San Antonio College Tours and University Visits

Trinity University lawn visit colleges and universities San Antonio

How do we inspire our children to dream big? We can start early by talking to them about their futures, including the aspiration of earning a college degree. Even if your kids dream about leaving Texas when they grow up, it’s never too early to take them on San Antonio college tours and university visits so they can think about the pros and cons of different settings for higher education. We have put together this guide to make it easier for you to find information about tours, open houses, and admission information sessions at colleges and universities in the San Antonio region.

Tips for College Tours

When our kids are young, it’s hard to predict what they will be doing after high school graduation. We know we want to give them the best possible preparation so that they will have lots of choices: join the military, start a career, take a gap year, or go straight to college. If they continually hear about college from their teachers, parents, and caregivers, they are more likely to see themselves as potentially going to college someday and earning a degree. Achieving that goal will hopefully unlock a lifetime of better health, more wealth, and greater fulfillment.

The San Antonio region is home to many types of colleges and universities, including large public research universities, private liberal arts universities, and community colleges. Even if your student talks about leaving home to go to school, visiting campuses in San Antonio can offer an introduction to different types of higher education settings.

For students of different ages, San Antonio college tours and university visits can take different forms. Here are some tips about what to prioritize for different age groups.

When visiting with young children, pick a time when classes are not in session, and treat the campus like a big park. Take a picture of your child in front of a sign or landmark, and maybe use it later for a “then and now” pic. Take breaks on family road trips to visit as many unique campuses as you can.
For middle school and young high school kids, visit during an open house and try on different departments and programs for size. Take a guided tour to see broad areas of campus. Introduce the idea of living on campus and using dining halls and rec centers. Visit the campus bookstore to pick up some college T-shirts to wear on spirit days at school.
For high school juniors and seniors, plan ahead to visit while class is in session. Seek out specific departments and programs that your student is interested in; if possible, speak with faculty members. Let your student take the lead in asking questions and setting the agenda.

In addition to in-person visits, college and university admissions offices offer virtual information sessions so you and your student can learn more about these institutions from the convenience of home. Whether you’re planning in-person or virtual San Antonio college tours and university visits, exploring local campuses can give your student valuable insights into different higher education environments.

Colleges and Universities in the San Antonio Region

Northeast Lakeview College

Northeast Lakeview College is a community college, part of the Alamo Colleges District, that is located in Live Oak, Texas. Founded in 2007, Northeast Lakeview serves over 7,000 students. High school seniors from Bexar County may be eligible to attend Northeast Lakeview tuition free via the AlamoPROMISE program.

Northwest Vista College

Northwest Vista College is a community college, part of the Alamo Colleges District, that is locate on the Far West Side of San Antonio. Northwest Vista was founded in 1995 and serves over 19,000 students. High school seniors from Bexar County may be eligible to attend Northwest Vista tuition free via the AlamoPROMISE program.

Our Lady of the Lake University

Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) is a private university founded in 1895 on Elmendorf Lake just west of downtown San Antonio. OLLU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and serves over 2,000 students.

Palo Alto College

Palo Alto College (PAC) is a community college, part of the Alamo Colleges District, located on the South Side of San Antonio. PAC was founded in 1983 and serves over 10,000 students. High school seniors from Bexar County may be eligible to attend Palo Alto College tuition free via the AlamoPROMISE program. PAC is the host campus for Frank L. Madla Early College High School, part of New Frontiers Public Schools.

St. Mary’s University

St. Mary’s University is a private university founded in 1852 that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. St. Mary’s serves over 3,000 students. The campus is currently located on the West Side of San Antonio.

Admissions
Visit
Open house events: The Rattler Experience

St. Philip’s College

St. Philip’s College (SPC) is a community college, part of the Alamo Colleges District, located on the East Side of San Antonio. It’s a historically Black college and also a Hispanic-serving institution. SPC was founded in 1898 and serves over 12,000 students. High school seniors from Bexar County may be eligible to attend SPC tuition free via the AlamoPROMISE program. SPC is the host campus to two SAISD Choice Schools: St. Philip’s Early College High School on the East Side and Phoenix Middle College at the Southwest Campus.

San Antonio College

San Antonio College (SAC) is a community college, part of the Alamo Colleges District, located just north of downtown San Antonio. Founded in 1925, SAC serves over 18,000 students. High school seniors from Bexar County may be eligible to attend tuition free via the AlamoPROMISE program. San Antonio College is the host campus for Imelda Davis Early College High School, part of New Frontiers Public Schools.

Schreiner University

Schreiner University is a private university founded in 1923 that serves over 1,000 students. Shreiner is located in Kerrville, Texas.

Admissions
Visit—Schreiner Saturdays open house events

Texas A&M University—San Antonio

Texas A&M University—San Antonio (TAMUSA) is a public university located on the South Side of San Antonio. TAMUSA was founded in 2009 and serves over 8,000 students. TAMUSA is the host campus for the early college high school program at Southwest Prep.

Texas A&M University—Corpus Christi

Texas A&M University—Corpus Christi (TAMUCC) is a public university located on the coast in Corpus Christi, Texas. TAMUCC was founded in 1947 and serves over 10,000 students.

Admissions
Campus Tour
Open house events: Island Days

Texas A&M University—Kingsville

Texas A&M University—Kingsville (TAMUK) is a public university located in Kingsville, Texas. TAMUK was founded in 1925 and serves over 6,000 students.

Texas Lutheran University

Texas Lutheran University (TLU) is a private university located in Seguin, Texas. TLU was founded in 1891 and serves approximately 1,400 students.

Texas State Technical College—New Braunfels

Texas State Technical College, founded in 1965, has a campus in New Braunfels to prepare students for careers in fields such as manufacturing.

Admissions

Texas State University

Texas State (TXST) is a research university founded in 1899. Texas State serves over 38,000 students and is located in San Marcos, Texas.

Trinity University

Trinity University is a private, primarily undergraduate liberal arts university that serves roughly 2,600 students. Trinity was founded in 1869 and in 1952 it relocated to its current campus north of downtown San Antonio.

Admissions
Visit
Open house events: Trinity in Focus

University of Texas at San Antonio

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is a Tier 1 research university founded in 1969. Over 35,000 students attend UTSA for undergraduate and graduate programs. There are several locations in San Antonio: the main campus on the Northwest Side, the downtown campus, and UTSA Southwest.

University of the Incarnate Word

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is a private university that was founded in 1893. UIW’s main campus is currently located north of downtown San Antonio and in Alamo Heights, Texas. UIW serves over 7,000 students.

San Antonio College Tours and University Visits: A Guide for Families