News Summary
Houston’s Rice University and The University of Houston have garnered significant recognition in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Rice ranks No. 119 globally, making notable improvements. Meanwhile, The University of Houston has climbed to No. 556. Texas universities, including the University of Texas at Austin, which ranks No. 68, showcase the state’s strength in higher education. These rankings underscore the academic excellence and contributions of Texas institutions on the global stage.
Houston Universities Excel in Global Rankings
Houston, Texas – Two prominent universities from Houston, Rice University and The University of Houston, have achieved significant recognition in the recently released QS World University Rankings 2026. Rice University is ranked No. 119 globally, while the University of Houston has climbed to No. 556 worldwide.
In the rankings, the University of Texas at Austin stands out as the highest-ranked institution in Texas, coming in at No. 68 on a global scale. Following closely is Texas A&M University, which is ranked No. 144 internationally.
Understanding the Ranking Criteria
The QS World University Rankings are considered one of the most reliable assessments of educational institutions worldwide. The rankings are based on several key criteria including academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, faculty research, and international research. These diverse measures ensure a holistic evaluation of a university’s quality and performance.
Global Context and Competition
In the broader context, the best university in the world continues to be the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), followed by prestigious institutions such as Imperial College London, Stanford University, University of Oxford, and Harvard University. Overall, Texas is represented by 12 universities in this year’s rankings, showcasing the state’s strong educational presence.
Significant Advances for Texas Universities
Rice University has made impressive strides, elevating its rank from No. 141 last year to its current position at No. 119. In addition, it boasts a remarkable first-year retention rate of 98% and a graduation rate of 96%. The annual cost for tuition and fees at Rice amounts to $60,709, with an acceptance rate of just 8%. Furthermore, Rice University’s Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business has achieved recognition as the No. 2 graduate program in Texas.
The University of Houston has also experienced a significant improvement in its rankings, moving up approximately 100 spots globally to reach No. 80 in the United States. Despite this rise, the University of Houston ranks No. 8 in Texas according to the U.S. News rankings, but has fallen to No. 144 nationally. Meanwhile, the University of St. Thomas in Texas comes in at No. 9 in Texas and No. 209 nationally for 2025.
Recognition of Academic Excellence
Rice University has maintained a strong standing in various rankings, having been awarded the No. 1 spot in Texas in the U.S. News & World Report’s ‘Best Colleges’ ranking for 2025. Moreover, it secured the No. 9 position by Forbes in its list of best colleges for the 2024-2025 academic year, further establishing its reputation as a leading educational institution in Texas and beyond.
Conclusion
The QS World University Rankings 2026 highlight the impressive academic contributions and advancements of Texas universities on a global scale. With Rice University and the University of Houston making notable gains, the state continues to affirm its presence as a hub for higher education.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas Launches Quantum Initiative for Technological Advancement
Houston’s Former Chevron Data Center Available for Sale or Lease
Houston’s Men’s Basketball Achieves $6.1 Billion Advertising Value
Fort Worth Celebrates Economic Growth with New Bills
Kinder’s Texas Bowl Celebrates 20th Anniversary with New Sponsor
University of Houston Joins $20.5 Million Revenue-Sharing Program
Texas Dreamers Face Major Changes to In-State Tuition
Texas Southern University Athletic VP Faces Sexual Assault Allegations
Texas Legislative Session Concludes with Significant Bills Passed
Impact of Visa Revocations on International Students in Texas
Additional Resources
