Making the Grade: Texas University Earns Top Marks

If you have your eye on one of the many Texas colleges, you'll be excited to know that the state's higher education scene is thriving. Texas universities embrace national and international students in a culture of training and growth in preparation for fulfilling careers. Not only that, but colleges in Texas offer a unique fusion of academics, technology, community, and entertainment to make your collegiate experience complete.

Texas Colleges in the Numbers
According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the state is home to six university systems and four independent public universities--referred to as flagship universities. The state's largest university systems include University of Texas and Texas A&M, with the University of Houston, University of North Texas, Texas State and Texas Tech rounding out the list. In total, there are 174 state system universities, independent public universities, private colleges, junior colleges, and theological seminaries in Texas.

Students Population for Colleges in Texas
With respect to enrollment, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board reveals that the total population of students in Texas colleges and universities hit 1,364,911 in fall 2009. That's a healthy growth of 182,109 students since fall 2005. Here is the breakdown of student populations in each segment of colleges in Texas:

• Public University: 532,226
• Independent College or University: 117,343
• Public 2-year College: 692,845
• Independent 2-year College: 1,143
• Public Health-related Institution: 18,646
• Independent Health-related Institution: 2,708

It's noteworthy that the segment with the largest increase in student population in recent years was public 2-year Texas colleges, which added 126,774 students from 2005 to 2009. The change in economic conditions, including the surge in technical and trade professions nationwide, might be a catalyst for this phenomenon.

Average Costs of Texas Universities
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board reveals that the average costs for full-time students living off campus were $19,463 for resident students and $28,893 for non-resident students in 2009. The following is a breakdown of resident/nonresident expected average costs for individual categories of expenses:

• Tuition and fees: $6,785 / $16,215
• Books and supplies: $1,139 / $1,139
• Room and board: $7,722 / $7,722
• Transportation: $1,804 / $1,804
• Personal expenses: $2,013 / $2,013

State Report Card for Texas Colleges and Universities
In the report "Closing the Gaps: The Texas Higher Education Plan," you'll find an intricate strategy for taking Texas colleges and universities to the next level. Texas colleges plan to initiative bold reforms to ensure that the state's higher education community serves its growing national and international student populations. Plans include:

• Providing grants and scholarships for every student with financial need
• Recruiting, preparing and retaining well-qualified educators
• Setting tuition and fees to help close gaps in participation and success
• Establishing incentives that increase affordability

Texas 411: Quick Facts
The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the 2009 population of Texas at 24,782,302 residents. The state's major cities include Houston, San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth, El Paso, and Austin, the state capital. Texas' primary industries include agriculture and mining, energy, technology and commerce. The mean household income in 2008 hit $50,049.

The bottom line is that when you select one of the Texas colleges or universities to continue your education, you'll be energized by the opportunities available to you both academically and professionally. There are so many reasons why so many students flock to the Lone Star State to make the transition from classroom to career--and you can find yours just as well.