News Summary
Rice University and the University of Houston have both earned spots on The Princeton Review’s annual list of the best colleges, highlighting the exceptional educational opportunities in Houston. Rice University is praised for its innovative teaching methods and strong financial aid offerings, while the University of Houston receives accolades for its value and top undergraduate entrepreneurship program. Together, these institutions exemplify the rich academic landscape of Houston and its commitment to student success.
Houston’s Educational Pride Shines Bright
This year, The Princeton Review has rolled out its annual list of “The Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition,” and we have some wonderful news for our city! Rice University and the University of Houston have made the cut, showcasing the fantastic educational opportunities right in our backyard.
Survey Savvy
The rankings are based on surveys that consider the feedback of around 170,000 current college students. That’s a whole lot of voices! The survey dives into 50 different categories, giving a real snapshot of student life. From academics and administration to extracurricular activities and campus life, these surveys pull no punches in determining what makes each university a unique learning environment.
Top Honors for Rice
Let’s start with Rice University, which continues to prove why it’s often dubbed the Ivy League of the South. The school shines brightly in multiple areas, demonstrating its commitment to academic integrity and unsettling the traditional educational norm. For instance, students can earn their grades by crafting a scientific podcast or presenting a TED Talk instead of the usual final exam or conventional essays.
In fact, Rice scored high with the 7th best college newspaper and an impressive 10th place for both college dorms and overall quality of life. The financial aid department also deserves a shout-out, as it ranks 9th in the country, making education more accessible for everyone. With an average grant aid of $53,526, students leave with an average debt of only $10,083. Quite a deal when you consider the total cost of attending is around $78,278 a year!
Rice’s Global Presence
On top of that, Rice has recently gained recognition in the world university list and a commendation for its MBA program. The small but mighty school boasts over 50 undergraduate majors and maintains an impressive 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Interestingly, Rice has a rich history with NASA, with 16 alumni and faculty members having served as astronauts or in administration roles. Talk about reaching for the stars!
University of Houston’s Multifaceted Recognition
Now, let’s pivot to the University of Houston. This institution is making waves too, earning accolades in several categories including “Best Value Colleges,” “Best Southwest,” and even “Green Colleges.” With the No. 1 undergraduate entrepreneurship program in the nation, it’s clear that UH is dedicated to fostering innovation and business savvy in its students.
What makes UH even more appealing is its affordability paired with quality education. The school is continuously improving, ensuring that the value of a degree only goes up over time. With an increasing focus on real-world experience and robust academic programs, students are finding that attending UH leads to a promising future.
Texas Rankings
As if that weren’t enough, Rice University is honored as the top university in Texas, placing 12th in a recent college ranking for its incredible return on investment. Meanwhile, the University of Texas at Austin comes in 46th, Texas A&M University is at 61st, and Trinity University is 82nd in the same ranking. Texas really does have some impressive educational offerings!
Conclusion
As we celebrate the educational achievements of Rice University and the University of Houston, it’s important to remember that these recognitions highlight the amazing opportunities available right here in Houston. Whether you’re considering continuing education or just interested in the growth of our city, there’s no doubt that both of these universities are paving the way for future innovation and success.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- InnovationMap: Princeton Review and Rice University
- Wikipedia: Rice University
- Statesman: Best Colleges in Texas
- Google Search: University of Houston
- CultureMap: Rice University Forbes Top Colleges
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education in the United States
- Longhorns Wire: Top FBS Schools in Texas
- Google News: College Rankings 2026
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.
