10 Oldest Colleges In Texas

Let’s talk about something seriously old. We’re going back in time, way before smartphones and air conditioning. We’re talking about Texas colleges that have been around forever.

These aren’t just schools. They are history books with dorm rooms. They’ve seen wars, revolutions, and really bad haircuts.

10. Southwestern University (Georgetown, 1840)

Imagine a school that started with just three students. That’s Southwestern for you. It’s technically the oldest university in Texas, but it moved around a lot.

They used to call it “the Princeton of the South.” Fancy. Today, it’s a small liberal arts gem where professors still know your name.

Fun fact: They had a bell that students rang after winning a game. You don’t get that at a mega-university.

9. Baylor University (Waco, 1845)

Baylor is the oldest continuously operating university in Texas. It was chartered in 1845, the same year Texas joined the U.S. Coincidence? Probably not.

It started way out in Independence, Texas. Then it moved to Waco, and the town basically grew around it. The mascot is a bear, and they have a live one. Yes, a real bear.

They call her “Judge” or “Lady.” She gets a better retirement plan than most people.

8. Trinity University (San Antonio, 1869)

Don’t let the name fool you. Trinity started as a tiny school in Tehuacana, a place so small you’d blink and miss it. It was founded by the Presbyterian Church.

They moved to San Antonio in 1942. Now it’s one of the best liberal arts schools in the country. Talk about a glow-up.

The campus is basically a Spanish colonial Instagram filter. It’s ridiculously pretty.

7. St. Edward’s University (Austin, 1877)

Founded by the Holy Cross Brothers, this school sits on a hilltop in Austin. The view is so good it’s distracting. Seriously, you’ll fail a class just staring out the window.

They started as a school for boys. Now it’s co-ed and super inclusive. The main building looks like a castle. It’s called Main Building, but it should be called “Where I Pretend I’m a Knight.”

They have a mascot named Louie the Hilltopper. He’s a bulldog. Very aggressive, very cute.

6. Texas A&M University (College Station, 1876)

This is the big one. Texas A&M is the first public university in Texas. It started as an agricultural and mechanical college. Yes, that’s what the “A&M” stands for.

Back in the day, it was all-male military. If you stepped off the grass, you got in trouble. The Corps of Cadets still marches, and it’s a spectacle.

They have a tradition called “Muster” where they remember alumni who died. It’s both weird and beautiful. Also, they say “Gig ‘em” and make a thumbs-up sign. Don’t ask why, just do it.

5. University of Texas at Austin (Austin, 1883)

You knew this one was coming. UT Austin started 40 acres of land near the state capitol. Today, it’s 431 acres and a city within a city.

They have a tower that turns orange when something good happens. Orange. Not burnt orange, just orange. Don’t even start that argument.

The school was founded with money from the state. They have a cool motto: “What starts here changes the world.” And they’re not wrong. They also have a live longhorn steer named Bevo. He’s basically a celebrity.

4. Texas Christian University (TCU) (Fort Worth, 1873)

Wait, 1873 is older than UT. Yes, but TCU started in Thorp Spring, a tiny town near Fort Worth. Then it moved to Waco, then to Fort Worth. It got lost.

It was founded by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The “horned frog” is their mascot, which is actually a lizard. A spiky lizard.

They have a tradition of rubbing the frog’s foot for good luck. Frogs have four feet. That’s a lot of luck.

3. Texas Lutheran University (Seguin, 1891)

This one is a sleeper. It started in Brenham, then moved to Seguin. It’s a tiny school with a big heart. It’s literally named after a religion.

They have a great music program and a lot of cows nearby. The campus is quiet and green. If you want to study without distractions, this is it.

They’re the Bulldogs. But their dog mascot is named Fritz. That’s a good dog name.

2. Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) (Waxahachie, 1927)

Yes, this is the newest on the list. But it’s still old. It started as a Bible school in Enid, Oklahoma. Then it moved to Waxahachie, which is a fun word to say. Wax-a-hatch-ee.

They focus on faith and ministry. They have a great chapel and a lot of spirit. The campus is small but mighty.

They’re the Lions. And they take the Bible very seriously. Also, they have a great coffee shop on campus. Priorities.

1. Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View, 1876)

This is the second oldest public university in Texas. And the first for Black students. It was founded during Reconstruction. That’s a heavy history.

It started as the “Alta Vista” plantation. Then it became a land-grant college. Today, it’s a powerhouse for engineering and nursing.

They have a marching band called “The Marching Storm.” They are loud, proud, and absolutely incredible. And yes, they have a mascot named Lion. Lions, bears, and horned frogs—Texas loves its animals.

So there you have it. Ten schools that built Texas. Each one has a story, a weird mascot, and a lot of pride. Next time you see a bumper sticker, remember: that school probably saw your great-grandparents graduate. And they’re still here.

Go visit one. Walk the quad. Eat the cafeteria food. You’ll feel the history. Or just the indigestion.