The University of Houston (UH) is celebrating another milestone in national recognition, moving up in Forbes’ 2026 list of America’s Top Colleges. UH now ranks No. 43 among public universities across the country. Overall, the university climbed eight spots to No. 107 among all U.S. institutions and advanced to No. 78 among research universities, improving from last year’s No. 85.
“This acknowledgment from Forbes reflects UH’s growing stature on the national stage,” a university representative said. “It demonstrates our commitment to student success, academic quality, and ensuring opportunities for students from every background.”
Forbes evaluates 500 of the nation’s leading universities based on key factors like student debt, graduation rates, alumni earnings, return on investment, and retention. UH’s jump in the rankings showcases progress across these areas:
- Higher Graduation Rates – Six-year graduation rate at 65%, above both state and national averages.
- Faster Degree Completion – Students now graduate in an average of 4.7 years, compared to 5.6 years in 2011, saving money and entering careers sooner.
- Equity in Success – Students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including Pell Grant recipients, graduate at nearly the same rate as their peers.
- Lower Debt Burden – UH students graduate with the lowest average student loan debt among Texas Tier One universities.
This recognition adds to UH’s growing list of national achievements. Earlier in 2025, the university was ranked No. 42 in The Princeton Review’s “Best Value Colleges” for its balance of affordability, academic excellence, and career outcomes. Similarly, U.S. News & World Report places UH among the Top 75 universities nationally and ranks it No. 36 for social mobility, highlighting UH’s impact on students moving up the economic ladder.
The Forbes honor further aligns with UH’s long-term vision of breaking into the Top 50 public universities in the U.S. News rankings.
About the University of Houston
The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university, serving more than 47,000 students. Renowned for academic excellence, innovation, and community impact, UH continues to shape leaders and fuel economic growth across Texas and beyond.
