Bastrop offers students a unique blend of small-town charm and access to world-class education. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, returning adult student, or professional seeking career advancement, the educational opportunities surrounding Bastrop provide diverse paths to achieving your academic goals. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about college life near Bastrop, from institutional options to housing and beyond.
Educational Landscape: Overview of colleges and universities near Bastrop, TX, including public options (University of Texas at Austin, Texas State University), private institutions (Concordia University Texas, Huston-Tillotson University, etc.), and community colleges with their distance from Bastrop
- A comprehensive range of academic programs is available at institutions near Bastrop. Source: bastropedc.org
The Bastrop area boasts an impressive array of higher education options within commuting distance. Public institutions lead the way with the internationally renowned University of Texas at Austin, located approximately 30 miles west of Bastrop, offering over 170 fields of study and serving as the flagship university of the UT System. Similarly accessible is Texas State University in San Marcos (about 40 miles southwest), known for its strong teaching, business, and healthcare programs. Together, these public universities serve over 90,000 students and represent affordable, prestigious options for Bastrop residents.
The private education landscape near Bastrop is equally robust, featuring institutions like Concordia University Texas and Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Saint Edward’s University, Southwestern University in Georgetown (approximately 50 miles northwest), and Texas Lutheran University in Seguin. These schools offer distinct advantages, including smaller class sizes, specialized programs, and in many cases, strong faith-based traditions. For those seeking more affordable and flexible options, the Austin Community College District maintains multiple campuses throughout the region, with the closest being in Elgin, just 15 minutes from Bastrop, offering associate degrees and certificate programs that seamlessly transfer to four-year institutions.
Student Life & Housing: Information about on-campus and off-campus housing options, cost of living in the Bastrop area, transportation options between Bastrop and nearby educational institutions, and student amenities
Housing options for Bastrop-area students vary widely depending on your chosen institution. On-campus dormitories and residence halls are available at most four-year universities, providing the classic college experience with easy access to classes, dining facilities, and campus activities. These range from traditional shared rooms to apartment-style accommodations, with costs typically between $5,000-$12,000 per academic year, depending on the institution and amenity level. For those attending Austin-area schools but preferring Bastrop’s more affordable lifestyle, off-campus housing in Bastrop offers significantly lower rental rates compared to Austin, with typical one-bedroom apartments starting around $900-1,100 monthly.
Transportation between Bastrop and area institutions requires planning but remains manageable. Most students commuting to Austin rely on personal vehicles via Highway 71, with a typical drive time of 30-45 minutes to reach downtown Austin or UT’s campus. Limited public transportation options exist through Capital Metro’s regional services, and many students organize carpools to share expenses. Students will find Bastrop offers its own amenities, including coffee shops, parks, and study spaces like the Bastrop Public Library. Meanwhile, larger institutions provide comprehensive student services, including fitness centers, dining options, health services, and academic support resources that commuting students can access during their time on campus.
Academic Programs & Opportunities: Breakdown of major programs and degrees offered by nearby institutions, highlighting particularly strong education & teaching programs, online learning options, and continuing education opportunities for working adults
- Educational institutions foster community ties and employment opportunities for students in Bastrop. Source: bastropedc.org
Education and teaching degree programs are particularly strong in the Bastrop region, with Texas State University standing out for its renowned College of Education. Their program offers various specializations, including early childhood, secondary education, special education, and educational leadership, with many pathways to teacher certification. The University of Texas at Austin’s College of Education consistently ranks among the nation’s top programs, specializing in research-focused approaches to education. For those seeking private institution alternatives, Concordia University Texas offers exceptional education degrees with a high online completion rate, making it accessible for working professionals in Bastrop.
Online learning has expanded dramatically across all areas of institutions, creating flexible pathways for Bastrop residents to earn degrees while balancing work and family obligations. Franklin University stands out with 100% online program availability in education and teaching, specifically designed for adult learners. Saint Edward’s University offers a significant portion of their education programs online, while Concordia University Texas provides many of their education degrees through distance learning platforms. These online options typically include asynchronous coursework, virtual collaboration tools, and comprehensive resources that allow students to complete assignments on their own schedule while still maintaining academic rigor and faculty interaction.
Community Resources & Employment: Details about the Bastrop area workforce, internship and job placement resources, community connections between educational institutions and local employers, and post-graduation opportunities in the region
The Bastrop area workforce encompasses over 1.25 million professionals across the Austin metro region, with nearly 60% holding bachelor’s degrees or higher. This educated talent pool continues to expand as local universities graduate thousands of qualified candidates annually. For students seeking real-world experience during their education, the Smithville Workforce Training Center serves as a crucial resource, connecting job seekers in Bastrop County with industry-based credentialed courses and assisting with job placement. This center, along with university career services offices, helps facilitate internships and cooperative education opportunities with local employers in healthcare, education, technology, and public service sectors.
Post-graduation employment prospects in the region remain strong, particularly for education majors. Local school districts actively recruit from nearby universities, while the expanding Austin metro area continues to generate teaching positions in both public and private educational settings. Beyond education careers, Bastrop’s proximity to Austin’s thriving technology, healthcare, and creative sectors provides diverse employment pathways for graduates across all disciplines. Community resources like Community Action, Inc. of Central Texas offer additional support through adult education programs, creating a comprehensive network that supports lifelong learning and career advancement for Bastrop residents at every stage of their professional journey.
