Rice University campus, representing academic excellence.
Rice University and the University of Houston have made significant strides in the QS World University Rankings 2026, establishing themselves among the top universities globally. Rice ranked 29th in the U.S. and 119th globally, while the University of Houston climbed to 80th in the U.S. and 556th worldwide. These rankings reflect their commitment to academic excellence and innovation, showcasing Texas as a hub for higher education. Twelve Texas universities were featured in the rankings, including the University of Texas at Austin, highlighting the state’s strong educational landscape.
Houston, Texas — Rice University and the University of Houston have achieved notable rankings in the QS World University Rankings 2026, placing them among the top universities in the world. Both institutions are included in a distinguished selection that features over 1,500 universities globally, highlighting their commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
In the latest QS rankings, Rice University is recognized as the second-highest ranked university in Texas, securing the 29th position in the United States and climbing to 119th globally, a significant improvement from last year’s 141st ranking. The University of Houston follows closely, ranked as the fourth university in Texas, now positioned at 80th in the U.S. and 556th worldwide, reflecting an impressive leap of approximately 100 spots from the previous year.
The rankings are compiled by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds), a renowned provider of higher education data and analytics based in London. These rankings evaluate universities based on multiple factors, including academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, faculty research, and various elements of international research and student and faculty diversity.
In total, twelve universities from Texas are featured in the QS World University Rankings 2026, showcasing the state’s strong educational landscape. The University of Texas at Austin leads as the highest-ranked university in Texas, placing 20th in the U.S. and 68th globally. This achievement underscores Texas’ position as a hub for higher education.
The QS World University Rankings report emphasizes that while U.S. higher education continues to hold a premier status globally, it is increasingly contending with the rise of educational systems from other countries. Over the last decade, the number of American universities in the world’s top 100 has decreased from 32 to 26, suggesting a shift in the global academic landscape.
Rice University’s prestigious rankings extend beyond the QS listings. In the previous year, it was featured in the top-15 national rankings by Niche.com and Forbes. Furthermore, in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 rankings, Rice claimed the number one spot in Texas. The University of Houston also performed well in that report, attaining the 8th position in the state.
Additionally, Baylor College of Medicine has garnered accolades as the best medical school for research per U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 list, further solidifying Texas’ reputation for outstanding higher education performance.
The QS rankings included 192 U.S. universities, marking the United States as the most represented country in the list. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) secured the top global ranking in the QS World University Rankings 2026, illustrating the competitive nature of higher education worldwide.
Overall, the rankings of Rice University and the University of Houston reflect their commitment to excellence in education, research, and student success. Their advancements in the QS World University Rankings 2026 not only highlight their achievements but also contribute to Texas’ strong presence in the realm of higher education on a global scale.
Houston Universities Stand Out in Global Rankings
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