Education
Education is one of Richardson’s most valued community assets.
Explore our outstanding public and private schools to the University of Texas at Dallas, a Tier 1 research university.
Pre-K to Higher Education
University of Texas at Dallas
UTD was established in 1961 by the founders of Texas Instruments and to this day maintains strong ties to local industries.
The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) is ranked as the 3rd-Best Public University in Texas and offers 152 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including nationally ranked programs in STEM, management, liberal arts, and social sciences. As a Tier1 institution with $140 million in annual research spend, UTD is a major innovator in the DFW region and beyond.
Dallas College
Dallas College was established in 1965, and serves more than 130,000 students annually offering continuing education, associate degree and bachelor degrees.
Richardson residents living in Dallas County qualify for lowest tuition fees. The Richland Campus offers programs in business, manufacturing, and liberal arts, including partnerships with Raytheon, Texas Instruments, and the Texas Blockchain Council.
Collin College
Collin College was established in 1985, and serves more than 60,000 students annually offering continuing education, associate degree and bachelor degrees.
Richardson residents living in Collin County qualify for lowest tuition fees. The Technical Campus offered advanced skills training in automation and robotics, automotive, construction, manufacturing and other technologies, including partnerships with Fossil, Raytheon, Airbus and others.
West Coast University
West Coast University’s newest campus in Richardson opened in 2022, offering quality nursing education to those passionate about a career in healthcare.
Spanning 136,000 square feet, the West Coast University-Texas campus is dedicated to educating capable, confident healthcare workers. Students refine their skills in our technologically advanced simulation center, featuring high-fidelity manikins that bleed, sweat, and cry like real patients. WCU-Texas was named the 2024 Niche #1 Best College for Nursing in America. Our diverse student body includes individuals from Garland, Plano, Fort Worth, Arlington, and cities across Texas and the United States. WCU has both regional and programmatic accreditations.
Richardson Independent School District
Richardson Independent School District ranks as the 6th-most diverse school district in Texas.
Richardson ISD’s three high schools consistently rank in the 90th percentile or higher statewide and have also received national recognition, including 10 National Merit Finalists in 2024 alone. RISD also ranked as the 6th-most diverse school district in Texas. With an in-house STEM Academy, students can study engineering, robotics, aeronautical engineering, biotechnology, cybersecurity, and STEM management.
Plano Independent School District
Plano Independent School District is ranked 13th in the DFW area for best school districts.
Plano Independent School District (Plano ISD) is a high-performing public school district in North Texas, serving over 50,000 students across multiple cities including Plano, Richardson, and parts of Dallas. Known for its academic excellence, the district offers advanced programs such as International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), and Career & Technical Education (CTE). Plano ISD features a unique three-tier high school system and is recognized for its award-winning fine arts, athletics, and strong community partnerships.