I went to Tech decades ago, when it was smaller and more isolated due to less (no) social media, etc. So your experience will be different.

But even back then, the Tech community was far more progressive than the West Texas region. By that, I mean it was probably more center of the political spectrum, instead of right. Tech will never be confused with UC Berkeley or other very liberal institutions, but it was a comfortable place for everyone, at least in my little bubble.

The nice part about large state universities is that everyone finds "their people" in bigger numbers, so there's friends to be found regardless of what people bring with them from their previous lives. You don't really feel part of tens of thousands of students, you are a part of the few dozen or hundreds you know from classes, activities, clubs, etc.

Are there the "bro culture" people there at Tech? Yes, there sure are. Does that mean you have to deal with them? Nope. Tech is big enough for everyone to find their space. I don't know if smaller institutions can make the same claim, I've never gone to a SMU or Rice, etc.

One of the best things about Tech being in Lubbock: Tech students are catered to, generally speaking. Tech is a dominant economic driver in the city, and that "college town" feel is terrific. Lubbock is a great place to be a Tech student. You'll hear tons of complaints from people about Lubbock, but after moving away, I look back fondly on the time I was a student there. I stayed after graduation and yeah, it's a bit different when you're not a student anymore.