In recent times, Dallas, Texas, has recorded more people than before due to the availability of job openings. According to Kiplinger’s ranking (2017-2018), Dallas is among the best cities in the U.S. for its contribution to the growth of the job market.
Texas is also home to many fun activities, nightlife activities, and beautiful inner-city architectural designs. Besides, Dallas is also rich in historical landmarks, making it a great location for academics and career goals.
There are several reasons you should consider going to a college in Texas. One of them includes its diversity. Dallas is prominent for its diverse population, which provides for people from other parts of the United States and a sizable amount of non-US residents.
With big companies like ExxonMobil, AT&T, JCPenney, and Southwest Airline, Dallas remains the best place to pursue an academic career if you are hoping to land a job with ease, after your graduation.
Attending college in Dallas is also a great opportunity to enjoy some of the city’s attractions. From the beautiful botanical garden to the indoor water parks and museums, Dallas is also home to the legendary LEGOLAND.
Table of contents
- Best Colleges in Texas
- #1. South Methodist University (SMU)
- #2. Dallas Baptist University (DBU)
- #3. College Misericordia, Misericordia University
- #4. Paul Quinn College
- #5. Parker University
- #6. Criswell College
- #7. Dallas Christian College
- #8. The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas)
- #9. School of Business, Bakke Graduate University (BGU)
- #10. Southwestern University
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendation
If you are ready to take the academic journey, below are the top ten colleges in Dallas you should consider first.
Best Colleges in Texas
- South Methodist University (SMU)
- Dallas Baptist University (DBU)
- College Misericordia, Misericordia University
- Paul Quinn College
- Parker University
- Criswell College
- Dallas Christian College
- The University of Texas at Dallas
- Southwestern University
- School of Business, Bakke Graduate University
#1. South Methodist University (SMU)
- Type: Private
- Acceptance rate: 53%
- SAT Score: 1250-1440
- ACT Score: 29-33
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,827
- Student’s Satisfaction: 4.0/5.0
- Religious Affiliations: Christian (Methodist)
- Phone: +1 214-768-2000
- Official website: Southern Methodist University
If you are seeking to attend a college with religious affiliation, South Methodist University (SMU) is one place to start your search. The University came into existence in the year 1911 as a result of the Methodist-Vanderbilt conflict.
The church declared its autonomy and established the South Methodist University as its flagship college.
While the university upholds its relationship with the Methodist church, it is nonsectarian in administering its lectures. South Methodist University is open to students from all religious backgrounds.
It is prominent for its collection of research materials, which is the largest in the entire Southwest. There are over 8 million research materials available in its eight libraries.
See Also: 9 Best HBCUs Colleges in Texas
#2. Dallas Baptist University (DBU)
- Type: Private
- Acceptance rate: 88%
- SAT Score: 1090-1270
- ACT Score: 20-24
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,428
- Student’s Satisfaction: 4.6/5.0
- Religious Affiliations: Christian (Baptist Church)
- Phone: +1 214-333-7100
- Official website: Dallas Baptist University
Dallas Baptist University is another prominent university in Dallas with a religious affiliation. The University was founded in 1898 under the name Decatur Baptist College. DBU had an elaborate record as Decatur until 1965 when it was invited by Dallas Baptist Association.
Currently, the university has campuses in Dallas, Hurst, and Plano.
The school’s Monumentous Admin Building, which was finished in 1893 is recorded in the National Register of Historic Places. The university initially began operations on 292 acres of land, which they received as donations from John Stemmons, Roland Pelt Associates, and the Louis Hexter family.
In 2008, with more acquisition of land by the university, the total size came to 368 acres. In 1968, Dallas Baptist University became a senior college and in 1970, it offered its first bachelor’s degree.
The name was updated from Decatur Baptist College to Dallas Baptist University in the year 1985. Part of the university structure included a College of Arts and Science, the College of Business, Mary C. Crowley College of Christian Faith, and the Dorothy M Bush College of Education.
DBU’s educational system is founded on integrity, biblical faith, and most of all, it is Christ-centered. The educational system is suitable for both traditional-age students, graduates, and adults with busy lives.
#3. College Misericordia, Misericordia University
- Type: Private
- Acceptance rate: 83%
- SAT Score: 1040-1215
- ACT Score: 22-27
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Application currently in progress
- Student’s Satisfaction: 3.5/5.0
- Religious Affiliations: Christian (Catholic)
- Phone: +1 570-674-6400
- Official website: Misericordia University
Misericordia University is a privately owned University founded by the Religious Sisters of Mercy in 1924 as College Misericordia. It became a university in 2007 and its name was changed to Misericordia University.
The university is well established and offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs. Students who need a post bachelor’s or post master’s certificate can also acquire it from Misericordia University.
Besides its campus in Dallas, the university has other campuses in Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania where you can attend accelerated Nursing Bachelor of Sciences in collaboration with Orbis Education.
Admission at Misericordia University is highly selective and admission officials consider students’ GPA as an essential academic element.
Other factors that are considered at the university include school class rank where it is available and also letter of recommendation.
Misericordia University runs a Guaranteed Placement Program (GPP), which was established in 1999 to assist students who wish to enter the workforce after their education. The program also assists students that wish to attend graduate schools.
For students that are unable to land a job or enter a graduate school six months after their graduation, the school offers them a paid internship in their selected area of specialization.
Since 1932, the university has been active in the area of sports with the introduction of intramural sports.
See Also: 15 Best Law Schools In Texas | 2023 Rankings
#4. Paul Quinn College
- Type: Private, HBCU
- Acceptance rate: 79%
- SAT Score: 800-910
- ACT Score: 15-19
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 554 (fall 2019)
- Student’s Satisfaction: 4.1 / 5.0
- Religious Affiliations: Christian (African Methodist Episcopal Church)
- Phone: +1 214-379-5546
- Official website: Paul Quinn College
Paul Quinn College is among the 10 best colleges in Dallas and was established in the year 1872. It is among the historic black Methodist colleges in Dallas and also the oldest located on the west of the Mississippi River.
Paul Quinn is the nation’s first urban work college. The WE over ME Farm, which is a partnership investment with PepsiCo is also located at Paul Quinn College.
In 1950, through the funds raised from the college’s interested patrons, structural developments began to spring up at the university, which included administrative buildings, gymnasium, science departments, and library.
Paul Quinn moved to its current position in Southern Dallas in 1990 after acquiring the then-campus of Bishop College from Comer Cottrell, an African-American businessman.
Paul Quinn College is famous for the “I AM NOT TRASH” demonstration led by students to protest the government’s landfill policy at the time. The school has a vibrant sports team famously known as the Tigers.
They are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes (NAIC). Paul Quinn University uses a business casual dress code.
#5. Parker University
- Type: Private
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- SAT Score: N/A
- ACT Score: N/A
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 320
- Student’s Satisfaction: 4.46 / 5.0
- Religious Affiliations: No
- Phone: +1 214-902-2429
- Official website: Parker University
Parker University was originally established in 1982 and was initially called Parker College of Chiropractic before changing its name in 2011 to become Parker University. The school had 977 students in 2016 (229 undergraduates and 748 postgraduates).
The University offers programs in ten areas, which include nine qualifications. Among the qualifications includes Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) license, Texas Chiropractic License, and Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).
Students can complete their education training within two weeks to three years (different qualifications have different duration). Parker University students also have the opportunity to apply for grants and a need-based scholarship to help them reduce the cost of education.
They enjoy hands-on training and quality teaching experience.
In addition, the conducive learning environment and the sound career preparation are also other benefits of attending the University.
Besides the Dallas campus, the university also has a second chiropractic clinic in Irving, Texas. Today, parker University is consistently progressing in the area of healthcare education.
#6. Criswell College
- Type: Private
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- SAT Score: 833-1165
- ACT Score: 32-43
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 172 (2018-2019)
- Student’s Satisfaction: 4.0/5.0
- Religious Affiliations: Christian (Southern Baptist of Texas Convention).
- Phone: +1 214-821-5433
- Official website: Criswell College
Criswell was established in 1970 as a private Christian and divinity college with the focus on building students who will serve as Christian leaders in society.
The modus operandi of the university is to provide ministerial and professional higher education for men and women preparing to serve as Christian leaders throughout society while maintaining an institutional commitment to biblical inerrancy.
The college began full operation in 1971 under the name Criswell Bible Institute. Subsequently, the name of the university was changed to Criswell Center for Biblical Studies before it became Criswell college in the year 1985.
It is named after W.A. Criswell, who served as a pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dallas for a very long time.
Among the people that provided financial support for the establishment of the university are H.L. Hunt, Texas oilman, First Baptist Church of Dallas, and conservative activists.
Since the wake of 2001, the college has been affiliated with the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention (SBTC), which assists the college financially.
They also have a representation in the college board, however, the college remains a privately owned and operated business. Criswell College offers the following programs:
- Diplomas, Associate of Arts
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
- Master of Divinity
- Master of Arts
In 2013, the university was set to undergo an expansion after careful deliberation by the Board of Trustees. The expansion led to the addition of more programs like Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE), Education, and Psychology into the school curriculum.
See Also: 26 Cheapest Online Schools in Texas, 2023
#7. Dallas Christian College
- Type: Private
- Acceptance rate: 13%
- SAT Score: 810-980
- ACT Score: 15-19
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 354
- Student’s Satisfaction: 4.1 / 5.0
- Religious Affiliations: Christian (Christian Churches and Churches of Christ faith)
- Phone: +1 972-241-3371
- Official website: Dallas Christian College
Dallas Christian College is a private university located in Farmers Branch, Texas. The University has an affiliation with the Christian church and provides a unique form of educational experience. The college combines academic values with core Christian standards.
Academically, the DCC will challenge you to become a better version of yourself and inspire you spiritually to develop and improve Christ-like leadership skills.
In a nutshell, the university is set to produce the next generation of individuals that will be role models of what Christian leadership should be.
At DCC, the student’s character and academic evaluation form the core criteria for acceptance into the college. As such, excellent academic background and spiritual mindedness make it easy to gain admission into the college.
There are a variety of academic programs, including online programs that allow you to pursue your career, whether as a freshman or a transfer student.
The college promises to develop students not only academically, but also to model their life according to Christian standards. For more information about admission and programs, kindly visit the college admission page.
#8. The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas)
- Type: Public
- Acceptance rate: 78%
- SAT Score: 1250-1450
- ACT Score: 26-33
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 20,994
- Student’s Satisfaction: 89%
- Religious Affiliations: No
- Phone: +1 972-883-2111
- Official website: The University of Texas at Dallas
The public research institute, the University of Texas at Dallas was founded in 1961 to serve as a private arm (for research) of Texas Instruments. In the entire Dallas area, UT Dallas is the largest public university. It is also the farthest towards the north in the University of Texas Educational System.
Over the years, the University of Texas at Dallas has enjoyed rapid growth more than any other university in Texas, which makes it eligible to be part of the top ten colleges in Dallas.
In less than 47 years of its establishment, UT Dallas has become very competitive in terms of undergraduate admission and great research output.
According to the Carnegie Foundation, the university enjoys the ranks of a doctoral research university with “Highest Research Activity”.
There are more than 140 academic programs available and over 50 research institutions and centers at UT Dallas.
The university has its members in the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering. While a third of the university is under the jurisdiction of Dallas, the campus remains under the authority of Richardson.
The University also has other sites in Downtown Dallas, including the Crow Museum of Asian Arts and other buildings located at the Medical District next to the University of Texas Southwestern popular for Brain Health and Communication Disorders.
#9. School of Business, Bakke Graduate University (BGU)
- Type: Private, Online
- Acceptance rate: Not specified
- SAT Score: Not specified
- ACT Score: Not specified
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 207
- Student’s Satisfaction: 4.3/5
- Religious Affiliations: No
- Phone: +1-214-329-4447
- Official website: School of Business, Bakke Graduate University
BGU is a private University that runs a majority of its programs online. The University has its headquarters in Dallas, Texas with faculties and alumni scattered across 60 countries. The key focus of Bakke Graduate University is a sustainable business, urban studies, and Christian theology. BGU is made up of three colleges, which are:
- The College of Christian Theology with a focus on the global Christian movement
- College of Business that includes a global MBA for long-lasting business entrepreneurship
- The College of Urban Education looks into relief. Development and advocacy in cities
The University has about 70% 0f its faculty in places like Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central, and South America, Europe, and South Africa.
In 2003 the naming consultant proposed to rename the university “Paradox University”. However, after much deliberation, they settled for the name Bakke Graduate University as a reflection of a family that was the foundation of the school.
The Bakke family had four siblings whose career paths were a perfect mirror of what the school vision is all about.
While the university has its headquarters in Dallas, the physical building only serves as a support hub for the university’s global activities.
The majority of the school’s faculty, staff, and regent are spread across the globe in places where BGU has most of its students reside. Students can earn a BGU degree right from their home country.
See Also: What Are The Alternatives To Medical School In 2023?
#10. Southwestern University
- Type: Private
- Acceptance rate: 49%
- SAT Score: 1130-1270
- ACT Score: 23-29
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,505 (fall 2020)
- Student’s Satisfaction: 88%
- Religious Affiliations: Christian (United Methodist)
- Phone: +1 512-863-6511
- Official website: Southwestern University
If you are looking for a university that is above average in Dallas, Southwestern University is the place to look to for your education. Southwestern University was founded in 1873 as a result of a revival of educational charters that was granted in 1840.
Southwestern University has a fair admission competition. Some of the popular majors from the University include Communication, Business, and Psychology.
The University has a rich history and takes pride in its position as the first Institution of Higher Education in Texas. Southwestern University resided on 700 acres of land in Austin and operates using a semester-based calendar.
There are 36 minors, 40 majors, and over 90 student organizations available on campus. The University enjoys a fair share of Greek life and a third of the students are members of a sorority or fraternity.
It is prominent for its small class size, development of skills that are currently in demand, and the size of its undergraduate research program.
The Brown College of Arts and the Sarofim School of Fine Arts make up Southwestern University. There are over half of the student body studying abroad or are part of an off-campus program.
Students can find academic and service opportunities in countries of Jamaica and Germany and major cities like New York and London.
Music lovers will find the city of Austin very interesting as it is renowned as the music capital of the world for its variety of Music. Former Senator John Tower of Texas is an alumnus of this college.
Conclusion
Besides the sweet music and fine visuals of the countryside, Dallas is also a good place in terms of academics.
With more people moving in to settle in Dallas on a daily, there is no better time than now to seize the opportunity to apply for your college program in this ever-evolving town.
It is also essential to point out that while a good number of the colleges have stringent selection processes owing to their affiliation to religious bodies, there are also colleges like BGU that you can apply for and attend from your home country without physical contact.
