Top 15 NAIA Schools In Texas (2026)

Texas is home to a strong presence of National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) schools, with 14 institutions spread across the state providing competitive athletic opportunities for student-athletes at the collegiate level . These schools, comprising 4 public and 10 private institutions, compete in conferences like the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) and the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC), offering a balanced and community-focused environment that emphasizes both athletic achievement and academic success.

The NAIA provides a valuable pathway for athletes who may not have Division I or II offers, with smaller institutions often providing a tight-knit campus feel and significant financial aid opportunities that make college more accessible. Many of these schools are Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), adding a rich cultural dimension to the athletic experience and providing a unique sense of community and tradition for their student-athletes.

Top 15 NAIA Schools In Texas

1. Texas Wesleyan University (Fort Worth)

Texas Wesleyan is a private university with a rich athletic tradition, currently a member of the Sooner Athletic Conference where it competes at a high level across multiple sports. The Rams have won 20 NAIA conference championships since 2018 and sponsor 23 sports, supported by modern facilities like the Sid W. Richardson Gymnasium that provide excellent training environments.

The university has received board approval to begin a transition to NCAA Division II, with plans to continue in the NAIA through the 2027-28 academic year before moving to D2 in 2028-29, marking a significant step in the program’s evolution . This transition offers prospective student-athletes the opportunity to be part of a program’s growth during this exciting period of change and development.

2. Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Texas A&M University-Texarkana is a public university and a member of the Red River Athletic Conference, where its athletic teams compete with pride and determination. The campus is located in Texarkana, serving a student body of just over 2,100 students who benefit from a supportive and close-knit academic community.

The Eagles are currently a member of the NAIA but have also initiated a transition to NCAA Division II, with the move expected to take place no later than July 2027, providing a clear timeline for the program’s future direction. This transition creates unique opportunities for current and incoming student-athletes to contribute to building the program’s legacy at the next level of competition.

3. Our Lady of the Lake University (San Antonio)

Our Lady of the Lake University is a private, not-for-profit university in San Antonio that offers a distinct educational experience with a mission-driven focus on developing the whole person. It offers a distinct educational experience with a mission-driven focus on community service and leadership development for all its students and athletes. The university is an NAIA member and provides a range of athletic opportunities for its students who are looking to compete while pursuing a values-based education in a supportive environment.

4. Wayland Baptist University (Plainview)

Wayland Baptist University is a private university located in Plainview with a long history in the NAIA and a proud tradition of athletic excellence that spans decades of competition. A member of the Sooner Athletic Conference, the Pioneers and Flying Queens have a strong athletic tradition that includes numerous conference championships and national tournament appearances. The university has an acceptance rate of 69.72% and an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, providing a substantial campus community for its student-athletes to thrive academically and socially.

5. Huston-Tillotson University (Austin)

Huston-Tillotson University is a private HBCU in Austin, known for its academic and athletic programs that prepare students for leadership roles in their communities. The Rams have a strong presence in the NAIA and were previously members of the Red River Athletic Conference, developing a reputation for competitive play and school spirit. The university has a selective acceptance rate of 51.94%, reflecting its commitment to maintaining high academic standards while providing a supportive environment for student-athletes to excel.

6. Paul Quinn College (Dallas)

Paul Quinn College is a private HBCU in Dallas, also known as the “Work College” due to its innovative work-study program that integrates professional experience with academic learning. The Tigers are an NAIA member and were part of the Red River Athletic Conference, where they built a strong athletic tradition and a loyal fan base. The school provides a unique educational model combined with its athletic programs, offering students a distinctive pathway to success both on and off the field through hands-on experience and academic rigor.

7. Wiley University (Marshall)

Wiley University is a private HBCU located in Marshall, Texas, offering a close-knit educational environment where students receive personalized attention from faculty and staff. The Wildcats are an NAIA member and are currently part of the HBCU Athletic Conference, which provides a competitive platform for the university’s athletic programs. With a student body of around 700, the university offers a close-knit community for its student-athletes, fostering strong relationships and a supportive campus culture that enhances the overall college experience.

8. Texas College (Tyler)

Texas College is a private HBCU in Tyler, serving just over 600 students who benefit from a personalized educational experience in a small-campus setting. The Steers are a member of the Red River Athletic Conference, where they compete with dedication and pride across multiple sports . The college’s small size allows for a personalized experience for its student-athletes, with coaches and faculty who are deeply invested in their academic and athletic development throughout their college careers.

9. Jarvis Christian University (Hawkins)

Jarvis Christian University is a private HBCU located in Hawkins, Texas, offering a focused educational environment rooted in Christian values and academic excellence. The Bulldogs are a member of the NAIA and compete in the Red River Athletic Conference, developing a tradition of competitive play and community engagement. The university offers a focused educational environment for its students, with small class sizes that allow for personalized instruction and mentorship from dedicated faculty members.

10. Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Texas A&M University-San Antonio is a public university and a member of the Red River Athletic Conference, providing affordable and accessible higher education to a diverse student body. With an enrollment of over 7,300 students, the Jaguars provide athletic opportunities as part of the Texas A&M System, which offers a wide range of academic resources and support services. The university was a relatively recent addition to the NAIA, joining in 2020, and has quickly built a competitive athletic program that continues to grow and develop.

11. University of Houston-Victoria (TAMU-Victoria)

The University of Houston-Victoria is a public university in Victoria and a member of the Red River Athletic Conference, providing athletic opportunities to students in the Coastal Bend region. In a recent year, the university transferred to the Texas A&M University System and is now known as Texas A&M University-Victoria, expanding its resources and institutional connections. This transition to the Texas A&M System has opened up new opportunities for student-athletes and enhanced the university’s academic and athletic offerings.

12. Southwestern Assemblies of God University (Waxahachie)

Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a private, faith-based university in Waxahachie that integrates Christian values into every aspect of campus life and athletic competition. The Lions are an NAIA member and compete in the Sooner Athletic Conference, where they have built a tradition of competitive play and sportsmanship. The school is known for its strong community and values-based education, providing student-athletes with a supportive environment that prioritizes both athletic and spiritual growth during their college years.

13. North American University (Houston)

North American University is a private university in Houston that was approved as an NAIA member in 2022, making it one of the newest additions to the conference landscape. The school is currently reviewing conference affiliation and provides a newer opportunity for student-athletes looking to build a program from the ground up. The university is located in the greater Houston area, providing students with access to a vibrant metropolitan community and extensive internship and career opportunities.

14. University of St. Thomas (Houston)

The University of St. Thomas is a private Catholic university in Houston that provides a liberal arts education in a major metropolitan area, preparing students for success in their chosen careers. The Celts are an NAIA member and provide a liberal arts education in a major metropolitan area, offering a balance of academic rigor and athletic competition. The university offers a range of sports for its student-athletes, fostering a strong sense of community and school pride among its students, faculty, and alumni.

15. Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Texas A&M University-Kingsville is a public university in Kingsville with a rich athletic history and a long tradition of competitive play across multiple sports. While part of the Texas A&M System, the Javelinas are not listed among current NAIA members in Texas, indicating they may have transitioned to another division or conference in recent years. However, the university has a rich athletic history and is noted in historical NAIA records, reflecting its long-standing commitment to collegiate athletics and student-athlete development.

Comparison Table

Success Tips for Choosing an NAIA School

Start by researching the specific conference each school belongs to, as the Red River Athletic Conference and Sooner Athletic Conference have different member institutions and regional focuses that can affect travel and competition levels for student-athletes.

Understand the financial aid structure; NAIA schools can offer significant athletic scholarships, but these often are partial awards that may need to be combined with federal and institutional aid to cover the full cost of attendance.

Consider the unique mission of each school; several Texas NAIA programs are HBCUs, offering a distinct cultural identity and campus experience for prospective students who value diversity and tradition.

Evaluate the school’s size and location; schools like Texas College and Jarvis Christian offer a small, close-knit environment with personalized attention, while larger public schools like Texas A&M-San Antonio provide a big-university feel with extensive resources and facilities.

Finally, be aware of transitions; Texas Wesleyan and Texas A&M-Texarkana are planning to leave the NAIA for NCAA Division II in the next few years, which could change the athletic landscape, recruiting opportunities, and the overall experience for incoming student-athletes during this transition period.

Closing

Texas offers a wide range of NAIA schools, from the private, faith-based Southwestern Assemblies of God University to the publicly supported Texas A&M-San Antonio, providing options for student-athletes with diverse backgrounds and preferences. These institutions provide student-athletes with a balanced and competitive environment where the student’s overall education remains the primary focus, ensuring success both on and off the field.

With a mix of private and public institutions, HBCUs, and schools spread across the state, Texas NAIA schools provide valuable opportunities for athletes to compete at a high level while earning their degree in a supportive and community-focused setting. Note that all information, including conference affiliations and school status, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each school and through the official NAIA website to ensure you have the most accurate information for your decision-making process.