $55k across all majors ($77k for Cox School of Business grads). In a typical year, 25% of seniors elect to immediately pursue an advanced degree.

• Enrollment: 7,115 (undergraduate); 4,727 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $89,676
• Median SAT: 1405
• Acceptance Rate: 61%
• Retention Rate: 90%
• Graduation Rate: 83%

Southwestern University

• Georgetown, TX

Academic Highlights: One of the top liberal arts colleges in Texas, Southwestern offers 37 majors and 41 minors. Students engage in a flexible, three-part curriculum that consists of general education courses, major-specific courses, and electives as well as plenty of room for exploration. The most degrees are conferred in business (14%), psychology (8%), biology (6%), exercise science (6%), education (5%), political science (5%), and speech communication and rhetoric (5%). 64% of classes enroll under 20 students; the average class size is 17.

Professional Outcomes: 98% of the Class of 2022 had positive outcomes, with 75% employed and 23% attending graduate or professional school. Those employed held a wide range of roles at companies/organizations such as American Bookbinders Museum, Austin Galleries, Bank of America, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Flatiron Construction, IBM, Morrison Law Firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Tesla, GM, and Visa. The average starting salary was $48k. Of those who continued their education, many elected to do so in Texas, but others went on to schools like BU, Georgetown, and Temple.

• Enrollment: 1,483
• Cost of Attendance: $71,865
• Median SAT: 1250
• Acceptance Rate: 45%
• Retention Rate: 79%
• Graduation Rate: 72%

Texas Christian University

• Forth Worth, TX

Academic Highlights: TCU offers 116 undergraduate majors. The most popular are housed in the Neely School of Business, including the highly-rated BBA in Entrepreneurship. 27% of all degrees conferred in 2022 fell under the business umbrella. The engineering program is also well-regarded. Other commonly conferred degrees include communications/journalism (15%), health professions (11%), and the social sciences (9%). 39% of its class sections have 20 or fewer students, and only 5% of courses seat more than 50.

Professional Outcomes: Upon graduating, 48% of recent diploma-earners were employed and 18% had their graduate school placement lined up. American Airlines, Deloitte, IBM, Lockheed Martin, and Medical City Hospitals employ the greatest number of recent alumni. Other companies with a large TCU presence include Microsoft, CBRE, Goldman Sachs, and AT&T. The most recent median starting salary was $58,900. For those who enrolled in an advanced degree program, the most commonly pursued areas of study were medicine/health (27%), business (21%), and psychology (13%).

• Enrollment: 10,523 (undergraduate); 1,750 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $85,051
• Median SAT: 1260
• Acceptance Rate: 56%

Baylor University

Academic Highlights: Class sizes at Baylor generally range from small to medium, with 48% of sections containing fewer than 20 students and 76% enrolling fewer than 29. Far more Bears major in business/marketing (25%) than the second-place finisher, health professions (19%). Other popular academic pursuits are biology (12%) and communication/journalism (7%), both of which are very strong. The Hankamer School of Business is highly respected across the country.

Professional Outcomes: At the 180-day post-graduation point, those who earned their diplomas from Baylor had entered the world of full-time employment at a 50% clip, and 28% had entered a graduate or professional degree program. Large numbers of recent grads were scooped up by many of the most desirable employers in the country including Dell (19), EY (16), and Oracle (16). The average starting salary was $59k. Among recent grads, the most commonly attended graduate school was Baylor itself (125), followed by Texas A&M (12).

• Enrollment: 15,213
• Cost of Attendance: $69,970
• Median SAT: 1320
• Median ACT: 30
• Acceptance Rate: 46%
• Graduation Rate: 81%

University of Texas at Dallas

Academic Highlights: There are 140+ degree plans at UT Dallas which sports a 25:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Only 7% of classes are taught by graduate assistants, but classes are on the large side – 27% of course sections contain 50 or more students. The two most popular areas of study at this university are business (20%) and computer science (20%). Biology (14%), engineering (13%), and health professions (8%) also enjoy solid popularity. Even better, UT Dallas has a strong national reputation in all of these academic areas.

Professional Outcomes: The most commonly entered industries are internet and software, healthcare, accounting, IT, and higher education. Those graduating with a degree in information technology and systems had an average starting salary of $76,900 while those earning an accounting degree brought home a mean figure of $59,700. UT Dallas graduates have less undergraduate debt than the national average and receive the third-best ROI of any public university in Texas.

• Enrollment: 21,617
• Cost of Attendance: $35,960 (In-State); $51,126
• Median SAT: 1290
• Acceptance Rate: 85%
• Retention Rate: 87%
• Graduation Rate: 74%

Texas Tech University

• Lubbock, TX

Academic Highlights:  Texas Tech has 1,900 faculty members across 10 colleges and 150 academic programs. With a fairly high 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio just 33% of course sections enroll fewer than 20 students. Business/marketing (20%) is by far the most popular major, followed by biology (10%), engineering (10%), journalism (10%), and family & consumer sciences (9%). Petroleum engineering gets the most acclaim, but the business, CS, and psychology departments are also very solid.

Professional Outcomes:  The most popular industries entered by Texas Tech include utilities ($96k median starting salary), petroleum engineering ($97k), manufacturing ($64k), finance and insurance ($49k), and transportation and warehousing ($57k). The companies employing the most Red Raider alumni are Dell Technologies, JP Morgan Chase and Co., Microsoft, Oxy, ConocoPhillips, Kimley-Horn, and Pioneer Natural Resources Company.

• Enrollment: 32,579
• Cost of Attendance: $30,277 (In-State); $42,877 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: 1180
• Median ACT: 25
• Acceptance Rate: 67%
• Retention Rate: 86%
• Graduation Rate: 64%

University of Houston

Academic Highlights: Nearly 100 undergraduate majors are offered across 11 different colleges. Programs within the College of Business and College of Engineering are particularly strong, especially petroleum engineering, entrepreneurship, and marketing. The most degrees are conferred in business/management/marketing (28%), psychology (7%), computer science (7%), engineering (7%), biological sciences (7%), and social sciences (6%). 34% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, and

Professional Outcomes: By graduation day, 29% of recent grads had already accepted a full-time position and 11% had been accepted to graduate school. For those who entered the workforce, top employers were Houston ISD (as well as several other school systems), JPMorgan Chase, Houston Methodist, and Walgreens. Of those continuing their education, the highest percentage stayed at the University of Houston followed by the University of Texas, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas A&M, Texas Woman’s University, and Rice.

• Enrollment: 37,946 (undergraduate); 8,730 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $24,268 (in-state); $39,868 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1230
• Acceptance Rate: 70%
• Graduation Rate: 65%

We hope you have found our list of the Best Colleges in Texas to be useful and informative as you continue your college search process. We also invite you to check out some of our other resources and tools including:

• AP Score Calculators 
• SAT Score Calculator 
• ACT Score Calculator
• Best Summer Programs 
• College List Building Tool
• Best Colleges by State

Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

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Remembering Black Dallas revives forgotten history with new bus tours

The Ukunika Bus and Walking Tours take passengers to sites around Dallas that were once hubs for the city’s Black community.

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Zara Amaechi / KERA News

Attendees listen to a guest speaker share the history of Anderson Bonner.

From KERA News:

All around Dallas are markers telling the rich Black history that shaped the city: White Rock Chapel, the Pittman Hotel, Keller Springs Road.

But words don’t travel as fast as you think, and some stories are forgotten.

That’s why the historical organization Remembering Black Dallas created a new series of tours — funded partially through a grant from the city’s Office of Arts and Culture — highlighting these and other areas in modern-day Dallas County that were once hubs for the Black community.

“Our main focus is to draw light on the history and of the African American freedom towns, communities and those individuals that others may not know anything about,” said Deborah Hopes, the president of Remembering Black Dallas.

Hopes, a South Dallas native, named the venture the Ukunika Bus and Walking Tour after the Zulu word meaning “to give back.” The monthly tours were an idea first put forward by RBD founder George Keaton, and it was one Hopes wanted to keep alive. They both had the benefit of living through some of that history or were taught stories of a time before them.

“We have others that are from that community, or they had grandparents or relatives that lived in those communities that shared stories,” Hopes said.

She said RBD didn’t start the tours out of fear of forgetting the community’s history, but rather as a chance to relive old memories. She believes this is the first step to recognizing Black history while her peers are still around to educate others.

“History in itself doesn’t change. History in itself remains the same,” she said. “But if you don’t know it, then you are not privy to it.”

Attendees tour the South Dallas home of civil rights activist Juanita Craft.

Unforgettable history

The first of the Ukunika bus tours took attendees around South Dallas, focusing on women’s history and how the civil rights movement affected the area. It highlighted American activists like Julia C. Frazier, Pearl C. Anderson and  Juanita J. Craft, whose house  — which hosted Martin Luther King. Jr and Lyndon B. Johnson — was among the stops.

“I think Dallas can be a very ahistoric place,” said Phaedra Gwyn, who grew up in the city but said she had no idea the cultural significance the neighborhood carried. “I was really happy to learn more about the civil rights movement in Dallas and Black people’s contributions.”

Another attendee, Courtney Simmons, was raised in Dallas and attended Lincoln High School. She brought her daughters on the tour so they could see how her neighborhood has changed, and how it’s preserved its culture.

“The infiltration of the city and how it just kind of [reduced] the Black community down and how it got a little disenfranchised, but there’s still efforts going on today to keep those visions alive,” Simmons said.

Passengers climb aboard the Ukunika tour bus.

Others grew up in the city and had no idea of the cultural significance these neighborhoods carried.

Another tour covered the area known today as North Dallas, which was established as a Freedmen’s Town in the Reconstruction period after the Civil War.

The area associated with North Park, the Galleria and the former Valley View Mall was once home to Dallas’s oldest and most prominent Black landowners, including Anderson Bonner, Henry Keller and George Coit.

“I traveled up and down Coit Road and didn’t realize it was named after a Black person,” said RBD member Karl Lewis. “And I doubt very few people realize that.”

Passengers got a chance to meet several notable Dallas natives who have seen the city change firsthand.

Patricia Price Hicks, who is on the Dallas County Historical Commission, shared her experience growing up in Hamilton Park, an area named after prominent landowner Richard Theodore Hamilton.

“This was unheard of because there was no Black community per se,” Hicks said.

The group explored the hidden White Rock Cemetery Garden of Memories, where they were met by Glen Bonner — one of Anderson’s descendants.

“This was the first known interracial cemetery in North Dallas, North Texas area, actually,” Bonner said.

Hearing about forgotten history brought up a lot of emotions for some attendees. Sicily Whetstone is a grad student who attended the tour for a school project. She said she sees the tour as a form of reparations for Black Dallas that also educates the public.

“Those people have [been] lost in history,” she said. “So, I’m really thinking the reparations really need to go deep, starting maybe in the graveyards and the histories of those.”

She’s grateful for organizations like RBD that are dedicated to praising this history, but she said she’d like to see more support from the city of Dallas.

“This is something that we should sell as our city that this is something that we need to repair,” Whetstone said. “And it should be in our local history books in our schools.”

RBD president Deborah Hopes said that’s one of the aims of the tours.

“What I found is that they’re getting these ‘wow’ moments like, ‘wow, I didn’t know that,’” she said. “I think that is strengthening the desire to do more and want to know more and to learn more about communities in themselves.”

Patricia Price Hicks shares the history of Hamilton Park on the Ukunika Bus Tour.

Embracing the past

Remembering Black Dallas required all hands on-deck to be able to execute a project as big as the Ukunika bus tours — starting with the amount of research and networking that went into organizing them.

The organization has volunteers from all over Dallas who were curious to learn more about the history of the land they live on today. They believe it brings a new perspective to what should be researched further and highlighted.

“Everybody can embrace this history because it helps you understand the place that you are calling home,” volunteer tour guide Sharron Conrad said. “By understanding the people and the stories that make up these communities.”

Some, like Larry Offut, are trying to make up for the history they were naïve to. Offut is one of several members of RBD who’s white and lived through the civil rights movement. He said the tours are bringing awareness to a past that many people ignored.

“It really was striking to me to read those things and understand that I had lived them as a child and as a young adult,” Offutt said. “…It never occurred to me there was any trauma.”

While RBD has worked to document some of the worst events in Dallas’ past by installing markers around the city memorializing lynching victims, the tours show that there’s much more to the area’s Black history than trauma.

“What I would like others to know is that we didn’t only just exist and survive,” the organization’s financial secretary Reginald Small said. “We actually thrived in our communities even with the oppression. We actually thrived, and it’s so documented.”

Remembering Black Dallas offers the Ukunika Bus and Walking Tours once a month through August. Some areas they’ll hit next are Dealey Plaza, Old City Park and Deep Ellum.

If you found the reporting above valuable, please consider making a donation to support it  here . Your gift helps pay for everything you find on  texasstandard.org  and  KERAnews.org . Thanks for donating today.

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Texas Tech Now

Texas tech programs to host summer camps.

May 6, 2024

Camps are available for a variety of ages and interests.

Multiple departments at Texas Tech University offer summer camps. These experiences help students from pre-k to high school learn about topics that interest them. They also allow campers the opportunity to explore and discover what a college campus has to offer. 

Available camps for 2024 are listed below. 

Museum of Texas Tech University

[email protected] 

The museum's Education Division can be reached at [email protected] or by calling (806) 742-2432.

Lil' Paleontologists Dino Camp

• Campers will go on prehistoric adventures and learn all about different dinosaurs, their characteristics and the habitats they lived in. They will take a trip into the dinosaur gallery and participate in hands-on activities that will give them a new understanding about dinosaurs and their past.
• Ages 4-6; 10 a.m. to noon, June 4-6, June 25-27
• More information here .

Summer in Color – Art Camp

• Let your little one express their artistic side this summer. Campers will create unique masterpieces to take home, all while learning how to use art tools and techniques. 
• Ages 4-6; 10 a.m. to noon, June 11-13

Maker's Studio – DIY Camp 

• Join this camp for tons of fun DIY projects. Campers will explore various subject matter and work with different materials to create unique DIY projects. 
• Ages 7-9; 2-4 p.m., June 11-13 

College of Human Sciences

[email protected]

Hospitality and Retail Management Chef Camp

• Chef camp, held in weekly durations, allows preteens and teenagers to learn the ropes of the kitchen in this hands-on experience with professional chefs in the Department of Hospitality and Retail Management at Texas Tech. Lunch is provided. 
• Ages 10-13; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., July 29 - Aug. 2
• Ages 14-17; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 3-7, June 24-28

Say Yes to FCS Teaching Camp

• This camp will focus on interactive activities showing students various teaching techniques that can be used in Family and Consumer Sciences courses. Camp members also will get to tour of our FCS program and the other programs within the College of Human Sciences at Texas Tech.
• Grades 9-12; 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., July 8-11

J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts 

[email protected] 

Art Pre-College Immersion 

• The School of Art Pre-College Immersion Program offers high school students an immersive college experience in the fine arts. During this weeklong program, students will experience first-hand what it means to be a Red Raider. Students will live in dorms, participate in extracurricular activities and take various fine art workshops, all in an atmosphere of university instruction. The workshops offer opportunities to learn new artmaking techniques through multiple mediums taught by talented Texas Tech artists.
• Grades 9-12 (incoming); June 24-28

Texas Tech All-State Choir Camp

• All-State Choir Camp offers a five-day camp focused on preparing for both the TMEA small-school and large-school All-State Choir auditions. In addition to sectional and full choir rehearsals, campers can participate in conducting, composition, opera, vocal jazz or musical theatre workshops. The camp includes four exciting evening activities: a tour of Texas Tech, a beach party at the leisure pool and lazy river, SQUAD WARS (a relay and social-style competition) and a full-scale talent show. The week will conclude with a final concert on June 15 for family members and the local community. 
• Grades 9-12; June 11-15
• Cost: Commuter $225, Overnight $500

Texas Tech Band & Orchestra Camp 

• This camp is for high school and middle school students. Tracks include band, orchestra or drum major. Students can stay on -campus or off- campus. The camp also includes evening activities. Each camper will be required to perform audition materials for their instrument on site the first day of camp. This will help faculty place them in the appropriate ensemble. 
• Grades 6-12; June 30 - July 6
• Cost: Commuter $325, Overnight $700 

University Recreation

[email protected] 

Summer Youth Sports Camp

• This camp is exciting, fast-paced and engaging for all skill levels. The program includes a wide variety of activities that focus on ensuring active participation and an overall entertaining experience. Activities include swim lessons, rock climbing, archery, camp games and more. 
• Ages 7-12; 8 a.m. to noon, June 3-14, June 17-28, July 8-19

[email protected] 

Shark Tank Jr. Summer Camp

• Be the next great STEM entrepreneur as you learn about solving problems in creative and innovative ways. Take your ideas from paper to prototyping and pitch your product before a live panel of business sharks. 
• Grades 4-6 (upcoming); 8:30-11:30 a.m., July 8-12
• Grades 7-9 (upcoming); 1-4 p.m., July 8-12 

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8 Hidden Gems in Texas for Your Next Weekend Getaway

Texas is a whole other country. But if you only have a weekend to explore, here are eight underrated places and excursions to try.

Dorian Smith-Garcia • May 9, 2024

Texas is a big state. It’s the home of barbecue, Beyoncé, rodeo, and the birthplace of Tex-Mex — a hybrid twist on traditional Mexican food that’s turned into a uniquely American cuisine. The state is so large that it can take around 11 hours to drive either east to west or north to south. 

With so much land and countless cities, towns, and regions across the state, there are a lot of ways to spend time in Texas for a weekend getaway . Whether it’s a girl’s getaway, a romantic couple’s retreat, or an action-packed family affair, there are plenty of things to do in Texas when it’s the weekend. Here are 8 trips from big cities to quiet slow-paced towns that are perfect for every travel style. 

Wine Tasting in Fredericksburg

Whether for a girl’s trip or a romantic getaway, there’s nothing like bonding over vino to make the entire experience better. When in Texas, head to Fredericksburg , which is home to the state’s wine country and is in the central region. There are countless vineyards to choose from as well as charming architecture. But don’t assume that the wine here flies under the radar: many wineries offer award-winning vintages and are family-owned. As an added bonus, this town is also known for authentic German cuisine. 

Unwind on the Gulf in Port Aransas

Texas is one of the five states in the US that borders the Gulf of Mexico. With roughly 367 miles of coastline, there are plenty of beachy towns when travelers want to dip their toes in the sands and the warm Gulf waters almost year-round. Port Aransas is a great place to visit for tourists that want options. Whether this means simply lounging on the beach, enjoying outdoor sports, or even simply sightseeing, there’s plenty to do here. Also, wildlife fans will love that Port Aransas is home to nature trails where birding is a popular pastime. 

Become One with Nature at Big Bend National Park

If spending time outdoors is critical, Texas is home to some beautiful national parks. Specifically, Big Bend National Park which is located in the southwest part of the state is ideal for nature seekers to recharge and take in the beauty around them. It contains over 150 miles of desert (including much of the Chihuahuan Desert) and mountain trails along the Chisos mountain range. If hikes aren’t enough to get the blood pumping, choose from whitewater rafting along the Rio Grande or mountain biking. And starwatchers will love that when the sun goes down, Big Bend is perfect for spotting constellations and planets. 

Be Off Beat in Austin

Not only is Austin the capital of Texas, but it’s also known for its slightly off-beat vibes. Along with hosting SXSW annually, Austin is a vibrant city with a laid back nightlife scene and access to some of the best Texas barbecue people can eat. Technically, it’s part of the Hill Country region and a short drive outside of the city limits will send travelers to more pastoral parts of the state. And families with college-ready kids might find that they’ll need to travel here to preview nearby schools like The University of Texas – Austin, St. Edwards University, and Huston-Tillotson University to name a few. 

Figure Out Who Shot JR at Southfork Ranch

Elder Millennials and earlier generations will get this reference as “who shot JR?” was a season finale cliffhanger episode from the iconic nighttime drama series “Dallas.” JR was a villain that everyone loved to hate and seeing him in a sticky situation made a lot of people happy. 

Not only was Southfork the name of the family ranch in the show, it’s a real place in Parker, Texas where the series (including the original, spinoff and reboot series plus three reunion movies) was actually shot. These days, it’s an active ranch and event space. When not in use for weddings or special events, visitors can enjoy tours (including “Live Like an Ewing” “Dallas”-themed options), horseback riding, and half-day immersive excursions complete with horseback rides, tours and food. 

Catch a Beyoncé Tour in Houston

Beyoncé has never been shy about repping her Houston roots. If Houston’s next on the itinerary, hardcore Beyhive members might want to catch a Beyoncé-themed tour . Visit her original family home, try out some of her favorite places to grab a bite, and even explore venues the wildly famous artist featured in her music videos. Either create a self-guided tour or book an excursion package with one of the local tour operators that offers half-day or full-day packages. 

Indulge in Tex-Mex Cuisine in San Antonio

There are plenty of medium-sized cities sprinkled across Texas and San Antonio is one of them. For foodies that specifically love Tex-Mex, this city is considered the capital of that cuisine in the Lonestar state. If visiting in the spring, don’t forget to stop in at the Fiesta festival which usually takes place in April. Meanwhile, history buffs should visit The Alamo , a former Spanish mission-turned-garrison that was a pivotal site in Texas’ creation as an independent republic, is also located here. 

A Cosmopolitan City Trip in Dallas

Dallas has a lot going for it, and is also the third-largest city in Texas. With a total population of just under 1.3 million people, it has a big city feel with southern charm. There’s world class shopping thanks to luxury-focused malls like Galleria Dallas and iconic department stores such as Neiman Marcus. Sports fans can choose between basketball, football, soccer, and baseball games. 

The city has a solid nightlife and foodie scene that offers plenty for a quick 48-hour trip . And of course, with the American Airlines center, there’s always a game or a concert to catch. Plus according to Airports Council International’s 2024 list, the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) airport is the third-busiest in the world—meaning it’s not hard to catch a flight here.

Is Texas Next on Your List?

With a state as large as Texas, this list barely scratches the surface for places to visit. With just a weekend to explore, focusing on one city versus trying to bounce across the state is the best way to get immersed in a place without getting overwhelmed. Thankfully, Texas is a diverse place culturally, as well as with food and excursions. From laid back time on the Gulf coast to exploring national parks or vibing in the city, there’s plenty to do in Texas. 

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• 2024 SEC softball: Bracket, schedule, scores, TV times for the tournament

The Florida Gators won the 2024 SEC softball conference tournament on May 11 at Jane B. Moore Field in Auburn, Alabama. The Gators defeated No. 5 Missouri to claim their sixth SEC tournament championship and tie Alabama for most conference tournament wins in program history.

The Gators earn an automatic bid into the 2024 NCAA tournament bracket, which will be revealed Sunday, May 12 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2. We're tracking all the automatic DI softball qualifiers and conference tournaments here.  

2024 SEC conference tournament bracket

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2024 SEC conference tournament schedule

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• Game 12 – No. 2 Florida 6, No. 5 Missouri 1
• Game 1 - No. 13 Ole Miss 7,  No. 12 Kentucky 2
• Game 2 -  No. 8 LSU 3 , No. 9 Alabama 2 (14 innings)
• Game 3  -  No. 5 Missouri 3 , No. 13 Ole Miss 1
• Game 4 – No. 7 Georgia 6 , No. 10 Auburn 5
• Game 5 – No. 11 South Carolina 8 , No. 6 Mississippi State 4
• Game 6 – No. 8 LSU 2, No. 1 Tennessee 1
• Game 7– No. 5 Missouri 3, No. 4 Arkansas 1 
• Game 8 – No. 2 Florida 9,  No. 7 Georgia 4 
• Game 9 – No. 3 Texas A&M 3,  No. 11 South Carolina 2
• Game 10 – No. 5 Missouri 2, No. 8 LSU 1 (F/8)
• Game 11 – No. 2 Florida 7, No. 3 Texas A&M 3

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College golf

Why a Hall of Fame college golf coach is staking his legacy on the dream of a permanent NCAA Championship site

John Fields (left) has been an instrumental figure in an effort to establish a permanent site for the NCAA men's and women's golf championships. (Photo courtesy of Texas Athletics)

CARLSBAD, Calif. — On a Thursday in mid-April, University of Texas men’s golf coach John Fields arrived at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa with a small entourage in tow. Fields’ Longhorns wrapped up play the day before in a college tournament at Pasatiempo, and on the school’s private jet, Fields and his group made the quick flight down to McClellan-Palomar Airport on the northern San Diego coast.

This was to be a gratifying and meaningful occasion for the man who has led his squads to two national team championships and nurtured the talents of UT standouts Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth among others. That day, members of the media were seeing the architect partners Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner’s complete redo of the La Costa North Course that Fields and his cohorts have lauded as the potential permanent site for the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships.

It was a family affair, and by Fields’ side as he motored around the course in a golf cart, showing off and fussing over the land as if it were his new homestead, were his wife, Pearl, his daughter, April Workman, and—we kid you not—Fields’ pastor from Kerville, Texas, Bert Wimberly. The preacher, whose dad, Herb, fittingly is a member of the PGA of America Hall of Fame, wasn’t just there for the gourmet pizza and sandwiches served at the turn. Divine intervention is welcomed for a project on which Fields has staked some of his own legacy.

“That’s why I’m bringing my minister,” Fields said over the phone with a laugh just a couple of weeks before the trip. “I’m not joking. We’re praying that this thing comes off the way we think it’s going to.”

Prayers, blood, sweat and hand wringing have all been a part of what could easily be considered the biggest challenge of Fields’ career since he took over a struggling golf program in 1998 and turned it into a perennial powerhouse.

In a plan hatched by Fields, Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte, legendary former Oklahoma State golf coach and AD Mike Holder, and the Texas-based Rowling family that owns Omni Hotels & Resorts, they conceived the idea of a “Road to Omni La Costa” for men’s and women’s golf. It would mimic college baseball’s now-74-year-old “Road to Omaha” for its World Series, and the Women’s College World Series for softball that has been held in Oklahoma City, Okla., in all but one year since 1990.

The first discussions about the idea occurred more than four years ago, “and my mind has been racing ever since,” said Fields, who estimates he’s made 15 trips to La Costa over the past couple years.

Why does the Texas coach care so much about putting the NCAAs permanently in Southern California? San Diego State originally was negotiating to host the championships at La Costa, but as soon as the Aztecs found out that they wouldn’t be allowed to play the course at any other time—a new requirement for any host—they opted out. That’s when Texas decided to take the reins with its influence and money.

Currently, Omni La Costa is tabbed to host the championships in 2024, 2025 and 2026, with that duty beginning this week when the women start competing on Friday. The individual winner will be crowned after 72 holes on May 20 and the match-play team champions identified on May 22. The men follow with their tournament, May 24-29.

La Costa has additionally applied to the NCAA for two more years to hold five straight championships, with the goal of hosting into the foreseeable future.

At the core of having a permanent site is the idea that each year athletes, teams and fans can look forward to the tournaments being played on a familiar course that will eventually build a history of famous shots and memorable victories that will stir anticipation the way famous PGA Tour venues and some major championships such as the Masters do. The hope is that junior golfers also would come to identify La Costa as a place they want to reach in their college careers. “The trickle-down to amateur golf and high schools could be unreal,” said Fields, who was inducted into the Golf Coaches’ Association of America Hall of Fame in 2012. “These are the two strongest amateur tournaments in the world.”

An overhead view of the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in California.

The idea would certainly seem to be appealing to Golf Channel, which has been regularly televising the championships, because it would have a comfortable venue, consistent stories to tell and, most importantly, a coveted primetime slot for East Coast viewers.

As for the Omni La Costa Resort, which held a PGA Tour for decades until 2006, it invested several hundred million dollars renovating rooms and amenities. Indicative of the commitment to golf, the price tag for the changes to the North Course and driving range is approaching $25 million—much of that money dedicated specifically because of the college golf dream. In a first for the NCAAs, the 30 teams in each championship will stay on-site in a luxury resort that doesn’t require the team to commute by van to the course; the opportunity to putt or hit balls will be a few minutes walk away.

“I think it’s going to be like playing in a [PGA] Tour event at Torrey Pines,” said Ryan Donovan, men’s coach at San Diego State for the last two decades, who was among a small group of coaches who consulted with Hanse on the course work. “You’re going to have good hospitality and a great experience.”

Of no small consequence is the predictable San Diego weather, with a near lock that there won’t be any dreaded delays, even if the coast might be shrouded in “May Gray” overcast. Virtually anywhere else in the country this time of year, there could be concerns about losing time due to cold or thunderstorms. Nor is too much sunshine a potential problem, something that arose at Grayhawk in Scottsdale, Ariz., which struggled with temperatures sometimes reaching triple digits when it hosted NCAAs in 2021, 2022 and 2023. “Our fans were frying like eggs on the cart paths,” said Fields, whose team overcame host Arizona State to win in 2022 men’s title.

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Of course, it’s the course that could make or break how everyone feels about La Costa. Fields and the Omni folks wooed Hanse thanks to his growing stature in the game—and his work designing the Rio de Janiero course for men and women that hosted golf’s return to the Olympics in 2016. Hanse and Wagner were given carte blanche to see out their vision, and they’ve delivered what would seem, at first blush, to be an interesting and strategic test, with swaths of native grass and barrancas that can be tipped out at 7,500 yards while offering plenty of teeing options for both genders.

That variety is a big plus to coaches such as Donovan, who noted that Grayhawk almost completely took drivers out of the players’ hands. “I watched [now PGA Tour star] Ludvig Aberg, and I don’t think he could hit any drivers,” Donovan said.

“I think it’s going to be a significant challenge; it’s going to be difficult,” Fields said of La Costa North. “We might not have as much rough this first year as we would like, but those green complexes being firm and fast will make up for it. … As firm as they are, being brand new, they are going to present all kinds of challenges and hold these kids accountable.” The coach called some of the deep native grass areas around the greens “diabolical.”

The new greens, which frequently created bouncy rejections on the no-spin approach shots from mid-handicappers during media day, could truly become a focus of concern this first year should they not hold approaches with mid- and even short irons. Though that may be solvable with some extra water, there are some coaches who have expressed concern that the championships potentially have been “rushed” to La Costa this year, when another season of grow-in would have been more prudent. The San Diego area endured an unusually cool winter and spring, which weren’t the most favorable conditions to grow Bermuda in a hurry.

The first hole on La Costa North is indicative of how architect Gil Hanse's altered the green complexes with large runoff areas.

Fields’ passion for the project aside, there are some coaches who have mixed feelings about the permanent-site concept. Alabama men’s coach Jay Seawell, whose Crimson Tide won back-to-back team titles in 2013 and ’14, told Golf Digest recently that if a poll was taken, he believes a majority likely would say they want the championships moved to different regions to challenge players with different grasses and conditions rather than stay at one site. “La Costa is going to be a great place. It’s going to be a great test, and let’s keep it in the rotation,” Seawell said. “But there is some feeling that we should be regional and move this thing around.”

Seawell did offer his own counter, however, saying, “I’m not against [La Costa] being the only host. The tradition would be huge. Scores matter. It would give you a chance to judge generational players. That’s what makes Augusta so great. Ben Hogan shot 274 there, and it’s still relevant.”

SDSU’s Donovan said, “Teams might complain about going there every year, but it’s not going to be the same guys, and it will be a new experience for them. And if you do go every year for four straight years, some guys are going to be very happy about having that experience going in.”

Stanford women’s coach Anne Walker, whose Cardinal won team titles in 2015 and 2022, said she can see both sides of the debate, though she thinks that “over time there is more upside than downside” to one site.

“I think we’re the fastest growing sport on the women’s side,” Walker said, “and with the traction that college golf has gotten … our average fans still find it hard to keep track of where we’re going to be and other nuances. We can benefit from the idea of a ‘Road to La Costa.’”

Walker recalled her own childhood in which her family spent Christmas vacation traveling to various notable courses they had seen on TV. “There’s that little girl or boy who can sit at home and watch the championships and visualize one day playing in them,” she said. “That’s an excitement for the game we haven’t yet capitalized on.”

At the same time, Walker offered, “We have coaches who don’t like the idea. Sometimes change is hard. I’m certainly willing to give this a go and evaluate it after the fact.”

Fields is moving forward as if the “Road to Omni La Costa” is nearly a foregone conclusion. In this process, he has led the establishment of the College World Golf Championships Foundation Inc., the first non-profit created to financially support the two weeks of the NCAA D-I championships. Fields believes that current high-profile (and financially well off) tour players should want to support the system that produced them. He also believes that other significant golf entities, such as the PGA Tour, USGA, PGA of America and First Tee, will support and see the value in the foundation’s development.

Donovan, for one, said he believes Fields is the man to take college golf to the next level.

“John is a smart guy,” he said, “and he’s one of the most respected people in college golf. He’s someone I would trust to do what’s best for everybody.” Donovan chuckled and added, “There are probably some younger coaches who need to be reminded of that.”

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