Houston, Texas, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Rice University and the University of Houston have been recognized in The Princeton Review’s ‘The Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition.’ This guide highlights universities based on surveys from approximately 170,000 current students across key categories such as academics and student life. Rice has received accolades for its innovative educational practices and strong support systems, while the University of Houston excels in affordability and entrepreneurship. Both institutions reflect a commitment to academic excellence in Houston, Texas.
Houston, Texas – Rice University and the University of Houston have been recognized in The Princeton Review’s “The Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition,” which was released on August 12, 2025. This prestigious guide ranks universities based on a comprehensive survey of approximately 170,000 current college students, evaluating them across 50 categories including academics, administration, student quality of life, campus life, extracurricular opportunities, and social environment.
While The Princeton Review does not provide an overall numerical ranking for the schools, it features the top 25 institutions in each category. Importantly, inclusion in this guide does not require a fee, although schools have the option to pay for a “featured” designation; neither Rice nor the University of Houston chose this option.
Rice University has made notable appearances in several key categories. It is listed in the overall “Best Colleges” among the 391 featured schools, and also appears in the “Best Southwest,” “Best Value Colleges,” and “Colleges That Create Futures” lists. Students at Rice laud the university for its exceptional quality and integrity in academics. Innovative pedagogical approaches, such as allowing students to create scientific podcasts as an alternative to traditional final exams, underscore Rice’s commitment to progressive education.
Furthermore, Rice claims the 7th best college newspaper nationally and ranks 10th in quality of college dorms and overall quality of life among U.S. institutions. In terms of financial aid, Rice is recognized as having the 9th best support system in the country. Beyond national rankings, Rice University has also received accolades in global university rankings and its MBA program performed exceptionally well in The Princeton Review’s best business schools list for 2025.
University of Houston also stands out in the Princeton Review’s recognition, appearing in the “Best Value Colleges,” “Best Southwest,” “Green Colleges,” and “Colleges That Create Futures” lists. Among its notable achievements, the University of Houston boasts the nation’s top undergraduate entrepreneurship program. Students emphasize the affordability of their education when considering the quality of the programs available. Many students express satisfaction with the continuous improvements to the university’s value and feel that their degrees appreciate over time in alignment with the university’s growth.
Both universities reflect a commitment to academic excellence and student satisfaction, contributing positively to the educational landscape in Houston. They demonstrate that quality education continues to be accessible and student-centered, effectively balancing affordability with high academic standards.
Background Context
The Princeton Review, an education services company known for its test prep courses, tutoring, and college admission services, releases annual rankings of colleges and universities across various categories. The methodology behind the rankings involves comprehensive surveys of currently enrolled students, allowing prospective students to gain insights into the real experiences of current attendees. This qualitative approach gives transparency to educational choices and enhances informed decision-making for college-bound students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What criteria were used to rank the universities?
The rankings are based on a survey of around 170,000 students across various factors including academics, administration, student quality of life, campus life, and extracurricular opportunities.
Are schools required to pay to be featured in the Princeton Review’s guide?
No, schools are not required to pay for inclusion in the guide, although they have the option to pay for a “featured” designation.
What are some unique educational practices at Rice University?
Rice University has adopted innovative assessments such as the ability for students to create scientific podcasts in place of more traditional final exams.
What are some of the accolades received by the University of Houston?
The University of Houston has been recognized for having the top undergraduate entrepreneurship program in the nation and features in several national rankings related to value, sustainability, and future readiness.
Key Features
| University | Key Accolades | Relevant Rankings |
|---|---|---|
| Rice University |
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| University of Houston |
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Additional Resources
- Innovation Map: Princeton Review – Rice University
- KHOU: America’s Top Colleges List – Texas
- Houston Chronicle: Rice in Forbes Rankings
- Chron: Texas Colleges – Forbes 2026 Rankings
- Wikipedia: Rice University
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