Top 3 Mobile Development Programs in Texas
University of Texas at Austin
Top computer science program with strong industry connections to Apple, Google, and local startups
Rice University
Small class sizes and innovative curriculum emphasizing cross-platform development
Texas A&M University
Strong engineering foundation with mobile development specialization tracks
- 1.Texas ranks 2nd nationally for tech job growth with 156,000 new positions expected by 2032 (Texas Workforce Commission)
- 2.Austin-area mobile developers earn 15% above national average at $89,500 median salary (BLS)
- 3.UT Austin's computer science program ranks #10 nationally with 92% job placement rate within 6 months
- 4.Texas has no state income tax, increasing effective take-home pay for tech workers by 6-13%
- 5.Major employers include Apple, Google, Meta, Dell, and 200+ Austin-based startups
Based on 28 programs from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and employer surveys
Faculty credentials, research output, and curriculum quality
Graduate employment rates, starting salaries, and employer satisfaction
Internship partnerships, guest lectures, and recruitment events
Lab facilities, software access, and development tools
Tuition costs relative to earning potential and program quality
Why Study Mobile Development in Texas
Texas has emerged as the second-largest tech employment hub in the United States, with over 1.3 million technology workers and 25% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS). The state's mobile development sector benefits from major corporate headquarters including Apple's $1 billion Austin campus, Google's expanding presence, and hundreds of venture-funded startups.
Mobile app development specifically shows exceptional growth in Texas markets. Austin ranks as the #4 city nationally for mobile developer salaries at $89,500 median (Glassdoor), while Houston and Dallas markets offer strong opportunities in fintech, healthcare apps, and enterprise mobility solutions. The state's business-friendly environment, with no corporate or personal income tax, allows developers to maximize their earning potential.
Texas universities have responded to industry demand by developing comprehensive mobile development degree curricula that emphasize both iOS and Android platforms. Students gain experience with Swift, Kotlin, React Native, and Flutter frameworks while working on real client projects. Many programs partner directly with local tech companies for capstone projects and internships.
Complete Rankings: Best Mobile Development Programs in Texas 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Texas at Austin | Austin | $11,790 | 8700% | 9200% | 94.2 |
| 2 | Rice University | Houston | $54,960 | 9400% | 9500% | 91.8 |
| 3 | Texas A&M University | College Station | $13,404 | 8300% | 8900% | 89.5 |
| 4 | University of Houston | Houston | $12,036 | 6700% | 8500% | 86.3 |
| 5 | Southern Methodist University | Dallas | $58,716 | 8400% | 8800% | 84.7 |
| 6 | Texas Tech University | Lubbock | $12,126 | 6400% | 8200% | 82.1 |
| 7 | University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson | $14,564 | 7400% | 8700% | 80.9 |
| 8 | Baylor University | Waco | $50,232 | 7800% | 8300% | 79.4 |
| 9 | Texas Christian University | Fort Worth | $53,770 | 8100% | 8100% | 77.8 |
| 10 | University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio | $10,716 | 5700% | 7900% | 75.2 |
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas • University
Program Highlights
- • 92% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- • Average starting salary: $85,000 for mobile development roles
- • Over 200 industry partnership agreements
- • 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio in CS courses
Program Strengths
- Faculty includes former Apple and Google engineers
- State-of-the-art iOS and Android development labs
- Direct pipeline to major tech employers in Austin
- Strong alumni network in Silicon Valley and Texas tech scene
- Research opportunities in AR/VR and emerging mobile technologies
Why Ranked #1
UT Austin's computer science program ranks among the top 10 nationally, with exceptional industry connections and a curriculum that balances theoretical foundations with practical mobile development skills.
Student Reviews
"The mobile development track at UT gave me hands-on experience with real client projects. I had three job offers before graduation."
— Sarah M., Class of 2024
"Professors are industry veterans who bring real-world experience to the classroom. The career services team is incredibly supportive."
— David L., Class of 2023
How Texas Mobile Development Programs Compare
Texas mobile development programs fall into three distinct tiers based on selectivity, resources, and career outcomes. Tier 1 programs like UT Austin and Rice University offer the most comprehensive curricula with extensive industry partnerships, while maintaining highly competitive admission standards. These programs typically require SAT scores above 1400 and strong mathematics backgrounds.
Mid-tier programs including University of Houston, UT Dallas, and Texas A&M provide excellent value propositions with strong regional employer connections. These universities often have more accessible admission requirements while still maintaining robust computer science degree curricula that include mobile development specializations. Students benefit from lower tuition costs and strong job placement rates within Texas markets.
The key differentiators among Texas programs include internship placement rates, industry mentorship programs, and access to cutting-edge development tools. Top programs provide students with the latest iOS and Android development environments, while also offering emerging technology tracks in areas like AR/VR development and IoT mobile applications. Many programs now integrate artificial intelligence coursework to prepare students for AI-enhanced mobile applications.
| Factor | UT Austin | Rice University | Texas A&M | University of Houston |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Admission Rate | 31% | 11% | 67% | 75% |
| Average Class Size | 45 students | 22 students | 52 students | 38 students |
| Industry Partnerships | 200+ | 85 | 150+ | 95 |
| Starting Salary | $85,000 | $88,000 | $78,000 | $74,000 |
| Job Placement Rate | 92% | 95% | 89% | 85% |
| In-State Tuition | $11,790 | $54,960 | $13,404 | $12,036 |
Career Paths
Mobile Application Developer
SOC 15-1252Design and build mobile apps for iOS and Android platforms using native and cross-platform frameworks.
iOS Developer
Specialize in iPhone and iPad app development using Swift and Objective-C programming languages.
Android Developer
Build Android mobile applications using Kotlin, Java, and Android development frameworks.
Full-Stack Mobile Developer
Develop both mobile applications and supporting backend systems and APIs.
Mobile UX/UI Designer
Design user interfaces and experiences specifically optimized for mobile devices.
Manage deployment, testing, and continuous integration for mobile applications.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025
Admission Requirements for Texas Mobile Development Programs
Admission requirements vary significantly across Texas mobile development programs, with top-tier universities maintaining highly selective standards while regional schools offer more accessible entry points. UT Austin's computer science program requires a minimum SAT score of 1350 (or ACT 29), strong performance in calculus and physics, and demonstrated programming experience through coursework or personal projects.
Most Texas universities require completion of specific prerequisite courses before admission to upper-division mobile development coursework. Common requirements include Calculus I and II, Discrete Mathematics, and at least one programming course in languages like Java, Python, or C++. Students interested in mobile development should also consider taking courses in data structures and algorithms, which form the foundation for efficient mobile app development.
- High school GPA of 3.5+ for competitive programs
- SAT scores ranging from 1200-1400 depending on university tier
- Completion of 4 years of mathematics through pre-calculus or calculus
- Previous programming experience strongly recommended
- Portfolio of coding projects or mobile apps (for some programs)
- Letters of recommendation from STEM teachers or industry professionals
Several Texas universities offer alternative admission pathways for students who may not meet traditional requirements but demonstrate strong potential in technology. These include summer bridge programs, community college transfer agreements, and conditional admission with supplemental coursework. Students should research software engineering degree options as alternative pathways that often include mobile development coursework.
28
Programs Evaluated
$18,500
Average Tuition
25%
Job Growth
$89,500
Median Salary
4
Years to Graduate
2,400
Total Graduates
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to cutting-edge research in mobile technologies
- Strong academic credentials with high test scores
- Career goals include working at major tech companies
- Interested in graduate school or advanced degrees
- Can afford higher tuition or qualify for significant financial aid
- Seeking strong value proposition with lower tuition costs
- Want to stay and work in Texas after graduation
- Prefer smaller class sizes and more personal attention
- Looking for practical, industry-focused curriculum
- Need more flexible admission requirements
- Value small class sizes and personalized education
- Want extensive alumni networking opportunities
- Seeking liberal arts integration with technical education
- Can afford premium tuition for enhanced services
- Prefer campus culture and residential experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Next Steps: Applying to Texas Mobile Development Programs
Research and Visit Campuses
Schedule campus visits and information sessions at 3-5 target universities. Meet with faculty and current students to understand program culture and resources.
Strengthen Application Prerequisites
Complete required mathematics courses and gain programming experience through personal projects, online courses, or community college classes.
Build a Portfolio
Create 2-3 mobile app projects that demonstrate your skills and passion for mobile development. Include both iOS and Android applications if possible.
Apply for Financial Aid
Submit FAFSA applications and research university-specific scholarships for STEM majors. Many Texas schools offer merit-based aid for strong academic performers.
Connect with Industry
Attend local tech meetups, join student organizations, and follow Texas-based mobile development companies on social media to build industry awareness.
Related Mobile Development Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Official university data on enrollment, tuition, and graduation rates
Employment projections and salary data for software developers
Federal data on college costs, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings
State-specific employment trends and industry projections
Direct surveys of recent graduates and employer feedback on program quality
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.