News Summary
Texas continues to excel in higher education, with 23 colleges recognized in Forbes’ 2024 list of the top 500 colleges in the U.S. Rice University leads at No. 12, showcasing impressive metrics like a 96% graduation rate and low student debt. Other notable institutions include the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University, reflecting Texas’ robust educational framework. The rankings emphasize job placement rates, graduation statistics, and financial aid opportunities, aiding prospective students in making informed decisions about their academic futures.
Houston – Texas colleges have garnered significant recognition in Forbes’ 2024 list of the top 500 colleges in the United States, with a total of 23 institutions making the rankings. Leading the pack is Rice University, which is ranked No. 12 nationally, demonstrating exceptional performance in key metrics like graduate job placement, debt levels, and graduation rates.
Rice University stands out with a remarkable on-time graduation rate of 96% and an average student debt of just $10,083. Graduates from Rice report an early career median salary of $90,000, which can increase to $150,000 after 20 years. These figures are part of what contributed to Rice’s high ranking on this prestigious list.
Following Rice, the University of Texas at Austin ranks at No. 46, maintaining its position among the top public universities in the state. Other notable Texas institutions and their respective rankings include:
- Texas A&M University: No. 61
- Trinity University: No. 82
- Southern Methodist University: No. 103
- University of Houston: No. 107
- Texas Christian University: No. 120
- University of Texas, Dallas: No. 141
- Texas Tech University: No. 161
- Baylor University: No. 188
- University of North Texas: No. 238
- University of Texas at Arlington: No. 246
- St. Edward’s University: No. 293
- University of Texas at San Antonio: No. 300
- Southwestern University: No. 304
- University of Houston, Clear Lake: No. 342
- University of St. Thomas: No. 354
- University of Texas at El Paso: No. 359
- Texas State University: No. 408
- Austin College: No. 419
- University of Dallas: No. 422
- Abilene Christian University: No. 437
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley: No. 449
Forbes’ rankings are based on various criteria, including the number of students securing high-paying jobs soon after graduation, levels of student debt, and graduation rates, particularly emphasizing on-time completion. This analysis allows prospective students to gauge the return on investment and potential outcomes associated with attending different institutions.
The total annual tuition and housing costs at Rice University amount to $91,000, though 57% of students receive financial aid, underlining the institution’s commitment to accessibility. Students from families earning up to $150,000 may qualify for free tuition, and the average grant aid awarded at Rice is $53,526.
In addition to Forbes’ rankings, other platforms also recognize the caliber of Texas institutions. For instance, Niche ranks Rice University at No. 10 and the University of Texas at Austin at No. 41 in its own top 100 list, emphasizing metrics such as academics, value, and student experience.
The top five colleges nationally, according to Forbes, include prestigious institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Columbia University, Princeton University, Stanford University, and the University of California, Berkeley, setting a high standard for educational excellence.
This recognition of Texas colleges highlights the state’s strong educational framework and reinforces the reputation of its institutions on a national scale, serving prospective students seeking robust educational opportunities that lead to successful careers.
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Additional Resources
- KHOU: America’s Top Colleges List
- Houston Chronicle: Rice in Forbes Rankings
- InnovationMap: Rice University Rankings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University
- Google Search: Top Colleges in Texas
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris 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 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
