Robotics engineering is one of the fastest-growing fields in the United States, and Texas has positioned itself as a major hub for this technology. With industries such as aerospace, energy, healthcare, and manufacturing thriving in Texas, the demand for robotics engineers has never been higher.
Undergraduate students looking to study robotics in Texas benefit from:
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Access to world-class universities.
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Strong ties to industry leaders like NASA, SpaceX, Tesla, and Dell.
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Hands-on learning opportunities in labs and research centers.
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Career pathways in automation, AI, mechatronics, and advanced manufacturing.
This guide will cover the best engineering colleges in Texas for robotics undergraduates in 2025, including their programs, tuition, career outcomes, and why each institution stands out.
What is Robotics Engineering?
Robotics engineering is an interdisciplinary field that blends:
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Mechanical engineering (designing and building robots).
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Electrical engineering (power, circuits, control systems).
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Computer science & AI (programming, machine learning, automation).
Robotics undergraduates learn to design robots, program autonomous systems, and apply them to real-world challenges such as:
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Manufacturing automation.
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Medical and surgical robotics.
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Agricultural robotics.
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Military and defense robotics.
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Space exploration systems.
Studying robotics in Texas means being at the center of a booming technology ecosystem, where both research and jobs are growing rapidly.
Why Choose Texas for Robotics Engineering?
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Diverse Industries – Texas is home to aerospace (NASA Johnson Space Center), medical innovation hubs (Houston Medical District), and tech startups (Austin’s Silicon Hills).
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Affordable Education – Many Texas universities offer lower in-state tuition compared to other U.S. states.
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Research & Innovation – Texas universities lead robotics research in areas like drones, AI robotics, and humanoid machines.
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Career Opportunities – Texas is projected to create thousands of jobs in robotics and automation by 2030.
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Strong Networking – Students connect with companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Texas Instruments through internships.
Top Engineering Colleges in Texas for Robotics (2025 Undergraduate Programs)
Below is a detailed breakdown of the best colleges in Texas offering robotics-focused undergraduate programs.
1. University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)
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Location: Austin, TX
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Program: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with Robotics & Automation specialization
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Highlights:
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One of the top-ranked engineering schools in the U.S.
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Houses the Human-Centered Robotics Lab.
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Partnerships with Tesla and SpaceX for internships.
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Tuition (2025): Approx. $11,000 in-state / $40,000 out-of-state.
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Career Pathways: Robotics engineer, automation engineer, AI systems designer.
2. Texas A&M University – College Station
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Location: College Station, TX
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Program: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering with Robotics Track
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Highlights:
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The Center for Autonomous Vehicles and Sensor Systems (CANVASS) is a leading research hub.
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Large student robotics clubs with national competition wins.
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Tuition (2025): Approx. $13,000 in-state / $39,000 out-of-state.
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Career Pathways: Mechatronics engineer, defense robotics specialist.
3. Rice University
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Location: Houston, TX
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Program: Bachelor of Electrical and Computer Engineering with Robotics concentration
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Highlights:
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Close partnership with the Texas Medical Center for medical robotics.
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Smaller student-to-faculty ratio for personalized mentoring.
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Tuition (2025): Approx. $55,000 (private university).
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Career Pathways: Biomedical robotics, AI programming, academic research.
4. University of Texas at Dallas (UTD)
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Location: Richardson, TX
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Program: B.S. in Computer Engineering with Robotics and AI modules
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Highlights:
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Known for cutting-edge research in autonomous drones and AI robotics.
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The Laboratory for Autonomous Robotics and Systems provides hands-on projects.
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Tuition (2025): Approx. $14,000 in-state / $39,000 out-of-state.
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Career Pathways: AI engineer, drone systems developer, embedded robotics specialist.
5. Southern Methodist University (SMU)
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Location: Dallas, TX
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Program: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a Robotics & Automation Minor
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Highlights:
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Strong industry partnerships with Dallas tech companies.
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Emphasis on entrepreneurship and robotics startups.
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Tuition (2025): Approx. $54,000 (private university).
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Career Pathways: Startup robotics innovator, product development engineer.
6. Texas Tech University
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Location: Lubbock, TX
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Program: Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with Robotics Research Opportunities
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Highlights:
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Known for agricultural and industrial robotics research.
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Offers undergraduate research assistant positions in robotics labs.
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Tuition (2025): Approx. $12,000 in-state / $24,000 out-of-state.
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Career Pathways: Agricultural robotics engineer, industrial automation engineer.
7. University of Houston
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Location: Houston, TX
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Program: B.S. in Electrical Engineering with Robotics and Control Systems
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Highlights:
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Collaborations with the oil, gas, and energy robotics industry.
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Access to Houston’s booming innovation ecosystem.
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Tuition (2025): Approx. $11,000 in-state / $25,000 out-of-state.
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Career Pathways: Energy robotics specialist, process automation engineer.
8. Baylor University
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Location: Waco, TX
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Program: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with Robotics coursework
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Highlights:
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Emphasis on ethical AI and robotics applications.
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Smaller class sizes ensure hands-on mentorship.
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Tuition (2025): Approx. $53,000 (private university).
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Career Pathways: Robotics engineer in healthcare, defense, or academia.
How to Choose the Right Robotics Engineering College in Texas
When selecting a college, consider:
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Specialization Focus – AI robotics, medical robotics, or industrial automation.
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Tuition & Financial Aid – Public vs. private universities.
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Research Opportunities – Access to labs and funded projects.
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Location & Industry Connections – Proximity to tech hubs like Austin, Dallas, or Houston.
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Career Placement Rates – Alumni success in robotics careers.
Career Opportunities for Robotics Engineers in Texas
Graduates from these programs often find roles such as:
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Robotics Engineer
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Automation Engineer
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Control Systems Engineer
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AI & Machine Learning Engineer
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Biomedical Robotics Specialist
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Aerospace Robotics Engineer
Average Salary (Texas 2025): $85,000 – $120,000 annually, depending on specialization.
Pros and Cons of Studying Robotics in Texas
Pros
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Strong industry connections.
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Affordable in-state tuition at public universities.
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Growing demand for robotics engineers.
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Access to world-class research centers.
Cons
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Competition for top programs is high.
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Some private universities have very high tuition.
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Robotics programs are rigorous and demand long study hours.
Summary Table: Best Robotics Colleges in Texas (2025)
| University | Location | Program | Tuition (In-State) | Tuition (Out-of-State/Private) | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UT Austin | Austin | Mechanical Eng. w/ Robotics | $11,000 | $40,000 | Human-Centered Robotics Lab |
| Texas A&M | College Station | Mechanical/Electrical Eng. Robotics Track | $13,000 | $39,000 | CANVASS Center |
| Rice Univ. | Houston | Electrical & Computer Eng. | – | $55,000 | Medical Robotics Research |
| UT Dallas | Richardson | Computer Eng. + Robotics | $14,000 | $39,000 | Drone & AI Robotics |
| SMU | Dallas | Mechanical Eng. + Robotics Minor | – | $54,000 | Startup Robotics Focus |
| Texas Tech | Lubbock | Mechanical Eng. Robotics | $12,000 | $24,000 | Industrial/Agricultural Robotics |
| Univ. of Houston | Houston | Electrical Eng. Robotics | $11,000 | $25,000 | Energy Robotics |
| Baylor Univ. | Waco | Mechanical Eng. Robotics | – | $53,000 | Ethical Robotics & AI |
FAQs: Top Robotics Colleges in Texas
1. What is the best engineering college in Texas for robotics?
UT Austin and Texas A&M are considered the top public options, while Rice University is the top private option.
2. Does Texas offer fully dedicated robotics undergraduate degrees?
Most Texas schools integrate robotics into mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering programs rather than offering a standalone degree.
3. How much does it cost to study robotics in Texas?
Public universities range from $11,000–$15,000 per year (in-state). Private schools cost $50,000+.
4. Which Texas universities have the strongest robotics research labs?
UT Austin’s Human-Centered Robotics Lab and Texas A&M’s CANVASS are leading centers.
5. Can international students study robotics in Texas?
Yes, all the universities listed accept international students.
6. What jobs can I get with a robotics undergraduate degree?
Graduates work as robotics engineers, AI engineers, aerospace robotics specialists, and biomedical robotics developers.
7. Is robotics engineering hard to study?
Yes, it combines multiple disciplines (mechanical, electrical, computer science), but offers strong career rewards.
8. Are there scholarships for robotics undergraduates in Texas?
Yes, options include merit scholarships, engineering department grants, and private fellowships.
9. What is the average starting salary for robotics engineers in Texas?
Entry-level robotics engineers earn around $75,000–$90,000 annually.
10. Which city in Texas has the most robotics career opportunities?
Austin, Houston, and Dallas are the top cities for robotics and automation jobs.
Conclusion
Texas has some of the best undergraduate programs in robotics engineering in the U.S. Whether you choose a public powerhouse like UT Austin or Texas A&M, or a private leader like Rice or Baylor, you will find top-tier education, industry connections, and career opportunities.
For students passionate about automation, AI, and the future of robotics, studying in Texas provides the perfect balance of affordability, innovation, and career potential.