Houston, TX, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Rice University and the University of Houston have gained recognition in The Princeton Review’s prestigious ‘Best Colleges’ guide. The guide, based on surveys from around 170,000 students, highlights their excellence in academics, campus life, and extracurricular activities. Rice University is noted for its innovative programs and top-ranking student newspaper, while the University of Houston boasts the number one undergraduate entrepreneurship program. Both institutions have demonstrated remarkable improvements in national rankings, solidifying their status as leading educational institutions in the region.
Houston Recognized with Best Colleges Honors for 2026
Houston, TX – Rice University and the University of Houston have both been included in The Princeton Review’s “The Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition”, a notable guide released on August 12 that ranks universities based on comprehensive surveys of around 170,000 current students. This prestigious list acknowledges institutions for their excellence in various criteria, including academics, administration, quality of life, campus life, and extracurricular activities.
Neither Rice University nor the University of Houston paid for inclusion in this guide, although they could have opted for a “featured” designation. Despite this, both schools have established themselves as leaders in the educational field with significant accolades.
Highlights for Rice University
Rice University, known as Houston’s most prestigious private institution, not only appears on the overall best colleges list but also features in the regional “Best Southwest” list, the “Best Value Colleges” list, and the “Colleges That Create Futures” list. Students at Rice have praised the university for its commitment to academic integrity and innovative evaluation methods, such as creating scientific podcasts or delivering TED Talks instead of conventional essays.
In addition, Rice University’s student newspaper has been recognized as the 7th best in the nation. The university also boasts the 10th best college dorms in the U.S. and ranks 9th for its financial aid program. Furthermore, Rice received accolades in the latest global university rankings and has been noted for the strength of its MBA program in The Princeton Review’s 2025 best business schools list.
University of Houston Achievements
On the other hand, the University of Houston has also earned recognition by appearing on several lists, such as the “Best Value Colleges”, “Best Southwest”, “Green Colleges”, and “Colleges That Create Futures”. Particularly noteworthy is the university’s undergraduate entrepreneurship program, which holds the title of being the number 1 program in the nation, providing exceptional value for both in-state and out-of-state students.
The University of Houston is ranked as Texas’ 4th highest university, placing No. 80 in the U.S. and No. 556 globally. This marks an impressive improvement of nearly 100 spots from the previous year, emphasizing the university’s growing stature in the educational landscape.
Increasing Recognition
Both Rice University and the University of Houston have demonstrated remarkable advancements this year, receiving enhanced recognition in regional, national, and international rankings. The consistent accolades reflect their commitment to offering quality education and fostering a positive campus environment for students.
As these institutions continue to grow and innovate, they are likely to attract even more recognition in the years ahead, solidifying their positions as top choices for prospective university students.
FAQs
What is The Princeton Review’s “Best Colleges” list?
The Princeton Review’s “Best Colleges” list is an annual guide that ranks universities based on feedback from about 170,000 students, covering a wide range of topics from campus life to academic quality.
How are universities selected for this list?
Universities do not pay for inclusion in the list. They are selected based on survey responses that assess various aspects of the school experience.
What are some accolades received by Rice University?
Rice University is noted for its innovative academic programs, high-ranking student newspaper, quality of dorms, and financial aid program and has been included in several prestigious lists.
What is unique about the University of Houston’s entrepreneurship program?
The University of Houston has the top-ranked undergraduate entrepreneurship program in the nation, providing students with valuable resources and opportunities in this field.
How have both institutions improved in rankings recently?
Both schools have seen significant improvements in various rankings for this year, indicating their rising status in education at national and international levels.
Key Features Summary
| University | Recognition | Accolades | Rankings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice University | Best 391 Colleges, Best Southwest, Best Value Colleges | 7th best student newspaper, 10th best dorms, 9th in financial aid | Top universities globally, high MBA program rankings |
| University of Houston | Best Value Colleges, Best Southwest, Green Colleges | Number 1 entrepreneurship program | 4th in Texas, No. 80 in the U.S., No. 556 globally |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Southwestern University Recognized in The Princeton Review
Cedar Park Recognized as One of the Best Places to Live in the U.S.
Texas Woman’s University Receives Historic Donation
North Carolina Overtakes Texas in Business Rankings
Vance and Leor: The Dynamic Entrepreneurs of Austin
Security Alert Resolved at Georgia Southwestern University
Best Schools for Families in Texas Cities
Small Business Confidence Takes a Hit in Houston
Texas Business Tax Relief Proposal Gains Momentum
Southwestern College Baseball Celebrates Coach Jay Martel’s 200 Wins
Additional Resources
- CultureMap: Princeton Review – Best Colleges in Houston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rice University
- InnovationMap: QS World University Rankings 2026
- ABC13: Rice University Named Among World’s Best Schools 2026
- Houston Chronicle: Rice University QS Rankings
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson 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 the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
