Good engineering colleges not to far from Texas?

No UT? UTA is one of the best engineering schools in the US. Texas A&M College Station is also quite good, as is Rice and Baylor. Those are all, obviously, in TX. Those near Texas with good reps in engineering: Arizona State, U Arizona, Embry Riddle (AZ).

It's useless to suggest any Engineering schools unless you state your GPA and SAT scores. It's a bad idea to start in Mechanical Engineering, then "switch" to Aerospace. Generally, a 3.5 GPA is minimum to have a reasonable chance at success in Engineering School. Below that, consider Engineering Technology.

Texas Tech, (Wreck 'em!), has a great engineering school, I meet engineering majors all the time. Located in Lubbock, Texas, you're still in Texas, but a close distance to New Mexico and Oklahoma. Although its not a major city, it is a college town, and you have everything you need there. Its considered either the largest small school, or the smallest large school. Everything is convenient and walking distance on campus. Also, Texas Tech has great financial aid opportunities. I won't lie, dealing with the financial aid department can be frustrating, but I have yet to find a campus with any better financial aid options. I had a great GPA, and got in with no issue, but I don't think its difficult to get in in spite of GPA. So, consider Tech! Be a RED RAIDER.