<p>UT-Austin is the strongest school in Texas overall academically - in terms of faculty quality, academic department rankings, research, faculty awards, National Academy memberships, etc. According the last National Research Council rankings, UT-Austin (or UT Medical schools) were #1 in every academic department in the state. Recent USNWR PhD program rankings show the same thing. </p>
<p>However, Rice is probably the strongest at the <em>undergraduate</em> level due to the ability to be more selective as a private and better student/faculty ratios. A&M is also a very strong research university. </p>
<p>Still, it’s hard to beat the complete package of UT’s faculty, academic programs, resources, and location in Austin.</p>