Top 3 Network Administration Programs in Texas 2025
University of Texas at Austin
Premier information systems program with strong network focus, direct Dell and IBM partnerships, 92% job placement rate
Texas A&M University
Comprehensive IT program with dedicated networking lab, strong alumni network in Houston energy sector
Rice University
Small cohorts with 8:1 student-faculty ratio, exceptional research opportunities in network security
- 1.Texas has 35+ accredited network administration and IT programs across public and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.University of Texas at Austin ranks #1 in Texas with 87% graduation rate and strong industry partnerships
- 3.Texas public universities offer excellent value at $11,698-$12,413 in-state tuition compared to national averages
- 4.Texas network administrators earn median $88,450 annually—matching the national median (BLS Texas 2024)
- 5.Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin provide 45,000+ network and systems administrator positions statewide
Network Administration Education in Texas
Texas offers excellent network administration programs through its extensive public university system and select private institutions. With major tech hubs in Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston, students have access to internships and career opportunities at companies like Dell, AT&T, ExxonMobil, and numerous growing startups.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national network administration rankings. Students interested in related fields should explore our cybersecurity programs in Texas or information technology programs in Texas. Career-focused students can review our comprehensive network administration career guide for Texas-specific salary data and job market insights.
Texas's no state income tax policy makes it particularly attractive for tech professionals, allowing network administrators to keep more of their earnings compared to high-tax states. The state's business-friendly environment has attracted major corporations to establish data centers and IT operations throughout the state.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Texas May 2024, Texas Workforce Commission
6-year completion rate from IPEDS gr2023
Class size and accessibility for hands-on lab work
Texas-specific salaries and job placement rates
Lab facilities and industry certifications offered
Texas Network Administration Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Texas at Austin | Austin | Public | $11,698 | 87% | 17:1 | 94.2 |
| 2 | Texas A&M University | College Station | Public | $12,413 | 84% | 20:1 | 91.8 |
| 3 | Rice University | Houston | Private | $58,128 | 93% | 8:1 | 89.5 |
| 4 | University of Houston | Houston | Public | $11,824 | 67% | 22:1 | 87.3 |
| 5 | Texas Tech University | Lubbock | Public | $11,532 | 64% | 20:1 | 85.9 |
| 6 | University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson | Public | $14,564 | 72% | 24:1 | 84.7 |
| 7 | Texas Christian University | Fort Worth | Private | $53,980 | 81% | 13:1 | 83.2 |
| 8 | University of North Texas | Denton | Public | $12,485 | 58% | 25:1 | 82.1 |
| 9 | Southern Methodist University | Dallas | Private | $61,980 | 83% | 11:1 | 81.8 |
| 10 | Texas State University | San Marcos | Public | $12,082 | 56% | 21:1 | 79.5 |
| 11 | University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio | Public | $12,372 | 51% | 26:1 | 78.2 |
| 12 | Texas A&M University-Commerce | Commerce | Public | $10,482 | 49% | 19:1 | 76.9 |
| 13 | University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington | Public | $12,268 | 54% | 23:1 | 75.6 |
| 14 | Sam Houston State University | Huntsville | Public | $11,610 | 58% | 21:1 | 74.3 |
| 15 | Lamar University | Beaumont | Public | $10,972 | 37% | 17:1 | 72.8 |
| 16 | Texas A&M International University | Laredo | Public | $9,528 | 42% | 18:1 | 71.5 |
| 17 | Prairie View A&M University | Prairie View | Public | $10,738 | 44% | 16:1 | 70.2 |
| 18 | Texas Southern University | Houston | Public | $10,382 | 23% | 15:1 | 68.9 |
| 19 | West Texas A&M University | Canyon | Public | $9,558 | 51% | 19:1 | 67.4 |
| 20 | Angelo State University | San Angelo | Public | $9,148 | 48% | 20:1 | 66.1 |
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX • University
Program Highlights
- • Located in Austin's Silicon Hills tech corridor
- • Faculty with active industry consulting experience
- • Annual networking career fair with 150+ employers
- • Study abroad programs with technology focus
Program Strengths
- Dedicated networking lab with enterprise-grade Cisco and Juniper equipment
- Strong industry partnerships with Dell, IBM, and Oracle providing internship opportunities
- 92% job placement rate with median starting salary of $72,000
- CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA certification preparation integrated into curriculum
- Access to Austin's thriving tech ecosystem including startups and Fortune 500 companies
Why Ranked #1
UT Austin's Information Systems program within the McCombs School of Business provides the strongest network administration foundation in Texas, combining technical skills with business acumen essential for IT leadership roles.
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX • University
Program Highlights
- • Aggie network provides exceptional career connections
- • Modern facilities with enterprise networking simulation lab
- • Research opportunities in cybersecurity and network optimization
- • Military-friendly with veteran support services
Program Strengths
- Comprehensive IT infrastructure covering networking, security, and systems administration
- Strong alumni network in Houston's energy corridor
- Hands-on experience with SCADA and industrial control systems
- Partnership with ExxonMobil and Shell for internships and co-ops
- 84% graduation rate with strong industry placement
Why Ranked #2
Texas A&M's Technology Management program offers comprehensive network administration training with a unique focus on industrial and energy sector networking, reflecting Texas's economic strengths.
Rice University
Houston, TX • University
Program Highlights
- • Prestigious program with highly selective admission
- • Undergraduate research opportunities with faculty
- • Located in Houston's Museum District near medical center
- • Generous financial aid with no-loan policy for many students
Program Strengths
- 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention
- Advanced research in network security and software-defined networking
- Strong connections to Houston's medical center and energy companies
- 93% graduation rate with graduates often pursuing advanced degrees
- Access to Rice's extensive alumni network in technology leadership
Why Ranked #3
Rice University's Computer Science program with networking specialization offers intimate class sizes and exceptional research opportunities, producing highly skilled network administrators for top-tier positions.
Texas University Systems for Network Administration
Texas offers network administration education through several major university systems, each with unique strengths and focus areas:
The University of Texas System provides the state's flagship programs, with UT Austin leading in information systems and UT Dallas offering specialized networking tracks. The system's proximity to major tech hubs in Austin and Dallas provides excellent internship and career opportunities.
The Texas A&M University System emphasizes practical, hands-on education with strong industry connections, particularly in the energy sector. Texas A&M's main campus offers comprehensive IT programs, while satellite campuses provide regional access to quality education.
Texas State University System schools like Texas State and Sam Houston State focus on career preparation with smaller class sizes and personalized attention. These programs often have strong local industry partnerships and excellent job placement rates.
For students interested in related technical fields, Texas also offers excellent cybersecurity programs and information technology programs that complement network administration studies.
Career Paths
Network Administrator
SOC 15-1244Design, implement, and maintain computer networks for organizations. Monitor network performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure network security.
Network Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1244Manage and maintain network infrastructure including servers, routers, switches, and firewalls. Implement network policies and security measures.
IT Support Specialist
SOC 15-1232Provide technical support for network-related issues, help desk services, and user training. Often serves as entry-level position in network administration.
Network Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Focus on securing network infrastructure, implementing security protocols, and monitoring for potential threats and vulnerabilities.
Cloud Network Engineer
SOC 15-1243Design and manage cloud-based network infrastructure using AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud platforms. Growing field with high demand.
Network Administration Programs by State
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
| Factor | Texas Public Universities | Texas Private Universities | Out-of-State Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $11,000-$14,000 | $50,000-$62,000 | $25,000-$55,000 |
| Class Sizes | 20-25 students | 8-15 students | 15-30 students |
| Industry Connections | Strong regional | Excellent national | Varies by location |
| Research Opportunities | Moderate | Extensive | Varies |
| Job Placement Rate | 75-85% | 85-95% | 70-90% |
| Alumni Network | Strong in Texas | National reach | Regional/National |
Which Should You Choose?
- Excellent value with low in-state tuition ($11,000-$14,000 annually)
- No state income tax maximizing your future salary potential
- Access to major tech hubs in Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston
- Strong job market with 45,000+ network administrator positions statewide
- Connections to energy, healthcare, and technology industries
- Warm climate and growing tech ecosystem
- Business-friendly environment attracting major corporations
- More prestigious program rankings (California, Massachusetts)
- Higher starting salaries despite higher costs (California, New York)
- Specialized networking programs not available in Texas
- Different climate or lifestyle preferences
- Specific industry focuses like finance (New York) or entertainment (California)
Texas Network Administration Programs FAQ
Related Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, tuition costs, and enrollment data for all accredited institutions
Texas-specific salary data for network administrators and related occupations
State job market projections and employment statistics
Federal education statistics and program outcome data
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.