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Best Colleges and Universities in Houston, TX

Colleges in Houston, TX include Rice University, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and College of Biblical Studies-Houston, according to EDsmart's 2026 rankings of 13 local colleges and universities. The best colleges in Houston, TX are scored on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes using federal College Scorecard data—so you can compare schools on the same national model.

Key Facts

Colleges and Universities in Houston, TX at a Glance

13 Colleges & Universities
78,456 Total Undergrad Enrollment
$16,076 Median Net Price (city)
44.6% Median Graduation Rate
$52,098 Median Earnings (6 yr)
6 public, 4 private nonprofit, 3 private By Type

Top 5 Colleges in Houston, TX

Rank School Grade National Rank
#1 Rice University A+ #6.0
#2 The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston A #74.0
#3 College of Biblical Studies-Houston A #111.0
#4 Denver College of Nursing-Houston A- #234.0
#5 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center A- #249.0

Quick Stats for Colleges in Houston, TX

Top 5 colleges in each category. Click a school for its full profile.

Most Affordable Colleges in Houston, TX

  1. College of Biblical Studies-Houston$672
  2. University of Houston-Downtown$10,542
  3. Rice University$13,370
  4. University of Houston$14,276
  5. University of Houston-Clear Lake$15,563

Colleges in Houston, TX with Highest Graduation Rates

  1. Rice University94.6%
  2. University of St Thomas68.8%
  3. University of Houston64.6%
  4. University of Houston-Clear Lake51.6%
  5. Houston Christian University49.1%

Colleges in Houston, TX with Highest Graduate Earnings

  1. The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston$89,371
  2. Chamberlain University-Texas$84,533
  3. Denver College of Nursing-Houston$80,184
  4. Rice University$79,751
  5. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center$72,924

Best Colleges in Houston, TX by Category

Best for Affordability College of Biblical Studies-Houston $672
Best for Graduation Rate Rice University 94.6%
Best for Career Outcomes The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston $89,371
Best for Student Support College of Biblical Studies-Houston 100.0%

13 Best Colleges in Houston, TX

All 13 schools below are sorted by overall EDsmart rank. Click a school for its full profile.

A+

Rice University

Houston, TX
#6.0
Completion A+
Affordability B
Support A
Career A+
Rice University is a private nonprofit institution with a mid-sized student body and a strong 95% graduation rate. Graduates report median earnings of $79,751 six years after enrollment. It earns an overall grade of A+ and ranks #6 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Net Price $13,370
Grad Rate 94.6%
6-Yr Earnings $79,751
Retention Rate 97.4%
Student-Faculty 6.0:1
Acceptance Rate 8.0%
Tuition $64,144
Enrollment 4,776
View Full Profile →
A

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Houston, TX
#74.0
Completion B
Affordability B+
Support A-
Career A+
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is a public institution with a small, intimate campus. Graduates report median earnings of $89,371 six years after enrollment. It earns an overall grade of A and ranks #74 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Net Price N/A
Grad Rate N/A
6-Yr Earnings $89,371
Retention Rate N/A
Student-Faculty 5.0:1
Acceptance Rate N/A
Tuition N/A
Enrollment 465
View Full Profile →
A

College of Biblical Studies-Houston

Houston, TX
#111.0
Completion B
Affordability A
Support A
Career C+
College of Biblical Studies-Houston is a private nonprofit institution with a small, intimate campus. Graduates report median earnings of $33,366 six years after enrollment. It earns an overall grade of A and ranks #111 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Net Price $672
Grad Rate 40.0%
6-Yr Earnings $33,366
Retention Rate 100.0%
Student-Faculty 12.0:1
Acceptance Rate N/A
Tuition $9,350
Enrollment 419
View Full Profile →
A-

Denver College of Nursing-Houston

Houston, TX
#234.0
Completion B
Affordability B
Support B+
Career A
Denver College of Nursing-Houston is a private institution with a small, intimate campus. Graduates report median earnings of $80,184 six years after enrollment. It earns an overall grade of A- and ranks #234 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Net Price N/A
Grad Rate N/A
6-Yr Earnings $80,184
Retention Rate N/A
Student-Faculty 10.0:1
Acceptance Rate N/A
Tuition N/A
Enrollment 135
View Full Profile →
A-

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston, TX
#249.0
Completion B
Affordability B-
Support B+
Career A
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a public institution with a small, intimate campus. Graduates report median earnings of $72,924 six years after enrollment. It earns an overall grade of A- and ranks #249 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Net Price N/A
Grad Rate N/A
6-Yr Earnings $72,924
Retention Rate N/A
Student-Faculty 9.0:1
Acceptance Rate N/A
Tuition N/A
Enrollment 334
View Full Profile →
A-

University of Houston

Houston, TX
#263.0
Completion B+
Affordability B+
Support B-
Career B+
University of Houston is a public institution with a large, diverse student population with a 65% graduation rate. Graduates report median earnings of $52,768 six years after enrollment. It earns an overall grade of A- and ranks #263 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Net Price $14,276
Grad Rate 64.6%
6-Yr Earnings $52,768
Retention Rate 87.0%
Student-Faculty 22.0:1
Acceptance Rate 73.9%
Tuition $9,717
Enrollment 38,380
View Full Profile →
B+

University of St Thomas

Houston, TX
#476.0
Completion B+
Affordability B
Support B-
Career B
University of St Thomas is a private nonprofit institution with a mid-sized student body with a 69% graduation rate. Graduates report median earnings of $49,971 six years after enrollment. It earns an overall grade of B+ and ranks #476 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Net Price $19,359
Grad Rate 68.8%
6-Yr Earnings $49,971
Retention Rate 77.7%
Student-Faculty 16.0:1
Acceptance Rate 89.9%
Tuition $34,634
Enrollment 3,220
View Full Profile →
B

University of Houston-Clear Lake

Houston, TX
#714.0
Completion B-
Affordability B+
Support B-
Career B
University of Houston-Clear Lake is a public institution with a mid-sized student body with a 52% graduation rate. Graduates report median earnings of $52,098 six years after enrollment. It earns an overall grade of B and ranks #714 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Net Price $15,563
Grad Rate 51.6%
6-Yr Earnings $52,098
Retention Rate 74.4%
Student-Faculty 15.0:1
Acceptance Rate 90.5%
Tuition $7,770
Enrollment 6,078
View Full Profile →
B-

Houston Christian University

Houston, TX
#1088.0
Completion B-
Affordability B+
Support C+
Career B
Houston Christian University is a private nonprofit institution with a mid-sized student body. Graduates report median earnings of $44,595 six years after enrollment. It earns an overall grade of B- and ranks #1088 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Net Price $20,629
Grad Rate 49.1%
6-Yr Earnings $44,595
Retention Rate 69.3%
Student-Faculty 18.0:1
Acceptance Rate 84.4%
Tuition $39,430
Enrollment 2,886
View Full Profile →
B-

University of Houston-Downtown

Houston, TX
#1115.0
Completion C
Affordability A
Support C+
Career B
University of Houston-Downtown is a public institution with a large, diverse student population. Graduates report median earnings of $49,120 six years after enrollment. It earns an overall grade of B- and ranks #1115 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Net Price $10,542
Grad Rate 33.2%
6-Yr Earnings $49,120
Retention Rate 67.1%
Student-Faculty 18.0:1
Acceptance Rate 90.0%
Tuition $7,708
Enrollment 12,555
View Full Profile →

How We Rank Colleges in Houston, TX

EDsmart's 2026 model weights four pillars equally—Completion, Affordability, Support, and Career Outcomes—using federal College Scorecard metrics. Letter grades and the 0-100 EDsmart Score are cohort-relative (each school vs. the full national ranked pool), not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.

Data Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2025–26 institution data, June 10, 2026 release). Learn more about our methodology →

Citation: EDsmart rankings (methodology); school data from U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What colleges are in Houston, TX?

Houston, TX has 13 colleges and universities in this EDsmart ranking, including Rice University.

How many colleges are in Houston, TX?

Houston, TX has 13 colleges and universities in this EDsmart ranking.

What is the best college in Houston, TX?

The top-ranked college in Houston, TX in our 2026 rankings is Rice University.

What are the best universities in Houston, TX?

The best universities in Houston, TX are led by Rice University. Use the ranked list on this page to compare tuition, acceptance rates, graduation rates, and earnings.

How does EDsmart rank colleges?

EDsmart ranks colleges on four pillars—completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes—using standardized federal data. Grades and scores are cohort-relative to all ranked schools (including the 0-100 EDsmart Score index). See our full methodology.

Where does the data come from?

School data comes from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. EDsmart applies its own ranking methodology to produce grades and ranks.

How to Choose the Right College in Houston, TX

Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions you'll make. For students considering Houston, TX, there are 13 colleges and universities to choose from, each offering unique programs, campus cultures, and career outcomes. Learn how EDsmart ranks colleges by completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.

What to Look for in Colleges in Houston, TX

When evaluating colleges in Houston, TX, consider these key factors:

Types of Colleges and Universities in Houston, TX

Houston, TX offers a diverse range of higher education options:

Comparing Colleges and Universities in Houston, TX

Students often compare schools in Houston, TX on graduation rate, net price after aid, acceptance rate, and median earnings after graduation. The ranked list above shows all 13 local options on the same EDsmart scale so you can weigh affordability against outcomes.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Colleges in Houston, TX

Many colleges in Houston, TX offer financial aid packages that can significantly reduce the cost of attendance. Be sure to:

Next Steps for Choosing a College in Houston, TX

Once you've reviewed our rankings of colleges in Houston, TX:

Remember: The best college for you depends on your academic interests, career goals, financial situation, and personal preferences. Use our rankings methodology as a starting point, then dive deeper into the schools that interest you most. Each college in Houston, TX offers unique opportunities—find the one that aligns with your goals.

Schools Near Houston, TX

Top-ranked colleges and universities in nearby cities in TX.

Grace School of Theology

The Woodlands, TX
ZIP 77381
Rank #42.0 Grade A+ Net Price $11,881 Grad Rate 100.0%

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX
ZIP 78705
Rank #61.0 Grade A Net Price $19,857 Grad Rate 88.9%

Criswell College

Dallas, TX
ZIP 75246
Rank #90.0 Grade A Net Price $21,630 Grad Rate 50.0%

Trinity University

San Antonio, TX
ZIP 78212
Rank #96.0 Grade A Net Price $23,464 Grad Rate 84.0%

Nearby Cities

Colleges and universities in other cities in TX.