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Studying in Texas: your academic future starts here
Texas is a state of unlimited opportunities: a rare combination of world-class academic excellence, affordable living costs, a growing economy, and a high quality of life. In recent years, Texas has become one of the most sought-after destinations for students from around the world, especially Israelis looking for an authentic American experience without compromising on financial stability or a first-rate education.
If you're aiming to get into the state's top institutions, at USAcademy we give you personal, precise, and comprehensive guidance – from choosing your field of study, through admission test prep, all the way to landing on campus. In this guide, we'll review the top institutions, compare your options, and present the admission requirements, costs, and career opportunities waiting for you in Texas.
Top academic institutions in Texas
In Texas, you'll find some of the strongest and most respected universities in the United States:
- University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) – The state's flagship institution and one of the best public universities in the world. It excels especially in engineering (Cockrell), computer science, and business (McCombs School of Business), and is located in the heart of Austin, the tech and startup capital of the South.
- University of Houston (UH) – A leading public research institution (R1) in the fourth-largest city in the U.S. The University of Houston is known for its business school (Bauer), petroleum and energy engineering, and close ties to the world's largest medical center (Texas Medical Center) and to NASA.
- Texas A&M University – A huge university known for advanced research, some of the world's leading engineering and agriculture colleges, and a loyal, influential alumni community (the Aggie Network).
- Texas Tech University – A quality institution offering a variety of programs in management, technology, agriculture, and science in a classic college atmosphere.
The advantages of studying and student life in Texas
Texas offers a rich student experience that combines career, leisure, and community:
- Affordable living costs and a tax advantage – Housing, food, and transportation in Texas are significantly more affordable than in New York or California. In addition, Texas has no state income tax, which eases your overall expenses.
- A global employment and tech hub – Texas attracts tech giants (Google, Apple, Tesla, Dell), leading energy companies, and medical centers that offer internships and jobs for graduates.
- A pleasant climate and rich leisure options – Sunny weather most of the year, a live music scene (especially in Austin), college sports events, and a rich culture.
- A supportive Israeli and Jewish community – Big cities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas have warm Israeli communities, student organizations (Hillel, Chabad), and Israeli and kosher restaurants.
Admission requirements and minimum criteria for schools in Texas
University admission is based on a comprehensive evaluation of your application:
- A full matriculation certificate – An officially translated transcript (an average of 85+ for UH; an average of 90+ is recommended for UT Austin).
- Admission tests (SAT / ACT) – Recommended and a major boost to your application (average SAT scores: 1300–1500 for UT Austin and 1160–1350 for UH).
- English proficiency tests – A TOEFL score (usually 80–100 or higher) or IELTS (6.5–7.5 or higher).
- Personal Essays – Essays that showcase your leadership, motivation, personal background, and military experience.
- Academic letters of recommendation.
Budget planning: tuition, living expenses, and scholarships
| Academic institution | Estimated annual tuition for an international student | Living expenses and insurance (estimated) | Estimated total annual cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community colleges and public universities (affordable tracks) | $10,000 – $15,000 | $10,000 – $12,000 | About $20,000 – $25,000 | An accessible, cost-effective option; total annual cost (including living expenses) of up to about $25,000 |
| University of Houston | About $22,000 – $26,000 | About $11,000 – $13,000 | About $33,000 – $39,000 | An urban public university; flexible housing options and scholarships |
| Texas A&M | About $34,000 – $38,000 | About $11,000 – $13,000 | About $45,000 – $51,000 | A leading public research university; living expenses typical of a college town |
| UT Austin (University of Texas) | About $40,000 – $44,000 | About $12,000 – $14,000 | About $52,000 – $58,000 | A selective public institution; living expenses based on shared housing and a managed budget |
Good to know: health insurance for international students is usually estimated at about $3,000 a year. However, you can lower this cost significantly through leading insurance companies we work with professionally, and we refer our students to them to handle it directly.
Scholarships, tuition benefits, and work options in Texas
- Academic merit scholarships (Merit-Based) – Universities in Texas award competitive scholarships to outstanding international applicants. Texas has a unique law: an international student who wins a competitive scholarship (even a modest one) may qualify for reduced in-state tuition, which saves tens of thousands of dollars.
- Working on campus – The F-1 visa allows you to work legally on campus for up to 20 hours a week during the semester.
Frequently asked questions about studying in Texas
What's the main difference between the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Houston?
UT Austin is a highly competitive research university with a global reputation at the top of the rankings (especially strong in computer science, business, and engineering), while the University of Houston offers greater accessibility, especially affordable tuition, and excellence in energy, medicine, and business.
Are Israeli students eligible for in-state tuition in Texas?
Yes. In many cases, receiving a competitive merit scholarship from a Texas institution (of a set minimum amount) automatically qualifies you for reduced in-state tuition, which can lower the cost of your degree by up to 60%.
When should I start applying to universities in Texas?
We recommend starting to prepare 10 to 12 months before the semester you want to start (for example, start in August–September for admission the following year), so you can meet the early scholarship deadlines.
How does USAcademy guide you to success?
Getting into the top universities in Texas requires deep familiarity with the requirements, smart budget planning, and building a winning application. At USAcademy, we guide you step by step:
- Personalized advising and matching – Choosing strategically between target schools (such as UT Austin versus UH) based on your academic profile and budget.
- Comprehensive admission test prep – Digital prep courses for the SAT, ACT, and English tests (TOEFL / IELTS).
- Editing and refining your personal essays – Professional writing that highlights your experience, maturity, and leadership.
- Making the most of scholarships and tuition benefits – Finding merit scholarships and helping you take advantage of tuition benefits unique to Texas.
- Complete paperwork support – Help getting your F-1 student visa, filling out forms, and personal preparation for the consular interview.
- A connection to the student community – Networking and support from members of the Israeli community who study and live in Texas.
Start your journey to Texas
Studying in Texas gives you a prestigious degree, significant savings, and a gateway to a successful international career. With USAcademy's professional guidance and proven experience, your path to American higher education is clearer and safer than ever.
Contact us today to schedule a free personal consultation call by phone 1-813-498-8664+ or by email [email protected], and let's start building your admissions plan together.