In Texas, there are a variety of colleges and universities, ranging from superb to terrible. Rice University in Houston and The University of Texas in Austin are two excellent institutions, while others are mediocre, and some are absolutely the worst colleges in Texas. Beware of branch campuses of the major public university systems, as some are not much more than community colleges with a few third and fourth year courses.
When it comes to for-profit or non-eleemosynary institutions, avoid them at all costs. They often prey on military personnel eligible for government grants or loans, and after graduation, you will find that you are not marketable. PT Barnum once said, “There is a sucker born every minute,” and unfortunately, he was right.
The Texas economy is largely based on the price of oil, which can fluctuate dramatically. When the economy is expanding, things will cost more, so try not to move to Texas during those times. Just like any other business, universities are affected by the economy, and some are primarily interested in whether or not you can qualify for a government grant. These are the worst universities in Texas.
Worst Colleges in Texas
I recently found a fascinating article that listed the worst colleges in each state. As I looked through the list, I was curious to see which colleges were considered the worst and why. At the same time, I was hoping that none of our local colleges were mentioned.
The big news is that none of the colleges in our immediate area were included in that list. I’ll tell you more about it in just a bit.
1. Texas College
Texas College is a private, non-profit institution that offers four-year degrees. It’s situated in Tyler, Texas. The college has a graduation rate of 12.4%, with only 4% of students graduating on time. After six years, the median salary for graduates is $23,400. On average, students leave Texas College with $21,624 in student loan debt.
Some might see Texas College as one of the worst colleges in Texas due to its low graduation rate and poor student reviews. Students often complain about the lack of resources and outdated facilities. However, the college has been working on improving its programs to provide a better education.
2. Kilgore College
Kilgore College is a two-year community college with open enrollment, located in Kilgore, Texas. It’s famous for its Rangerettes dance team.
The average cost of tuition and fees is $2,700. The on-time graduation rate is 32%, and there are 14 students for every faculty member. The average student loan debt is $17,348.
Kilgore College is sometimes seen as one of the worst colleges in Texas due to its low graduation rates and limited program offerings. Some students are dissatisfied with the quality of education.
Also, the college has faced criticism for its handling of financial aid and student loans. Despite these challenges, Kilgore College has a strong community and offers a range of extracurricular activities for students to get involved in.
3. Northeast Texas Community College (NTCC)
NTCC is another two-year community college with open enrollment, and it’s located in Mount Pleasant, Texas.
The average cost of tuition and fees is $3,149. The on-time graduation rate is 38%, and there are 21 students for every faculty member. The average student loan debt is $14,266.
NTCC is one the worst colleges in Texas because of its low graduation rates and limited program. There have been complaints about the quality of education and the lack of resources. The campus is located in a rural area—this might not be appealing to those who prefer a more urban environment.
4. Paris Junior College (Paris JC)
Paris JC is a two-year community college with open enrollment, located in Paris, Texas. The average cost of tuition and fees is $2,460. The on-time graduation rate is 38%, and there are 28 students for every faculty member. The average student loan debt is $8,829.
Paris JC is often seen as one of the worst colleges in Texas due to its low graduation rates and limited job placement assistance. Some students have reported that the faculty and staff are not as supportive as they could be, and the facilities are outdated.
The college also has a small campus, which means there are fewer resources and extracurricular activities available to students. Paris JC is located in a small town, which might not be attractive to those who are looking for a more vibrant college.
5. Texarkana College
Often referred to as TC, Texarkana College is a two-year college that welcomes all students and is located in Texarkana, Texas.
On average, students pay $2,980 for tuition and fees. About 48% of students graduate on time, and for every faculty member, there are 21 students. The average amount of debt a student graduates with is $13,534.
Texarkana College is seen by some as one of the worst universities in Texas due to its low graduation rates and limited program offerings.
There have been reports of a lack of support from faculty and staff. Also, the location has been a point of contention, with some saying that there are not enough opportunities for internships and jobs in the area.
6. Tyler Junior College
Tyler Junior College, or TJC, is another two-year college that is open to all students and is located in Tyler, Texas. The average cost of tuition and fees is $2,962.
The on-time graduation rate is 32%, and there are 18 students for every faculty member. On average, students graduate with $15,113 in debt.
Some people see Tyler Junior College as one of the worst universities in Texas because they feel the education quality is not up to par. They believe the classes are not challenging enough and that the curriculum could be improved.
Students have also complained about the lack of resources and support from the administration. There have also been concerns about campus safety and the overall college experience not being as enriching as it could be.
7. Texas A&M University-Commerce
Texas A&M University-Commerce, also known as TAMUC, is a four-year university located in Commerce, Texas. They accept 60% of those who apply, and the average cost of tuition and fees is $9,820. About 47% of students graduate on time, and there are 22 students for every faculty member. The average student debt is $26,470.
Texas A&M University-Commerce is seen by some as one of the worst universities in Texas due to its location in a small, rural town. This can make it difficult for students to find internships and job opportunities. Additionally, some students have complained about the quality of the education, saying that the classes are not challenging enough and that the professors are not always engaged.
There have also been reports of safety concerns on campus, which can be a major drawback for potential students. Lastly, the university has a lower graduation rate compared to other universities in Texas, which can be a red flag for some people.
8. Texas A&M University-Texarkana
Texas A&M University-Texarkana, or TAMUT, is a four-year university located in Texarkana, Texas. They have a high acceptance rate, with 96% of applicants being accepted. The average cost of tuition and fees is $8,449. The on-time graduation rate is 32%, and there are 14 students for every faculty member. The average student debt is $25,052.
Some people see Texas A&M University-Texarkana as one of the worst colleges in Texas because of its small size and limited program offerings. The university is located in a small town, which means there are fewer opportunities for internships and jobs nearby.
9. The University of Texas at Tyler
The University of Texas at Tyler, also known as UT-Tyler, is a four-year university located in Tyler, Texas. They accept 92% of those who apply, and the average cost of tuition and fees is $9,146. About 57% of students graduate on time, and there are 18 students for every faculty member. The average student debt is $25,991.
People see the University of Texas at Tyler as one of the worst universities in Texas because of its low graduation rate. Many students who start their education here do not finish their degrees.
The campus is also located in a small town. Thus, there are fewer opportunities for internships and jobs related to students’ fields of study. Some also feel that the university lacks diversity and that the social scene is limited.
Final Thoughts
Make your own decision about where to attend college, and don’t just rely on what your friends think. It primarily depends on the kind of education you want.
Read also: Scholarships for high school seniors in Texas 2024
