State Comparison • 2026 Data

Texas vs California

Complete comparison of college tuition costs, university options, and educational value between Texas and California.

Texas

Lower Cost

Avg In-State

$26,824

Avg Out-of-State

$46,004

Universities

3

Avg SAT

1398

View Texas universities →

California

Avg In-State

$29,815

Avg Out-of-State

$50,425

Universities

3

Avg SAT

1465

View California universities →

Potential Savings

By choosing Texas over California, you could save approximately:

$2,991

Per year (in-state)

$11,964

Over 4 years

Top Affordable Universities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Texas or California cheaper for college?

Texas has lower average tuition by $2,991 for in-state students.

How many universities are in Texas vs California?

Texas has 3 universities in our database, while California has 3 universities.

Which state has more selective universities?

California has more selective universities on average, with a 8% acceptance rate.

Can I get in-state tuition in Texas as an out-of-state resident?

Yes, most states including Texas allow you to establish residency after 12 months, which can unlock in-state tuition rates and save you $19,180 per year.

What are the average SAT scores for Texas and California colleges?

The average SAT score for Texas universities is 1398, while California averages 1465.

IPEDS Data
Official government data
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Updated 2026
Current academic year

Data sourced from U.S. Department of Education IPEDS