October 21, 2025

Rice University Ranks Top in Texas by WalletHub

News Summary

Rice University has been recognized as the leading institution in Texas and is ranked ninth nationally in WalletHub’s Best Colleges and Universities 2026. The analysis examined nearly 800 schools based on categories including student selectivity, cost, campus experience, and career outcomes. Rice University excelled particularly in education outcomes and career outcomes, showcasing its commitment to student success. Other Texas universities like the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M International University also received notable mentions for their educational achievements and affordability.

Houston, Texas – Rice University has been recognized as the top institution in Texas and ranked ninth nationally in WalletHub’s Best Colleges and Universities 2026 with a score of 77.45. The university is second only to Princeton University, which leads the national rankings with a score of 79.66, followed notably by Harvard in second place.

WalletHub’s analysis compared nearly 800 schools across seven important categories, which included student selectivity, cost, campus experience, and career outcomes. Rice University achieved commendable scores particularly in education outcomes, securing the 12th position nationally, and in career outcomes, where it ranked 26th. Education outcomes take into account metrics such as retention rates, graduation rates, and the credentials awarded per undergraduate enrollment. Meanwhile, career outcomes are evaluated based on the percentage of graduates who find full-time employment within six months and their median salaries.

In addition to Rice University’s placement, the University of Texas at Austin was positioned 63rd nationally for education outcomes and 118th for career outcomes among the WalletHub rankings. Texas A&M International University achieved notable recognition, earning the top national rank for affordability and financing, based on factors like employment availability for students and levels of student loan debt.

While the University of the Incarnate Word and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley did not break into the top 500 overall rankings, they were highlighted for their impressive standing in terms of the lowest student loan debt, with UIW ranked first and UTRGV third nationally. Conversely, Texas Christian University and Baylor University appeared among the top five for the highest student loan debt.

WalletHub’s comprehensive analysis has highlighted significant trends within higher education institutions, emphasizing the critical nature of choosing the right college amidst increasing costs associated with higher education. The University of Texas at Austin showcased its educational strengths with 24 undergraduate programs ranking within the top 10 of their respective categories.

Rice University has gained accolades not only in the WalletHub rankings but was also recognized by the U.S. News & World Report as the leading university in Texas for 2026, with the University of Texas at Austin closely following behind. The president of Rice affiliated these achievements with a strong commitment to student success, while UT-Austin emphasized its dedication to maintaining academic excellence.

The University of Houston showed improvement by climbing 12 spots to rank 132nd nationally and securing the 68th position among public universities. Additionally, the University of St. Thomas was recognized for its efforts in enhancing social mobility, placing 8th nationally.

Overall, the higher education landscape in Texas displays a wide range of capabilities among institutions, revealing a competitive environment where universities strive for excellence across various educational categories. This recognition reflects the commitment of Texas institutions to improve educational outcomes and prepare students for successful careers while navigating the financial complexities of higher education.

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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX 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.

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