Phillip EdwinTexas offers a distinctive and academically-focused landscape for NCAA Division III athletics, where the emphasis is on the complete student-athlete experience that balances rigorous academics with competitive sports. Unlike Divisions I and II, D3 schools do not offer athletic scholarships, which fosters a competitive environment where the primary focus is on academics, personal growth, and the development of well-rounded individuals.
The state is home to a strong collection of D3 institutions, with the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) serving as the primary league for these schools, creating a tight-knit community of competitors. These institutions are often prestigious liberal arts colleges, providing a high-quality education, intimate class sizes, and a balanced college experience that prepares students for lifelong success.
Top 15 D3 Schools In Texas
1. Trinity University (San Antonio)
Trinity University is widely considered the premier D3 institution in Texas, known for its strong academic reputation and competitive athletic programs that consistently challenge for conference championships. The Tigers participate in the NCAA’s Division III and the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC), where they have built a legacy of excellence across multiple sports.
The university has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 2,518 students, a highly selective acceptance rate of 30.5%, and a strong graduation rate of 81.9% that reflects student success. The athletic program is a powerhouse in the SCAC, with its baseball team recently posting a dominant 27-3 conference record, showcasing the depth of talent on the roster.
2. Southwestern University (Georgetown)
Southwestern University is a prestigious liberal arts college located in Georgetown, known for its rigorous academics and small class sizes that foster close relationships between students and faculty members. The Pirates compete in the SCAC, where they have a proud tradition of athletic excellence and sportsmanship across all programs.
The university has an enrollment of about 1,454 students, a 44.8% acceptance rate, and a 69.3% graduation rate, demonstrating its commitment to student achievement and retention. It is recognized for its strong academic reputation and numerous undergraduate research opportunities that allow students to engage in meaningful scholarly work alongside their athletic commitments.
3. Austin College (Sherman)
Austin College is a small, private liberal arts college in Sherman with a Presbyterian affiliation, fostering a close-knit community and a focus on interdisciplinary learning that prepares students for diverse career paths. The Kangaroos have been a longtime member of the SCAC, competing with distinction and pride across a wide range of sports.
The college has an enrollment of around 1,125 students, a 54.4% acceptance rate, and a 69.5% graduation rate, indicating strong student persistence and completion of their degrees. The college is known for its personalized approach to education, where professors know students by name and mentor them throughout their academic journey.
4. University of Dallas (Irving)
The University of Dallas is a private Catholic university in Irving with a strong emphasis on the liberal arts and humanities, offering a curriculum that challenges students to think critically and ethically. The Crusaders are members of the SCAC, where they compete with integrity and a commitment to the values of the university.
With approximately 2,826 students, a 96.7% acceptance rate, and a 68.6% graduation rate, it is a more accessible option within the D3 landscape while still maintaining high academic standards. The university is well-regarded for its core curriculum and wide range of majors, allowing student-athletes to pursue their academic passions alongside their athletic endeavors.
5. LeTourneau University (Longview)
LeTourneau University is a private, interdenominational Christian university in Longview, known for its strong engineering and STEM programs that attract students from across the country and around the world. As a member of the NCAA’s Division III, the university has an enrollment of 1,510 students, a 48.8% acceptance rate, and a 61.1% graduation rate, reflecting its selective admissions and student success.
The university offers a unique combination of faith-based education and technical excellence, preparing graduates for meaningful careers in their chosen fields. Student-athletes at LeTourneau benefit from a supportive community that values both academic achievement and athletic participation.
6. Texas Lutheran University (Seguin)
Texas Lutheran University is a faith-based institution in Seguin that integrates academics, leadership, and community service, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and fostering a culture of inclusion and respect. The Bulldogs compete in the SCAC, where they have a proud tradition of athletic competition and sportsmanship.
The university has approximately 1,403 students, a 58.7% acceptance rate, and a 68% graduation rate, demonstrating its commitment to student success and retention. The university provides a supportive environment for student-athletes to grow both on the field and in the classroom, preparing them for future leadership roles.
7. McMurry University (Abilene)
McMurry University is a Methodist-affiliated university in Abilene with a focus on student development and engagement, offering a personalized educational experience that prepares students for meaningful careers. The War Hawks have a history of conference movement, having joined the SCAC recently, and they are eager to build new rivalries and traditions.
The university has an enrollment of 1,108 students, a 56.5% acceptance rate, and a 38.6% graduation rate, reflecting its commitment to providing access to higher education. McMurry’s small class sizes allow for individualized attention, helping student-athletes balance their academic and athletic responsibilities effectively.
8. Hardin-Simmons University (Abilene)
Hardin-Simmons University is a Baptist-affiliated university located in Abilene, known for its strong sense of community and commitment to developing ethical leaders who make a positive impact on the world. The Cowboys and Cowgirls compete in the NCAA’s Division III, where they have a proud athletic tradition and a reputation for sportsmanship.
The university has approximately 2,387 students, an acceptance rate of 88.3%, and a 49.6% graduation rate, making it an accessible option for many aspiring student-athletes. Hardin-Simmons offers a comprehensive educational experience that integrates faith, learning, and service, preparing students for meaningful careers and lives of purpose.
9. Schreiner University (Kerrville)
Schreiner University is located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country and competes in the SCAC, where student-athletes enjoy a picturesque setting for both learning and competition. The Mountaineers have an enrollment of 1,028 students, a high acceptance rate of 85.2%, and a 43.7% graduation rate, providing a supportive and accessible environment for student growth.
The university’s location offers unique opportunities for outdoor recreation and community engagement, enriching the college experience for all students. Schreiner’s small size allows for close relationships between faculty, coaches, and students, creating a family-like atmosphere on campus.
10. Concordia University Texas (Austin)
Concordia University Texas is a private Lutheran university located in Austin, known for fostering a supportive community and providing comprehensive career services that help students transition successfully into the workforce. The Tornados are a member of the SCAC, competing with pride and a commitment to the values of the university.
The university has an enrollment of 1,275 students, an 88.3% acceptance rate, and a 49.6% graduation rate, offering an accessible path to higher education. Concordia’s location in the vibrant city of Austin provides student-athletes with access to internships, cultural experiences, and professional networking opportunities.
11. St. Thomas (Texas) (Houston)
St. Thomas is a Catholic university located in Houston and is a member of the SCAC, offering a faith-based education in one of the nation’s largest and most dynamic metropolitan areas. The Celts have an enrollment of 1,260 students, a high acceptance rate of 91.8%, and a 55.2% graduation rate, making it an accessible option for many aspiring student-athletes.
The university’s location in Houston provides students with access to a thriving job market, diverse cultural experiences, and a supportive community. St. Thomas emphasizes the development of the whole person, preparing graduates for successful careers and meaningful lives of service.
12. Howard Payne University (Brownwood)
Howard Payne University is a small Christian-based university in Brownwood known for its commitment to academic excellence, service opportunities, and affordable education that makes college accessible for many families. The Yellow Jackets are a D3 member, competing with integrity and a strong sense of community spirit.
The university has 716 students, a 62.3% acceptance rate, and a 31.1% graduation rate, reflecting its focus on providing access to higher education for all students. Howard Payne offers a personalized educational experience where faculty and coaches work closely with students to help them achieve their academic and athletic goals.
13. University of the Ozarks (Clarksville, Arkansas)
While not located in Texas, the University of the Ozarks is a key member of the SCAC, which is heavily populated with Texas schools, and competes regularly against Texas D3 institutions each season. This is a notable mention for anyone looking at the full conference landscape and understanding the regional competition that Texas schools face.
The university provides a liberal arts education in a scenic setting, attracting students from across the region. Ozarks offers student-athletes the opportunity to compete against Texas schools while experiencing a different campus culture and environment.
14. Centenary College of Louisiana (Shreveport, Louisiana)
Similar to the University of the Ozarks, Centenary College is another out-of-state member of the SCAC that is a regular opponent for Texas D3 schools, adding to the regional competition of the conference and creating exciting rivalries.
The college offers a strong liberal arts education and a competitive athletic program that challenges Texas schools each season. Centenary provides student-athletes with opportunities to travel and compete against some of the best D3 programs in the region. The college’s location in Shreveport offers a unique blend of Southern culture and academic rigor.
15. Sul Ross State University (Alpine)
Sul Ross State University is a public university in Alpine that has a unique history, having moved from the D3 ranks to the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference, making it a notable part of Texas’s collegiate athletic legacy.
While they have transitioned to D2, they are a part of Texas’s collegiate athletic history and represent a potential D3 competitor or a unique regional school with a storied past. The university is located near Big Bend National Park, offering a stunning natural environment for students to explore. Sul Ross’s athletic program has a rich tradition, and its transition to D2 reflects the evolving nature of college athletics in Texas.
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Location | Conference | Undergrad Enrollment | Acceptance Rate | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trinity University | San Antonio | SCAC | 2,518 | 30.5% | Premier D3 in TX, strong athletics and academics |
| 2 | Southwestern University | Georgetown | SCAC | 1,454 | 44.8% | Prestigious liberal arts college |
| 3 | Austin College | Sherman | SCAC | 1,125 | 54.4% | Close‑knit community, interdisciplinary focus |
| 4 | University of Dallas | Irving | SCAC | 2,826 | 96.7% | Catholic, liberal arts emphasis |
| 5 | LeTourneau University | Longview | Independent (D3) | 1,510 | 48.8% | Strong STEM and engineering programs |
| 6 | Texas Lutheran University | Seguin | SCAC | 1,403 | 58.7% | Faith‑based with diverse community |
| 7 | McMurry University | Abilene | SCAC | 1,108 | 56.5% | Methodist‑affiliated, student engagement focus |
| 8 | Hardin‑Simmons University | Abilene | American Southwest | 2,387 | 88.3% | Baptist‑affiliated, D3 athletics |
| 9 | Schreiner University | Kerrville | SCAC | 1,028 | 85.2% | Texas Hill Country location |
| 10 | Concordia University Texas | Austin | SCAC | 1,275 | 88.3% | Supportive community, career services |
| 11 | St. Thomas (Texas) | Houston | SCAC | 1,260 | 91.8% | Catholic university in Houston |
| 12 | Howard Payne University | Brownwood | American Southwest | 716 | 62.3% | Christian‑based, affordable education |
| 13 | University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | SCAC | Varies | Varies | Notable out‑of‑state SCAC member |
| 14 | Centenary College of Louisiana | Shreveport, LA | SCAC | Varies | Varies | Notable out‑of‑state SCAC member |
| 15 | Sul Ross State University | Alpine | Lone Star (D2) | 1,411 | 96% | Historic Texas school, transitioned to D2 |
Success Tips for Choosing a D3 School
Start by identifying your academic priorities, as D3 schools in Texas are often prestigious liberal arts colleges where the student-athlete experience is balanced with a strong academic focus and personalized attention from faculty members.
Research the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC), as it is the primary conference for Texas D3 schools and includes institutions like Trinity, Southwestern, and Austin College that compete at a high level.
Evaluate each school’s campus culture and location, from the urban setting of Trinity in San Antonio to the college-town feel of Southwestern in Georgetown, and consider how each environment fits your personality.
Consider the school’s acceptance rate and graduation rate to gauge selectivity and student success, as these metrics reflect the overall quality of the institution.
Since D3 schools do not offer athletic scholarships, focus on the overall net price and financial aid packages that each school can offer to make education affordable.
Visit campuses to get a feel for the environment and understand what each institution can offer you as both a student and an athlete, and speak with current student-athletes about their experiences.
Closing
Texas offers a strong and academically-focused collection of NCAA Division III athletic programs, anchored by prestigious institutions like Trinity University and Southwestern University, which are consistently ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in the country. The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference serves as the primary league, providing competitive athletics while emphasizing the complete student-athlete experience that balances rigorous academics with sports participation.
With a focus on small class sizes, undergraduate research opportunities, and a balanced college life, Texas D3 schools are ideal for students seeking a high-quality education alongside their athletic pursuits and personal growth. Note that all information, including conference affiliations, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each institution and through official NCAA resources to make informed decisions about your future.