Key Takeaways
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Rising among public universities: University of Houston climbed to No. 67 among public universities nationwide in U.S. News & World Report’s latest Best Colleges rankings and remains the No. 4 public university in Texas.
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Student success is improving: UH’s first-year retention rate increased to 87%, its six-year graduation rate rose to 66% and the graduation rate for students receiving federal Pell Grant increased to 64%.
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Growing national and global recognition: Latest ranking adds to a year of growing recognition for UH, with strong showings in U.S. News’ Best Global Universities and Best Graduate Schools and a significant jump in the Global University Visibility rankings.
The University of Houston ranked No. 67 among public universities nationwide and No. 4 among Texas public universities in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, continuing UH’s rise toward its goal of becoming a Top 50 public university.
The rise comes as UH posted gains in several measures of student success. The university’s first-year retention rate increased to 87%, its six-year graduation rate climbed to 66%, and the graduation rate for students receiving federal Pell Grants rose to 64%.
“I’m incredibly grateful for our faculty and staff who keep moving the needle to elevate our students’ success. Together, we’ve risen in the rankings, and each move reflects our steady trajectory as a nationally recognized, Tier One university. Most significantly, it demonstrates our dedication to academic excellence and the communities we serve.”
Renu Khator
UH President
Gains in Student Success, Strength Across Key Rankings
Once again, UH ranked among the nation’s Top 50 universities for social mobility at No. 40, highlighting the University’s success in expanding opportunity and helping students earn their degrees. The University earned Top 100 rankings in several other key categories, including Most Innovative Schools (No. 65), Best Value Schools (No. 78) and Best Colleges for Veterans (No. 96).
UH also ranked among the nation’s Top 100 universities — No. 96 nationally — for the reach and impact of its research publications and citations.
Research impact and student outcomes, including graduation and retention rates, account for more than half of the U.S. News ranking methodology.
Building National and Global Recognition
As UH approaches its centennial next year, the rankings add to the momentum and growing recognition for the University nationally and around the world.
Earlier this year, UH ranked No. 52 among public research universities nationwide in the U.S. News Best Global Universities rankings. UH also placed 19 programs in the Top 50 of U.S. News’ Best Graduate Schools rankings, including four in the Top 10.