Colleges and Universities in Wichita Falls, Texas

Wichita Falls, Texas is home to several higher education institutions that serve the residents of North Texas. From small private schools to larger public universities, Wichita Falls offers a range of options for those looking to pursue undergraduate, graduate or professional degrees.

Public Universities

Midwestern State University

Midwestern State University (MSU) is a public liberal arts university located in Wichita Falls. Founded in 1922 as Wichita Falls Junior College, it is the only university in Texas to become a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges.

Some key facts about Midwestern State University:

• Location: 3410 Taft Blvd, Wichita Falls, TX 76308
• Enrollment: Over 6,000 students
• Notable Programs: Nursing, Radiologic Sciences, Respiratory Care
• Athletics: NCAA Division II, Lone Star Conference
• On-campus housing: 6 residence halls and 1 apartment complex
• Notable alumni: Grammy-award winning musician Roy Orbison

As the only public liberal arts university in Texas, MSU offers over 60 undergraduate majors and several graduate programs encompassing liberal arts, math and sciences, health sciences and fine arts. Popular majors include nursing, radiologic sciences, respiratory care, business, education, biology and criminal justice. MSU is especially renowned for its health sciences and nursing programs.

The 269-acre campus features historic architecture such as the Hardin Administration Building, state-of-the-art facilities like the Dillard College of Business Administration and newer residence halls outfitted with modern amenities. Students can get involved in over 100 student organizations, NCAA Division II athletics, Greek life, honor societies, and service clubs.

Admissions

• Application Deadlines: August 1 for Fall, December 1 for Spring, May 1 for Summer
• Average HS GPA: 3.29
• Average ACT Score: 22
• Average SAT Score: 1070
• Acceptance Rate: 61%
• Annual Tuition and Fees:
  • In-state: $8,472
  • Out-of-state: $16,032
  • Room and Board: $8,028

Vernon College – Wichita Falls Campus

Vernon College is a public community college with its main campus located in Vernon, Texas and a branch campus in Wichita Falls. The Wichita Falls campus offers academic transfer programs, technical certificates and workforce development programs.

Some facts about Vernon College’s Wichita Falls campus:

• Location: 4105 Maplewood Ave, Wichita Falls, TX 76308
• Enrollment: Around 1,500 students
• Notable Programs: Academic Transfer Degrees, Nursing, Welding, Computer Science
• On-campus housing: None (commuter campus)

As a community college, Vernon offers associate degrees and certificates that can either prepare students for transfer to a four-year university or enter the workforce. Popular majors include nursing, business, computer science, criminal justice and welding. The Wichita Falls campus provides smaller class sizes in a convenient location for residents of Wichita County.

The 50-acre Wichita Falls campus has academic and technical buildings containing classrooms, science labs, a library, bookstore, café and common areas for students. Students can participate in skills competitions, Phi Theta Kappa honor society and service clubs.

Admissions

• Open admissions policy
• Annual Tuition and Fees:
  • In-district: $2,220
  • Out-of-district: $3,870
  • Room and Board: N/A (no on-campus housing)

Private Universities

University of North Texas Health Science Center

The University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) is a public university focused solely on health sciences education and research. It is located in Fort Worth with a satellite campus in Wichita Falls.

Key facts about UNTHSC:

• Location: 1000 Montgomery St, Wichita Falls, TX 76307
• Enrollment: Over 1,000 students
• Notable Programs: Medical School, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy
• Athletics: None
• On-campus housing: None

UNTHSC offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels including osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, biomedical sciences and public health. The Wichita Falls campus houses the medical school where students can earn their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

The medical school building contains lecture halls, offices, student study spaces and is adjacent to clinical partner North Texas Medical Center where students complete clinical rotations. While UNTHSC lacks traditional college amenities like housing, athletics and student activities, it provides rigorous health sciences training in a small cohort setting.

Admissions

• Application Deadlines Vary by Program
• Average GPA: 3.6
• Average MCAT: 504
• Acceptance rate: Varies by program
• Annual Tuition and Fees:
  • In-state: $21,068 (medical)
  • Out-of-state: $34,176 (medical)

Community Colleges

Vernon College – Century City Center

In addition to the Wichita Falls campus, Vernon College operates a smaller campus in Wichita Falls called the Century City Center. Located downtown, this center focuses on adult education and workforce training.

• Location: 708 11th St, Wichita Falls, TX 76301
• Key Programs: ESL, GED Preparation, Fast Track Workforce Training

The Century City Center provides academic and technical classes in an open enrollment environment. Offerings include GED preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL), fast-track workforce certifications, and continuing education courses for adults seeking to upskill or change careers. These programs offer flexibility and convenience for nontraditional students.

Admissions

• Open admissions, walk-in welcome
• Low cost classes and certifications
• Convenient downtown location

North Central Texas College – Wichita Falls Campus

North Central Texas College (NCTC) is a community college based in Gainesville, TX with campuses across North Texas including one in Wichita Falls.

Key facts:

• Location: Sheppard Learning Center, 202 Sheppard Access Rd, Wichita Falls, TX 76311
• Enrollment: 600+ students
• Notable Programs: General Academics, Workforce Training

NCTC’s Wichita Falls campus primarily caters to the workforce training needs of nearby Sheppard Air Force Base. It provides general education courses that transfer to universities as well as technical programs in healthcare, manufacturing, construction and aerospace technology. Classes take place in the evening to accommodate working adults and military personnel.

As a community college campus, facilities are minimal but offer affordable higher education. Students can earn associate degrees, technical certifications and participate in adult continuing education.

Admissions

• Open admissions policy
• Transferable credits
• Evening classes
• Low tuition

Private For-Profit Colleges

Vista College

Vista College is a for-profit career college with multiple locations in Texas including a campus in Wichita Falls.

• Location: 1200 Texoma Pkwy #200, Wichita Falls, TX 76301
• Enrollment: 300+ students
• Programs: Certificate and associate degree programs in healthcare, trades and business

Vista offers concentrated certificate and degree programs designed to prepare graduates for careers in fields like healthcare, information technology, business and trades. Programs can be completed in 12-24 months to allow quick entrance into the workforce. Fields of study include medical assisting, pharmacy technology, cosmetology, HVAC, welding and business administration.

The Wichita Falls campus occupies a modern building near the junction of Hwy 287 and I-44. Students have access to labs, classrooms and career services. As a for-profit institution, admissions are open to students with a high school diploma or equivalent.

Admissions

• Open admissions with proof of HS diploma
• Rolling application deadlines
• Program durations 12-24 months

Remington College

Remington College is another for-profit career college with a location in Wichita Falls that offers career-focused diploma and degree programs.

• Location: 703 FM 369 N, Wichita Falls, TX 76306
• Enrollment: 200+ students
• Programs: Diplomas and associate degrees in healthcare, trades, criminal justice and business

At the Wichita Falls campus, students can complete programs in fields such as medical assisting, pharmacy technician, facility maintenance, HVAC, criminal justice and paralegal studies in 12-24 months. Courses emphasize practical career skills over general academics.

Like Vista College, Remington serves nontraditional and adult learners seeking specialized workforce training in an accelerated format. The flexible admissions process enables students to quickly enter diploma and degree programs. Facilities include classrooms, labs, career services and a bookstore.

Admissions

• Open admissions for HS graduates
• No SAT/ACT scores required
• Rolling admissions and start dates

Conclusion

Wichita Falls offers a range of higher education options to meet diverse needs. Midwestern State University provides a public liberal arts education, while Vernon College offers transfer and technical programs. Those seeking health science degrees can study at UNTHSC’s medical school. Community college campuses like Century City Center provide workforce training.

Finally, for-profit colleges like Vista and Remington offer quick certifications and career diplomas. With this variety, students can find an academic program tailored to their goals. Wichita Falls’ compact size allows easy access to all of these institutions.