CLT Colleges in

Texas

Abilene Christian University (ACU), founded in 1906 in Abilene, Texas, is a private Christian institution affiliated with the Churches of Christ. ACU emphasizes service leadership and cultivates a Christ-centered community through its diverse undergraduate and graduate programs. Famous alumni excel in a variety of fields. Historically, the university was segregated until 1962, and while it now accepts all students, employee dating is restricted based on sexual orientation. ACU is accredited by several bodies and has traditions such as Sing Song and Summit, its annual religious lectureship. Recent academic restructuring aims to raise the university's national profile.

Baylor University's Honors College serves around 1,500 students, offering an intimate, intellectually vibrant community within a major research university. It features four distinct programs: the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core (BIC), Great Texts Program, Honors Program, and University Scholars, allowing students to customize their academic paths. With over 125 majors available, students benefit from interdisciplinary learning and specialized courses. The college has 50+ dedicated full-time faculty. The curriculum includes seminars, Great Texts courses, colloquia, and culminates in a senior thesis, fostering critical thinking, research skills, and academic excellence.

Founded in 1998 by Alain Lenotre, son of renowned French pastry chef Gaston Lenôtre, the Culinary Institute Lenotre (CIL) in Houston, Texas, offers specialized training in Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry, and Hospitality & Restaurant Management. The institute provides associate degrees, diplomas, and continuing education programs, all accredited by the ACF and World Association of Chefs’ Societies. CIL’s onsite restaurant, Le Bistro, serves as a hands-on training environment for students. The school has earned recognition as one of the best culinary colleges in the U.S., with accolades such as being named among the top 22 culinary schools by FSR Magazine in 2017.

Dallas Baptist University (DBU), founded as Decatur Baptist College in 1898, has campuses in Dallas, Plano, and Hurst, Texas. Originally a junior college, it became a four-year institution in 1965 and expanded its program offerings, eventually becoming Dallas Baptist University in 1985. Among its 4,487 total enrollment, the institution has over 2,000 residential students. DBU emphasizes Christ-centered education across its seven colleges and two schools, with 84 undergraduate majors, 24 master's, and two doctoral programs. DBU, which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, prioritizes global engagement through its Institute for Global Engagement and offers intercollegiate athletic programs that are recognized for their excellence, particularly the Women's Golf team, which will compete for the NCAA Division II National Championship in 2021.

Dallas Christian College (DCC) is a private, non-profit Christian college in Dallas, Texas, accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). Focused on educating and mentoring students for Christian leadership, DCC offers associate and baccalaureate degrees. The college serves a diverse student body and engages in leadership training for churches and Christian organizations. DCC’s choir tours biannually, including a notable 2006 performance with SMU Meadows Choir at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. The Crusaders compete in the NCCAA and Association of Christian College Athletics (ACCA), offering basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball, cross country, and golf.

Dallas International University (DIU), a private non-profit Christian institution in Dallas, Texas, specializes in applied linguistics, translation, and world arts. Founded in 1998 as the Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics (GIAL), it gained regional accreditation in 2005 and was renamed DIU in 2018. DIU offers BA, MA, and PhD programs, along with certificates in areas like Sign Language Linguistics and Human Migration. Accredited by SACSCOC, it prepares students for global linguistic and cultural engagement, with alumni working in over 80 countries.

East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) has a century-old Christian-based legacy. It emphasizes holistic development by incorporating faith into education and community service, preparing graduates to be Christian leaders. With record enrollment and strong programs like Nursing achieving top rankings, ETBU prioritizes individualized instruction, affordable education, and diverse program offerings, including recent additions in biochemistry and counseling. Its dedication goes beyond academics to include student spiritual growth, athletics, community revitalization, and living up to its motto, "May the Light on the Hill Never Die." Accredited and recognized for its academic and social contributions, ETBU is committed to transforming minds, spirits, and bodies through its comprehensive educational experience.

Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) is a private Christian university in Abilene, Texas, founded in 1891. Rooted in Christian faith, HSU offers over 85 undergraduate and graduate programs across five colleges, emphasizing academic excellence and spiritual growth. The 200-acre campus includes 33 major buildings, residence halls, and athletic facilities. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, HSU fosters personalized education. The university competes in NCAA Division III athletics and provides financial aid to over 98% of students, awarding more than $47 million annually.

Houston Christian University (HCU), founded in 1960, is a private Christian liberal arts university in Houston, Texas. Accredited by SACSCOC, it offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs that integrate faith and academics. HCU provides a close-knit learning environment with small classes, NCAA Division I athletics, and 50+ student organizations. Its prime location in the nation’s fourth-largest city offers top internships and career opportunities. More than 90% of students receive financial aid. Originally Houston Baptist College, it became a university in 1973 and rebranded as HCU in 2022.

Howard Payne University (HPU) is a small Christian liberal arts college in Brownwood, Texas. It was founded in 1889 and now offers over 100 majors across seven schools, as well as co-curricular organizations such as Model UN and Moot Court. The 80-acre campus in the Texas Hill Country features athletic programs and popular intramural sports. The university has received numerous honors, including designation as a Military Friendly® School and a Hispanic Serving Institution. HPU is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and supports a variety of NCAA Division III sports teams.

LeTourneau University, established in 1946 by R. G. LeTourneau is a Christian interdenominational institution in Longview, Texas. It began as a technical institute for war veterans before becoming LeTourneau College in 1961 and receiving university status in 1989. The university provides undergraduate and graduate programs with a primary emphasis on technical fields, engineering, business, and education. The YellowJackets compete in NCAA Division III, with a focus on basketball, soccer, and track and field. Through floor pride, intramurals, and a variety of student-led organizations, the campus promotes student unity.

Lubbock Christian University (LCU), a private Christian institution, promotes individualized learning through a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and a wide range of academic options, with financial aid available to 90% of students. With NCAA II Chaparral sports, diverse student groups, and events like the Writing Carnival, the campus exudes a close-knit atmosphere. LCU values personal, spiritual, and professional development and excels in graduate placements, particularly in education and pre-professional fields such as veterinary medicine. It began as Lubbock Christian School in 1954 and evolved into a junior college before becoming a university in 1987. LCU houses various residence halls, academic buildings, and recreational centers while participating in NCAA Division II athletics.

Nelson University, established in 1873, is a private institution known for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to research. Located in New England, it offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across various disciplines, including business, engineering, and liberal arts. The university boasts a faculty composed of industry leaders and scholars, fostering a dynamic learning environment. With a student body of over 10,000, Nelson emphasizes experiential learning, global engagement, and community service. Its research centers focus on innovation in technology, sustainability, and public policy. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, and its alumni network includes notable leaders in business, government, and the arts.

Texas Baptist College, affiliated with Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, was founded in 2005 as College at Southwestern, later renamed Scarborough College in 2017 and Texas Baptist College in 2021. Led by President David Dockery since 2022, TBC emphasizes scriptural grounding, academic rigor, and affordability, with 90% of students graduating debt-free. Students benefit from small class sizes, seminary-grade faculty, and financial aid, including a 50% tuition discount for Southern Baptist Church members. Campus life includes chapel services, mission opportunities, mentorship, and social events. High school students can earn college credit through dual enrollment, and advanced students can complete a master’s degree in five years.

The King’s University (TKU), founded in 1997 by Jack W. Hayford, is a private Christian university in Southlake, Texas, affiliated with Gateway Church. Originally in California, TKU relocated to Texas in 2013. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, blending accredited education with practical ministry experience. Students can study on campus, online, or in hybrid formats. TKU fosters a Spirit-empowered community and provides affordable education with financial aid options. Accredited by TRACS and ABHE, it participates in federal aid and veteran benefits programs. The King’s Seminary offers theological degrees, including a Doctor of Ministry, with approval for distance education.

The Saint Constantine School offers a classical, Christian education rooted in the traditions of the Eastern Orthodox Church. It aims to cultivate wisdom and virtue through a rigorous curriculum based on the seven liberal arts—grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy—preparing students for both spiritual and academic success. The school integrates Christian philosophy, history, and literature with strong math, science, Latin, and Greek programs. Students also engage in fine arts, music, athletics, and theater. Emphasizing holistic formation over mere achievement, The Saint Constantine School equips servant-leaders to pursue truth, beauty, and goodness in their faith, community, and professional careers.

The University of Austin (UATX) is a private liberal arts university in Austin, Texas, established in 2021 and welcoming its first undergraduate cohort in 2024. It is not accredited but is certified by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to grant a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. The university emphasizes intellectual freedom, a Great Books core curriculum, interdisciplinary studies, and a four-year capstone project. UATX has received both praise and criticism for its mission and execution, with some viewing it as a challenge to traditional academia. Accreditation efforts are ongoing, with potential recognition after its first class graduates in 2028.

The University of Dallas, founded in 1956, is a Catholic institution known for providing a well-rounded education. It welcomes diverse students and offers bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and continuing education programs. It is consistently ranked among the top regional universities and top Catholic colleges in the United States, with over 1,400 undergraduates and 1,200 graduates. The Church of the Incarnation and various athletic centers are among the notable facilities on the Irving campus, which is located near Dallas. Its academic landscape has been shaped by Cistercian monks, Franciscan friars, and lay professors. UD's core curriculum emphasizes traditional liberal arts, fostering interdisciplinary learning and academic rigor.

The University of St. Thomas (UST) is a private Catholic university in Houston, Texas, founded in 1947 by the Basilian Fathers. It is Houston’s only Catholic university and emphasizes faith, ethics, and academic excellence. UST's main campus is in Montrose, featuring historic buildings, the Chapel of St. Basil, and the Doherty Library. It enrolls 3,582 students, with a diverse student body and a strong Hispanic representation. UST offers various academic and extracurricular opportunities, including athletics as the St. Thomas Celts, competing in NCAA Division III. The university also has a Conroe campus and a theology school at St. Mary's Seminary.

Wayland Baptist University (WBU), founded in 1908, is a private Baptist university in Plainview, Texas, affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. It has 11 campuses across multiple states, American Samoa, and Kenya. WBU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various disciplines and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The university is known for its commitment to Christian education, affordability, and strong financial aid programs. WBU competes in NAIA athletics as the Pioneers. In 1951, it became the first four-year liberal arts college in the former Confederate states to integrate voluntarily.

West Texas A&M University (WTAMU), established on September 20, 1910, in Canyon, Texas, is part of the Texas A&M University System. Originally named West Texas State Normal College, it was one of the seven state-funded teacher colleges in Texas. Offering 62 undergraduate, 41 master’s, and 1 doctoral program, WTAMU has awarded over 71,000 degrees. Recognized for its academic programs and campus facilities, it ranks highly in online education, particularly in graduate IT and business programs. WTAMU is also known for its Buffalo Sports Park, home to the U.S.'s largest synthetic athletic fields, and the Advanced Wind Turbine Test Facility.