Top Universities & Colleges in Houston: Top Universities, Courses, Cost, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

Are you trying to find a university in Houston? If so, then you're at the right place. You can attend excellent universities in Houston, a significant Texas city. The city is home to many universities that offer a wide range of options and programs. Whatever field of study you decide to pursue—business, the arts, or science—there is a university in Houston that can help you achieve your objectives. Continue reading to learn more about Houston's public universities and the opportunities that await you.

Top Universities in the Houston

Here is a list of the best universities hosted by Houston. 

Rice University

Rice University, which has a 300-acre campus in Houston bordered by trees, is among the top 10 colleges in Houston for international students. 

QS Ranking	=145
Average course duration:	2-4 years
Courses offered	Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs
Average fees	Tuition and fees vary by program and year; check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Location	Houston, Texas, USA

University of Houston

The University of Houston was founded in 1927. Due to globally recognized educational initiatives, cutting-edge research facilities, first-rate libraries, and cutting-edge infrastructure, Cougars have access to the learning materials they need to excel. It is among the top 10 colleges in Houston for international students.

QS Ranking	641-650
Average course duration:	2-4 years
Courses offered	Undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various fields
Average fees	Tuition and fees can vary by program, residency status, and year; visit the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Location	Houston, Texas, USA

University of St. Thomas

The University of St. Thomas offers business, engineering, and law graduate programs. Additionally, it offers more than 150 undergraduate major and minor programs. It is among the top 10 colleges in Houston for international students.

Ranking	Ranked 137 among the best national universities by US News
Average course duration:	2-4 years
Courses offered	Offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs with a focus on liberal arts and sciences
Average fees	Tuition and fees can vary by program, level of study, and year; for the most current fee information, it's best to check their official website.
Location	Houston, Texas, USA

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Texas' premier center for patient care innovation, education, and scientific research is UTHealth Houston. One of the country's most comprehensive academic health centers, UTHealth Houston, has been around for fifty years. It is among the top 10 colleges in Houston for international students.

Ranking	Ranked 269 in Best Global Universities by US News
Average course duration:	2-4 years
Courses offered	Offers a wide range of health-related programs, including medical, dental, nursing, public health, and various research-focused disciplines
Average fees	Tuition and fees vary significantly by program, level of study, and residency status; check the official website for the most up-to-date fee information.
Location	Houston, Texas, USA

Baylor College of Medicine

An institution dedicated to studying health sciences, Baylor College of Medicine advances knowledge. It applies scientific findings to local and international healthcare, education, and community service.

Ranking	22 in Best Medical Schools.
Average course duration:	2-4 years.
Courses offered:	It offers undergraduate, diploma, summer programs, etc.
Average fees:	Tuition and fees vary significantly by program, level of study, and residency status; check the official website for the most up-to-date fee information.
Location	Houston, Texas, USA

Texas Southern University

One of the biggest historically black universities in the country, Texas Southern University is situated on a vast 150-acre campus.

Ranking	331-440 in National Universities
Average course duration:	2-4 years.
Courses offered	Offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
Average fees	Tuition and fees vary significantly by program, level of study, and residency status; check the official website for the most up-to-date fee information.
Location	Houston, Texas, USA

College of Biblical Studies

College of Biblical Studies (CBS) is a multi-ethnic institution dedicated to educating and preparing a diverse student body to make a difference for Christ.

Ranking	N/A
Average course duration:	2-4 years.
Courses offered:	Offers bachelors, dual credit program, bible certificate programs, etc
Average fees	Tuition and fees vary significantly by program, level of study, and residency status; check the official website for the most up-to-date fee information.
Location	Houston, Texas, USA

South Texas College of Law

In Houston, Texas, there is a private law institution called South Texas College of Law. The American Bar Association has granted its accreditation since its founding in 1923. It is the first law institution to open its doors in Houston.

Ranking	162 in Best Law Schools, US News
Average course duration:	2-4 years.
Courses offered	Offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
Average fees:	Tuition and fees vary significantly by program, level of study, and residency status; check the official website for the most up-to-date fee information.
Location	Houston, Texas, USA

University of Houston-Downtown

Houston, Texas, is home to the public university known as the University of Houston-Downtown. It is the second-largest university in Houston and was founded in 1974. It is one of the best public universities in Houston.

Ranking	78 in Best Colleges, Regional Universities West
Average course duration:	2-4 years.
Courses offered	Offers undergraduate and graduate programs.
Average fees	Tuition and fees vary significantly by program, level of study, and residency status; check the official website for the most up-to-date fee information.
Location	Houston, Texas, USA

North American University

In Stafford, Texas, there is a private university called North American University. It provides baccalaureate degree programs with numerous concentrations in three different disciplines. 

Ranking	N/A
Average course duration:	2-4 years.
Courses offered	Offers undergraduate and graduate programs.
Average fees	Tuition and fees vary significantly by program, level of study, and residency status; check the official website for the most up-to-date fee information.
Location	Houston, Texas, USA

Degree Level Wise Top Universities in the Houston

Top Universities in Houston for UG Programs

Rank	University	Top Courses Offered	Average Fees (Varies by Program)
=145	Rice University	- Economics - Mechanical Engineering - Psychology	$57,210
641-650	University of Houston	- Biology - Computer Science - Business	$10,856
137	University of St. Thomas	- Finance - Nursing - Communications	$49,000
331-440	Texas Southern University	- Criminal Justice - Nursing - Psychology	$21,413
64	Houston Baptist University	- Business - Nursing - Education	$36,750

Best Universities in Houston for Masters

Rank	University	Top Courses Offered	Average Tuition Fees (varies by program)
=145	Rice University	Business, Engineering, Sciences	$39,000
641-650	University of Houston	Engineering, Business, Computer Science	$45,000
67	Texas A&M University - College Station	Engineering, Business, Agriculture	$8,752.60
56	University of Texas Health Science Center	Medicine, Public Health, Nursing	$23,919.00
137	University of St. Thomas	Business, Education, Liberal Arts	$63,016

Top Universities in Houston for Doctorate Courses

Rank	University	Top Courses Offered	Average Tuition Fees (varies by program)
=145	Rice University	Engineering, Natural Sciences, Humanities	$ 57,210
641-650	University of Houston	Business, Engineering, Education	$45,000
67	Texas A&M University - College Station	Engineering, Business, Education	$30,608
269	University of Texas Health Science Center	Medicine, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences	$30,050
22	Baylor College of Medicine	Biomedical Sciences, Medicine	$41,565

Best Colleges in Houston for International Students for Diploma Courses

Rank	University	Top Diploma Courses Offered	Average Tuition Fees (varies by program)
=145	Rice University	Various certificate programs in areas such as business and data science	$34,500
641-650	University of Houston	Diploma programs in project management, paralegal studies, and more	$38,059
67	Texas A&M University - College Station	Certificate programs in leadership, data analytics, and more	$30,608
269	University of Texas Health Science Center	Various health-related certificate programs	$18378
N/A	Houston Community College	Offers a wide range of diploma and certificate programs	$5,460

Admission Requirements for Top Universities in Houston

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

1. High School Graduate
2. GPA or aggregate: 3.0/4.0 (85%)
3. Official academic transcripts
4. English language proficiency scores: 

•    TOEFL iBT- 79
•     IELTS- 6.5

5. Test Scores: 

• SAT- 1170
• ACT- 24

6. Personal Statement

7. Letter of Recommendations

Post-Graduate Admission Requirements

1. Bachelor’s Degree
2. GPA or aggregate: 3.0/4.0 (85%)
3. Scanned copies of official transcripts must be uploaded as PDF files.
4. GMAT/GRE test scores are optional
5. English language proficiency scores: 

• TOEFL iBT- 79
• IELTS- 6.5

6. 2-3 Letter(s) of recommendation

7. Personal statement

8. Resume

Documents Required for Top Universities in Houston

The following are mandatory requirements for admission to the top universities in Houston.

• Completed application form.
• Transcripts showcasing academic history.
• Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT/GRE/GMAT).
• Letters of recommendation (usually 2-3).
• Statement of purpose or personal essay.
• Resume detailing extracurricular activities, work experience, etc.
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS for international students).
• Application fee.
• Some programs require additional materials like portfolios or interviews.

Scholarships Available at Top Universities in Houston

1. Rice University:
   • Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.
   • QuestBridge National College Match: Full-ride scholarship for exceptional low-income students.
2. University of Houston:
   • Tier One Scholarship: Merit-based awards for high-achieving students.
   • Cougar First Scholars: Support for first-generation college students.
3. Texas Southern University:
   • Academic Scholarships: Based on GPA and test scores.
   • Jesse H. Jones School of Business Scholarships: For business students.
4. Baylor College of Medicine:
   • Presidential Scholarships: Full-tuition awards for top candidates.
   • Dean's Gold Scholarships: Merit-based funding for outstanding students.
5. Houston Baptist University:
   • Founders' Scholarship: Significant merit scholarship.
   • Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship: For community college transfer students.
6. North American University (NAU):

• NAU Scholarship for Academic Excellence: Merit-based scholarship for high-achieving students.
• Transfer Student Scholarship: Awarded to transfer students with strong academic records.

1. University of Houston - Downtown (UHD):

• UHD Gator Scholars Award: Merit-based scholarship for outstanding students.
• Honors Scholarship: For students admitted to the Honors Program.
• Transfer Scholarships: Various scholarships for transfer students.

1. South Texas College of Law Houston:

• Dean's Scholarship: Merit-based scholarship for entering students.
• Advocacy Scholarship: Awarded to students with strong advocacy skills.
• Public Interest Law Fellowship: For students interested in public interest law.

1. University of St. Thomas:
   • Academic Scholarships: Based on academic excellence.
   • Catholic Schools Scholarship: For graduates of Catholic high schools.