News Summary

Texas universities have achieved remarkable success in the recent U.S. News & World Report college rankings, with Rice University ranking No. 17 nationally. The University of Houston has made significant progress, climbing to No. 132 overall and is recognized for its commitment to social mobility. Additionally, the University of St. Thomas has been highlighted for its excellent support for students from diverse backgrounds. Together, these institutions are proudly representing Texas in the competitive educational landscape.

Exciting College Rankings for Texas Universities!

Hey there, folks! If you’re in Houston, it’s time to celebrate because our local universities have made some impressive strides in the latest college rankings! The U.S. News & World Report just released its 2026 Best Colleges rankings, and we’ve got some exciting news to share.

Rice University Holds Texas Reign

First up, we’ve got Rice University, which continues to shine bright in the national spotlight. It has ranked No. 17 in the nation, solidifying its position as the top university in Texas. Not only that, but Rice also snagged impressive spots for Best Value Schools at No. 5 and No. 8 in Undergraduate Teaching. Excitingly, it climbed up 14 positions to reach No. 15 in the “Most Innovative Schools” category—a true testament to its cutting-edge programs!

University of Houston on the Rise

Now, let’s talk about the University of Houston (UH). This year, UH jumped an impressive 12 places to reach No. 132 in the overall national rankings. Even better, it now ranks No. 68 among public universities. The folks at UH are pushing hard to break into the top 50, and with steady tuition rates, they are making education more accessible for students. Contributing to this initiative is the Cougar Promise program, which allows undergraduates from families earning $65,000 or less to pay no tuition. If a family earns up to $125,000, discounts are guaranteed, ensuring affordability for many students.

Record Enrollment and Social Mobility

This year has been monumental for UH, as it welcomed a record enrollment of 48,972 students, marking the largest freshman class ever! The university also received a social mobility ranking of No. 40, indicating its commitment to helping students from diverse backgrounds succeed. Texas is proud to have three Houston universities—Rice, University of Houston, and the University of St. Thomas—making the top 200 in the national rankings!

University of St. Thomas Making Waves

Speaking of the University of St. Thomas, it’s shining bright too! It holds the title of No. 1 in Texas for social mobility and ranks No. 8 overall in that category. With approximately 80% of its undergraduate students receiving financial aid and over one-third being Pell Grant eligible, UST is dedicated to opening doors for its students, making higher education a reality for many.

Texas Universities Stand Out Nationally

We’re proud to mention that Texas boasts 11 universities in the overall top 200 rankings. In the grand scheme of things, the top three universities in the nation are Princeton University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University. But we know that Texas universities have something special to offer!

Final Thoughts on Rankings

While many look to these U.S. News rankings for guidance when choosing colleges, it’s important to remember that they analyze nearly 1,700 institutions using 17 indicators of academic quality and student success. This method can stir up some debates since it raises questions about what truly defines a great college experience.

So, whether you’re a prospective student, a student, or just a proud Texan, take this news in stride! With Rice University planting its flag at the top and the University of Houston on the rise, the educational landscape in Texas is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Let’s continue cheering on our universities as they pave the way for promising futures!

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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

Texas Universities Shine in Latest National Rankings